My brain is littered with trivia from the half-century relationship between Stephen King and Hollywood, and among my favorites is a strange connection between the author and director Sam Raimi. While the filmmaker has never taken the helm of a King movie, he’s had on-camera roles in two of adaptations: 1994’s The Stand and 1997’s The Shining. It’s a fun little oddity – but fans of both men know that their connection goes far deeper than that.

Raimi’s new film Send Help is arriving in theaters this week, and CinemaBlend’s own Jeff McCobb recently had the chance to talk with him about the special influence of Stephen King on his career… though the filmmaker admits he doesn’t love the likening of the 2026 movie to Misery. That story and a 20th anniversary reflection on the 2006 novel Cell comprise this week’s edition of The King Beat, so let’s dig in!

Sam Raimi Has Nothing But Love For Stephen King, Who He Credits For His “Chance In The Business”

One of the most admirable aspects of Stephen King’s career is that he has regularly used his influence and success to shine a light on creatives who otherwise might be operating in the dark. In addition to philanthropic acts like providing scholarships and co-founding the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, he publicly highlights books he’s reading and movies and television shows he is watching. In recent years, this work has mostly been on social media platforms, but the reality is that his reputation for patronage goes back decades, with the story of Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead being a perfect example.

It’s a story that Raimi enthusiastically retold during a recent sit down with CinemaBlend – captured in the video above. For those unaware, the filmmaker (along with pals Bruce Campbell and Rob Tappert) made the famed horror movie as their first feature while they were students at Michigan State University, and while the movie is now regarded as a landmark title in the history of the horror genre, it most definitely wasn’t perceived in that light by most when the search began for a distribution deal. Raimi recalled,

While it might be a touch hard to imagine as we exist in a modern cinematic landscape that sees the disgusting insanity of Terrifier 3 become a box office hit, The Evil Dead was considered far too extreme to be palatable for audiences in the early 1980s, and distributors were scared off. The film needed a trusted voice to support it, and it found one in Stephen King.

At the time of the 1982 Cannes Film Festival/Market where this all went down, King was only 8 years removed from the initial publication of his first novel, but he was already well-recognized as a literary phenomenon, his bibliography at that point including Carrie, Salem's Lot, The Shining, The Stand, The Dead Zone, Firestarter and Cujo. Fate put him in the theater for a preview screening of The Evil Dead, and he was floored by the experience. Raimi continued,

The piece for Twilight Zone Magazine – which can easily be found online – is most definitely effusive, as King comes just short of calling the young Raimi a filmmaking prodigy (He writes in the review, “That [Sam Raimi] is a genius is yet unproven; that he has made the most ferociously original horror film of 1982 seems to me beyond doubt.”) The stamp of approval proved transformative for the fate of The Evil Dead, as the movie got critics interested, found distribution in Britain, became an underground success, and eventually got picked up stateside by New Line Cinema.

There is no questioning that Sam Raimi feels a level of indebtedness to Stephen King and has nothing but respect for the master of horror… but he also got honest about not loving how industry trades have drawn a direct line between Send Help and Misery – in regards to both the original novel and Rob Reiner’s Oscar-winning 1990 adaptation.

You May Get Some Misery Vibes From Send Help, But Don’t Let Them Overly Influence Your Experience With The New Horror Movie

When Deadline reported in July 2024 that Raimi was making his latest feature, the article said the movie was a mix of that story and Robert Zemeckis’ Castaway, and the director feels that’s a tad reductive:

It’s a reasonable perspective: no creative wants to be telling an original story and then get told that they are just riffing on a couple of stories that already exist. And while I personally think there are some legitimate points of comparison between Send Help and Misery, there are also considerable differences.

In the new film, Rachel McAdams plays a middle-aged woman named Linda Liddle who gets the opportunity to upend the power dynamic between her and her sexist, nepo baby boss Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) when they survive a plane crash together and get stranded on a deserted island. While Bradley is injured and helpless without the comforts of modern life, Linda is an enthusiastic Survivor fan who is plenty prepared to tame the wild.

In that broad view, it’s not particularly difficult to draw lines between the two films: Linda is the Annie Wilkes to Bradley’s Paul Sheldon. But the details make it much less clear cut. For one thing, Linda is anything but Bradley’s “number one fan,” and while she ends up making some very questionable decisions morally as the story progresses, she is the protagonist instead of the antagonist, and she is not dealing with the same kind of untreated psychological maladies of the iconic Kathy Bates character.

Just as I did in my four-star CinemaBlend review of Send Help, I’m doing my best to dance around spoilers here because I highly recommend anyone and everyone go see it in theaters this weekend, regardless of the strength of the Stephen King vibes. While recognizing that we’re only five weeks into 2026, it’s really hard to imagine that we won’t be looking back on it in December as one of the best genre movies of the year.

On Its 20th Anniversary, Cell Remains One Of The More Confounding Stephen King Books

To close out this week’s column, I’ll highlight a notable anniversary in King history, as it was this week 20 years ago (on February 24, 2006, to be specific) that the novel Cell first arrived in book stores. Arriving about a year-and-a-half before Apple revolutionized the world with the introduction of the iPhone, King’s book looked at the extreme ubiquity of mobile phones in the early years of the 21st century, and he found specific inspiration when he was walking on a street in New York City and saw a man in a business suit who appeared to be talking to himself. Per StephenKing.com. the author confused the man’s use of a wireless headset for a mental episode, and the creative seed was planted.

The novel explores what would happen if everyone’s cell phones began transmitting a signal that first turned people feral before collecting survivors into a giant hive mind, and while it has some interesting ideas, I can’t say it stands among my favorite King novels. A part of the problem is that the action peaks too early, as the chaos that unfurls at the start is far and away its most compelling sequence, and protagonist Clay Riddell and deuteragonists Tom McCourt and Alice Maxwell aren't the kinds of rich characters to which Constant Readers have become well-accustomed.

It’s not the nonsense that can be read from the height of Stephen King’s addictions or post-accident eras (looking at you, Tommyknockers and Dreamcatcher), but I also feel like Cell is the kind of novel from the canon that you only pick up at this point if you’re making the effort to read the author’s full canon.

That brings me to the end of this week’s edition of The King Beat, but as ever, I’ll be back here on CinemaBlend next Thursday with a brand new column highlighting and exploring all of the biggest news to come out of the world of Stephen King. And should you be looking for some related reading while you wait, please peruse my Adapting Stephen King series, reflecting on the full history of movie and TV adaptations of the author’s books and stories.

Back in my day, we used to watch R-rated movies all the time. In fact, when I was only 8 years old, my dad took me to see Terminator 2: Judgment Day in the theater, and it still, to this day, has my favorite introduction to any movie ever.

Well, being the idiot that I am, I showed my son and daughter, who are 8 and 9, respectively, this intro, and I stupidly said, “You know, Grandpa took me to see this when I was only 8, and it’s rated R,” to which my children obviously asked, “Can we watch rated-R movies then?”

I walked right into that one, didn't I? I told them no, of course, since I felt bad for even taking my then-six-year-old son to a PG-13 movie like Godzilla Minus One. But my children asked me why I could watch a rated-R movie at their age, and they couldn’t, which really got me thinking: Should I let them watch R-rated movies? Well…

I Guess It All Depends On The Movie, Right?

Terminator 2 is rated R, sure, but I don't know if I would consider it a heavy R. What I mean is the rating is mostly because of the violence, as well as the profanity, as the movie has around 52 f-bombs in it.

Yes, that's a lot, and the first time I saw the movie, I was shocked! I distinctly remember turning to my dad, who gave me an apologetic expression, and I exclaimed, “They can say that?”

How naive I was, as the word was uttered several more instances after that first time. But, here's the thing: after that initial f-bomb, it didn't have the same impact for me anymore. In fact, I kind of didn't even notice it after awhile. So when it comes to my own children, would it really be so bad if they heard a few f-bombs in a movie? I mean, kids at their school say the f-word all the time, and I only know this since I've heard other kids saying it when I've picked my own children up.

So, really, if I let my kids watch an R-rated flick, it all depends on the movie. For instance, my son has asked if he can watch Deadpool, and I said absolutely not. Besides the profanity, there's also a lot of sexual innuendo in that movie, and the violence is a bit too extreme.

My daughter asked if she could watch The Evil Dead, since it's in one of my favorite horror franchises, which, in my enthusiasm, I've told her about several times. But besides the gore, that movie also has that scene (and you know what scene I’m talking about). So even though I saw an R-rated film when I was only 8, I'm not sure if my own kids are “ready” yet. But that brings me to my next question.

What Age Is Appropriate?

I’ve settled on 13. Is that the best age to let kids watch rated-R movies? Honestly, I have no idea, but I figure that if I tell my kids a certain age that’s not too far away, then they’ll be more amenable to accepting that rather than me just saying, “Wait until you’re 17.”

Because, honestly, I trust my children, and I don’t think watching a rated-R movie is going to warp them or turn them into deviants. For example, I’ve been a diehard Mortal Kombat fan ever since the first game debuted back in 1992. In fact, everybody I knew back then was a big fan of Mortal Kombat, and we turned out just fine.

Also, I swear I watched every Friday the 13th movie, unedited, by the time I was 13. My mom worked nights, so I used to wait up until my older sister fell asleep, and then sneak downstairs to watch them (in fact, I watched a lot of movies my sister told me not to watch).

In that way, 13 feels like a good age to me. That's because I’m the kind of father who has been answering any questions my children have from as early as they could talk; my rationale being that if they’re old enough to wonder, then they’re old enough to know the truth. So, when they asked me where babies came from, I took them to the library and showed them an age-appropriate book. I didn’t say, “The stork,” or anything that I would have to walk back later.

I respect their intelligence, and when my daughter started watching The Simpsons, I was a little apprehensive at first since there are sexual jokes. But at the same time, I know these jokes are coming since I’ve seen every episode multiple times, and I’m prepared to explain any bawdy humor that comes up whenever my daughter asks, “What do they mean?” Which brings me to my next point.

Whatever They End Up Seeing, I'll Of Course Watch The Movie First

When my dad took me to see Terminator 2, we went into it blind. He told me that he had asked a coworker of his if it was “appropriate” for his 8-year-old son, and his coworker said that it was. But what’s appropriate for one parent may not be appropriate for another.

For example, I don’t curse in front of my children, but I know there are plenty of parents who do. So for them, Deadpool’s dialogue may not be an issue. For me, it is, at least when it comes to my kids. As another example, a lot of the kids in my son’s class have already watched Squid Game (my son’s friend asked him if he wanted to play “Russian Roulette,” to which my son, thankfully, didn’t know what he was talking about).

So whatever R-rated movie I let my children eventually watch when they turn 13, I’ll of course have to watch it first. In other words, unlike my dad, I won’t just take another person’s word for what is appropriate for my kids.

I feel this is my job as a parent anyway. I’m not throwing any shade, but my kids don’t even have cell phones. I know, how is that even possible, right? When even kindergarten kids have smartphones these days, I feel like the odd parent out since I won’t let my children have them. But even with parental settings on, there are just too many outside factors that I can’t control that I don’t feel comfortable with.

This brings me to my last point…

Lastly, I Know My Kids Will Likely Find A Way To Watch Something That They Want To See Anyway, So I Want To Be There When They Do

Being a parent is knowing that your children aren’t going to do what you want them to do, probably 99% of the time. For example, my mom didn’t want me watching Friday the 13th, or the Halloween movies (which I’ve also watched all the way through), but I watched them anyway. It’s mostly because my mother and I never had that conversation of what I should or shouldn’t watch. It was just implied.

However, it doesn’t matter the generation. If a kid wants to see something badly enough, they’ll find a way to see it, and my kids are no exception. Like, my son had to be the one who narc'd on his sister when he told me that she watched an episode of Hazbin Hotel on my account. I have since pulled Prime Video from my television and now only watch it on my phone.

That said, for my son to even narc on his sister in the first place just tells me that 1, she must have done something that pissed him off, so he wanted to get her in trouble; and 2, even he realized that she shouldn’t have been watching a show like that.

So, when it comes to an R-rated movie, I want to be there when they watch one all the way through. Firstly, I want it to be something that they want to watch so it shows that I trust their maturity level. And secondly, I want it to be there to explain things, if need be. For example, when I used to sneak downstairs and watch Jason kill horny teenagers, a part of me thought sex was bad and that the camp counselors DESERVED to die since they shouldn’t have been having sex in the first place.

But I don’t want my kids to grow up thinking sex is “bad,” or that violence is “good,” which I grew up believing since I watched these films alone at such a young age. I want them to know the risks of sex and the consequences of violence, and I feel I can do that if we watch these films together.

But what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The person you are right now might bear very little resemblance to who you were before, either due to a life-changing event or even just by some natural progression. The same could also be said about many of your favorite characters from the big and small screen as personal evolutions often tend to serve as a major plot point or just happen to occur over time when the writers take one appealing behavioral trait and make that the crux of the role. See if you remember any of these movie and TV characters behaving a different way from how they were first introduced.

Jack Torrance (The Shining)

One of Stephen King’s biggest gripes with Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of his book, The Shining, is the casting of Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, who already boasts a somewhat unsettling disposition the moment he first enters the frame. However, fans of the horror flick find The Overlook’s murderous and maniacal influence over the husband and father to be quite effective.

Walter White (Breaking Bad)

In the first episode of Breaking Bad, high school teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) describes chemistry as the study of "transformation." The same could be said about his story, going from a mild-mannered family man diagnosed with lung cancer to a ruthless criminal over the course of five captivating seasons.

Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars Movies)

We could do a whole list of characters from the Star Wars franchise who changed dramatically overtime, but the most legendary instance of this is, without a doubt, Anakin Skywalker. Jake Lloyd portrayed the Tattooine native as a precocious, but good-natured young man with the potential to be a great Jedi Knight, but Hayden Christensen's performance revealed a latent darkness within him that would eventually lead to his destiny as Sith lord, Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones).

Elaine Benes (Seinfeld)

For the first few years of Seinfeld, Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) served as the gang's default voice of reason, with only the occasional lapse of judgment or angry outburst amidst her mild-mannered persona. In the sitcom's latter years, angry outbursts and lapses in moral judgment became some of her more definitive traits.

Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare On Elm Street)

To us, what makes Robert Englund's burned boogeyman one of the all-time greatest horror movie villains is the brutal, menacing nature he exhibited in Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street from 1984. The sequels, however, made Freddy Krueger’s dark sense of humor his defining character trait, resulting in deaths of increasingly ridiculous sort.

Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World)

Will Friedle landed the role in the Boy Meets World cast of the "cool" older brother to the central protagonist, Cory Matthews (Ben Savage). However, at one point, Eric seemed to completely and inexplicably lose his mind, adopting a dim-wit, but a high energy that, essentially, made him the TGIF sitcom's resident cartoon character.

Ash Williams (The Evil Dead Franchise)

Fans of the Evil Dead movies are the first to note that the Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) they know and love is not quite the same person from the 1981 classic that started it all. After suffering the Deadites’ further taunting and being forced to replace his right hand with a chainsaw in Evil Dead II, he turns into the iconic wise-cracking and bumbling, but also resourceful horror movie character from Army of the Darkness and the spin-off series, Ash vs. Evil Dead.

Sansa Stark (Game Of Thrones)

One of the most fascinating character arcs from the Game of Thrones cast is that of Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner). After suffering abuse at the hands of her husband, Bolton Ramsay (Iwan Rheon), the meek, young woman learns that she can only look out for herself in her kill-or-be-killed world, becoming a fierce, vengeful warrior.

Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

The first season of Stranger Things introduced Steve Harrington (Joe Kerry) as the archetypal '80s high school bully and, in fact, the Duffer Brothers originally wrote him to be even worse. By the end of Season 2, he found friendship with the younger children he looked down on, accepted Nancy's new relationship with Jonathan Byers, and became a favorite among fans of Netflix's smash hit sci-fi series.

Shrek (Shrek)

In 2001's Oscar-winning animated classic, Shrek, Mike Myers' title character owns his reputation as an ogre with his ceaseless grumpiness and preference to be alone. That is, until he meets someone he would like to spend his life with in Fiona (Cameron Diaz), who brings the lovable man out of this monster.

Joey Tribbiani (Friends)

Joey Tribbiani is often referred to as the "dumb" one in the Friends cast but, as real fans should recall, that was not always the case. In the first few seasons, he is depicted as merely naive, only to evolve into a helplessly, but lovably, childlike dolt by the hit NBC sitcom's curtain call.

Harvey Dent (The Dark Knight)

Die-hard Batman fans immediately knew that idealistic Gotham DA Harvey Dent's (Aaron Eckhart) philosophy about dying a hero or living long enough to become the villain was foreshadowing his own destiny as Two-Face in 2008's The Dark Knight. Losing the love of his life, Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and half of his face drives him to the opposite side of the law, leaving his moral judgment, literally, to the flip of a coin.

Thor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Chris Hemsworth's Thor undergoes one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most transformative character arcs, boasting a godly eloquence and wisdom in his first few appearances. However, Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame made the God of Thunder a bit funnier, and to much acclaim, but 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder took that schtick even further, resorting him to something of a dim-witted, egotistical jock.

Ned Flanders (The Simpsons)

Voiced by Harry Shearer, Ned Flanders' arc on The Simpsons from being Homer Simpson's complete opposite — an intelligent, hard-working, devoted family man — to an absurdly conservative, religious fundamentalist is a quintessential example of extreme or merely exaggerated TV character changes. In fact, this exact phenomenon has been nicknamed "Flanderization" as a result.

Beast/Prince Adam (Beauty And The Beast)

Disney's animated 1991 favorite, Beauty and the Beast is just one version of an age-old, signature tale of drastic character growth, namely that of the titular Beast, who used to be a selfish human royal named Adam. A witch cursed him to look like a ferocious creature, only to be turned back when he could find someone (Belle) to love him, which was only possible when he learned to love someone other than himself. 

Michael Scott (The Office)

In the first season of NBC's American update of The Office, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) was, essentially, made to be a carbon copy of the uproariously rude and self-absorbed David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais in the original British version. However, Dunder-Mifflin's Scranton branch Manager was later reinvented as a kindhearted soul cursed with social awkwardness and hopeless incompetence.

Michael Corleone (The Godfather)

At the beginning of the first half of Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) reveals to his girlfriend, Kay (Diane Keaton), his family’s mafia history, but assures her, "That’s my family... that's not me." However, a rival mob's attempt to murder his father (Marlon Brando) awakens a coldness within him and, eventually, he is put in charge of the family business.

T-800 (Terminator 2: Judgment Day)

To be clear, we are not counting Arnold Schwarzenegger's role in James Cameron's sci-fi franchise for his evolution from killer in The Terminator to protector in the 1991 sequel, because he is playing a different copy of the same model in each film. However, the cyborg begins to take on some surprising human-like characteristics in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and may have even developed some capacity for emotion, evidenced by when he tells John Connor (Edward Furlong), "I know now why you cry," before saying farewell.

Jen (Revenge)

In just one night, Jen (Matilda Lutz) was no longer a naive, carefree young woman and was reborn into a fierce warrior of the desert. All it took was a horrifying assault and subsequent murder attempt by her boyfriend and his business partners, on which she deservedly exacted revenge — hence the title of Coralie Fargeat's 2018 adrenaline-pumping thriller.

Neville Longbottom (Harry Potter Movies)

Never could Harry Potter fans been able to guess that Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) would turn out to play a pivotal and courageous role in the fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. During his first year at Hogwarts, the young wizard was one of the school's most helplessly clumsy students.

Cosmo Kramer (Seinfeld)

Michael Richards' role in the Seinfeld cast — Jerry's eccentric, high-energy neighbor — is not the person he was in the pilot episode, and not just because he was called "Kessler" then. At that time, the man who would be known as Kramer was a slow-witted, meandering oaf who never even left his apartment.

Marcus Brody (The Indiana Jones Movies)

Despite having a much smaller role in 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, it is clear that Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) was intended to be a competent authority figure who may have even been more like Harrison Ford's daring archeologist in his youth. However, in 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, he is portrayed as the absent-minded comic relief who "got lost in his own museum once."

Drax (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Although Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) is unable to recognize sarcasm or any non-literal language, he boasts an intimidating stoicism that, in addition to his heft and strength, makes him the most fearsome member of the Guardians of the Galaxy in their 2014 cinematic debut. In later MCU installments, however, his stoicism is thrown completely out the window in favor of comically exaggerating his social shortcomings, making him more of a lovable man-child.

Winston Bishop (New Girl)

When Lamorne Morris joined the New Girl cast as Winston, he did not seem like much more than a basic fill-in for Coach, boasting some of the same characteristics as Damon Wayans Jr.'s role. Over time, however, Winston really came into his own, proving to be one of the loft's most sincere and multi-layered residents.

Carol Peletier (The Walking Dead)

Early on, fans of The Walking Dead probably would have bet that Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) was the least likely to survive in a world overrun with the dead. However, it was clear by Season 3 that the apocalypse and other tragic circumstances — most notably the death of her daughter, Sophia — only made her a stronger person who would even go to unimaginable lengths to survive.

Cady Heron (Mean Girls)

After initially conspiring against Regina George (Rachel McAdams) by infiltrating her clique, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) begins to act more and more like the self-absorbed popular girl and even becomes the Plastics' default replacement leader. Luckily, the mathlete rediscovers her true self by the end of Mean Girls after learning some much-needed lessons about the high school social scene.

Sandy Olsson (Grease)

Grease is a coming-of-age musical classic about two people who could not be more different trying to rekindle their summertime romance by being more like the other. Ultimately, it is Australian-born Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) who sheds her "good girl" reputation for greaser Danny Zuko (John Travolta), who mostly stays the same by the end.

Topanga Lawrence (Boy Meets World)

There are quite a few notable examples of Boy Meets World characters undergoing dramatic changes, but one of the more drastic and sudden is that of Topanga Matthews (née Lawrence). Danielle Fishel's character was introduced as an eccentric flower child, but evolved into a perfectly average (but also highly motivated) student by her freshman year of high school.

Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

On Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope's bubbly, kindhearted personality almost convinces you that there are career politicians worth trusting and even having as a friend. However, when the mockumentary series first debuted, she was more like the kind of career politician that SNL (speaking of Amy Poehler) loves to mock.

Eli Moskowitz (Cobra Kai)

On Cobra Kai, Eli Moskowitz (Jacob Bertrand) is first introduced as a shy kid who is regularly bullied for his cleft lip, which is what inspires him to take martial arts lessons in the first place. As his skills begin to develop, so does the confidence of this formidable fighter, who also later goes by the nickname Hawk.

Luke Hobbs (The Fast And Furious Movies)

When Dwayne Johnson joined the Fast and Furious franchise as Luke Hobbs, he played the DSS Agent with an earnest, no-nonsense demeanor that perfectly juxtaposed the series’ increasingly absurd tone. Over time, however, the character seemed to swerve into the skid and played along with the jokes with a sense of humor that resembles most of the wrestler-turned-actor's roles since.

Derek Vinyard (American History X)

In American History X, the murder of his firefighter father (William Russ) by a Black man inspires Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) to become a murderous skinhead, eventually leading him to incarceration. When he is released, he has thankfully let go of his prejudices but then must prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), from going down the same violent, hateful path.

While some of these characters changed for the better, there are quite a few that we might say changed for the worse. Either way, for the most part, it made for some great entertainment at the movies or from your television screen.

Film critic Roger Ebert once said that, “No good movie is long enough and no bad movie is short enough.” Well we’re about to put that first half to the test, as we’ve got a list of films that pack a ton of quality into a running time of under 90 minutes. So if you want a good movie in a seemingly short time, the titles we’re about to share fit the bill! 

Red Eye (2005)

Wes Craven’s air travel thriller sees a seemingly cute encounter between two passengers (Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy) pivots into a taut fight for survival. In a short span of time, charm turns to cruelty, and flattery turns to fear, as McAdams and Murphy match wits while confined on an airplane. And yes, this is the same Wes Craven that made horror hits out of Scream and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Stand By Me (1986)

One of the greatest Stephen King movies of all time, Stand By Me follows Gordie (Wil Wheaton) and his best friends on a journey through the woods. Of course, this is King Country, and this adolescent dramedy is a mix of bonding and danger, all sparked by a body found in the woods.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is lighting quick with its wit and action. But believe it or not, this 2000s family movie/comedy gem led by George Clooney comes in under the 90 minute mark; which allows every gag and every set piece to really pack a punch.

Airplane! (1980)

Surely the Zucker Brothers and Jim Abrahams’ Airplane! isn’t shorter than 90 minutes? Well, indeed it is, despite this classic comedy being so packed full of gags the chaos feels a bit longer. And don’t call us Shirley, but do check out this parody of the very serious drama Zero Hour!

Phone Booth (2002)

Colin Farrell goes through the worst day of his life in Phone Booth, and the tension is so spectacular that you’d be inclined not to notice that it’s a pretty brief run. Who knew that Kiefer Sutherland’s threatening voice, and the confined location that gives the movie its title, would be so effective?

Office Space (1999)

You may not have the minimum pieces of Flair, and you may have forgotten the cover sheet to your TPS report. But if you’ve got time for a slightly extended lunch break, you’ve got time to watch Mike Judge’s Office Space.

Toy Story (1995)

“To Infinity, and Beyond!” seems like a long time. However, in the world of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, it all happens in just a little over an hour. So if you or any other friends and family members need a shortcut to adventure, you’ve got a friend in this title accessible through a Disney+ subscription.

Run Lola Run (1998)

If you think about it in the right context, you’re getting three movies for the price of one with Run Lola Run, aka Lola Rennt. As Franka Potente relives her efforts to try and stop her on-screen boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) from robbing a supermarket, each runthrough has its own challenges. Fate is fickle, and each pulse pounding variant makes up a third of this brief but fantastic film.

Rope (1948)

Alfred Hitchcock’s title as the “master of suspense” is absolutely enforced in Rope, as the director of Psycho and The Birds made what looks like a single take movie. Through clever edits, and taut performances by Farley Granger, John Dall, and Jimmy Stewart, this howcatchem drips with nerves and style.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Prepare to crank your day up to 11, dear readers. This Is Spinal Tap’s classic mockumentary about the band that gave its name to rock and roll history is another member of this very specific club. Whenever you’re not laughing, you’ll probably be singing along to the stellar rock-based soundtrack of the band's original works.

Attack The Block (2011)

Believe, Bruv! Attack the Block lives up to its reputation as a non-stop crowd pleaser, and it does so in a relatively short length of cinema. Joe Cornish’s sci-fi/comedy, with John Boyega leading the charge, speeds along its merry way, with plenty of menace and laughter to spare.

The Producers (1967)

How lucky is any director to have a feature length debut like Mel Brooks’ The Producers? From start to finish Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder’s antics only get more frantically funny, with new players adding something to the recipe as they come on board. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted from the movies.

Child’s Play (1988)

At the start of Charles Lee Ray’s reign of terror, Child’s Play delivered a horror movie that actually hid his presence for quite a bit of its under 90 minute runtime. Even if you’re a die hard Chucky fan, it’s still amazing to revisit this suspenseful fright-time classic and imagine how audiences must have felt when the other Good Guy branded shoe dropped.

Cloverfield (2008)

If you’ve ever wanted the Cloverfield timeline explained, a good place to start is the 2008 titan that started it all. Director Matt Reeves’ introduction to the world of Large Scale Aggressors kicked off an anthology/multiverse, and it did so with a close to real time struggle to escape New York.

Duck Soup (1933)

Between shorter lengths and black and white images, movies like Duck Soup are sometimes seen as quaint artifacts of a bygone era. And yet, the Marx Brothers legacy of lunacy continues to survive because not only did they understand comedy, they wielded that genre like an expert sword handler. Except replace that sword with a bicycle horn.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Falling in love happens pretty quickly in a Disney fairytale, and Beauty and the Beast only proves that. This landmark animated film that became the first of its medium to be nominated for Best Picture, it’s not hard to see just why that was the case. A tale as old as time, it has earned the place of holding such historic feats.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki has been known to blend whimsy and realism in his films, with the results yielding classics like My Neighbor Totoro. You won’t be checking your watch as you get drawn into this gorgeous world, but trust us when we tell you it’s actually a pretty speedy movie. Heads up though: your plushie collection stands a good chance of expanding each time you watch this one.

Black Dynamite (2009)

Playing like an Airplane! style take on the blaxploitation genre, Black Dynamite sends up movies like Shaft, while also paying tribute. Michael Jai White’s title-inspiring crimefighter is one tough mother, but he isn’t above pulling some ridiculous stunts and gut busting dialogue.

Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the WereRabbit (2005)

Aardman Animation’s classic Wallace and Gromit series was built on short journeys into high adventure. So the fact that Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit went feature length, but didn’t forget its charms, speaks volumes to the benefit of quicker paced movies that do it right.

March of the Penguins (2005)

The good news is that not only is March of the Penguins adorable, it’s a quick sit. The bad news is that with all of the fuzzy cuteness and Morgan Freeman’s expert narration there are bits of sadness. So goes the world of nature, but that’s part of why this documentary is so impactful with viewers.

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie? Is it one of the best Christmas movies? Who cares when Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas runs only a little longer than a broadcast TV special. Only instead of commercials, it’s songs and striking visuals that see the adventures of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) clocking in a bit longer than traditional competitors. 

Chronicle (2012)

Found footage seems to lend itself well as a genre for quick, intense filmmaking. Chronicle shows us the super adventures of Andrew (Dane DeHaan), Matt (Alex Russell), and Steve (Michael B. Jordan), after they gain random superpowers. The scale and scope of this Josh Trank directed film made an impressive debut back in the day, and it still holds up.

Liar Liar (1997)

It’s hard to keep track of time when you’re laughing so hard it hurts. Already a blazing hot talent when he made Liar Liar, Jim Carrey delivered an amazing performance reminiscent of a Looney Tunes cartoon. So if you need a really good laugh in under half an hour, this recommendation should please the court.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992)

Before Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer became an iconic TV series, it was a movie that showed the world a very different version of Sunnydale’s protector (Kristy Swanson). Whether you consider it canon or not, you can’t go wrong with Paul Reubens goofing off as a vampire who seems to take a lot longer to die that his brethren.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the best Batman movie, full stop. Operating in the realm of The Animated Series, this sub-90 minute drama keeps all the superhero action, and amps up the emotional stakes. Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Dana Delaney couldn’t have done it better.

The Lady From Shanghai (1947)

Orson Wells’ noir thriller The Lady From Shanghai is a twisted web of deceit in which an Irish sailor (Wells) is roped into what’s supposed to be a fraudulent murder. The reality becomes something new altogether, leading to a literal funhouse maze of an ending, sharply concluding this criminal entertainment.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)

Don Bluth’s animation style and panache are in full effect with The Secret of NIMH. As Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman) embarks on an epic quest to save her sick son Timothy, her adventure into the worlds of animals and humanity is as surprising as it is beautiful. Lush and haunting, this is one of those non-Disney animated classics that just might surprise you. 

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. (2010)

You know the supposed mountain folk that are typically the menace behind any teen horror drama? Tucker & Dale vs. Evil challenges us to imagine a pair of such people (Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk) as a kinder, gentler sort of cabin dweller who just happen to have their supposed victims stumble into danger. In other words, you’re kind of rooting against the kids in this one.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

The true life death of Oscar Grant III (Michael B. Jordan) is chronicled in director Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station. Chronicling the last day of Grant’s life, this historical drama captures a real tragedy through the lens of cinema in heartbreaking detail.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Believe it or not, it may take more time to work out your rankings of the best Little Mermaid songs than to watch the actual movie itself. Though you could also use some of that time to argue whether or not “Les Poissons” deserved to be cut from the live-action remake; as this movie is the only one that has it.

Videodrome (1983)

David Cronenberg is known for some of the most horrific body horror known to our species. Videodrome is perhaps one of the cruelest, as a television executive (James Woods) gets drawn into a world of conspiracy, death, and seduction. Prepare for some of the trippiest visuals, and a couple of gross outs here and there.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Hail to the king, baby! The Evil Dead runs a tight and bloody ship through its brisk clip, as Bruce Campbell’s Ash is introduced to the world of the Deadites. The most deadly serious of the series, the frights come fast and steady; even without as much quippy action from Ash in his origin story.

The next time you want to be entertained in a pinch, fear not, as there’s always a movie that could get the job done. Though if you want a really great film to accomplish that task, look no further than the library of wonders we’ve provided above.

Some filmmakers require time to find their voice. They have to make a few simply "ok" features before having the skills required to make their masterpiece. But that's not the case with the directors featured on this list. These folks quickly figured out what they could do with a camera, and they produced magic with their first feature.

It's a terribly hard thing to do, but here are 32 directors who made great films on their very first try.

Orson Welles – Citizen Kane

A lot of incredible films are highlighted on this list, but Citizen Kane is special given that in addition to being Orson Welles’ first feature, it’s considered by many to be the greatest movie all time. The hunt for the meaning behind a publishing titan’s last word is endlessly compelling and a fascinating examination of the soul corruption that comes with a rise to power.

Quentin Tarantino – Reservoir Dogs

Before making modern and instant classics like Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, the legend of Quentin Tarantino began with the phenomenal Reservoir Dogs. The sharp dialogue, the non-linear storytelling, the tense violence and the needle-drop centric soundtrack all instantly confirmed that Tarantino was a talent to watch.

Jordan Peele – Get Out

It came as a shock when comedian Jordan Peele announced that he was shifting to a new phase of his career, as he wanted to pursue his true passion: directing horror movies. It was hard to know what to make of the decision at the time, but Peele has since established himself as one of the industry’s greatest genre filmmakers, and it all started with the stunning Get Out. It’s scary, layered, and the big third act twist never loses its impact.

Spike Jonze – Being John Malkovich

Spike Jonze wasn’t exactly inexperienced when he took the helm of Being John Malkovich as his first feature, as he had established himself as a genius talent in the world of music videos, but that doesn’t take anything away from his accomplishments. It’s a wild, strange, and perfect execution of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman’s genius and cerebral script, and both the design and cinematography make it unforgettable.

Sidney Lumet – 12 Angry Men

It requires incredible skill to direct a film that almost entirely takes place in a single room and juggles 12 different characters with different perspectives… but there’s a reason why Sidney Lumet is considered one of history’s greatest filmmakers. The basic description of 12 Angry Men doesn’t sound particularly cinematic, but it grips you from the start, and keeps you fascinated throughout – particularly thanks to one of Henry Fonda’s greatest performances.

Joel & Ethan Coen – Blood Simple

Joel and Ethan Coen are masters of crime fiction, and they proved that instantly in the start of their careers as feature filmmakers. Blood Simple is a tense neo-noir that comes with all of the trimmings of the genre – from the chiaroscuro lighting to a brilliant femme fatale turn from Frances McDormand – and M. Emmett Walsh is a force as the relentless Loren Visser.

Rob Reiner – This Is Spinal Tap

Few filmmakers have had runs like what Rob Reiner accomplished in the 1980s/1990s, sequentially making Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men, but his genius as a director was first established with 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap: a hilarious rock n’ roll mockumentary widely considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Sam Raimi – The Evil Dead

In the late 1970s/early 1980s, Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell were college students determined to make their first ever feature, and traveled from Michigan to a dilapidated cabin in Tennessee to make The Evil Dead. The production of the film was an absolute nightmare, but the juice was very much worth the squeeze, as the movie exists as a testament to brilliant imagination, and it is an important classic in the history of the horror genre.

Frank Darabont – The Shawshank Redemption

After writing a brilliant adaptation of Stephen King’s novella “Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption,” Frank Darabont actually took a major pay cut so that Castle Rock Entertainment would allow him to make The Shawshank Redemption his directorial debut. This turned out to be a legendary move that has cemented Darabont in cinematic history, as the movie is one of the most beloved of all time and an antidote to cynicism.

John Singleton - Boyz n The Hood

With his directorial debut, John Singleton captured the perspective of an underrepresented audience on the big screen – crafting a Stand By Me-esque coming-of-age story about life in south central Los Angeles. In one of his earliest roles, Cuba Gooding Jr. demonstrates incredible talent alongside Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut, but it’s Laurence Fishburne’s Furious Styles for which the film will always be remembered.

Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman

Emerald Fennell made quite an impression in 2020 with the debut of Promising Young Woman – a primal scream of a movie that captures the horrors that women experience in our modern world and comes together as a darkly comedic revenge thriller. Carey Mulligan’s performance is wicked, and it sports a finale that leaves the audience breathless and mind-blown.

Dan Gilroy – Nightcrawler

Jake Gyllenhaal is unquestionably one of the greatest actors of his generation, and Nightcrawler sees him let off the leash to showcase his phenomenal cinematic presence. Dan Gilroy was an experienced screenwriter prior to making his directorial debut, and one can understand why he wanted to make this movie himself: it’s a vicious, Taxi Driver-esque look at crime scene videography and a stunning and cutting commentary on “if it bleeds, it leads” culture in local journalism.

George A. Romero – Night Of The Living Dead

There aren’t exactly a lot of filmmakers who successfully launched an entire new subgenre with their first feature, but that’s exactly what George A. Romero did with Night Of The Living Dead. The zombie film was a shocking standout upon its original release – featuring a Black actor as its lead and a series of nightmarish scenes of horror – and its genius is no less apparent today.

Rian Johnson – Brick

Long before wowing us with his ensemble-driven Benoit Blanc mysteries Knives Out and Glass Onion, Rian Johnson stunned cinephiles as a first-time director with Brick. It’s a stylized neo-noir that stands out with its high school backdrop and young characters, and it dazzles with unyielding tension, unique dialogue, and a terrific third act reveal.

Tom Hanks – That Thing You Do!

Admit it: even just seeing the title of That Thing You Do! has immediately gotten the eponymous song stuck in your head. But on top of that track being two minutes and 50 seconds of peppy greatness, the film is a fantastic tale about a one hit wonder that pops thanks to Tom Hanks’ excellent direction and a delightful ensemble cast.

David Lynch – Eraserhead

It didn’t take long for David Lynch to tell cinephiles what he is all about. The auteur filmmaker established his nightmarish, cerebral sensibilities from the get-go with Eraserhead – which is a confident work from the first time director and paved the road for further masterpieces like Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks.

Amy Heckerling – Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Amy Heckerling would easily be in the Coming-Of-Age Movie Hall Of Fame if Clueless were the only film on her filmography, but it was 13 years earlier that she made one of the genre’s all-time greatest titles as her directorial debut: Fast Times At Ridgemont High. There is so much to love about this film, from the radical Jeff Spicoli, to the drama of the relationship between Stacy and Mark, to the sounds of The Cars’ “Living In Stereo.”

Destin Daniel Cretton – Short Term 12

It’s a remarkable thing when a film, a series of images mixed with sound rapidly displayed to show movement, can touch your soul, but that’s something that Destin Daniel Cretton’s powerful directorial debut does – centering on the staff of a residential treatment facility. In retrospect, the ensemble cast in this one is beyond outstanding (including Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever, Rami Malek, LaKeith Stanfield, and Stephanie Beatriz), and their talents are on full display.

Patty Jenkins – Monster

Patty Jenkins’ directorial debut, Monster, is far from a fun cinematic experience, and one actually feels compelled to take a shower after watching it, but it’s a riveting work. Charlize Theron delivers what is arguably the best performance of her career and earned her Academy Award.

Josh & Benny Safdie - Good Time

Cinephiles were thrilled to discover the cinematic heart attack that is Josh and Benny Safdie’s Uncut Gems in 2019, but anyone who watched the brothers’ directorial debut was at the very least mentally prepared for the experience. Starring Robert Pattinson, Good Time is a deeply stressful crime film that comes packed with touches of Of Mice And Men, and it leaves a deep impression on whoever watches it.

Darren Aronofsky – Pi

Darren Aronofsky has a gift for making movies that makes you want to curl up in a ball and cry (see: Requiem For A Dream, Black Swan, mother!), and it’s a mode he hasn’t diverted from since making his feature debut with Pi. It’s a stylistic story of obsession and has one of the most upsetting endings of all time.

John Huston - The Maltese Falcon

There are some films that are held up as the true classics of classic film noir, and right alongside Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Bill Wilder’s Double Indemnity and Carol Reed’s The Third Man is John Huston’s phenomenal The Maltese Falcon. Humphrey Bogart’s Sam Spade is an icon of detective fiction, and the twists and turns of the mystery feel as fresh today as ever.

Ari Aster - Hereditary

Ari Aster has quickly become one of the most exciting modern filmmakers making original horror, and that’s in part because audiences are still experiencing nightmares from his directorial debut. A look at both generational trauma and grief, Hereditary is a movie so scary that it would make you feel cold if you were in the middle of the desert, and has more than a few images that end up tattooed on the back of your eyelids as you try to go to sleep at night.

Michael Mann - Thief

Nobody makes crime movies like Michael Mann, and it all started with Thief. It’s a thrilling and captivating look at a talented Chicago criminal who is looking for his way into legitimacy and finds himself fighting forces that try and drag him back into his shady business. The movie features one of James Caan’s best performances, and the talented ensemble includes Jim Belishi, Dennis Farina and Willie Nelson.

Francois Truffaut - The 400 Blows

Valued as an important part of cinema history and the French New Wave, Francois Truffaut’s The 400 Blows is a powerful coming-of-age story starring Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine Doinel, a troubled youth who ends up quitting school and turning to thievery, only to be apprehended and thrown in a juvenile detention center. Truffaut is recognized for having created some of the most beautiful films to ever be produced in France, and it all started here.

Jean Luc Goddard - Breathless

Another evocative title that emerged from the French New Wave, Jean Luc Goddard’s Breathless is a visually stunning work of crime and love, with tremendous cinematic innovation, attitude that bleeds off the screen, and an outstanding performance from star Jean-Paul Belmondo in his breakout role.

Barry Jenkins – Medicine For Melancholy

Barry Jenkins first earned widespread acclaim in 2016 for his film Moonlight (which deservingly won Best Picture at the Academy Awards), but not to be slept on is the debut feature he made eight years earlier: Medicine For Melancholy. Starring Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins and set over the course of a single day, it’s a beautiful and emotional romantic drama.

Steven Soderbergh - Sex, Lies, And Videotape

Steven Soderbergh is now recognized as one of the most talented, eclectic filmmakers in cinema, but it all started with Sex, Lies And Videotape – a fascinating romantic drama with brilliant meta levels examining intimacy via camera.

George Miller – Mad Max

Many genre classics have been covered in this list, and now it’s time to dive into one of the greatest action/adventure films of all time. With Mad Max, George Miller takes us to an unnerving not-to-distant future full of violence and chaos, and his unique skills as a filmmaker capturing all that wildness all in camera is what makes this a forever-thrilling experience.

Damien Chazelle – Whiplash

One can read and learn that there is intense competition in performance arts schools, but it’s another thing to live it – and that’s what audiences get to do in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash. Miles Teller is brilliant as the determined and talented Andrew Neiman, but it’s the Oscar-winning work of J.K. Simmons that makes this outstanding directorial debut exceptional.

Mel Brooks – The Producers

Every legendary cinematic run has to start somewhere, and for Mel Brooks, it was with the brilliance of The Producers. Long before he was shocking with the world with Blazing Saddles and History Of The World Part I, the brilliant comedian unleashed his tale of a Broadway scheme and the insanity of “Springtime For Hitler.”

Jim Abrahams, David Zucker And Jerry Zucker – Airplane!

