The Evil Dead

Name: The Evil Dead
Genre: Horror
Released: April 24, 1983
Duration: 85 min
Rating: 71
Cast: Bruce Campbell

1983

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 325 Ratings

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8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 325 Ratings

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The Evil Dead

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Movie Details & Credits

New Line Cinema | Release Date: April 24, 1983 | Unrated

Starring: Bruce Campbell

Summary: Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods where tape recorded incantations from the Book of the Dead unleash relentless demons that can only be killed by total body dismemberment.

Director: Sam Raimi

Genre(s): Horror

Rating: Unrated

Runtime: 85 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Kevin Thomas

Unquestionalby it's an instant classic, probably the grisliest well-made movie ever. [26 May 1983]

Zack Handlen

Then the carnage comes, and when it does, it delivers on all promises and more, with a parade of gushing wounds, demonic howls, and oceans of gore which approach the line of good taste, toe it, then gleefully dance across. [22 Sept 2010] Read full review

Staff [Not Credited]

While injecting considerable black humor, neophyte Detroit-based writer-director Sam Raimi maintains suspense and a nightmarish mood in between the showy outbursts of special effects gore and graphic violence which are staples of modern horror pictures. Read full review

Raimi's script is riotously deadpan, his compositions undeniably breathtaking and inventive. [6 March 2002] Read full review

James Berardinelli

The extreme nature of the gore isn't beside the point - it is the point. Raimi goes so far over the top in presenting these displays that they take on a campy, almost humorous appearance. It's impossible to take all this blood seriously. So, instead of being sickened, we're strangely amused - and this is all intentional. Read full review

Pat Graham

The film is ferociously kinetic and full of visual surprises, though its gut-churning reputation doesn't seem fully deserved: if anything the gore is too picturesque and studied, an abstract decorator's mix of oozing, slimy color, like some exotic species of new-wave interior design. Read full review

Rick Lyman

Too bad it's hog-tied by a ridiculously familiar plot, uneven direction and characters of such dizzying simplicity that you wish the demons would get to them just to smack some sense into their heads. [26 Sept 1983, p.D3]

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User Reviews

Saskcritic

Mar 19, 2019

The first Evil Dead film from Director Sam Raimi is a classic early 80's Horror that inspired me with it's ingenuity, creativeness and gore. The original cabin in the woods movie has a supernatural force that seems to envelope every frame like something is always watching. Some people preferThe first Evil Dead film from Director Sam Raimi is a classic early 80's Horror that inspired me with it's ingenuity, creativeness and gore. The original cabin in the woods movie has a supernatural force that seems to envelope every frame like something is always watching. Some people prefer the more comedic Evil Dead 2, which is also great, but with the small budget original everything seems more tense and atmospheric. The beautiful cinematography puts you in a state of dread, leading you up to shocking moments that can scare, nauseate, and disturb you. The claustrophobic nature of being trapped and cornered by an evil that constantly surrounds you, prays on weaknesses and vulnerability, and twists your brain into a state of fear and paranoia is conceptually brilliant. One of my favorite films, not just in Horror but in general.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

frankrog29

Dec 19, 2014

The Evil Dead is my favorite horror movie ever, and one of my favorite movies ever. The film was shot on a shoestring budget, and it shows. However, it's obvious that Sam Raimi did everything he possibly could with the small budget. The cinematography is ingenious and rivals that of AlfredThe Evil Dead is my favorite horror movie ever, and one of my favorite movies ever. The film was shot on a shoestring budget, and it shows. However, it's obvious that Sam Raimi did everything he possibly could with the small budget. The cinematography is ingenious and rivals that of Alfred Hitchcock's films in its ability to unnerve and unsettle. Also like Hitchcock, Mr. Raimi has the ability to create unbearable suspense. The movie is at once very humorous and very frightening. A lot of my friends who have seen it have dismissed it as humorous and not scary. I disagree though: it contains some truly shocking scenes and, if you suspend your disbelief and let it carry you away, it is seriously frightening.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

horcrux2007

Sep 3, 2014

"The Evil Dead" is really one of the greatest horror films I've ever seen. It's scary, over-the-top, and just plain disturbing. The gore is over-the-top, and the film has a very creepy atmosphere. The cinematography is also amazing as well; almost every shot is very beautiful and creepy to"The Evil Dead" is really one of the greatest horror films I've ever seen. It's scary, over-the-top, and just plain disturbing. The gore is over-the-top, and the film has a very creepy atmosphere. The cinematography is also amazing as well; almost every shot is very beautiful and creepy to look at. I highly recommend it for any horror fan.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

FilmVirtue

Feb 14, 2014

Equal both in violence and gore, Sam Raimi does not just capture the viewer in a world of violent horror, but engulfs them in a world of fantastically amazing cinema.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

oDjento

Mar 9, 2015

I thought this film was awesome and a great creative horror, but i didn't see it as highly rated as it is. Sam Raimi did an exceptional job making a great horror film with unique scares and some absolutely brilliant direction to create some interesting scares and amazing suspense. HoweverI thought this film was awesome and a great creative horror, but i didn't see it as highly rated as it is. Sam Raimi did an exceptional job making a great horror film with unique scares and some absolutely brilliant direction to create some interesting scares and amazing suspense. However the actors and dialogue seemed a bit bad, but the one weird thing with the acting was when they were all together it looked really bad but when you had someone acting by them selves on the scene they actually did a really good job. The effects haven't aged well and that may take a tint bit away from the viewing experience but overall it's a brilliant horror film. One to pick up for sure but one that when it came out would probably have been received better. I'd give it a 7.5 overall.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

mds03

Mar 31, 2013

It was good but not great like everyone thinks. I really did like it though. The movie really knows how to scare the heck out of you and at the same time make you laugh hysterically at how ridiculous it is. It's definitely good enough to buy.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

moschidae

Jan 16, 2023

unprompted and unnecessary sexual assault scene in the first like, ten minutes of the movie permanently souring my experience followed by some of the most insane writing i have ever seen in a movie. The pacing of this film gave me the impression that half the movie was cut, genuinelyunprompted and unnecessary sexual assault scene in the first like, ten minutes of the movie permanently souring my experience followed by some of the most insane writing i have ever seen in a movie. The pacing of this film gave me the impression that half the movie was cut, genuinely baffling how a movie could be written this wildly NOT on purpose. This is honestly a movie best watched high, if you're stoned (and with friends) you will absolutely love this.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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