The Evil Dead movies in order

In 1981, low-budget supernatural horror movie, Evil Dead made its debut. The film, about a group of college students vacationing in a mysterious cabin in the woods, unnerved, unsettled, and thoroughly entertained audiences, becoming a big box office hit in the process.

In fact, Evil Dead became such a hit that it spawned a series of sequels and follow-up films which brought blood, gore, and slapstick to the screen with careless abandon. The initial film may have been a small-scale affair, but from humble beginnings came a big franchise, which remains a fan-favourite amongst the horror movie community.

But how many Evil Dead movies are there? For all the details, keep reading.

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Evil Dead movies in order

Evil Dead (1981)

As noted above, the first entry in the Evil Dead movie series made its debut in 1981 from director Sam Raimi. The film followed the story of five Michigan State University students – including Ash Williams – who take a vacation at a remote cabin in the hills of Tennessee and encounter something rather sinister.

During their visit they uncover a Book of the Dead, along with an archaeologist’s tape recording of incantations. When played, the incantations resurrect a demonic entity and all hell breaks loose. (85 mins)

Evil Dead II (1987)

Upon release, Evil Dead was a sizeable hit at the box-office. As such, a sequel soon followed.

However, for this next entry, rather than make a direct sequel, director Sam Raimi partially remade Evil Dead, only now with a higher budget. In this film, Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda take a trip to a cabin in the woods, where he resurrects an evil force. (84 mins)

Army of Darkness (1992)

In the third instalment in the series, titled Army of Darkness, Ash Williams is back, only this time he is accidentally transported to the Middle Ages. Here he battles dark forces while trying to find a way home. (81 mins)

Evil Dead (2013)

Following the release of Army of Darkness, the Evil Dead movie series went on hiatus for 21 years. When it returned it was in the shape of a sort-of remake of the original film, which abandoned Ash’s storyline in favour of introducing new characters.

In this movie, a group of friends arrive at a cabin in the woods. They discover a strange book, accidentally awaken a malevolent force, and come to regret it.

It’s worth noting, Ash Williams did make a ‘blink and miss it’ cameo during the end credits of 2013’s Evil Dead, but this movie is a separate, stand-alone entry to the previous three films. (92 mins)

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Another ten years would pass before the next movie, Evil Dead Rise, arrived in cinemas. But when it did, the film would act as a soft reboot which focused on a new cast of characters and a new setting.

In this film, a young family facing eviction from their LA apartment find themselves in a fight for survival against dark forces. It all happens after an earthquake uncovers a strange book, along with three phonograph records containing a mysterious incantation, which in turn unleashes a demonic presence. (97 mins)

Evil Dead Burn (2026)

With Evil Dead Rise becoming both a critical and commercial hit in 2023, a sixth film was soon put into production. This next instalment was titled Evil Dead Burn.

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The Evil Dead movies in order

To date, there are six Evil Dead films. The Evil Dead films were released in the following order:

• Evil Dead (1981)
• Evil Dead II (1987)
• Army of Darkness (1992)
• Evil Dead (2013)
• Evil Dead Rise (2023)
• Evil Dead Burn (2026)

As noted above, the Evil Dead movies focus on different characters and are not all directly connected. For ease, here is how the films are divided:

The original trilogy

• Evil Dead (1981)
• Evil Dead II (1987)
• Army of Darkness (1992)

Standalone movie

• Evil Dead (2013)

Standalone movie

• Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Standalone movie

• Evil Dead Burn (2026)

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Who are the cast of the Evil Dead movies and are the films the work of the same director?

Notable actors in the Evil Dead movie series include Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, Ted Raimi, Dan Hicks, Embeth Davidtz, Ian Abercrombie, Bridget Fonda, Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan, Souheila Yacoub, and Hunter Doohan.

In terms of directors, the Evil Dead movie series is the work of the following:

• Sam Raimi directed Evil Dead, Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness
• Federico Álvarez directed Evil Dead 2013
• Lee Cronin directed Evil Dead Rise
• Sébastien Vaniček directed Evil Dead Burn

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And finally, which is the best Evil Dead movie?

According to IMDb the Evil Dead films are rated as follows:

• Evil Dead (1981) – 7.3/10
• Evil Dead II (1987) – 7.7/10
• Army of Darkness (1992) – 7.4/10
• Evil Dead (2013) – 6.5/10
• Evil Dead Rise (2023) – 6.5/10
• Evil Dead Burn (2026) – Not Yet Rated

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Editor/Writer/Undead

Alex Wiggan

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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about the Evil Dead movie series. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.