In the 1980s/1990s, nobody made spoof movies like Jim Abrahams, David Zucker And Jerry Zucker, and they quickly established their special comedic voice with their directorial debut: Airplane! The insane pacing of the jokes and the sheer ridiculousness of everything make this a movie that threatens to choke you with laughter, and there are so, so many quotable lines – many thanks to the deadpan brilliance of Leslie Nielsen.

This list obviously has the potential to grow forever, and it'll be exciting to see who the next big breakout movie directors are. 

In recent years, cinematic universes have expanded beyond comic-book movies, with horror movie franchises gaining popularity; captivating audiences with chilling tales. From masked killers to sinister creatures, these franchises have left a mark on the genre and pop culture. As we delve into the dark recesses of horror history, we'll uncover the best and worst aspects of some of the most iconic horror franchises ever spill blood on the silver screen.

Saw (2004 - Present)

Busting onto the scene in 2004, Saw, helmed by James Wan and Leigh Whannell, offered a fresh and twisted take on the genre and, for better or worse, ushered in the rise of the “torture porn” subgenre in the early 2000s.

Best Thing: The Innovative Puzzles - At the core of Saw's appeal were Jigsaw's elaborate and mind-bending puzzles, challenging victims' morals and pushing them to their limits, making the audience eagerly anticipate the next twisted puzzle and driving each movie to outdo itself with gruesome set pieces.

The Worst Thing: The Convoluted Mythology - As the series advanced, it grew more complex, particularly after John "Jigsaw" Kramer (Tobin Bell) died in the third film, causing writers to get creative to fit him into the narratives. The intricate backstory and interconnected plots created a convoluted mythology, challenging both new and longtime fans with confusing webs of characters and timelines. Bell is set to return (again) in the forthcoming Saw X. 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974 - 2022)

The 1974 OG film, directed and produced by Tobe Hooper, and written by Hooper and Kim Henkel, is a low-budget slasher set in rural Texas, revolving around a family of cannibals who abduct gas station customers, and is considered one of the best '70s movies and a great summer horror watch.

The Best Thing: The Sawyer Family - The series’ enduring legacy lies in the terrifying and deranged Sawyer family. Led by the iconic Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding maniac with a penchant for human skin masks, the family’s grotesque and unpredictable nature made them standout in the horror pantheon.

The Worst Thing: Leatherface’s Character Inconsistency - While Leatherface remains a horror icon, the character's portrayal suffered from inconsistency across the franchise. In some films, he was a mindless brute; in others, he showed signs of vulnerability and complexity.

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984 - 2010)

Wes Craven’s 1984 A Nightmare on Elm Street centers around Freddy Krueger, a vengeful apparition of a former child killer, terrorizing and killing Springwood, Ohio's teenagers in their dreams after being burned alive by their parents.

The Best Thing: The Iconic Dreamscapes - Elm Street revolutionized horror with its dream-based terror, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. Freddy's invasion of victims' dreams resulted in unforgettable and imaginative horror sequences, and some incredibly gruesome kills.

The Worst Thing: The Evolution to a Comedic Tone - As the franchise wore on, it gradually shifted from bone-chilling horror to a more comedic approach. While Freddy's dark humor initially added to his sinister charm, it eventually led to a tonal shift that diluted the terror and alienated some die-hard horror enthusiasts.

Child’s Play/Chucky (1988 - Present)

Created by Don Mancini, the Child's Play franchise centers on a notorious serial killer who transferred his soul into a "Good Guy" doll named Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) using a voodoo ritual. Since the original film's release on November 9, 1988, the franchise has expanded with six sequels, a successful television series, a remake, comic books, a video game, and tie-in merchandise.

The Best Thing: Writer/Creator Don Mancini - What makes Child’s Play one of best scary doll movies is the creative genius of Mancini, whose vision brought to life the possessed doll with a wicked sense of humor, and his ongoing stewardship of his creation keeps the franchise fresh and engaging.

The Worst Thing: The Shift in Focus to Chucky as a Lead - Chucky became a prominent lead character as the franchise evolved, losing some of the tension from earlier films. However, the fantastic recent TV series has found a more balanced tone.

Friday The 13th (1980 - 2009)

In 1980, the Friday the 13th movies introduced Jason Voorhees and his vengeful mother, who targeted camp counselors for her son's supposed drowning. Decades later, the "cursed" lake becomes the backdrop for a series of mass murders perpetrated by the resurrected Jason.

The Best Thing: The Iconic Villain, Jason - Though it took three movies to solidify the look, the hockey-masked killer with his signature machete became synonymous with the franchise and a pop culture icon.

The Worst Thing: Lack of Compelling Franchise Leads - The franchise struggled to create compelling lead characters that could match Jason's fearsome presence, with Tommy Jarvis being the closest to a recurring lead. As a result, the focus often returned to the killer, leaving some films with lackluster protagonists.

Halloween (1978 - 2022)

Committed to a sanitarium as a child for murdering his sister, on Halloween 1978, the masked Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield to wreak havoc among the townspeople.

The Best Thing: John Carpenter’s Music - Director John Carpenter’s eerie piano melody became synonymous with the masked killer, setting the stage for one of history's most influential slasher films. When the series was rebooted (again) 40 years later, he returned to provide a killer soundtrack.

The Worst Thing: The Many Differing Timelines - The series' convoluted timeline, including reboots, sequels, a standalone, and alternate continuities, can be confusing and frustrating for casual and die-hard fans. So, no shame if you need a guide to the timeline. 

Alien (1979 - 2017)

Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) is one of the best sci-fi movies ever and tells the story of Sigourney Weaver’s warrant officer, Ellen Ripley, and her battles with the extraterrestrial lifeform known as the Xenomorph.

The Best Thing: The Xenomorph - Audiences were introduced to the perfect killing machine designed by the late H.R. Giger, with its sleek, biomechanical design and acidic blood, becoming a symbol of extraterrestrial horror and one of cinema's most iconic creatures.

The Worst Thing: The Prequels (Prometheus and Covenant) - Criticism emerged for the prequels deviating from the original films' horror roots and spending too much time on Xenomorph's origins.

Paranormal Activity (2007 - 2021)

Oren Peli's low-budget original found footage flick is set in October 2006 and follows a young couple, Katie and Micah, terrorized by a demon that has haunted Katie since childhood.

The Best Thing: The Low-Budget and Real-World Approach to Found Footage - Paranormal Activity revitalized the found footage subgenre, proving that a low-budget approach and a clever premise could achieve massive box office success and even become one of the best-haunted house movies of all time.

The Worst Thing: The Lack of Time Between Sequels - If you have watched the Paranormal Activity series in order, then you know quick turnaround between sequels led to diminishing returns.

Psycho (1960 - 2017)

Starting with Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 original, the Psycho franchise revolves around the life of truly terrifying classic horror villain, Norman Bates, a deeply disturbed young man running the Bates Motel. His mentally unstable nature stems from a twisted split personality resulting from his domineering relationship with his mother, leading him to occasionally commit murders.

The Best Thing: Anthony Perkins’ Performance - Psycho's enduring legacy is largely attributed to Anthony Perkins' iconic portrayal of the disturbed innkeeper. His unsettling and nuanced performance made Bates one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history.

The Worst Thing: The Gus Van Sant Remake - Gus Van Sant's color shot-for-shot remake of the masterpiece faced skepticism and failed to capture the essence of the original, feeling like an unnecessary imitation lacking the tension and brilliance of the original film, with Vince Vaughn unable to match Perkins' portrayal.

The Conjuring Universe (2013 - Present)

Beginning with James Wan's 2013 first entry, the films dramatize the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators linked to prominent yet controversial haunting cases.

The Best Thing: Strong Initial Core Films (Conjuring 1 & 2) - The first two flicks are pillars of the modern horror genre, renowned for expertly crafted scares, engaging characters, and Wan's effective storytelling, setting the standard for the expanding universe. The clap sequence from the original remains memorable and chilling.

The Worst Thing: Weak Spinoffs of Varying Quality - While The Conjuring films thrived, some spinoffs, such as The Curse of La La Llorona, struggled to maintain the same quality and scares. The universe's expansion led to some Conjuring movies not living up to standards set by the core entries.

Final Destination (2000 - 2011)

Beginning in 2000, the Final Destination films revolve around a small group of people who escape the manifestation of death after one individual (the protagonist) has a sudden premonition and warns them about an impending disaster.

The Best Thing: The Memorable Kills - Final Destination's unique premise of death's design led to inventive and memorable death sequences, some based on real-life accidents, captivating audiences with the Rube Goldberg-like chain of events leading to each character's demise.

The Worst Thing: Lack of Story Innovation - As the franchise progressed, the formula became predictable, leading to a sense of repetition.

The Evil Dead (1981 - Present)

Sam Raimi's 1981 debut film and subsequent series revolve around the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, an ancient Sumerian text (now three volumes) causing havoc among a group of cabin inhabitants in a wooded area in Tennessee.

The Best Thing: The Series’ Cinematic Evolution - The Evil Dead franchise has undergone a remarkable evolution, starting as a low-budget cult classic and transforming into a polished, action-packed horror-comedy series, back to its horror roots.

The Worst Thing: The Treatment of Female Characters Early in the Series - The first movie faced criticism for its treatment of female characters, subjecting them to brutal violence, degradation, and an unfortunate sexual assault scene involving a demonic tree.

Scream (1996 - Present)

In 1996, director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson jump-started a hip meta slasher whodunnit series that is still going strong nearly 30 years later.

The Best Thing: The Self-Aware Meta Tone - Scream revitalized the slasher genre with its self-referential and meta approach to horror. Characters in the film were well aware of the rules of horror movies, and the franchise's clever writing and humor set it apart from traditional slashers.

The Worst Thing: Scream 3 - Rushed into production, Scream 3 is a definite low point for the series. This Hollywood-set outing faced criticism for its weaker plot, over-the-top moments, and weak villain reveal, leading some to feel it needed to live up to the standards set by the first two.

Hellraiser (1987 - 2022)

The Hellraiser series, starting in 1987 with Clive Barker's film, centers around the Lament Configuration, a mysterious puzzle box that opens a gateway to a dimension ruled by sadistic beings known as Cenobites. Led by iconic character, Pinhead, the Cenobites bring unimaginable pain and pleasure to those who dare open the box.

The Best Thing: Clive Barker - Hellraiser owes its horrifying and twisted world to Barker, who created the novella "The Hellbound Heart," on which the franchise is based.

The Worst Thing: Miramax/Dimension’s Involvement - From the '90s to the 2010s, Miramax and Dimension Films held the rights and produced numerous direct-to-DVD sequels with questionable creative decisions, leading to lackluster entries and hindering the franchise's potential for consistent quality.

Every major horror franchise has its successes and missteps, leaving lasting memories of fear and excitement. From Saw's innovative puzzles to Friday the 13th's iconic villains, these franchises have etched their names into horror history, tapping into our deepest fears and captivating audiences for generations to come.

When you think of the best horror movies, there are plenty of characters and genres that might come to mind first. For me, one of the scariest kinds of horror movies has to do with demonic possession.

Whether it be because of my Catholic upbringing or my genuine love of horror movies, nothing quite gets to me like a movie about someone getting possessed by either a demon or a super freaking evil spirit, because I do believe in a world that is not our own and these films make it even scarier.

Here are my picks for the best demonic possession movies that you could check out, from classics like The Exorcist to newer favorites.

The Wailing (2016)

First up on this list is The Wailing, a South Korean horror film that is directed by Na Hong-jin. The film tells the story of a policeman who investigates a remote village where there has been a strange string of murders and illnesses that cause the infected to kill their own families.

This film is honestly one of the best demonic possession films I have seen in many years. There are so many reasons to love it, from its eerie suspenseful tone to the acting, to even the story, which is truthfully one of the most original here. South Korea knows how to do horror really well, and this is one of their best flicks. You have to check it out.

Stream The Wailing on Pluto TV.
Rent/Buy The Wailing on Amazon.

The Exorcist (1973)

I’m pretty sure that when you think of demons and demonic possession, this is the film that comes to mind.

The Exorcist, which was released in 1973, is one of the most classic horror movies of all time. You can’t consider yourself a horror movie lover if you’ve never seen it. The film follows the story of two Catholic priests who are exorcists as they try to save a young girl from a demon who is possessing her body.

I mean, there’s seriously so much to love about this film, from the iconic score to the acting to the practical effects — God, the effects. The first time I watched this film, I’m pretty sure I almost threw up from how realistic everything looked. It was the first ever horror movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and the screenplay won Best Adapted Screenplay.

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Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Oh, you knew I’d put this on here. In this cult classic film, Jennifer’s Body stars Megan Fox as the titular Jennifer, and how one night, she’s used as a human sacrifice for a satanic band but ends up becoming possessed and turning into a succubus who kills boys at her school. Now, it’s up to her best friend to stop her.

I could go on and on about how Jennifer’s Body is underrated and deserves so much more hype, and thankfully over the last decade or so it’s gained many more fans. It’s a go-to for me during spooky season. It’s hilarious, scary, and features a great performance from not only Megan Fox but the entire Jennifer’s Body cast, so I’d certainly recommend it if you want more of a horror/dark comedy.

Stream Jennifer’s Body on Peacock.
Rent/Buy Jennifer’s Body on Amazon.

Sinister (2012)

Starring Ethan Hawke, Sinister is considered one of the scariest films of the 2010s for a reason. The film follows a true-crime writer who moves into a new house and discovers a series of snuff films that show the murders of a family that once lived there, but soon, the entities behind those films come to haunt him.

Sinister was actually one of the first horror films I watched way back when I was just getting into them, and let me tell you that this movie scared the absolute bejeezus out of me, and I mean that with every part of my being. Not only is Ethan Hawke a fantastic lead, the ending had me thinking about it for weeks.

Stream Sinister on Max.
Rent/Buy Sinister on Amazon.

Hereditary (2018)

Many know Ari Aster now for Midsommar or even his 2023 movie Beau is Afraid, but the director’s debut was actually with Hereditary.

The 2018 film follows the story of a family dealing with the loss of their grandmother, but their lives are anything but peaceful as something from their relatives' past comes back to haunt them.

Let me tell you a story – I watched Hereditary on my own at midnight in college because I couldn’t get to sleep. For some ungodly reason, I thought watching a horror movie would help me sleep.

This movie did not help me sleep. In fact, it terrified me so much that I laid awake in bed for hours, wondering what the heck I just did to myself, and then could not go to bed until the next day when I was with someone I loved again. Watch this during the day, with friends. That’s all I’ll say.

Rent/Buy Hereditary on Amazon.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Arguably, Paranormal Activity is the OG demonic possession movie for people of my generation, and a great found footage film. It's the first in a series of films that follows a young couple who move into a new home but are haunted by a supernatural presence there, and it only begins to get darker and darker as time goes on, from possession to so much more.

To be honest, I didn't understand the point of the Paranormal Activity movies for a while, but after watching the latest films in the franchise, I have a whole new appreciation for the original and how simple it is. It really made the found footage genre of horror explode – and for good reason. The tension is great and the ending is even better.

Stream Paranormal Activity on Max.
Rent/Buy Paranormal Activity on Amazon.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Directed by Sam Raimi, The Evil Dead is quite possibly one of the goriest demonic possession films there is. It follows five college students who are in a cabin in the woods and discover an audio tape; after they play it, it releases demons into their world, possessing almost all of them except for Ash Williams.

This film is iconic for many reasons. Ironically, I had seen the 2023 film in the franchise without seeing any other, and I had a fun time, but the first one is just something else. It’s campy in the right way, but also terrifying in many others. It’s gory, fun, and Bruce Campbell is an amazing leading man. I would re-watch this, and I don’t say that about many horror movies. You have to love it.

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Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Oh please, you knew I’d put this on here after mentioning it in the section above this. Evil Dead Rise is the latest iteration in the Evil Dead franchise and came out in 2023, and this time, it follows the story of how a mother is possessed by Deadites and now her sister must try and keep the kids alive when this new demonic version of her family begins to attack and kill everyone.

Look, this film…is gross. I mean that in the best way. If you like the first Evil Dead movie (the one above here), you’ll probably end up liking this one, but think of the first Evil Dead film and multiply it by about 100. This movie is disgusting in the way it delivers its gore and it’s perfect for a demonic possession film because it’s exactly how I would imagine something like this to go. If you’re looking for absolute nightmare fuel, this is it.

Stream Evil Dead Rise on Max.
Rent/Buy Evil Dead Rise on Amazon.

The Conjuring (2013)

The Conjuring is the first movie in The Conjuring franchise that follows the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators, and their time at the home of the Perron family who are experiencing supernatural instances and want to find a way to stop it.

When the movie came out in 2013, many fans deemed it one of the scariest horror films in years. I can completely confirm that I feel the same way. The story is great, and it’s even scarier knowing that it’s based on a true story. If anything, it made me want to research Ed and Lorraine Warren more because their life fascinates me.

Rent/Buy The Conjuring on Amazon.

The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005)

The Exorcism of Emily Rose, starring Jennifer Carpenter as the title character, tells the story of a priest who was accused of negligent homicide when he was tasked with the exorcism of Emily Rose, a young woman who was supposedly possessed by a demon.

The film is loosely based on the real-life trial of Anneliese Michel, and the film itself is not only terrifying, but offers a lot of legal drama, too. While I don’t think that the story the film presents is as interesting as some of the others on this list, I do think the scares and the acting make up for it.

Stream The Exorcism of Emily Rose on Paramount Plus.
Rent/Buy The Exorcism of Emily Rose on Amazon.

Late Night With The Devil (2023)

Considered an indie film in comparison to many of the big-budget picks on this list, Late Night with the Devil takes a look at how a late-night talk show invites an allegedly possessed girl to boost ratings on Halloween night, but of course, it takes a horrific turn.

This movie is one of those demonic possession films that I really think more people need to see, because it almost feels a little too realistic. As someone who has spent a good majority of her life enjoying late-night TV, the scenario of this happening feels all too real, and I could totally see a late-night host pulling a trick like this. But the fact that the story is delivered through not only traditional filmmaking but also elements of found footage make this a great pick.

Stream Late Night with the Devil on AMC+.
Rent/Buy Late Night with the Devil on Amazon.

Insidious (2010)

Last but not least, we have to talk about Insidious. This now-classic, directed by James Wan, follows the story of a young couple whose son goes into a coma without any explanation, only for them to realize later that he has become a vessel for a demonic entity. Now, it’s up to them to find a way to get him back home once again.

This is one of those series that you learn to appreciate with time, and the first film was honestly so great. The latest film in the Insidious franchise, Insidious: The Red Door, released in 2023, which is the latest film in the franchise, but there’s nothing quite like returning to the one that began it all.

Stream Insidious on Max
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What are your favorite demonic possession movies? There are so many out there to pick from – all I know is that I’m sleeping with my eyes open tonight and the ouija board put away.

Am I the only one who is surprised that 1984’s Gremlins — one of the best holiday horror movies — did not spawn its own animated TV spin-off sooner? Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, which follows the adventures of Gizmo in 1920s China, is now available to stream with a Max subscription, nearly 40 years after the original movie came out. Yet, I can think of many other flicks that were given the same treatment relatively quickly after becoming a hit — such as Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and even Police Academy, to name a few. 

However, upon the debut of this new Gremlins prequel series, I started to realize that there are several other iconic ’80 movies that have not yet been given the chance to be reinterpreted as an animated TV show, even though their stories would lend themselves beautifully to the medium. If only I were a Hollywood executive in that decade, the seven cinematic classics that I have listed below would have already been put on the TV cartoon fast track. Luckily, I do not think it is too late for them, and here are the reasons why I believe they still deserve that chance. 

Labyrinth

I thought it would be difficult to find a classic fantasy movie from the 1980s that has not already been adapted into an animated series — with the likes of The NeverEnding Story getting one in the mid-1990s, for instance — untilI I learned, much to my surprise, that there was a Labyrinth TV show. 

The dark fairy tale from 1986 starring rock star David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly takes place in a wondrous world that is brimming with possibility for many more adventures. Maybe the reason it hasn’t been made into an animated series is because the puppets are essential to its unique appeal, which is why I recommend a hybrid of animation with puppetry like another show based on a Jim Henson favorite: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, on Netflix.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

We finally received a “sequel” to one of the best Steven Spielberg movies, 1982’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, in the form of a heartwarming Xfinity ad starring Henry Thomas in 2019. However, I think we could have (or should have) seen an E.T. and Elliott reunion even sooner in an animated TV spin-off, in which the little spaceman returns to Earth to be with his friend, setting off a series of otherworldly situations that the pair must deal with together. I mean, that sounds like a better follow-up than that horror-centric sequel Spielberg was pitched once, does it not?

The Evil Dead

Speaking of horror, one of the greatest horror movie franchises actually did continue on the small screen with Ash vs. Evil Dead, which turned out to be the last we saw of Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams since he retired the role in 2018…in live-action at least. 

Following Campbell’s reprisal for the Evil Dead video game and vocal cameo in Evil Dead Rise, there is a chance we could see more of the chainsaw-handed hero in an animated series that the horror movie icon claimed was being “actively pursued” in a recent Bloody-Disgusting interview. As a huge fan of the franchise created by Sam Raimi in 1981, I am hoping and praying the future of Evil Dead really does include that cartoon.

Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark

Someone associated with many, many great horror movies after hosting thrillers of the week on TV for years is Elvira — the alter ego of Cassandra Peterson, who first brought the character to the big screen in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. 

In more recent years, Peterson would voice the character in a few Scooby-Doo movies, which makes me especially hopefully that the planned animated sequel to the 1988 horror-comedy flick that she mentioned to ComicBook becomes a reality. If not, I think an animated Elvira series could be a real hit, or at least a decent consolation for being turned down by Shudder and Netflix for an Elvira’s Movie Macabre revival.

Mad Max

No one has influenced the post-apocalyptic movie genre as strongly as George Miller with his Mad Max movies (especially 1981’s The Road Warrior), whose title character is unique for not actually being the real star. 

