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Evil Dead

Evil Dead is an American horror franchise created by Sam Raimi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Evil Dead is an American horror franchise created by Sam Raimi, beginning with the 1981 film The Evil Dead and expanding into sequels, a reboot/remake, a television series, and other media centered on the Necronomicon and demonic possession.

Premise

The franchise follows different characters confronting demonic forces unleashed by the Necronomicon, an ancient grimoire. The original films focus on Ash Williams and the events connected to a remote cabin setting.

Films and television

The core screen canon includes the original trilogy, the 2013 film Evil Dead, Evil Dead Rise, and the television series Ash vs Evil Dead. Sources also describe the franchise as extending into a broader media universe.

Style and themes

Evil Dead is widely associated with supernatural horror, dark humour, practical gore effects, and a cult following. The original film is often described as an independent horror film that launched the larger franchise.

Cultural impact

The franchise helped establish Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell as major cult-horror names. It has also inspired video games, comic books, and other licensed media.

Key facts

  • Evil Dead is an American horror franchise created by Sam Raimi.
  • The franchise began with The Evil Dead (1981) and includes a trilogy, a 2013 film, Evil Dead Rise (2023), and the TV series Ash vs Evil Dead.
  • Ash Williams, portrayed by Bruce Campbell, is the central character of the original trilogy.
  • The series blends horror with dark comedy and extreme gore.
  • The Necronomicon is the ancient grimoire that unleashes demonic forces in the franchise.
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Canadian context

Evil Dead has a broad Canadian audience through theatrical releases, home video, streaming, and horror fandom, but it is not specifically tied to Canadian settings or production.

Frequently asked questions

What is Evil Dead?
Evil Dead is an American horror franchise created by Sam Raimi, beginning with The Evil Dead (1981) and expanding into films, a TV series, and other media.
Who is Ash Williams?
Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell, is the main protagonist of the original Evil Dead trilogy and a central figure in the franchise’s identity.
What is the Necronomicon?
The Necronomicon is an ancient grimoire in the series whose contents unleash demonic forces and possession.
How many films are in the franchise?
Sources differ slightly, but the franchise is described as including five or six feature films depending on whether entries and upcoming projects are counted.
Is Evil Dead a comedy or horror series?
It is primarily a horror franchise, but it is also known for dark comedy and splatter elements.
Does Evil Dead include a television series?
Yes. The franchise includes the television series Ash vs Evil Dead, which aired from 2015 to 2018.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_Dead
    Supports: Franchise creator, original trilogy, Ash Williams, and expansion into films, TV, and other media.
  2. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Evil_Dead
    Supports: 1981 film origin, plot premise, and franchise expansion.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_Dead
    Supports: 2013 film as part of the franchise and general franchise context.
  4. Evil Dead Fandom — https://evildead.fandom.com/wiki/The_Evil_Dead_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise media expansion and licensing, though less authoritative than primary/major reference sources.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/evil-dead/
    Supports: Horror-comedy tone, Deadites/Necronomicon elements, and remake/reboot context.