Welcome back to TTN! I’m thrilled you’re kicking off the New Year with this new edition. I’ve been stirring up some exciting content ideas, so I have high goals and aspirations for TTN in 2024. Hopefully, you too have raised the bar and are eager to take on new challenges this year. I’m confident that you’re capable of whatever it is, so go out, pick up your boomstick, and slay it like Ash Williams!

Evil Dead Ranking

Here’s my personal ranking of the Evil Dead franchise. It should be made clear that I adore all five films and additionally, Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018), but will be excluding it from the ranking because it’s a TV show. Here’s my preference of the movies from ‘least groovy’ to ‘most groovy’…

5. Army of Darkness (1992)

Army of Darkness is the knee-slapper of Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead trilogy. As the third film, Raimi was faced with exploring new creative choices for the series. Instead of attempting to reinvent the wheel, he found a way to simply rotate it by making the film a comedy with horror elements. This inverse approach fostered uniqueness while maintaining familiarity with the previous horror-comedy tones. However, I still find Army of Darkness the least groovy because it lacks gory foulness and has aged poorly in terms of production. I never mind watching this film and usually laugh out loud, but it has never been my first pick.

4. Evil Dead (2013)

This rank may aggravate some of the more modern horror fans but hear me out. Evil Dead is a great horror film because it is balls to the wall, disturbing, and has something to say. The characters have more depth than the other installments and the gore ascends to uncharted levels. Yet, it is so effectively unique that it feels separate from the franchise. As a reboot, I recognize the need for creative change but it almost separates too much. I just don’t think of this film when I think of the franchise. Ultimately, it is moderately groovy and has maybe the craziest third act ever, but I can’t place it up there with the originals.

3. Evil Dead Rise (2023)

The best horror film that I’ve seen in recent years. Evil Dead Rise comes 10 years after Evil Dead yet is similar in many ways. It has one of the most hooking opening sequences that I’ve seen and strives to match the gore of its predecessor. The story is expansive to create the potential for future sequels but does so in a way that feels grounded to the original franchise. Even though it’s in an L.A. apartment building, it fits the franchise because it combines mean-spiritedness with traces of humor. The third act could also be considered superior on many levels. Overall this film is pretty groovy and deserves more credit.

2. The Evil Dead (1981)

The one that started it all. The Evil Dead is one of the most incredible underdog stories because of the inexperience of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. The budget constraints and lack of practice pressed the two against all odds but they were still able to create a cult classic and one of the most highly acclaimed horror films of all time. The Evil Dead has grit that was effective upon release and still is today. The small-scale set, original practical effects, and sound design reimagined the horror genre for decades to come. This classic is very groovy and my preferred choice in the franchise if I’m seeking a serious horror film.

1. Evil Dead II (1987)

Here’s the ol’ number one. With a larger budget, Evil Dead II takes the bread and butter elements of the original and turns them up to 11. Bruce Campbell is peak and the character Ash reflects it. The introduction of slapstick humor makes his fever-dream night with the Necronomicon showcase a hilarious yet disturbing descent into madness. The film delivers scenes and quotes from Ash that make him one of the most iconic characters in horror history. Evil Dead II is the most chaotic of the franchise but it’s also the heart in soul, making it… the most groovy.

Weekend Watch

Thank you for joining for another TTN! I hope you enjoyed my ranking and if you didn’t, feel free to email me your copy so I can spot the differences. Anyway, the weekend is around the corner, so if you’re not in the mood for the Evil Dead but still want some gore, you should check out its Italian twin…

Lamberto Bava’s Demons (1985)