The appeal of this franchise is the barren, barbaric, motor oil and blood drenched world that Max (played by Mel Gibson and Tom Hardy) aimlessly roams, and one that I and many other fans, I am sure, would love to see more of. Considering Fury Road was almost conceived as an animated film — according to MTV — I don’t see why Miller and co. should not try using the medium for a TV show, but until that comes true, I am at least excited to see the series legacy continue with the upcoming Furiosa spin-off movie. 

Escape From New York

Another classic dystopian thriller from 1981 is one of director John Carpenter’s best movies, Escape from New York, which — unlike Mad Max — does owe much of its success to its hardened, anti-heroic protagonist: Snake Plissken. We have only seen Kurt Russell reprise one of his most badass characters once, in 1996’s Escape from L.A., which I think most would agree is just not up to par with the original, and, because of that, I would very much be interested in seeing more of the eye-patched war veteran, but only if Russell can do it. I think an animated series — maybe something like The Adventures of Snake Plissken — would be the best option.

The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension

One of the most famous examples of an ‘80s movie that was given the animated series spin-off treatment is RoboCop, but I think another, more obscure favorite starring Peter Weller might be an even better candidate to get its own cartoon. In fact, I think a TV show based on The Adventures of Buckarro Banzai Across the 8th Dimension could make for a great hit, considering how hot movies and TV shows about the Multiverse are these days. Why not bring Weller and his fellow cast members — including Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd, and Clancy Brown — back to voice their characters for more inter-dimensional travel.

I also heard from Bloody-Disgusting that there is a completed Alien vs. Predator anime series that Disney has not released for some reason. Well, I think there is a lot of potential in that idea, but if it stays in the Vault, hopefully one of the seven classics I listed above have their chance to get animated.

Stephen King had a big hand in launching the Hollywood career of Bruce Campbell. After all, he was not only one of the first big names to highlight the genius of director Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead (writing a pre-release article about it for Twilight Zone Magazine), but he also had a key role in the development of Evil Dead II. King has been a fan of his fellow genre legend for decades now, which is why it is not at all surprising that he would have an outraged reaction to the beloved actor openly – albeit comedically – considering retirement.

It was on this day in 1958 that Bruce Campbell was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, and this being his 65th birthday inspired the actor to post a message on his personal Twitter page about possibly saying goodbye to showbusiness. Uploading a photo of Ash Williams from the horrific and awesome TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead, Campbell wrote, "Okay, so I’m 65 today. Time to retire, I guess. Thanks for watching!" But Stephen King responded with a Quote Tweet suggesting that the actor/producer not even joke about the idea:

To be fair, Stephen King has previously considered retirement himself, but his passion for writing has ceased to let him say goodbye to his craft. Between his novels, non-fiction, and collections, he has written over 80 books during the course of his career, and at the age of 75 he will have his latest – titled Holly – in stores this fall.

The best news of all here is that Bruce Campbell's message about retirement reads like a joke, as it would be a blow to pop culture if we were to never get to see him pop up in movies or TV again given that he is one of cinematic horror's great icons. He's recently been playing around in the Evil Dead universe again (he has an uncredited voice-only role in Evil Dead Rise and reprises Ash Williams in 2022's Evil Dead: The Game), and last year he reunited with Sam Raimi for a cameo in Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness.

It's a good thing that Campbell isn't retiring, as there us still a lot that he can do as an actor – potentially including a Stephen King adaptation. Despite his career being linked to King's name from the jump, he has never been in a King movie or TV show, and that's a situation that needs to be rectified. Sam Raimi has suggested that he'd be game to develop one of the author's books at some point in the future, so perhaps his #1 star can join in on the fun. It would be an amazing thing to see such a project actually move forward, regardless of the source material chosen.

The Evil Dead movies are considered by many fans to be the greatest horror movie franchise of all time for its uniquely grotesque depiction of demonic possession, cheekily cartoonish approach to gore (in some cases), and — most of all — being one one of the few series in the genre without a single disappointing installment. As far as I (and most critics) are concerned, the intense fifth entry, Evil Dead Rise — which sees writer and director Lee Cronin take over from executive producer and franchise creator Sam Raimi — continues that bloody streak and, quite frankly, I would really like it to stay that way.

Considering how well the latest chapter did at the box office in its opening weekend, there is a good chance that the “ultimate experience in grueling terror” is far from over. Such a possibility has me positively ecstatic, but also cautiously optimistic, because, if we are going to see more Evil Dead movies, I would want them done right. So, if I were Raimi, or Bruce Campbell, or whoever they choose to helm the next installment, this is how I might handle it. 

Stick With The Anthology Route

From the moment when the sequel was first announced, Evil Dead Rise already marked a major milestone in the franchise by going where no installment had gone before: a Los Angeles apartment complex. With the exception of 1992’s medieval adventure fantasy, Army of Darkness, of course, and the bulk of the spin-off TV show, Ash vs. Evil Dead, the series has typically been set in a cabin in the woods, which made the urban setting a very welcome change of pace in my eyes. In fact, I would not mind if future installments continue to stay out of the woods, among other more refreshing elements.

That being said, I do like the idea of another movie set in the past — not necessarily another time travel movie like Army of Darkness, but a prequel to the original classic from 1981 that goes even deeper into the lore of the Necronomicon and sees characters forced to use more primitive weaponry against Deadites — a la Prey — instead of chainsaws and boomsticks. A key factor in my pitch here, as well, is the involvement of new characters — an element of both Fede Alvarez’s 2013 reboot and Evil Dead Rise that I also really enjoyed and crave more of in the franchise.

My point here, essentially, is that I believe the world of the Evil Dead franchise is one of great versatility with potential to tell many different stories involving new characters, new tones, and in a variety of interesting places that do not need to be a woodland vacation home. Seeing the franchise evolve into an anthology, with each installment set in the same universe, is an idea that really excites me if it becomes true. Of course, it would require a certain sacrifice that I already know would have some fans pissed off. 

Keep Ash Retired

I remember seeing a lot of preemptive grumblings over the announcement of 2013’s Evil Dead — not just because of the reputation for horror movie remakes (even though it just barely counts as a definitive remake), but because it would not be starring Bruce Campbell as Ash. As I recall, Evil Dead Rise came under fire from some die-hard fans of the horror movie icon for the same reason. Well, I can tell you that I was certainly not one of those people and, in fact, the absence of the chainsaw-handed hero had me even more excited for the new horror movie.

Now, let me make something clear: Ashley “Ash” J. Williams is my favorite horror movie character of all time — one whom I quote endlessly and, just a few years ago, dressed up as for Halloween, complete with a battery-powered chainsaw hand with realistic sound effects. However, I recognize the fact that Campbell officially retired from the role following Starz’s cancellation of Ash vs. Evil Dead in 2018 and I have since made an effort to respect that decision, especially because — and I think we can all agree — no one else can or should play the role like him.

I think that — for Bruce’s sake, especially — it is only fair that the franchise continue without its flagship character, unless Campbell voices him in more video game adaptations or the animated series that is supposedly in development, according to Bloody-Disgusting. As for the movies, I am perfectly satisfied with having Campbell involved from behind the scenes. I think it give the franchise more of a reason to evolve and be able to stand on its own two legs.

Go Easier On The Easter Eggs

Speaking of being able to stand on its own two legs, I must admit that I actually think this is an area in which the Evil Dead movies still have some room to grow. What I mean by that is, for example, there came a point during Evil Dead Rise when the umpteenth reference to one of the previous installments came up and I almost found myself asking, Are all of these really necessary?

I am certainly not anti-Easter-Egg and I really enjoyed picking out all the ways the Evil Dead Rise Easter Eggs paid tribute to previous films — especially Campbell’s vocal cameo and how the chainsaw Beth (Lily Sullivan) uses is the same color as Ash’s car (which is also in, just about, every one of Sam Raimi’s movies). I also love the way Jane Levy’s Mia wears a Michigan University T-Shirt (similar to Linda’s sweatshirt in the original) and reimagines key scenes from the franchise in very inventive ways. Yet, what I admire about these homages is their subtlety and the way they fit into the story organically.

I do not feel that all of the Easter Eggs in Evil Dead Rise land in that way — such as how Beth almost randomly utters the Army of Darkness quote “Come get some!” at one point. Thus, I think it might be in the franchise’s favor to put more attention towards each forthcoming film’s own subject material and less in how they can wedge in a few familiar quotes and hints. 

Go Darker

As for what I admired the most about Evil Dead Rise: I think it perfectly nails the tone of the original from 1981 by being yet another viscerally horrifying and relentlessly gory work of art, while also intensifying the emotional trauma by making it a family story involving a possessed mother preying on her own children. The last film in the franchise to stick the landing like that for me was, well, the last film in the franchise: the 2013 reboot, which I think is still is the darkest and most brutal of the bunch. That being said, I would honestly love to see them up the ante a little bit.

You see, as much I love Evil Dead II as one of the best horror-comedy movies ever made (if not the best) and think Army of Darkness is an absolute blast of cartoonish fun, I still prefer the more earnest films in the series so far over both of them. In fact, if Ash vs. Evil Dead was the last sign of any overt humor in this franchise, I would be more than OK with that.

I recognize and respect that I am more in the minority with this issue and a part of me is open to see the Evil Dead movies bring back that “splatterstick” tone. However, I would rather Raimi be the one to handle that and that would mean bringing Campbell out of retirement and I do not see that happening for a a live-action film, at least. Therefore, I think it is best to follow in the footsteps of Alvarez and Cronin and continue to plunge the series deeper into darkness on the big screen.

With each new installment, the Evil Dead movies continue to prove that they are the greatest horror movies of all time, for my money. I will spend the rest of my years watching these thrillers on streaming on various occasions and I look forward to seeing the marathons grow longer and longer. Let’s see how groovy the next experience in grueling terror turns out to be. 

The Evil Dead franchise is not one that is known for having a methodically planned canon. Evil Dead II is partially a remake of The Evil Dead and changes a lot of details, the end of Evil Dead II doesn’t really line up with the opening of Army Of Darkness, and the television series Ash vs. Evil Dead didn’t actually have the rights to reference that third film. Add in the fact that director Fede Álvarez’s Evil Dead from 2013 doesn’t specifically tie into the other films and you fully understand the messiness of the big picture continuity – but that didn’t stop writer/director Lee Cronin from trying to make a bit of sense of it all in the making of Evil Dead Rise, specifically with new lore surrounding the Necronomicon.

In the upcoming 2023 movie, a recording found with the notorious Book Of The Dead reveals that the tome in Evil Dead Rise is one of three different volumes, and that detail fascinated me so much that I had to ask Cronin about it during the movie’s virtual press day earlier this month. The filmmaker explained that it was something that he specifically discussed with Evil Dead co-creator Sam Raimi, and noted that it was his effort to naturally link the latest chapter of the series to the others. Said Cronin,

Lee Cronin is referencing the second act scene in Army Of Darkness where Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) is on a medieval mission to find the Necronomicon so that it can be used to send him back to the 20th century and stop the rise of the evil Deadites. Instead of just finding one book, however, he finds three. There is a suggestion that two of them are decoys/traps, as attempting to open them results in scary/funny consequences, but the Evil Dead Rise writer/director is saying that all three books are legitimate.

And not only are all three volumes legitimate, but we’ve seen them each represented in the three branches of the franchise. One volume is the book that Ash Williams has in The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Ash vs. Evil Dead; the second volume is the one that Mia Allen (Jane Levy) and her friends find during her detox weekend in the woods in Evil Dead; and now the third volume is in Evil Dead Rise – discovered buried beneath a Los Angeles apartment building.

In the making of the new film, Lee Cronin knew that he wanted it to link to the other films and TV show, but it would have been a sincere if not impossible challenge for him to explain how the previously depicted Necronomicons ended up in Los Angeles. Army Of Darkness gave him the answer he needed. He continued:

Obviously we can only hope at this point that what Lee Cronin is saying here opens the door up for an epic Evil Dead crossover event and hero team-up.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, Evil Dead fans can rejoice this weekend as Evil Dead Rise is hitting theaters everywhere on Friday – featuring a cast that includes Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies, and Nell Fisher. The film has been getting rave reviews since its premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival, so get excited. Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for more from my interviews with Lee Cronin and the film’s stars, as well as more fun articles like our breakdown of the Evil Dead Rise easter eggs.

To learn about all of the scary films set to be released in the coming months, check out our Upcoming Horror Movies guide.

Evil Dead Rise will hit theaters as the fifth installment of a series well-known for its dark humor and gruesome kills. However, a lot is different now that Bruce Campbell has officially retired the character of Ash Williams (although there's still some debate among fans about his fate). The newest chapter will no longer be set in a cabin in the woods. Furthermore, while the other movies have all centered around young adults, this one fully involves children: Morgan Davies’ Danny, Gabrielle Echols’ Bridget, and Nell Fisher’ Kassie. The reviews for Evil Dead Rise are out now, and the critics have weighed in on how the addition of young characters has affected the traditionally gory franchise.

Reactions from the movie’s premiere at SXSW warned that it pulls no punches in terms of blood and body horror. Let’s see what the critics have to say now that we’re closer to that April 21 theatrical release, starting with CinemaBlend’s review of Evil Dead Rise. Eric Eisenberg rates the movie 4 out of 5 stars, calling it a worthy addition to what some consider the greatest horror franchise of all time. He also notes that involving kids in the story in no way softens the horrific ride director Lee Cronin takes us on and, in fact, heightens the tension. More from the review: 

Kat Hughes of Film Disclosure also rates Evil Dead Rise 4 stars out of 5 and points out that unlike so many other movies, the three children are subject to just as much trauma as their adult counterparts. Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols and Nell Fisher are future stars, the critic says, and their chemistry is effortless. She continues: 

Katie Rife of RogerEbert.com lists some of the gore that audiences are in for — in addition to that cheese grater moment and the scalping we see in the red band trailer — which includes eye trauma, hand trauma, vomit, bugs, broken glass, broken bones, decapitation, dismemberment, stab wounds, shotgun blasts and more. This review says that even with kids involved, that’s how an Evil Dead movie should be. The critic rates the film 3 out of 4 stars, saying: 

Rafael Motamayor of Polygon also thinks the emphasis on child endangerment gives the franchise a new edge, with kills that are absolutely brutal and a tone that is bleak and cruel. The critic continues: 

Matt Donato of IGN also comments on the goriness of it all, and notes that the three young actors bravely conquer every horrific moment, conveying both pure fear and the devastation of familial loss. The critic rates the movie an “Amazing” 9 out of 10, saying: 

It seems like the critics agree that the addition of younger characters into the Evil Dead franchise has not caused a decrease in the gore, and in fact, it may have heightened the stakes.

If Evil Dead Rise is on your must-see list of upcoming horror movies, you will have the chance to do that starting Friday, April 21. Also be sure to check out our 2023 Movie Release Calendar to see what other films are coming to the big screen soon. 

There was a time in the early 1980s when The Evil Dead was a subject of controversy for its graphic content and was actually removed from the home video release market in the United Kingdom for years after it was deemed a “Video Nasty.” Well, I guess you could say that the joke is on those who banned it because, these days, anyone in the world can watch the original classic — one of the greatest horror movies ever made, as far as I am concerned — and the rest of the Evil Dead movies on streaming and uncut whenever they want.

In preparation for the release of the series’ fifth feature-length installment, Evil Dead Rise, I had an eye-opening (and eye-popping) experience rewatching the first four movies — each of which I already owned on Blu-ray. Allow us to show you where to purchase Sam Raimi’s intensely scary — and often morbidly funny — saga of demonic possession movies on physical media, how to stream them, or how to rent them on digital. Prepare for “the ultimate experience in grueling terror” watching one of the greatest horror movie franchises of all time with our guide below.

The Evil Dead (1981)

When you think of supernatural horror movies that involve demonic possession, the first image that may come to mind is a white-eyed, scar-faced young child strapped to her bed, a priest praying to expel the evil invading them from inside, or any other tropes first introduced by The Exorcist in 1973. Or, you might be a fan of The Evil Dead who pictures menacing, grotesque, decaying creatures with a wickedly morbid sense of humor who can’t be stopped by reading scripture or dowsing holy water, but, perhaps, with a chainsaw.

Writer and director Sam Raimi — who was originally against the official title — became one of the most inspirational figures of indie horror filmmaking with this astonishing breakout hit that he made with his friends on a shoestring budget and, arguably, even invented the modern “cabin in the woods” thriller. Producer and B-movie legend Bruce Campbell makes his debut as his most iconic character, Ash Williams, as he struggles to outwit the malevolent spirits that have taken over his friends in this terrifying classic that received high praise from Stephen King.

How to watch The Evil Dead

• Rent or buy The Evil Dead on Amazon
• Buy The Evil Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon

Evil Dead II (1987)

After their follow-up to The Evil Dead, 1985’s Crimewave, proved to be a flop, Raimi and co. returned to the cabin with a beloved sequel that would take the franchise in a whole new direction. By fusing the same freaky supernatural elements with a more cartoonish tone and comedy in the style of the Three Stooges, Raimi crafted one of the most dazzlingly unique horror-comedy movies of all time — if not the absolute best — with Evil Dead II, which is also available with a Shudder subscription.

Due to a rights dispute that prevented the filmmakers from using footage of the first movie, the sequel opens with a quick reimagining of its events before curdling into a more straight-forward continuation, in which Ash gets snarkier and his struggle against the insidious spirits worsens. The inventive visual style and manic hijinks of this enduring favorite became a staple for much of Raimi’s filmography going forward and Campbell’s committed performance solidified him as one of horror’s greatest icons.

How to watch Evil Dead II

• Stream Evil Dead II on Amazon Prime
• Stream Evil Dead II on IndieFlix
• Buy Evil Dead II on Blu-ray on Amazon

Army Of Darkness (1992)

What makes the Evil Dead movies one of the best horror franchises — if not the very best — is how each installment bears very little resemblance to the one that came before it. There is no greater evidence to this than the third chapter, which picks up right where Evil Dead II left off, with Ash — now more brave and (on the poster) bulkier, but also more buffoonish, than ever — finding himself transported back to medieval times.

Army of Darkness (which is also currently available with a Shudder subscription) technically counts as a horror movie — still boasting themes of demonic possession and adding reanimated skeletons into the mix — but looks, feels, and sounds far more like a fantasy adventure epic, while leaning even harder into Raimi’s slapstick sensibilities. Easily the most unique of the franchise, the film is also the most quotable and the funniest.

How to watch Army of Darkness

• Rent or buy Army of Darkness on Amazon
• Buy Army of Darkness on Blu-ray on Amazon

Evil Dead (2013)

It would take another two decades for the Evil Dead franchise to return to the big screen and in a way that, once again, took things in a new direction. The feature-length debut of co-writer and director Fede Alvarez — who was handpicked to helm the project by Raimi, Campbell, and co-producer Rob Tapert — is the first not to include Ash as a main character (something that does not bother me like it may some other fans), but also the first to bring back the earnest tone and brutal violence of the original classic, but to even greater extremes.

The film (streaming on Shudder) also uniquely reinvents the plot by giving the cast of characters a more important reason to gather at the cabin — recovering addict Mia’s (Jane Levy) rehabilitation process — which leads her friends to assume she is merely going through withdrawals when strange and horrific things begin to happen. While it could also count as a reboot or simply another chapter to the saga, 2013’s Evil Dead is widely considered among the best horror remakes ever in the way it pays homage to what made the original films special by cranking everything up several notches.

How to watch Evil Dead

• Rent or buy Evil Dead on Amazon
• Buy Evil Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Ten years after the reboot, the Evil Dead franchise would return to the big screen by, once again, setting things on a new path. Not only is Ash still not the central focus (while still featuring producer Bruce Campbell in a vocal cameo), the series' fifth installment brings the action out of the woods and into an L.A. apartment complex and is seen through the eyes of an unassuming family.

Guitar technician Beth (Lily Sullivan) risks life and limb to protect her nephew (Morgan Davies) and nieces (Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher) from the most horrifying Deadite imaginable: their own mother (Alyssa Sutherland, in an astonishingly creepy performance). Written and directed by Lee Cronin, Evil Dead Rise (also one of the best horror movies on Netflix) is a very bloody good time that marks a refreshing new step in the franchise's legacy with new characters and scenery, while still paying loving homage to its predecessors by keeping the original masterpiece's tone firmly in place.

How to watch Evil Dead Rise

• Stream Evil Dead Rise on Max
• Rent or buy Evil Dead Rise on Amazon
• Buy Evil Dead Rise on Blu-ray on Amazon

BONUS: Ash Vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018)

It would take just a couple of years after 2013’s Evil Dead for Campbell to be reinstated as the face of the franchise but, this time, on the small screen. Developed by Raimi, his brother Ivan, and Emmy-winning Watchmen producer Tom Spezialy, Ash vs. Evil Dead sees our chainsaw-handed title hero forced to come out of Deadite-hunting retirement well into his middle-aged years, with some help from his co-workers, Pablo (Ray Santiago) and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo).

The series — which lasted three seasons on Starz — boasts, arguably, Campbell’s finest performance as Ash, which lends wonderfully to the show’s near-perfect balance of humor and horror in the vein of Evil Dead II. It also makes the actor’s retirement from the role following the series’ cancellation all the more heartbreaking, but fans agree it serves as a fun and fitting end to his story.

How to watch Ash vs. Evil Dead

• Stream Ash vs. Evil Dead on Starz
• Buy Ash vs. Evil Dead on Amazon
• Buy Ash vs. Evil Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon

There are two new Evil Dead movies now in development — one called Evil Dead Burn by French Infested director Sébastien Vaniček and another by Francis Galluppi of The Last Stop in Yuma County fame. Maybe they can take a look at some of my ideas to keep things fresh as they craft these upcoming horror movies. Until they release, this is the complete guide on how to experience the Evil Dead movies (and one TV show) on streaming. Have a groovy time!

I find myself loving my personal pick for the greatest horror movie ever, 1981’s The Evil Dead, more and more each time that I watch it. The same goes for the sequels (Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness) and soft reboot from 2013, which I do not really view as a pure remake, but would count as one of the best horror movie remakes if I did. I also find myself noticing something new about this saga of intensely gory and often morbidly funny tales of demonic possession with each viewing, too. 

My most recent rewatch of the first four Evil Dead movies in preparation for the quickly approaching fifth installment, Evil Dead Rise — the one upcoming horror movie I am anticipating the absolute most — was certainly no exception. So, how about you primitive screwheads take a moment to read through this breakdown of the groovy things that popped out at me as I revisited one of the greatest horror movie franchises ever? Let’s start at the beginning.

THE EVIL DEAD (1981)

There’s A Lot Of Chilling Foreshadowing

Some might be quick to write off The Evil Dead as just anther cabin in the woods thriller, but a deeper analysis of the scary, seminal classic reveals just how complex writer and director Sam Raimi’s screenplay truly is. Take, for example, the film’s clever use of foreshadowing — an element of the storytelling that I hate to admit did not dawn on me until this most recent rewatch. I love the way the film hints at Cheryl Williams’ (Ellen Sandweiss) eventual fate when she sees the cellar door opening and closing on its own early on, or when her brother, Ash (Bruce Campbell in the role that made him a great horror movie icon), finds a drawing in the Necronomicon that resembles the book when it “comes to life” near the end.

Being A Deadite Apparently Lowers Your Blood Viscosity 

It is not that I never really noticed how blood pours out of a possessed Scotty’s (Richard DeManincor, credited as Hal Delrich) stomach wound like a faucet until now. However, this was the first time I really paid any mind to it. I guess I was just mesmerized by the image of blood that bears a resemblance to cherry Kool-Aid instead of dyed corn syrup and I think I appreciate the uniqueness of it more now than ever, even if the blood looks more medically accurate in the rest of the franchise.

The Arms Coming Out Of Cheryl And Scotty's Corpses Belong To Their Possessors 

Another shot from the visceral final sequence of The Evil Dead that has never failed to mesmerize me is when arms explosively protrude from Cheryl and Scotty’s defeated Deadite selves. For years, I just chalked this up to being yet another reflection of Raimi’s otherworldly visual talents, but it occurred to me on this rewatch that these are demon arms and, specifically, that of the demons who possessed Ash’s friends. Have you ever seen anything so terrifyingly bizarre in a supernatural horror movie dealing with demonic possession like, say, The Exorcist? I think not.

EVIL DEAD II (1987)

Wait, Do Ed And Ash Have The Same Car? 

Among the many iconic props from the Evil Dead franchise, one of the most recognizable is Ash’s cream-colored 1973 Delta 88 Oldsmobile, which -- as ScreenRant points out -- has made a lot of appearances in other movies. If I’m not mistaken, in 1987’s Evil Dead II — arguably the greatest horror-comedy movie ever made — Ed Getley (Richard Domeier) arrives to pick up Annie Knowby (Sarah Berry) from the airport in the exact same vehicle. While I could not find any confirmation on this, considering how that car is not just a staple of this series, but of Sam Raimi's entire filmography, I would not be surprised if it was reused for another character in the same movie.

I Think I Spotted A Poltergeist Reference 

The reason that Evil Dead II is regarded as such a refreshingly unique moment in not just the franchise, but of the horror genre as a whole, is the dazzling visuals that are both nightmarish and deliciously silly — such as the sight of Ash almost getting eaten by a possessed tree near the end. Say, is it just me or does that scene bear a striking resemblance to a famous moment the classic haunted house movie, Poltergeist, which came out five years earlier? At least we can say that the possessed tree scene here is much funnier than the one in Poltergeist.

ARMY OF DARKNESS (1992)

Ash's Gray Hair Spot Has Magically Disappeared

Army of the Darkness is very different from the rest of the franchise — mostly for its adoption of medieval fantasy elements in lieu of straightforward horror, but also the way it slightly retcons the events of the saga. Among the least obvious examples is how, at the end of Evil Dead II, a patch of gray suddenly sprouts on Ash’s jet-black hair, but when the third installment (and immediate continuation of the last film) begins, the gray streak is gone. I don’t know if this goof has something to do with the change in studio (Universal), was a request by Campbell, or was just a simple oversight, but a part of me kind of wishes the streak remained a staple of the franchise from that point on.

The Pit Scene Feels A Lot Like Star Wars

It appears to me that Poltergeist is not the only classic ‘80s movie that may have had an effect on some of the Evil Dead franchises’ most memorable moments. I mean, I cannot be the only one who watched Ash’s fight with the “Pit Bitch” and was prompted with flashbacks to Luke Skywalker’s quarrel with the Rancor in Jabba the Hut’s pit in Return of the Jedi, right? It makes me wonder how many other references to the Star Wars franchise might be hiding in the Evil Dead movies that I missed.

Evil Ash Howls A Lot Like Deadite Cheryl

The blood-curdling screech that the possessed Cheryl howls from within the cellar in The Evil Dead is a sound I could never forget. Thus, I am shocked that it took me until now to notice that Evil Ash’s scream (when the real Ash begins sawing him to pieces) is nearly identical. Of course, Cheryl’s howl is something I look forward to each time I rewatch the original movie, so it was certainly pleasant to hear it again in Army of Darkness.

EVIL DEAD (2013)

Mia Wears A Michigan State T-Shirt, Just Like Linda In The Originals

One of the most well-known facts about Ash’s girlfriend, Linda (played by Betsy Baker in the original, Denise Bixler in the sequel, and Bridget Fonda in AOD) is that she (along with the rest of the characters, most likely) is a student of Michigan State University. It appears that Mia (played by Jane Levy in 2013’s Evil Dead) is a veteran of the same alma mater, as evident by the T-Shirt she wears at the beginning.

Mia Finds Her Necklace Chain In The Same Skull-Shape Placement As Ash

Of course, co-writer and director Fede Alvarez’s Evil Dead is chock-full of references to the original films, but another one that slipped past me until now occurs when Mia finds the necklace given to her by her brother, David (Shiloh Fernandez), with the chain forming the shape of a skull. In Evil Dead II, right before he is miraculously cured of Deaditism, Ash finds the magnifying glass necklace he gave Linda in the exact same shape.

I have no doubt there are plenty of fun details I missed on this rewatch. Luckily, I’m sure I’ll be able to catch them on the next inevitable marathon — which will likely include Evil Dead Rise, based on the positive early reactions to it — because I never tire of watching them. That is why the Evil Dead movies make up the greatest horror franchise of all time, in my opinion.

In the late 1970s, 20-somethings Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert decided that they were ready to make their first feature. Raimi and Campbell were childhood friends, and Raimi and Tapert met while simultaneously attending Michigan State University, and they were all unified in aspirations as filmmakers. Having experience making shorts on Super 8mm film, they decided their best course of action to make something economical and marketable was to make a horror movie, and it was while studying the Egyptian Book of the Dead in an ancient history class at MSU that Raimi found inspiration for the story. All three men would be producers, with Raimi also writing and directing and Campbell starring.

Sam Raimi went about writing the screenplay (originally titled Book Of The Dead) as a credited independent study project, and a proof of concept short film titled Within The Woods was shot to be shown to potential investors… but it was an uphill climb to raise money, which would be indicative of how the rest of the production would proceed. As discussed by Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert on the 30th anniversary Blu-ray commentary track, the mission was to raise a $150,000 budget exchanging a $10,000 investment for a two percent stake, and while getting a number of rejections, they were able to raise $85,000 from a number of different sources – including a man who Raimi met at K-Mart while getting film developed.

With aid from the small film commission in Tennessee, the small production team of Book Of The Dead – including number of friends serving as the crew and actors Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker and Theresa Tilly – traveled down from the Detroit area in Michigan to Morristown, Tennessee. They immediately faced issues as the original location where they were going to shoot fell through, forcing a change in the production schedule, and eventually what was planned as a six week stay in the freezing woods turned into 12 weeks.

The cabin, which had to be emptied of manure prior to filming, provided no legitimate shelter from the cold because of its barebones construction; power tools were stolen, necessitating someone be at the set at all times; injuries were rampant among the cast and crew, with the white lenses worn by the actors in makeup causing extreme discomfort; and exhaustion was so extreme that people would fall asleep at the camera. It was an objectively miserable experience for all involved, with the hope of actually finishing the film keeping people going.

Even when the movie was finished, it still took years to find a distributor – but then the feature got the support of septuagenarian Hollywood veteran Irvin Shapiro (who was responsible for the title change to The Evil Dead). While Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert were focusing on domestic distribution and getting a lot of negative responses and bad offers, Shapiro made a deal with Palace Pictures in England, which proceeded to release the film in theaters and into the burgeoning home video market simultaneously. It instantly found a cult audience (while also generating controversy), and this led to a deal being forged with New Line Cinema for a theatrical release in the United States in 1983.

Between the big screen and tremendous success on VHS, The Evil Dead quickly made an indelible mark on the horror world – in part because of the impression it made on some of the popular names in the genre. Prior to its distribution, the movie got a key stamp of approval from Stephen King, who had developed an instant reputation in the horror community in the era. The author saw the film at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival and wrote an article about it for Twilight Zone Magazine. Found via Reddit, King writes in the piece,

The journey making The Evil Dead was wild, but the impression that it has made on pop culture is even more remarkable – with it having an immeasurable influence on genre filmmaking, its fanbase growing ever larger, and the film ultimately spawning multiple sequels and a television series. The latest chapter, Evil Dead Rise, will be in theaters in just a few short weeks, and we’re counting down to that release with an in-depth look at Evil Dead’s History and Legacy.

Why The Evil Dead Is The Second Best Movie The Evil Franchise

The Evil Dead was not the first horror movie to have a group of young people go out into the woods and experience extreme terror, and it’s far from the last – but it’s a special film in its style and relentlessness. It’s not a roller coaster in that it’s not about peaks and valleys; it’s more akin to the world’s tallest waterslide being equipped with an express elevator and a river of blood instead of H2O. After limited setup, the bulk of the 85-minute runtime is chaos, and it’s executed with such brilliant in-your-face panache that its scares are as fun as they are nightmare-inducing.

It’s complicated to compare The Evil Dead to any of its sequels given that one of the hallmarks of the franchise is the fact that each installment operates with a different energy than its predecessor, but it will always deserve special consideration because of the phenomenal ingenuity on display from some incredibly young talent. Today, the Sam Raimi aesthetic is well known thanks to the superhero blockbusters he’s made in addition to his horror hits and thrillers, and Bruce Campbell’s specific charm and charisma is beloved among cinephiles, and it’s a remarkable thing to see how their gifts are on display in their very first feature.

In a 2013 interview, Campbell told me bluntly, “Evil Dead movies are not fun at all” when it comes to the process of making them, but even with that universal hardship in the franchise it’s hard not to specifically admire what the cast and filmmakers accomplished with The Evil Dead. You’d expect that a production working with inexperienced personnel and through such terrible conditions would either A) never finish the movie, or B) create something wretched and unwatchable, but instead it’s a brilliant work of art.

How The Evil Dead Fits Into The History Of Horror

When Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert agreed to make a horror movie as their first feature, a key part of the reason why was because they saw opportunity in the distribution market of the time. In the late 1970s, film festivals and film markets for independent cinema weren’t major parts of the industry like they are today, but what did exist were regional domestic distributors, grindhouse theaters, and drive-ins, and those were havens some small genre releases.

In the documentary One By One We Will Take You: The Untold Saga Of The Evil Dead, film critic Joe Bob Briggs explains,

It was an exciting and thrilling time for horror cinema that saw the arrival of legends including John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, George A. Romero and David Cronenberg, and The Evil Dead was born in their wake.

Going into the early 1980s, home video was also becoming a significant force for the genre – but it’s also the arena where The Evil Dead was caught up in controversy, specifically in the U.K. As explained in the documentary Discovering Evil Dead: The Palace Boys Meet The Evil Dead, ratings boards had a degree of control over the content that could be shown in theaters, but the same kind of regulations didn’t exist for VHS distribution, and it led to a collection of titles dubbed “Video Nasties.” The Evil Dead ended up being the subject of prosecuted obscenity charges, and Sam Raimi actually flew to England to testify on behalf of the film, but a judge declined his testimony. Eventually all charges were dismissed.

How The Evil Dead Sets Up Its Franchise’s Canon And Future

As noted earlier, the Evil Dead franchise is an odd beast in that there is quite a lot of tone variation in the sequels, and there really isn’t a whole lot of consistency when it comes to the supernatural “rules” in the canon. That being said, there are constants – the big one being the Necronomicon: the book of dead, bound in human flesh and inked in human blood. It is the pitcher from which all evil pours in the continuity, with terror unleashed upon any person or group that is around when passages from the pages are read aloud. Ordinary people can be possessed and become beings known as Deadites, and sometimes even cutting them to pieces doesn’t kill them.

Though not quite as ubiquitous in the franchise as the Necronomicon, Bruce Campbell’s Ashley “Ash” Williams also gets his formal introduction to pop culture in The Evil Dead. He doesn’t take on his most iconic form until Evil Dead II (next week’s column!), but all of the groundwork for the character is lain, and during an age when the groundwork for the “final girl” trope was being founded, he is a rare male protagonist who is still alive when the credits roll. Director Fede Alvarez’s Evil Dead from 2013 was the first sequel to not include Ash as the lead, but he made his triumphant return a couple years later in Starz’s Ash vs. Evil Dead series.

2013’s Evil Dead was also the first in the canon not to be directed by Sam Raimi, but key signatures of his style are nonetheless present, and that all traces back to The Evil Dead. The first person perspective shots of “evil” lurking through the woods and chasing characters is a genius cinematic touch that has been aped by filmmakers in hundreds if not thousands of titles, and nobody punches in on an actor’s face in the same way. And, of course, there is the copious amounts of unflinching gore that is so over-the-top that it becomes hilarious with enough viewings.

Is The Evil Dead A Good Horror Movie In General?

The legacy of The Evil Dead is fortified by the fantastic sequels that have been released in the last four decades, but even if they were never made, it would still exist as a landmark title in horror history. It’s unquestionably excessive, gratuitous, and disgusting, but those qualities are generated from remarkable craft and skill – from monstrous make-up, to cinematography-generated surprises, to monstrous stop motion. The effects do age it, but it’s a phenomenal product of its time, and even after hundreds of viewings it’s hard to fully fathom how Sam Raimi and his collaborators managed to pull off what they did with the resources they had.

More than just being a spectacular piece of 20th century art and an icon of the horror genre, The Evil Dead is an inspirational part of pop culture. The experience making the movie took a toll on everyone involved, but the remarkable passion they all possessed to create it is legendary, and its story is a standout precursor to the indie movement that changed Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s.

How To Watch The Evil Dead

At present, The Evil Dead is not available on any subscription streaming service, but it is easy to find and watch nonetheless. As far as digital options are concerned, the film can be rented or purchased from Amazon Prime Video or Vudu. If you’re a fan of the Evil Dead franchise who is also a physical media collector, you may be like me and have purchased the movie in many different formats over the years, but the best version currently available is the 4K UHD release.

Be sure to come back to CinemaBlend next Thursday for the second installment of Evil Dead’s History and Legacy, as I’ll be doing a deep dive into the remarkable film that is Evil Dead II. In the meantime, you can read my previous Horror History and Legacy column series focused on the Scream franchise.

UPDATE with VIDEO.

Of all the big horror movie releases in 2023, only one of them involves a cursed book of the dead that haunted Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams and myriad other doomed souls over the past 40 years. I’m of course speaking of Lee Cronin’s Evil Dead Rise, which is pulling the fan-favorite franchise into a more domestic setting and away from the cabins and woods. And while Campbell’s horror icon Ash isn’t in the film, you can bet that the character’s spirit is still inside the actor and producer, as evidenced by his reaction to a loud-mouthed heckler at the new movie’s premiere during this year’s SXSW.

The 97-minute Evil Dead Rise earned widespread praise from critics on hand for its highly anticipated festival premiere, but apparently didn’t win everyone over. One spectator reportedly fell asleep at some point either during the screening or the Q&A that took place right after, and staff members went up to him about having his legs propped up during his impromptu zonk-out. At which point, he reportedly tossed an empty popcorn bucket upwards and hollered that the movie “fucking sucks,” prompting a wave of boos, according to Variety. The nap-happy complainer was attempting to exit the theater as those on stage were talking about him, prompting the heckler to flip them off and start hollering again. Which is when Bruce Campbell egged the guy on in an A+ fashion, saying:

To be expected, there was much cheer and rejoicing, and no one ever heckled anyone else ever again. Which would be how things would have ended if this were a fairy tale (with F-bombs and gory horror screenings), and not a world where asshats are an incorrigible scourge. But one heckler getting told to GTFO by Bruce Campbell is probably equal to like a dozen hecklers who don’t get reprimanded.

Rob Tapert chimed in afterward to question the timing of the guy’s specific criticism, saying:

Amidst the laughter, the Q&A's moderator Peter Hall (who serves as the SXSW Film and TV programmer) called the dude out himself before questioning such a harsh opinion on the new horror. 

Again with the rejoicing and the whooping and wahooing and so on. For everyone in the venue during and after the screening, celebratory outbursts were frequent and constant, both during the movie and throughout the panel. To the point where Peter Hall exclaimed that he'd never seen an audience get "that insane" during all his years of screening and watching films there. And while he said it before Sleepy McHeckleface shared his anti-enthusiasm, I doubt that one slice of negativity would have changed his tune.

Such excitement is to be expected, since it's been a full ten years since any Evil Dead-ness has taken over theaters. Even though we obviously had the TV show, and even though Bruce Campbell even reprised the role for the lovingly brutal video game that released in 2022, there's something about seeing Necronomicon-inspired chaos that just needs to happen on the big screen every once in a while. For those looking for some small-screen Deadite-destroying fun:

• 1983’s The Evil Dead is available to stream with an AMC+ subscription.
• 1987’s Evil Dead II is available to stream with an IndieFlix subscription.
• 1992’s Army of Darkness and 2013’s Evil Dead are currently only available to rent or purchase from all the usual places.
• All three seasons of the TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead are available to stream with a Netflix subscription or through a Starz subscription.

With a ton of awesome movies on the way in 2023, Evil Dead Rise is set to crawl across theater ceilings when it releases on Friday, April 21. 

As far as ratings go, at least those handed out by the Motion Picture Association, there is nothing more extreme these days than NC-17. That means no one under the age of 18 can be admitted to a movie with this rating for a multitude of reasons.

Some directors, producers, and studios will re-cut their films to get an R-rating, but there are plenty of NC-17 movies that have been left unedited and sent out into the wild as is, which has resulted in limited releases of some of the most notorious movies of all time. Find out why these films were branded this way, as well as how you can watch them if you are curious, in the following list.

Henry & June (1990) - Fred Ward, Uma Thurman

What better way to start than with the very first movie to earn the NC-17 rating – according to SlashFilm – Henry & June. Director Philip Kaufman’s adaptation of Anaïs Nin’s memoir focuses on a love triangle between novelist Henry Miller (Fred Ward), his wife, June (Uma Thurman), and the French-American author (portrayed by Thurman’s future fellow Pulp Fiction cast member, Maria de Medeiros) in 1930s Paris. Despite its controversially explicit sexual content, the drama was a mild critical and commercial success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.

Buy Henry & June on Blu-ray on Amazon.  

Killer Joe (2012) - Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple

Directed by the late William Friedkin and written by 2019’s Little Women cast member Tracy Letts (also based on his stage play), Killer Joe stars Emile Hirsch as an indebted young man who hatches a plan to have his mother (played by Gina Gershon) killed to collect insurance money. Matthew McConaughey gives one of his most underrated performances as the titular hitman he hires, whose fee is so high that he agrees to let his teenage sister (Juno Temple) be treated as collateral.

According to Deadline, the shamelessly twisted crime thriller was released with an NC-17 rating after Friedkin and distributor LD Entertainment opted not to change its ending. While an R-rated version of the film was later made available for home viewing, those interested in seeing it in its original form could also seek out the unrated director’s cut of Killer Joe instead.

Rent or buy Killer Joe on Amazon.
Buy Killer Joe on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Mysterious Skin (2004) - Joseph Gordon-Levitt

One of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s best movies from earlier in his career is Mysterious Skin, in which he plays a gay teen making a living as a sex worker who recalls a disturbing encounter from his childhood through narration. Meanwhile, another teen, played by Brady Corbet, struggles to figure out the truth behind a blackout he suffered when he was younger, leading the two men to cross paths unexpectedly.

Writer and director Gregg Araki is notorious for including pervasive sexual content in his films, but the NC-17 rating for Mysterious Skin – also starring Elisabeth Shue and Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast member Michelle Trachtenberg – was largely determined by its graphic depiction of pedophilia. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the challenging subject matter sparked controversy when the Australian Family Association feared child predators could use the film as a grooming tool or for their own gratification.
 
Rent or buy Mysterious Skin on Amazon.
Buy Mysterious Skin on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989) - Antonio Banderas

In one of his many racy collaborations with writer and director Pedro Almodóvar, Antonio Banderas stars in Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! as Ricky, who is released from a mental hospital with the intent of finding love. So, he tracks down a former adult film star, played by Victoria Abril, whom he once shared an intimate encounter with and takes her prisoner in hopes he can convince her to be his wife.

According to Gwyne Edwards’ 2001 book Almodóvar: Labyrinths of Passion, the controversial subject matter of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! was instrumental in the creation of the NC-17 rating itself. Thus, the MPA branded it as such in 1990 for a “scene of strong adult sensuality with nudity,” according to FilmRatings.com.

Stream Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on Max.
Rent or buy Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on Amazon.
Buy Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! on Blu-ray Amazon.

Blonde (2022) - Ana de Armas

Based on the book by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde is director Andrew Dominik’s in-depth and fictionalized look at the tragically short life of Norma Jeane Baker, better known as Marilyn Monroe. Ana de Armas disappears into the role of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, portraying a side of the actress and model that was long kept hidden from the public.

Dominik once said that he anticipated his nearly three-hour biopic would be rated NC-17 before the MPA made it official in June 2022, citing “some sexual content” as the reasoning. The film’s more hardcore scenes would inspire some strong reactions from both critics and audiences since it was made available to stream in 2022.

Stream Blonde on Netflix.

Crash (1996) - James Spader, Holly Hunter

Not to be confused with director Paul Haggis’ Best Picture Oscar winner from 2005, Crash is one of the more bizarre and inventive movies directed by David Cronenberg (which is really saying something). Based on the novel by J.G. Ballard, it stars James Spader as a TV producer who becomes seduced into an unusual and dangerous obsession with car wrecks and the intense, sexually stimulating effect they seem to have on him and others, including his mistress (played by Holly Hunter).

Just from learning the plot, it seems pretty clear why a movie like Crash would have been given the NC-17 rating and why it inspired controversy so pervasive that it was chronicled in a 2001 book called The Crash Controversy: Censorship Campaigns and Film Reception. Nonetheless, it was still relatively well-received by critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes, and earned Cronenberg a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, despite vehement opposition from the jury’s then-president, Francis Ford Coppola.

Buy Crash on DVD on Amazon.

Descent (2007) - Rosario Dawson

Not to be confused with the Scottish 2005 horror movie THE Descent, this film sees Rosario Dawson giving her most provocative and extreme performance since she broke out in another controversial classic, Kids. This time, she plays a woman who undergoes a dramatic and violent change of character after she is assaulted by a man she meets at a fraternity party.

This brutal and upsetting revenge drama was actually released with two alternative cuts: one rated NC-17 and an R-rated edit that omits seven minutes of footage. Still, both versions contain brutal rape, language, some sexual content and drug use.

Buy Descent on DVD on Amazon.

Showgirls (1995) - Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan

Perhaps the most infamous movie on this list, Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 erotic cult classic, Showgirls, stars a post-Save by the Bell Elizabeth Berkley as a young drifter named Nomi Malone. As she hitchhikes to Las Vegas with dreams of becoming a famous dancer on the Strip, she has some ups and downs on her journey, but finally makes her dreams come true, at a price…

According to the MPA, Showgirls was given its NC-17 rating due to the amount of nudity and erotic sexuality throughout the movie, as well as graphic language and sexual violence. If you’ve seen the movie (and not the VH1 version with digitized bras), you’re well aware of the film’s graphic nature.

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Shame (2011) - Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan

Released in 2011, Steve McQueen’s psychological drama, Shame, stars Michael Fassbender as Brandon Sullivan – a successful and dashing executive who is secretly a traumatized sex addict who will do anything and everything to get his kicks in New York City. Just when he thinks life can’t get any worse, his equally damaged sister (Carey Mulligan) storms into his life, causing more complications.

Upon release, Shame was given an NC-17 rating by the MPA for explicit sexual content as well as some truly troubling scenes. I’ve walked out of several movies before, but this was the first I exited simply because what was happening on the screen was way too real and unnerving to finish.

Rent or buy Shame on Amazon.
Buy Shame on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013) - Léa Seydoux 

Abdellatif Kechiche’s 2013 French drama, Blue is the Warmest Color, stars Adèle Exarchopoulos as a high school student who experiences a sexual awakening after meeting an art school student and aspiring painter named Emma, played by James Bond movies actor, Léa Seydoux. Over the years, the two form a contentious and highly-emotional relationship that opens their eyes to a whole new world around them.

Though tamer than some of the other titles on this list, Blue is the Warmest Color was given an NC-17 rating because of the explicit sexual content the MPA felt was unsuitable for younger audiences. However, at least one theater allowed teens to watch the movie upon release.

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Buy Blue is the Warmest Color on Blu-ray Amazon.

Bad Lieutenant (1992) - Harvey Keitel

Abel Ferrara’s 1992 crime thriller Bad Lieutenant follows Harvey Keitel as a broken NYPD detective whose stress over his job, life, and gambling habits get the best of him. From one interaction to the next, the unnamed lieutenant falls deeper down the rabbit hole of depravity, committing some irredeemable crimes of his own along the way.

If there has ever been a movie deserving of an NC-17 rating it would have to be Bad Lieutenant. With an abundance of sexual violence, intense sexual situations, endless drug use, and extreme language throughout, it’s no wonder the MPA came down hard on the movie, which later inspired a sequel only in name, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Werner Herzog.

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Orgazmo (1997) - Trey Parker, Matt Stone

Co-writer and director Trey Parker plays a normal Mormon missionary trying to find enough money to support and marry his longtime girlfriend. But when he stumbles upon a porn set, the once strait-laced and deeply devoted young man becomes the biggest thing going in the adult entertainment industry in Orgazmo.

It should come as no surprise that a movie written by the creators of South Park, and one centered on the porn industry, would receive an NC-17 rating from the MPA in 1998. It should come as even less of a surprise that the rating was handed down due to the sexual content and dialogue featured throughout.

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Buy Orgazmo on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Bent (1997) - Clive Owen, Ian McKellen

After being discovered and arrested by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany, Max – a proud gay man played by Clive Owen – is sent on a perilous journey to the Dachau concentration camp where he is subjected to indescribable horrors while still being able to find love.

Possibly one of the most harrowing movies about the Holocaust, Sean Mathias’ 1997 drama Bent is absolutely heartbreaking and disturbing with its graphic displays of violence. Upon its release, the movie received an NC-17 rating from the MPA due to its graphic sexual nature.

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Matador (1986) - Antonio Banderas

In one of his most disturbing roles, Antonio Banderas plays Angel, a young student who confesses to an attempted rape and a series of murders he may or may not have committed, in Pedro Almodóvar’s 1986 dark comedy, Matador.

Just like some of the other movies featuring the director and actor, Matador pushed the limits with its dark, twisted, and oddly humorous story. Still, the MPA would later give the film an NC-17 rating in 2005 (nearly 20 years after initial release) due to “aberrant sexuality” and violence.

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Buy Matador on DVD on Amazon.

The Dreamers (2003) - Eva Green, Michael Pitt

In the midst of the 1968 Student Riots in Paris, an American student named Matthew (played by Michael Pitt) finds himself getting caught up in the lives of formerly conjoined twins – Louis Garrel as Théo and Eva Green as Isabelle – whose relationship is far from normal. When asked to spend a month with the siblings, Matthew falls deeper into their wild and free-flowing lifestyle.

Bernardo Bertolucci’s 2003 erotic drama, The Dreamers, pushes several boundaries and deviates from societal norms to tell a story about young love in the midst of a chaotic time. With the extreme sexual content and nudity, it’s no surprise the MPA gave the movie an NC-17 rating upon release.

Buy The Dreamers on DVD on Amazon.

A Dirty Shame (2004) - Selma Blair, Johnny Knoxville

A John Waters movie receiving an NC-17 rating? You don’t say! The filthy filmmaker’s 2004 comedy, A Dirty Shame, follows Tracey Ullman as Sylvia Stickles– a puritanical resident of the Hatford Road area of Baltimore who experiences a sexual awakening after being hit by a car. 

Selma Blair, Johnny Knoxville, and Chris Isaak also star in A Dirty Shame, which (no shocker here) was given the NC-17 rating by the MPA due to its pervasive sexual content. And if you’ve seen the movie, you are all too aware of just how pervasive and graphic it is.

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Buy A Dirty Shame on DVD on Amazon.

Pink Flamingos (1972) - Divine

When Connie (Mink Stole) and Raymond Marble (David Lochary) attempt to steal Babs Johnson’s (Divine) title of “the filthiest person alive,” the down and dirty criminal and her family make it their mission in life to prevent the newcomers from accomplishing their mission by any means necessary.

With scenes featuring incest, people eating dog poop, flashers, and an infamously notorious scene involving a chicken, it shouldn’t shock anyone that John Waters’ classic exploitation comedy film, Pink Flamingos, was given an NC-17 rating by the MPA upon re-release in 1997, 25 years after it first shocked audiences around the world. Maybe that’s why Roger Ebert hated the movie.

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The Evil Dead (1981) - Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell stars in the film that kickstarted the Evil Dead franchise as Ash Williams who – along with his girlfriend and a small group of friends – set off for a night away in an isolated cabin. However, the night quickly takes a turn for the worst after they discover the Necronomicon – a powerful book that awakens possessive, malevolent spirits.

Sam Raimi’s classic horror film, The Evil Dead, was initially released with an X rating back in 1981 on account of its substantial graphic violence and gore. It was later given an NC-17 by the MPA when the movie was re-released back in 1994.

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Buy The Evil Dead on Blu-ray on Amazon.

BONUS: Elles (2011) - Juliette Binoche

The title of Elles refers to the French magazine, Elle, for which Juliette Binoche’s character is researching an article about an underground sex worker ring orchestrated by female college students in Paris. However, the closer she gets to the facts behind the story, the more she begins to question her own personal interests. Graphic sexual content that goes as far as urinary fetishes initially earned this drama from Polish filmmaker Malgoska Szumowska an NC-17 rating.

Buy Elles on Blu-ray on Amazon.

BONUS: Happiness (1998) - Philip Seymour Hoffman 

The late Philip Seymour Hoffman plays one of several interconnected people all searching desperately for the most coveted emotion there is: happiness. Of course, their chosen ways of acquiring it are exactly the kind of reasons this Golden Globe nominee was initially given an NC-17 rating. 

Also starring the likes of Trick ‘r Treat’s Dylan Baker, Twin Peaks cast member Lara Flynn Boyle, and SNL’s Jon Lovitz, Happiness is one of the darkest comedies of its time. However, that does not mean so much when you learn it comes from writer and director Todd Solondz.

Buy Happiness on DVD on Amazon.

Elles and Happiness are some of a few notable examples of films that surrendered their NC-17 ratings upon release and are now deemed “unrated,” such as the aforementioned Kids. However, they are just as challenging and provocative as any of the films listed above, which is why we’ll still count them as NC-17 in our book.

Pitting The Predator — the titular, extra-terrestrial antagonist from one of cinema’s greatest monster movies — against a Native American tribe in the 18th Century is such a brilliant idea, I am surprised that Hulu’s acclaimed new thriller, Prey, did not happen sooner. In fact, I am surprised more popular movie franchises have not tried giving their properties a fresh spin with a prequel set decades (even centuries) prior to their originals. I actually have several series in mind, starting with another headlined by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Terminator

To prevent John Connor’s birth by killing his mother, Sarah (Linda Hamilton), in 1984’s The Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 was sent back to the year 1984. With the exception of the post-apocalyptic Terminator: Salvation, all sequels to James Cameron’s original sci-fi classic took place not long after the year of their release, and I think that might be why Skynet, usually, continues to fail at their mission. To raise the stakes and, hopefully, improve the story for the next Terminator sequel, I would recommend tracing the Connors’ lineage even further back in the past and, in particular, to an era with more primitive weaponry to make sure whatever cybernetic killing machine sent this time is even harder to stop.

Mission: Impossible

Hollywood has been tracing the history of the Impossible Mission Force from when the original Mission: Impossible TV show first aired in the mid-1960s all the way to the present with Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible movies, which are still churning out more adventures as we speak. However, we have never seen a cinematic installment or an episode of the original series that shows us how the IMF came to be and why it was founded. I think a prequel set around the independent espionage organization’s conception — executed with the same high-wire thrills and featuring another daredevil protagonist like Ethan Hunt — could, hopefully, be a more successful spy origin than The King’s Man turned out to be.

National Treasure

I think Disney struck gold using historical fact to craft some exciting fiction out of its National Treasure movies, which would later inspire an upcoming Disney+-exclusive spin-off series, but has yet to officially dig its long-awaited third installment out of development hell. I actually think a fun way to revitalize the franchise for the big screen would be to go backwards and tell a story about people looking for the Templar Treasure long before Nicolas Cage’s character, Benjamin Gates, did. Maybe this one could take place in the 1930s or 1940s as a tribute of sorts to one of the franchises that inspired it in the first place: the Indiana Jones movies.

Beetlejuice

I have always been curious about what kind of person Michael Keaton’s titular antagonist of Tim Burton’s 1989 classic, Beetlejuice (one of the all-time greatest horror-comedy movies), might have been like when he was still living. However, I admittedly would rather be kept as in the dark about the hilariously spooky bio-exorcist’s origin as possible, but we do know from some of the film’s most memorable quotes that he “lived through the Black Plague and had a pretty good time during that” and has been around for, at least, a “millennium.” Thus, it is possible that someone in the last several centuries tried to conjure Betelgeuse (the true spelling of his name) by saying it thrice, and I would love to see how something that crazy would play out.

It

When I heard Bill Skarsgård announce that a third movie based on Stephen King’s It had been discussed, I wasn’t too keen on the idea, as I am not sure where else you could take this horrifying metaphor of innocence lost past the moment the Losers Club officially defeats their clownish enemy. That was until I remembered that Pennywise is not just a creepy ass clown, but a shapeshifting, otherworldly entity that has existed on earth for an unspecified amount of time. That kind of makes me curious to see what other nightmares he may have conjured for other people over the years (or centuries) prior to taking up residence in Derry, Maine.

The Conjuring Universe

James Wan’s instant classic of the haunted house movie subgenre, 2013’s The Conjuring, has spawned a shared universe unlike any other in how each of its installments are inspired by allegedly real supernatural phenomena. However, the earliest era explored in the Conjuring Universe timeline thus far is the early 1950s, with 2018’s The Nun, but I would like to see the franchise tackle a “true” haunting that predates even the 20th Century. Maybe Wan and co. could research some spooky reportings from the Victorian Era or even see if they can find some really old and really strange event that is still somehow related to the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga in the franchise). 

The Evil Dead

Now, I understand that I am technically cheating here because the Evil Dead movies already have seen some “primitive screwheads” get possessed with its third installment, 1992’s Army of Darkness, but what I have mind is something entirely different from that wacky time travel adventure. As much as I do love director Sam Raimi’s cartoonishly macabre sensibilities and star Bruce Campbell’s comedic timing, I would like to see something more in line with the 1981 original and the 2013 reboot that earnestly depicts the grueling terror that one of the most beloved horror franchises is most famous for. As for the what time period I would choose: I am thinking that the Deadites would feel right at home turning a village of devoted Puritans upside down during the Salem Witch Trials.

John Wick

There are many secrets hiding in plan sight and with little explanation in the John Wick movies, and that’s what keeps this world filled to the brim with master assassins interesting. However, one could infer that the Continental Hotel and its many international subsidiaries has been around for quite a while and could house many intriguing stories that span decades. I would very much be interested in seeing a spin-off set in 1920s Chicago, 1940s New York, or any time or place before “Baba Yaga’s” prime, as long as the action is badass.

Might the success of Prey see the beginning of a new trend of more action-packed or scary blockbusters set before modern times? Could these period thrillers be canon to the beloved franchises above? I suppose only time will tell.

The story of how Mario Puzo’s epic crime novel, The Godfather, was made into one of the most acclaimed movies of all time is as captivating as the film itself. Such is why producer Albert S. Ruddy’s experiences making the 1973 Best Picture Oscar winner have been made into a 10-part limited series called The Offer, which premiered exclusively on Paramount+ on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Of course, the mob movie masterpiece is just one of many films that are famous (or infamous) for their notably controversial or even downright disastrous productions, including one that also comes from director Francis Ford Coppola. In fact, let’s start our list of movies that we believe deserve to have their stories told in a behind-the-scenes miniseries like The Offer with that classic.

Apocalypse Now

The torrid production of the 1979 Vietnam War drama Apocalypse Now faced pretty much every problem you could ever imagine happening on a film set (budget constraints, last minute casting changes, constant script rewrites, etc.) and even more that seem unimaginable today. For instance, star Martin Sheen had a heart attack that he opted to keep secret and also suffered bloody injury while filming a chaotic scene that he urged to have left in. All the bizarre details were later chronicled in the 1991 documentary, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse, which I would like to see dramatized one day in a series that could see The Offer cast’s Don Fogler reprise his role as a Francis Ford Coppola at the end of his rope.

The Island Of Dr. Moreau

Another film whose notorious behind-the-scenes issues (some of which were also caused by star Marlon Brando) later inspired a documentary is the 1996 adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau - director Richard Stanley’s dream project that quickly became a nightmare. The filmmaker was forcibly replaced with John Frankenheimer after just days - mostly due to his reported clashes with Val Kilmer - and later snuck onto the set disguised as one of the movie’s half-human, half-animals hybrids just out of spite. It also led him step away from filmmaking completely until finally returning with his adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s Color Out of Space in 2020.

Gone With The Wind

There was also a director shake-up on the set of 1939’s Oscar-winning, blockbuster period epic, Gone with the Wind, that actually led to more heated arguments after the fact. Star Vivian Leigh apparently could not stand working with Victor Fleming, who replaced original director George Cukor because (as rumors suggest) his homosexuality made Clark Gable uncomfortable. However, similarly to The Offer, I think a series based on this years-long and often chaotic production should be told from the perspective of its producer, David O. Selznick, who was constantly at odds with almost everyone involved as he struggled to see his own vision of Margaret Mitchell’s novel brought to life.

The Wizard Of Oz

When Victor Fleming was brought on to helm Gone with the Wind, he was already in the middle of making another soon-to-be classic that was littered with problems of a more disturbing sort. Shudder’s original docuseries, Cursed Films, debuted its second season with an episode on The Wizard of Oz, which covers infamous behind-the-scenes facts like the abuse inflicted on young Judy Garland, the use of asbestos for fake snow, two near-death accidents, and plenty more that could easily fit a 10-episode series. I think a drama unveiling all the bizarre and upsetting events that happened while making an otherwise iconic, family-friendly fantasy would make quite an impression on audiences.

Twilight Zone: The Movie

Production on Twilight Zone: The Movie, a horror anthology film inspired by Rod Serling’s TV series, was beset by tragedy when a helicopter crash occurred while filming, resulting in the deaths of Vic Morrow and two child actors. Director John Landis was later put on trial and more details about the situation were exposed, including claims of recklessness and laws related to regulations for working conditions and hours for child actors allegedly being violated. A TV series could explore what went wrong before the tragedy, and what fully happened during the investigations and trials afterwards.

Jaws

Steven Spielberg became well versed in production troubles from working on his soon-to-be classic thriller, Jaws. The reason why the 1975 creature feature goes for long stretches without showing its centerpiece creature on camera is because the mechanical shark (nicknamed “Bruce”) was constantly malfunctioning, which is just one of the many behind-the-scenes stories about Hollywood’s first blockbuster worth noting. In fact, I would watch a making-of drama just see a recreations of the famous feud between Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw. 

Roar

Luckily, Jaws can claim to not have been plagued by any on-set injuries, but the same can certainly not be said about another creature feature, this one made in the early 1980s, called Roar. The film is about a group of people terrorized by a swarm of wild lions - a horror that 70 cast and crew members were also subjected to in reality, suffering countless attacks and injuries caused by the animals on set. The movie itself, which was marketed by its dangerous reputation when it was finally released in the United States in 2015, is not really considered horror, but I am sure fans of the genre would devour a show about the production.

The Evil Dead

Fans of the Evil Dead movies are just as entertained by stories of the painful and exhausting low-budget production of the 1981 original (which star Bruce Campbell is always game to share) as the frightening content of the film itself. However, more fascinating is how horrifying some of the on-set tension was (somewhat by design) - such as when director Sam Raimi repeatedly poked Campbell’s sprained ankle with a stick at one point. If a behind-the-scenes series was made, I would especially hope to see it cover how Raimi had to defend the cult classic in court after it was initially banned in the U.K.

I never shy away from the chance to learn more about what filmmakers can go through, and seeing some of these situations recreated as a drama can be just as intriguing. However, finding an actor with the right chin to play Bruce Campbell in a biographical Evil Dead series would be one tough challenge.

If you’re into movies like I am, then you’ve undoubtedly seen a ton of excellent films by great directors like Quentin Tarantino, Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, etc. Not only do I love to watch films from all over the world, I also love to watch a director’s entire oeuvre, which is how I’ve seen all 6 George Lucas movies, and every Peter Jackson movie. Here’s what I’ve learned by watching the entire filmography of so many directors: Some of them make a truly great movie on their very first try. 

Now, that’s not to say that they didn’t experiment with smaller projects before their first feature length film, as even Paul Thomas Anderson cut his teeth on the short film Cigarettes and Coffee before he directed Hard Eight. But, when it comes to a first feature length film, some directors just somehow nail it, which often guides the trajectory of their entire careers. So, here are 16 such directors who undoubtedly got it right on their very first feature length film.  

Quentin Tarantino - Reservoir Dogs (1992) 

Here’s what’s interesting about Reservoir Dogs. If Tarantino’s first movie was Pulp Fiction, and Reservoir Dogs was actually his last movie, it might feel smaller in scale, sure, but I also think it would still feel like a fitting swansong to an incredible career. That’s how amazing Reservoir Dogs is. It’s so good, I could see him making it today. 

But, it was his first film, and it totally made him explode onto the scene back in the early ‘90s. He would, of course, go on to make Pulp Fiction (his best movie), Inglorious Basterds, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and many others, but Tarantino’s mark was already made with Reservoir Dogs, and it’s still legendary today.     

Robert Rodriguez - El Mariachi (1992) 

The first (and I would argue best) in Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy, which also contains Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, is said to have only cost $7,000 U.S. dollars to make. It’s about a guitar player who manages to get targeted because of mistaken identity, and he has to take up arms if he wants to live. 

Robert Rodriguez has had an interesting career, jumping back and forth between mature, R-rated films like Sin City and Machete, and kid-friendly stuff like Spy Kids and the hit We Can Be Heroes. That said, it was El Mariachi and its unassuming badassness that got him onto the scene, and it’s still awesome to this day. He’s still awesome to this day, no question.  

Kevin Smith - Clerks (1994) 

There's a reason why Kevin Smith keeps coming back to Clerks, what with the upcoming Clerks 3, and that's because his first movie might just be his very best film ever. The story of a clerk named Dante who shouldn't even be at work today, seems like it has nothing to say and yet everything to say at the same time. Plus, it's all in glorious black and white. 

Kevin Smith's known for movies like Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Red State, and those movies are great and all, but I think most would agree that Smith found his voice with his very first film, and he's mostly kept that voice for the entirety of his career. I'm not complaining.   

Patty Jenkins - Monster (2003) 

Nowadays, Patty Jenkins is most known for bringing Wonder Woman to the big screen, and her future resides in Star Wars with her upcoming movie, Rogue Squadron. But, arguably more interesting is Patty Jenkins' first movie, Monster, which is about the real life serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, played by Charlize Theron, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance.  

How good was this movie? Well, Roger Ebert called Monster the best film of 2002, and he proclaimed that Charlize Theron's performance was one of the greatest that he’d ever seen. Not bad for a director's debut picture.  

Jordan Peele - Get Out (2017) 

Before Get Out, Jordan Peele was probably most known as the other half of Key & Peele. But, after Get Out, I’m pretty sure everybody knew who he was as a single entity, as the talented director/writer/actor exploded onto the scene with the movie that many consider the true Best Picture of 2017.  

Now, every new movie he makes is an event. Us was a creepy doppelganger film, and his next project, Nope, is shrouded in mystery, but still highly anticipated. All that white hot anticipation is all due to Get Out, which single-handedly turned this comedian into one of the most important voices in horror today.    

Steven Spielberg - Duel (1971) 

Steven Spielberg was only 24 when he directed his first feature length film, Duel, and the rest is history. Duel has a simple premise - a guy (Dennis Weaver) is terrorized by an unseen truck driver for 80 minutes, and that’s it.  

But, Spielberg, who has made some of the best movies of all time, just nailed it with Duel. The whole film is taut and unsettling, and it’s little wonder why many people pegged Spielberg as a wunderkind all the way back in the early ‘70s. He certainly was!   

Orson Welles - Citizen Kane (1941) 

The year is 2022, and some people are still saying that Orson Welles got robbed when Citizen Kane lost Best Picture to How Green Was My Valley back at the 1942 Oscars. This actually makes sense, because some critics call Citizen Kane the greatest movie of all time. Not bad for a young man's very first feature film. 

In fact, even though Welles directed other great films like The Magnificent Ambersons, and Touch of Evil, he will forever be known as the man who directed quite possibly the greatest film of all time. On his very first try, no less. Unbelievable.  

Sidney Lumet - 12 Angry Men (1957) 

Even though Sidney Lumet directed a little over 40 films, and serious classics including Network, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Verdict, it might be his first movie, the Academy Award-nominated 12 Angry Men, that might be his most accessible and enjoyable work in his filmography. 

Adapted from a teleplay of the same name, 12 Angry Men is spectacular for many reasons, one being the acting, but two being the pacing, which never lets up. In fact, quick pacing and stellar acting is emblematic of a lot of Lumet's movies, and he had it down pat with his very first film. Lumet was a legend.  

Sophia Coppola - The Virgin Suicides (1999) 

Based on the novel of the same name, The Virgin Suicides is about five sisters (one played by Kirsten Dunst) who are closely monitored after the youngest sister attempts suicide. It’s a drama, to be certain, but there is also an undercurrent of dark humor that kind of creates an almost unsettling quality to an already pretty dark story. 

This “unsettling quality” would show up in Coppola’s later films, like Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette, and especially, The Beguiled. Still, if I were to jumble up all of those movies and throw The Virgin Suicides into the mix, then most people likely wouldn’t be able to tell which is her debut picture, since they’re all the marks of a professional.  

Ridley Scott - The Duelists (1977) 

Ridley Scott is probably most known for movies like Alien, Blade Runner, and the Best Picture-winning Gladiator, but his debut, The Duelists, starring Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine as warring soldiers who duel each other for decades, was already the mark of master director. 

It’s so good that one of his most recent films, The Last Duel, kind of feels similar in tone and direction. The budget is much higher for The Last Duel, but the acting, pacing, and direction in The Duelists is just as good as it is in the recent film, which is astounding to say the very least.  

Alejandro González Iñárritu - Amores Perros (2000)

The first part of the “Trilogy of Death” (with 21 Grams and Babel), Amores Perros, which roughly translates to "love’s a bitch," slammed into audiences like a car crash with this interesting narrative that connects three separate people to an automobile accident. 

Alejandro González Iñárritu would later go on to direct one of my favorite movies ever in Birdman, but a lot of the electric filmmaking that made that movie so great, was even evident in Amores Perros, which shocks and breaks your heart, sometimes in the very same scene. 

Sam Raimi - The Evil Dead (1981) 

Sam Raimi's come a long way since his debut picture, The Evil Dead. He's helming Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and he came to commercial recognition with his Spider-Man trilogy.   

But, to many, he'll always be "The Evil Dead guy," and for good reason. The first Evil Dead is a seminal entry in ‘80s horror that innovated a lot of unique techniques, such as the camera chasing the characters. Sure, his later Evil Dead movies might be more popular, but that first movie announced a fresh new director, and he'd be here to stay.   

Spike Jonze - Being John Malkovich (1999) 

If you love meta movies, then you’re undoubtedly familiar with the work of Spike Jonze. His second film, Adaptation., was perhaps even more meta than his first, and he managed to make the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are, into a semi-meditative movie featuring James Gandolfini.   

Being John Malkovich garnered him a Best Director Oscar nomination. The film has such a unique strangeness to it that you might attribute it to Charlie Kaufman’s cerebral writing, but, you can see that Spike Jonze’s brain is definitely on a similar wavelength with his other films not written by Kaufman. Being John Malkovich is one of the reasons why some people call 1999 one of the best years in cinema, and this was Spike Jonze’s debut picture. Outstanding!    

Ryan Coogler - Fruitvale Station (2013)  

Before Black Panther, before Creed, there was Fruitvale Station, a film so infuriating that it had this writer seething in his seat when he first saw it. Chronicling the events that led up to the real life death of Oscar Grant, Fruitvale Station seems like the work of an artist who had spent years in the director’s seat, not a directorial debut.  

Coogler's next picture is the hotly anticipated sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but you could see the talent in his first picture, which he made at the tender age of 25. Damn.  

Ari Aster - Hereditary (2018) 

I think it says a lot that Ari Aster only has two feature films to his name, but he's already established himself as one of the leading voices in modern day horror. This was all due to Hereditary, which is still the scariest movie I've ever seen. 

He would later go on to make Midsommar, and one could argue that Midsommar is the better Ari Aster film. Whichever you prefer, I don't think anybody will argue the greatness of Hereditary. Making one of the scariest movies of all time as your very first feature film is no laughing matter. In fact, it’s quite terrifying to be this good.    

Rob Reiner - This Is Spinal Tap (1984) 

Rob Reiner has proven that he can be successful in any genre. He mastered fantasy with The Princess Bride, tackled horror with Misery, and dabbled in romantic comedies with When Harry Met Sally.

But, my favorite, and a lot of people's favorite movie of his, is his debut, the infinitely quotable mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap. The film is probably the funniest rock movie ever made, and it's done in such a way that Spinal Tap seems like a legit band. It's actually kind of sad that they aren't a real band, though, because some of their songs really kick ass.   

What other prominent directors do you think made a great movie on their first try? For news on today's great directors, make sure to swing by here often!   

Being a horror fan is practically synonymous with being a fan of Bruce Campbell - the star of some of the best horror movies of all time and even a few creepy TV shows as well. Of course, the actor behind the Evil Dead movies’ hero, Ash Williams, has had a versatile career outside of mowing down Deadites with his chainsaw for a right hand. 

We will point out many of those notable highlights in the following list of our picks for the best Bruce Campbell movies and TV shows available on streaming, digital rental, or for purchase on physical media. However, it's only fair that we begin with films that made Campbell one of the “grooviest” stars in cinematic history.

The Evil Dead Movies (1981-1992)

A supermarket employee (Bruce Campbell) must defend himself and others against malevolent, possessive spirits in a secluded log cabin - and, later, in the Middle Ages - after accidentally awakening them with a book bound in human flesh and inked in human blood.

Why they are some of the best Bruce Campbell movies: Writer and director Sam Raimi created one of the best horror movie franchises (if not the best) with 1981’s relentlessly grueling low-budget masterpiece The Evil Dead. He then perfected the horror-comedy with Evil Dead 2 in 1987, and surprised audiences with a cartoonish take on the medieval adventure genre in 1992’s Army of Darkness - all of which star Bruce Campbell as the quippy, bumbling demon-killer, Ashley J. “Ash” Williams.

Stream The Evil Dead Movies on HBO Max.

Rent/buy The Evil Dead digitally on Amazon.
Rent/buy Evil Dead 2 digitally on Amazon.
Rent/buy Army of Darkness digitally on Amazon.

Buy The Evil Dead And Evil Dead 2 on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.
Buy Army of Darkness on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Ash Vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018) 

A middle-aged, underachieving Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) teams up with his co-workers, Pablo (Ray Santiago) and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo), to save the world after he accidentally awakens those malevolent, possessive Deadites once again.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell TV shows: The adventures of Ash Williams finally continued when Bruce Campbell led the Ash vs. Evil Dead cast as his best-known character, one last time, before retiring him once Starz cancelled the series after three bloody-good seasons in 2018.

Stream Ash Vs. Evil Dead on Netflix.
Buy Ash Vs. Evil Dead digitally on Amazon.
Buy Ash Vs. Evil Dead on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Maniac Cop (1988)

An aging, hard-nosed detective (Tom Atkins) teams up with a disgraced, younger officer (Bruce Campbell) to stop the brutal killing spree of a murderer dressed in a police uniform in New York City.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell movies: One of Bruce Campbell’s biggest roles in the ’80s outside of the Evil Dead franchise was as one of the heroes of Maniac Cop - a fun and surprisingly smart hybrid of slasher movies and detective dramas that see Campbell share the screen with another iconic horror movie actor, Tom Atkins.

Stream Maniac Cop on Shudder.
Buy Maniac Cop on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

Years after switching identities with one of his impersonators to escape the pressures of fame, Elvis Presley (Bruce Campbell) and a Black man who claims to be the real John F. Kennedy (Ossie Davis) team-up to stop an evil Egyptian mummy from claiming the souls of fellow residents at their nursing home in Texas.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell movies: One of Bruce Campbell’s most celebrated roles in his entire career outside of the Evil Dead franchise was as the real elderly King of Rock ’n Roll himself in Bubba Ho-Tep - a wonderfully absurd horror-comedy written for screen and helmed by Phantasm and John Dies at the End director Don Coscarelli.

Stream Bubba Ho-Tep on Tubi.
Stream Bubba Ho-Tep on Pluto TV.

Rent/buy Bubba Ho-Tep digitally on Amazon.
Buy Bubba Ho-Tep on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. (1993-1994)

A bounty hunter (Bruce Campbell) travels through the Old West in search of the outlaw gang that killed his father, and comes into possession of strange, futuristic objects that help him out of sticky situations along the way.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell TV shows: Bruce Campbell’s first lead role on a TV show, years before Ash vs. Evil Dead, was as the titular hero of the prematurely and unfairly cancelled The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. - a unique hybrid of an old school western with broad comedy and bizarre sci-fi surrealism from co-creators Jeffrey Boam and Carlton Cuse.

Rent/buy The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. digitally on Amazon.
Buy The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Movies (2002-2007)

After a radioactive spider’s bite gives him extraordinary abilities, a young New Yorker (Tobey Maguire) accepts the great responsibility of protecting the city from evil, all while struggling to maintain a social life and a career in the process.

Why they are some of the best Bruce Campbell movies: Director Sam Raimi cast his good friend, Evil Dead trilogy star Bruce Campbell, in all three of his Spider-Man movies, in which he made a hilarious cameo as a different character (from an amateur wrestling announcer in the first film to a French maitre d’ in the third) each time.

Stream Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Movies on Peacock Premium.

Rent/buy Spider-Man digitally on Amazon.
Rent/buy Spider-Man 2 digitally on Amazon.
Rent/buy Spider-Man 3 digitally on Amazon.

Buy Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Movies on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Sky High (2005)

In a world almost entirely populated by super-powered beings, a young man (Michael Angarano) struggles to fit in during his freshman year of high school, despite not having any powers of his own…yet.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell movies: One of Bruce Campbell’s most notable contributions to superhero movies outside of the Spider-Man trilogy (so far) is his role as the very selective Coach Boomer (a.k.a. Sonic Boom) in Sky High - an inventive, family-friendly take on the genre with hearty messages about about heroism.

Stream Sky High on Disney+.
Rent/buy Sky High digitally on Amazon.
Buy Sky High on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

As part of stock market scam, an unwitting business school graduate (Tim Robbins) is promoted from mail room attendant to president of a big manufacturing company.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell movies: Bruce Campbell is also good friends with Oscar-winning directorial duo Joel and Ethan Coen (the latter of whom actually worked as an assistant film editor on The Evil Dead) who would cast the actor as a fast-talking newspaper reporter in The Hudsucker Proxy - a fast-paced screwball comedy that feels ripped right from the 1930s, which Sam Raimi also helped write and served as a second unit director for.

Rent/buy The Hudsucker Proxy digitally on Amazon.
Buy The Hudsucker Proxy on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Ant Bully (2006)

A young boy who takes his frustrations out on a colony of ants is magically shrunken down to their size and forced to live and work among them.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell movies: Bruce Campbell has leant his distinct, bold voice to a number of memorable animated roles, such as a smug and appropriately large-chinned ant named Fugax in The Ant Bully - a charming fish-out-of-water story from the director of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, John A. Davis.

Rent/buy The Ant Bully digitally on Amazon.
Buy The Ant Bully on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)

Hoping to finally earn the respect he has craved from his family and peers, an aspiring inventor (Bill Hader) creates a device that makes food fall from the sky, which means great news for his financially starving town before disaster inevitably strikes.

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell movies: Another notable voice role on Bruce Campbell’s resume is the also smug and large-chinned Mayor Shebourne in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - a hilarious adaptation of Judi Barrett’s classic children’s book from writing and directing duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

Stream Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs on Hulu.
Rent/buy Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs digitally on Amazon.
Buy Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Burn Notice (2007-2013)

After his employment is suddenly terminated and he is forcibly relocated to Miami, an international spy (Jeffrey Donovan) takes up a job as a private investigator with the help of his ex-girlfriend (Gabrielle Anwar), a former military intelligence operative (Bruce Campbell), and, occasionally, his mother (Sharon Gless).

Why it is one of the best Bruce Campbell TV shows: Bruce Campbell’s big return to television in the 21st Century before the premiere of Ash vs. Evil Dead was the scene-stealing role of Sam Axe on Burn Notice - an Emmy-nominated hit USA Network original that makes espionage look fun and actually quite doable with the right materials. 

Stream Burn Notice on Hulu.
Stream Burn Notice on PlutoTV.

Buy Burn Notice digitally on Amazon.
Buy Burn Notice on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

As previously mentioned, Bruce Campbell has retired from playing Ash Williams onscreen, but will voice him in the upcoming Evil Dead video game in 2022 - the same year that HBO Max will premiere Evil Dead Rise, which Campbell produced with Sam Raimi. The actor could also be seen most recently playing the manager of a toy store overridden by mutant shoppers in the horror-comedy, Black Friday, and played a musician turned music manager in the Hallmark Christmas movie called One December Night.

While starring in horror movies may sound like fun gigs, the jobs aren't always so easy. Sometimes the fear and anxiety you see on screen is not too far from what the cast experienced on set, which is something the cast of one of the all-time best horror movies, The Evil Dead, can attest to. Star Bruce Campbell is often a fount of BTS stories and has one such behind-the-scenes story that is as painful as it is hilariously awkward. 

He recalled the memory in a featurette included on the recently released The Evil Dead Groovy Collection 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. The short documentary, called “The Ladies of The Evil Dead Meet Bruce Campbell,” sees the B-movie legend, who plays Ash Williams, conversing with his co-stars Ellen Sandweiss (Ash’s sister, Cheryl), Betsy Baker (Ash’s girlfriend, Linda), and Theresa Tilly (Shelly, credited then as Sarah York). The cast discusses their experiences filming the low-budget, 1981 cult classic from future Doctor Strange 2 director Sam Raimi. 

At one point, the actors mention how low temperatures at the Tennessee cabin they filmed at made the fake blood much stickier than expected. Bruce Campbell really learned that the hard way, as he explained:

Even without any background knowledge, watching The Evil Dead gives the viewer a pretty clear idea of the challenges Bruce Campbell and others faced on the set. During his ill-fated stay at the woodland cabin setting, “hero” Ash Williams is relentlessly tormented by malicious spirits that turn his friends into grotesque minions. It should come as no surprise that he is covered head-to-toe in blood by the end. 

However, to discover the degree of misery that the fake blood caused the actor when the cameras were not rolling is especially heart-wrenching. I am not sure which is more painful: the fact that Bruce Campbell’s own arm hair was coming off with the blood (which he later explains in the featurette had to be melted off with a hot shower before finally getting his clothes off) or how it must have felt to scare  the hell out of bystanders about to pray to the Heavens.

On the other hand, scaring people is something the actor has continued to revel in since, having reprised his best-known character three more times in 1987’s horror-comedy classic Evil Dead 2, the cartoonish medieval epic Army of Darkness in 1992, and the Starz original TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead from 2015 to 2018. You can relive all of the chainsaw-handed Deadite killer’s adventures (excluding Army of Darkness, unfortunately) and learn the secrets behind each installment with The Evil Dead Groovy Collection, which is available now.

While Bruce Campbell has retired from playing Ash on camera, he will return in the upcoming Evil Dead video game and has re-teamed with Sam Raimi to produce a new installment for the franchise called Evil Dead Rise - one of the most anticipated upcoming horror movies which wrapped shooting in October 2021 and will be released exclusively on HBO Max. With a bigger budget, the cast and crew likely had an easier time on set than the original cast did. However, according to director Lee Cronin’s tweet, it was no less bloody this time. Groovy!

Horror is definitely my favorite genre of film, but if there’s one series that I could watch over and over again, it would have to be the Evil Dead movies. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Bruce Campbell. A chainsaw for a hand. Deadites screaming, “I’ll swallow your soul! I’ll swallow your soul!” That horror series.

And with a new Evil Dead movie on the way (and Halloween right around the corner), what better time than now to rank all 4 Evil Dead movies. Now, before you even ask, yes, I have watched the off-Broadway play as well as most of Ash vs. The Evil Dead, and I love them both. But this is a list of the movies rather than the TV show or the play. So if this were a list of 6 rather than 4, I would place the TV show dead center at #3, and the Musical at #4. Both are great, but neither are as great as the 2 movies that I’d put at numbers 2 and 1, respectively. Come get some.

4. Evil Dead (2013)

Partially written by Diablo Cody (she was brought in for script revisions) 2013’s Evil Dead is both tonally different from the original movie and also a love letter in the highest order when it comes to the plot. The story this time around concerns a heroin addict (played by Jane Levy) who’s brought to a cabin in the woods to try and beat her addiction. But everything else is very similar to the original. There’s even a tree rape scene, and of course an evil book in the basement that unleashes hell.

Besides that, though, the evil is much more spelled out this time around and is known as The Abomination, or The Taker of Souls. What follows is an excursion into violence, as this is definitely the bloodiest movie in the entire franchise.

And that’s kind of the problem with it. 2013’s Evil Dead is really great as a horror movie, but not so much as an Evil Dead film. The biggest problem with it is that it’s missing its center with Ash, played by Bruce Campbell. Its violence is also the main attraction here as the characters are kind of bland when compared to the original. And while you might think it’s unfair to compare this movie with the original since it’s really a soft reboot more than anything else, its story is so similar—besides the excessive, unhumorous bloodshed—that it’s kind of hard not to compare it to the original.

For a better cabin in the woods movie with humor and a lot more of Evil Dead’s campy charm see, er, The Cabin in the Woods, which is definitely a lot more tongue in cheek and enjoyable than this ultraviolent take on the series.

3. The Evil Dead (1981)

Coming out one year after The Shining I really do think that The Shining and The Evil Dead really jumpstarted the 1980s to make it the greatest decade of horror movies ever (eat your heart out, 1930s). Directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell in his first major film role, The Evil Dead is a horror film with a simple premise that went a long way. It’s about five college kids going off to a cabin together, only to unleash the dead after reading a book in the basement.

The special effects were great for the time and all the characters, while uninspired, are still really fun. The acting isn’t all that great, with even Bruce Campbell looking like the neophyte actor that he was back in 1981, but the story feels unique for such a simple haunted house premise, mostly because of Sam Raimi’s direction and the out-there camera techniques. Plus, it’s the only film in the original trilogy that can be considered a genuine horror movie, so it has that going for it.

2. Army of Darkness (1992)

By 1992, Sam Raimi and company decided screw it, let’s just make a horror comedy, with more emphasis on the comedy. And they succeeded on all fronts. Army of Darkness follows Ash after the events of Evil Dead 2 (more on that in a few) where he gets sucked into a portal and sent back into medieval times. But instead of this being even remotely terrifying, what we get instead is a whole lot of slapstick humor with Bruce Campbell even pulling the ‘ol sneeze-a-roo when trying to answer an important question because he forgot the answer to it. And if you’ve ever played the video game Duke Nukem, then a lot of the lines in this film should sound familiar since probably half of that game’s quips and one-liners came straight from this movie.

Army of Darkness is definitely the silliest movie in the franchise and what most people probably think of when they remember the Evil Dead series. Ash is much more of an action hero in this one, wielding a chainsaw for a hand (And later a groovy metal hand) and a “boomstick” in the other, but there are just so many memorable moments in this movie that it’s sometimes easy to forget just what a great overall film it is. But it’s not the best movie in the series. That would be…

1. Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn (1987)

If there is a perfect horror movie, it’s Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn. Both a reboot as well as a sequel, Evil Dead 2 sees Ash in the same cabin in the woods as the original, but the story is all changed up. This is not the wet-behind-the-ears Ash we got in the first movie. No. This is an Ash who would cut off his own possessed hand with a chainsaw, and then put said chainsaw over the stump to kick some deadite ass.

The story is more engaging than the original’s and it’s the perfect mix of scary (that chuckling deer head still bothers me) as well as hilarious. Bruce Campbell does the best performance of his career as Ash in this one, and while most people probably think of Army of Darkness when they remember the Evil Dead franchise, it’s Evil Dead 2 that cemented Ash’s character and brought him into legendary status. There is not a wasted second in Evil Dead 2, and in my opinion, it’s the greatest comedy horror film of all time.

I try to make it a point to watch all 4 Evil Dead films every Halloween season, and I’m currently on Number 2. But what are your thoughts? Which Evil Dead movie is your favorite and why? Sound off in the comments section below.

This poll is no longer available.

Everybody seems to be in love with the '80s again because of Stranger Things. And why not? The decade of Reagan, Indiana Jones, and Ferris Bueller is just so iconic, that it’s hard not to be. The hair, the clothes, the music. Pretty much everything about the '80s is most excellent. That’s why it’s so awesome to see so many great '80s movies on Netflix available to stream right this instant.

Some of these movies will make you laugh. Some of them will make you cheer. And some of them will even make you think. But all of them will transport you back to the decade when excess was everything, and a guy named Frankie just wanted you to relax. So let’s head back to the '80s, everyone. And pack light. Because where we’re going, we don’t need roads.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Bueller…Bueller… John Hughes’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the quintessential '80s movie. It tells the story of one Ferris Bueller, a carefree teenager (played by Matthew Broderick) who just doesn’t want to go to school today. But the principal (played by Jeffrey Jones), isn’t going to let that fly, and he's out to spoil Ferris Bueller's perfect day.

In a lot of ways, not only is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off the quintessential '80s movie, but it’s also the quintessential Chicago movie as well, since so much of the city is represented and on display in this film. Some people like to say that Ferris is a bad person, while others posit that Ferris Bueller doesn’t even exist and is really just a figment of his friend, Cameron’s, imagination. Whatever you tend to believe, though, one thing is proof positive. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a kick-ass movie, and one that you should be watching right now. Twist and shout!

Stream Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Netflix

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Now retroactively known as Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, many people believe that the first Indy movie is the best one. Not me, though. I’m a Temple of Doom man, myself. But most people tend to agree that Raiders or The Last Crusade are the best Indy movies. Thankfully, all four (sigh. Yes, there are four Indiana Jones movies…) are available to stream on Netflix. I don’t know if you knew that already, but if you didn’t, then now you do. You’re welcome.

But seriously, the first movie is so iconic that it’s easy to forget just how groundbreaking a film it was upon its release. It tells the story about the most badass archaeologist on the planet (Indy, of course, played by Harrison Ford) who is in a race to reach the Ark of the Covenant before some nefarious Nazis can get their hands on it. The Ark has supernatural powers, and the U.S. government doesn’t want it to fall into enemy hands. That’s where Indy comes in. There’s action, suspense, romance, a boulder! What else more could you possibly want? Kali Ma! Kali Maaaaa! Oh, wait. That’s The Temple of Doom again. Sorry.

Stream Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)

Do androids dream of electric sheep? I don’t know, do they? In this extended, final cut, they could. But they may also dream of unicorns. There’s also some more violent scenes in this final cut than the original, theatrical version. So, yay, violence.

What is Blade Runner about? Well, it’s really heady stuff. Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is about a world in the future (2019!) where androids (known in this movie as “Replicants”) turn dangerous, and a cop named Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford AGAIN!), who may or may not be a Replicant himself, must track them down and “retire” them. But within all that is the question of who deserves to live and die, and if somebody is created to be a human, don’t they have a right to live, too? Check it out. Because there’s a reason why it’s considered one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time.

Stream Blade Runner: The Final Cut

The Evil Dead (1981)

My favorite movie on this list, The Evil Dead is about a man named Ash who travels with his friends to a remote cabin in the woods, only to unleash unspeakable horrors upon themselves when they read from the dreaded book of the dead in the basement. Deadites appear, and there’s even a strangely sexual tree. Yeah…it’s pretty weird.

But also pretty awesome. When most people think of the Evil Dead franchise, they likely think of Ash when he’s already a hero with a chainsaw for a hand. But the original is a straight-up horror movie, and one that you should definitely check out if you’ve never seen it before.

Stream The Evil Dead

Purple Rain (1984)

Everybody loves the soundtrack to Purple Rain (it went 13X platinum!). But what about the movie? Well, the movie is pretty great, too. It’s like 8 Mile before there was 8 Mile in that the star of the film is really just rehashing a fictionalized version of their own rise to fame.

That star, of course, is Prince, and he plays a character simply known as “the Kid.” He has a tough life at home but music is his outlet. But there are some problems along the way that Prince, er, “The Kid” must contend with before he can become the ultimate musician. The songs are spectacular (especially the stuff by Morris Day and The Time!) and it's a visually appealing movie.

Stream Purple Rain

La Bamba (1987)

Since we’re already on the topic of music, we might as well hop on over to the story of Ritchie Valens in the biopic, La Bamba. Lou Diamond Phillips plays Valens, and we learn about the rise and tragic fall of the famous musician, who died in an airplane crash with “The Big Bopper” and Buddy Holly.

Lou Diamond Phillips does an amazing performance, and whenever I think of the actor, I picture him singing “La Bamba” to cheering fans. The movie still holds up today. Check it out.

Stream La Bamba

Popeye (1980)

You know what Robins Williams movie always gets forgotten? Popeye. The movie tells the story of the famous sailor man as he’s looking for his long, lost pappy. On his search, he ends up in the town of Sweethaven where he finds the love of his life in Olive Oyl (played perfectly by Shelley Duvall). They adopt a baby, call him Sweet Pea, and Popeye has to eventually contend against a bully named Bluto for Olive Oyl’s love. It’s a simple story, but a fun one.

While it’s not the greatest Robin Williams movie, it’s a pretty good family film, and it’s innocent enough that kids can watch it, too. And I’m all about movies that I can watch with my kids.

Stream Popeye

Little Monsters (1989)

Speaking of family films. Before there was Monsters Inc, there was Little Monsters. It tells the story of a boy (played by Fred Savage!) who finds a monster named Maurice (played by Howie Mandel) under his bed. But the monster isn’t really scary. No. In fact, he’s pretty much a big goofball.

The film is fun, but also a little creepy—especially when Maurice takes Fred Savage’s character to Monster Land. But it’s an enjoyable film for older kids who like the idea of monsters being their friends.

Stream Little Monsters

Police Academy (1984)

Did you know that there are SEVEN Police Academy movies? The first one, which came out in 1984, stars Steve Guttenberg as Carey Mahoney. Carey joins the police academy when a new mayor says that pretty much anybody can become an officer since there are so few cops on the beat. So pretty much anybody applies. And as you could probably guess, the recruits are woefully unqualified.

Depending on your mileage, you’ll either laugh out loud when you see characters like Larvell Jones making sound effects with his mouth, or you’ll think it’s the corniest thing you’ve ever seen in your entire life. Either way, if you’re watching comedies from the ‘80s, then you have to watch Police Academy. I’m pretty sure it’s the law.

Stream Police Academy

Red Dawn (1984)

You know, if Vladimir Putin ever decides to take on America, I’m pretty sure that we could use the 1984 movie, Red Dawn, as a combat guide. It tells the story of some teenagers, led by a kid named Jed Eckert (Patrick Swayze), who take on the Soviet Union. It’s probably one of the most patriotic films you’ll ever see, and it reeks of Reaganism.

But it’s also a pulse-pounding great film, and it bears the distinction of being the very first PG-13 movie. The combat is intense, but not too intense, and if there’s any movie on this list that represents the ‘80s more than Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, it’s probably Red Dawn.

Stream Red Dawn

So, yeah. Even though it’s 2020, the ‘80s are still alive and well, and we have Netflix to thank for it. But you can only watch these movies if you have a Netflix account. Because you know. Members only, baby.

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This was supposed to be the weekend, folks. After literal years of delays, this was supposed to be the weekend when we finally got to see Josh Boone’s The New Mutants. The Fox/Disney deal was done, and the latter studio committed to releasing the final X-Men franchise feature on the big screen. But then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. With movie theaters all around the world shut down, the film has been postponed yet again, and once again we are finding ourselves needing to wait to see mutant-led horror flick. It’s a real disappointment, but the good news is that there are many of-a-kind titles that you can check out on various streaming services.

In the weeks since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been writing about movie alternatives that audiences can check out in lieu of what was supposed to be arriving in theaters, and now it’s The New Mutants’ turn. Keeping in mind everything from theme, to genre, to characters, to cast, here are 10 titles to stream or rent online this weekend:

The Cabin In The Woods (2012)

It’s easy to get pessimistic about a movie that has been delayed many times. After all, if a title were actually really good, a studio would presumably want to show it to people as early as possible, right? It’s for this reason that there are a number of people who have given up hope that The New Mutants will be a quality cinematic experience – but for those still keeping the faith I suggest watching Drew Goddard’s The Cabin In The Woods for a burst of optimism. This is another title that was forced to sit on the shelf for years, but in the time since it came out it’s been heralded as a modern classic. It’s basically a best case scenario for the X-Men title.

Where To Stream: Amazon Prime

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Brightburn (2019)

Given that blockbuster comic book movies are generally trying to be four quadrant releases that appeal to everybody, superhero storytelling on the big screen hasn’t engaged much with the horror genre. It makes The New Mutants kind of a rare beast, but those curious about that aspect of the release should do themselves a favor and check out David Yarovesky’s Brightburn. The film is essentially scary take on the Superman mythos, positing the question of what would happen if an alien child was sent to Earth and became a force for evil instead of good.

Where To Stream: Starz

Where To Rent Online: N/A

X-Men (2000)

The X-Men franchise has changed a whole hell of a lot since it was first born, but it’s still a family of films to which The New Mutants belongs – so why not celebrate by going back to the title that started it all? Bryan Singer’s X-Men is arguably the movie that completely changed the world of modern comic book movies, and while it is dated in a few aspects, there are plenty of other ways in which it’s not. It’s a cool blockbuster that definitely understands the important themes that were explored in the comics for decades before it. Plus, this year also happens to be its 20th anniversary, so there are actually two good reasons to revisit it (just do your best to ignore how skinny Hugh Jackman is, and his silly wig).

Where To Stream: HBO GO

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Before I Wake (2016)

In The New Mutants, one of the main characters is Danielle Moonstar, who is a mutant with a powerful psionic ability. In a sense, she is able to make imagination a reality, as she can manifest images from the minds of herself and others. Mike Flanagan’s Before I Wake operates with a similar concept, centering on a child named Cody (Jacob Tremblay) whose dreams become real while he sleeps. At first it delights his new adopted parents (Kate Bosworth, Tom Jane), but that’s before they experience what it’s like when Cody has a nightmare. It’s a tremendously well-made and spooky vision from one of the industry’s best working horror filmmakers.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: N/A

Insidious (2010)

James Wan’s Insidious is another title that plays around with the idea of a young person tapping into a special ability that accidentally winds up creating a fair amount of havoc – not dissimilar to the craziness that can ensue when the main characters in The New Mutants lose control of their individual special gifts. In the case of the 2010 horror release, it’s ultimately a boy who has the innate ability to tap into The Further, a plane of existence inhabited by tortured souls, and doing so accidentally results in a terrible evil using him as a conduit.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Dog Soldiers (2002)

It’s always exciting to see a new werewolf character up on the big screen, and it’s an element of The New Mutants that we are most anticipating, with Maisie Williams's Rahne Sinclair a.k.a. Wolfsbane possessing the ability to transform into a full wolf, or a human/wolf hybrid. Exactly how the Josh Boone movie will pull off that aspect of the film is still being kept a mystery thanks to the release delay, but for now let that part of your hunger for the movie be satiated by Neil Marshall’s Dog Soldiers, which is an innovative take on the classic mythos that finds a team of military types hunted down by a monster while on a training mission and forced to seek shelter at a farmhouse.

Where To Stream: Amazon Prime

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Monster Squad (1987)

The previously-released film that The New Mutants arguably looks most like is A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, with kids discovering individual dream powers that allow them to fight back against Freddy Krueger, but since that movie isn’t streaming Fred Dekker’s Monster Squad serves well as a substitute. The kids in the ‘80s adventure don’t have any special abilities to speak of beyond extensive horror knowledge, but the spirit is still essentially the same with the team coming together to fight supernatural evil (namely the catalog of Universal Monsters), and it’s awesome through and through. Plus, once you finish watching it you can join me on Team Can Somebody Please Turn This Into The Franchise It Deserves To Be?

Where To Stream: Amazon Prime

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Witch (2014)

While she has definitely branched out into other genres (the recent Emma being a perfect example), Anya Taylor-Joy has spent a good amount of time in her young career establishing herself as a Scream Queen. The New Mutants, in which she plays Illyana Rasputin a.k.a. Magik, is one of many horror titles that stand out on her resume, with Split and Morgan also standing out. The film that first really got her on the map, however, was actually her feature debut, Robert Eggers’ The Witch, and if you haven’t seen it already, now is the perfect time. And if you have already seen it, give it another watch, as it’s a fantastically layered movie that is simply just freaky to live in for 92 minutes.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Evil Dead (1981)

As noted via voice over in the first New Mutants trailer, the comic book movie seems to have a lot in common with a haunted house story, with the main cast of characters haunted by their pasts seemingly coming to life. Add in the isolation that comes with being in a remote location (specifically an abandoned hospital), and we have a brewed up excuse to suggest you all watch Sam Raimi’s classic The Evil Dead. Admittedly there’s never a bad time to watch this one, but it definitely feels apropos in connection to the new movie about a group coming together to try and survive an attack from a supernatural force.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Session 9 (2001)

From the footage we’ve seen from the movie, The New Mutants seems like it gets a lot of its spookiness from the atmosphere provided by the former asylum that has been converted into a secret facility for teens with out-of-control superpowers. It's with that element of the production in mind that we recommend checking out Brad Anderson's Session 9 – another film set in an abandoned mental hospital. The plot follows an asbestos cleaning crew into the location and finds them uncovering the place’s horrible past and the terrible experiences of the patients who lived within it. It’s definitely one of the more underrated-yet-brilliant examples of 21st century horror, and if you’ve never watched it before now is a perfect opportunity.

Where To Stream: Shudder

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

With The New Mutants not in theaters, what are you watching this weekend? Are you intrigued by one of the entries on our list, or will you be hunting for something else? Answer our poll below, and hit the comments section with other options for movie-goers!

This poll is no longer available.

Good horror movies, like Barbarian, Smile, and the experimental film, Skinamarink are actually not all that uncommon these days. But good horror franchises? Well, that’s a different matter entirely.  

That's because many horror franchises are driven right into the ground. But, there are some horror franchises that actually do tend to shine, and this is a list of them. Because, hey, it’s not easy to scare people more than once. Just ask Shyamalan.

Oh, by the way, some honorable mentions include: Hellraiser, Final Destination, The Living Dead, Poltergeist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Grudge, and Child’s Play. They just missed the list. 

14. Candyman 

• Number of Movies: 4
• Best Movie in the series: 1

Talk about reinventing yourself. Candyman is a series that seemed to peter out after the first movie, as the two sequels, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh, and Candyman: Day of the Dead, just couldn’t match the authentic chills of the original. In fact, while leading up to the remake/sequel, I did an article about six things to remember about the Candyman character, and it made me realize just how far off the beaten path the series had gotten since the classic original movie.   

But then, we got the spectacular 2021 Candyman, which not only adds to the original, but also creates an entirely new mythos of its own. The film does what a lot of modern horror pictures do these days, which is ignore the sequels, and it’s all the better for it. With this latest movie, we get a modern day retelling that focuses on generational trauma, making it feel very relevant and here-and-now. Say my name.  

13. The Exorcist 

• Number of Movies: 5
• Best Movie in the series: 1

It’s crazy to think that The Exorcist, which is often considered the greatest horror movie of all time, would be toward the bottom of this list. But, out of the five movies in the series, only 1 and 3 are truly excellent. The Exorcist II: The Heretic, features James Earl Jones in a locust suit, and even the first film's director, William Friedkin, calls it the worst movie he’s ever seen. I mean, it’s bad, but I wouldn’t call it that bad. 

I wouldn’t even call it as bad as its two more modern sequels, Exorcist: The Beginning, and Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist. Those two films don’t even come close to the imagination seen in the second movie. And, everybody knows how good the first one is. Every moment of Regan, played by Linda Blair, is etched inside the minds of horror fans. The puking, the stabbing of her lady parts with the crucifix. It’s all there.

But, The Exorcist III, which pretends The Exorcist 2 never happened, and mostly takes place in a psych ward, is both very different from the original, and also just as creepy. We’ll just have to wait and see if David Gordon Green’s new films in the franchise can elevate the series to new heights.   

12. The Purge 

• Number of Movies: 5
• Best Movie in the Series: 4

Here’s what I love about The Purge franchise. Everybody has a different favorite in the series. Do you like the home invasion horror of the first movie? Do you like the city-wide horror of The Purge: Anarchy? Are you a fan of the dystopian fifth movie? Or, do you prefer the ultra-political third movie, Election Year?

Personally, my favorite is the racially-charged fourth Purge. But some people call that the worst! Either way, the premise will always be golden. Once a year, there's a night where pretty much anything goes and crime (including murder) is not only legal, it's encouraged. It doesn't get more horrifying than that. The fact that it seems even remotely possible is what makes it so scary, and even relevant. Horror series that have something to say are always welcome. 

11. V/H/S 

• Number of Movies: 5
• Best Movie in the Series: 2

As an anthology series, it’s probably easier to judge the five films in this franchise by their individual segments. And, if we’re going that route, then I have to say that V/H/S 2 wins out as the best in the series, as it has quite possibly the greatest segments in the franchise with “Safe Haven,” and “Slumber Party Alien Abduction.”

That said, what makes V/H/S such a wonderfully spooky series is that you really don’t know what you’re going to get with each entry in the franchise. Since each segment is created by a different director, you could get a creepy ghost house one moment, and a terrifying storm drain monster the next. All hail Raatma! 

10. Paranormal Activity

• Number of Movies: 7
• Best Movie in the Series: 3

In a lot of ways, the Paranormal Activity series is a lot like V/H/S in that it’s a found footage horror, similar to The Blair Witch Project. But, whereas V/H/S sometimes seems to stretch the concept to unbelievable heights, the Paranormal Activity series has found footage ingrained in its very DNA, so the chills are a bit more effective, because it truly does feel like total spookiness caught on tape. 

And, whereas a lot of fans like to debate which is the best movie in the franchise, I pick the third film, which takes place in the ‘80s and follows the story of Katie from the first two movies as a child. A lot of people love The Marked Ones, while others find that one to be the worst. But again, it all depends on if you enjoy found footage horror movies. The Paranormal Activity series managed to stay creative throughout its seven-film run, offering prequels and even a sequel in which you could see the ghosts. For horror buffs, sometimes a nice change of pace is enough.   

9. Scream 

• Number of Movies: 5
• Best Movie in the series: 1

Our very own Alexandra Ramos thinks Scream is the greatest horror franchise ever, and she makes a lot of great points, namely that this is a series that has always been interested in trying something new. From its cheeky beginnings, to its more serious approach in the “requel” fifth entry, the franchise has always been part-funny, part-gruesome, but always interesting.   

There’s a reason why Ghostface is probably the last true horror icon that you’ll see roaming the streets on Halloween nights, and it’s mainly because the mystery of who’s behind the mask is always a big deal. Some entries have been less intriguing than others (I’m looking at you, Scream 3), but fans will always come around for more meta-humor and stabbings. Lots and lots of stabbings. We're pleased to report, that the newest instalment, Scream VI did not disappoint.

8. Halloween 

• Number of Movies: 13
• Best Movie in the series: 1

Halloween is a really interesting series since it’s had a few revisions. You have the Rob Zombie ones in 2007 and 2009. You had the recent trilogy that came out in 2018 and pretty much erased the entire series (!) save for the first movie, and then you have Halloween 3: Season of the Witch, which doesn’t even have Michael Myers in it at all. 

But the original, John Carpenter Halloween with Jamie Lee Curtis is obviously the best in the franchise. It’s slow-paced, it’s unsettling, and it has one of the greatest horror themes in history. The 2018 one was a great return to form, and with at least five legit great movies out of 13, it’s a pretty worthy series to be put on this list. 

7. The Conjuring 

• Number of Movies: 3 (Technically. But really, there are 8)
• Best Movie in the Series: Annabelle: Creation

Okay, so The Conjuring series is kind of cheating, since it’s actually a cinematic universe. Yes, even horror is taking cues from the MCU. There is the original series, with The Conjuring 1,2, and 3, all starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Lorraine and Ed Warren, respectively. These three are period pieces that are deliberately paced and have genuinely good scares. I’m sure nobody will ever forget the infamous Hide-and-Seek scene from the first movie.

But, tucked away inside The Conjuring Universe are also The Nun, The Curse of La Llorona, and the Annabelle trilogy. Out of those side films, Annabelle: Comes Home, and especially Annabelle: Creation are REALLY good. So good that the full series needed a spot on this list. Sure, we know we’re getting The Conjuring 4, and The Nun 2, but can we also get Annabelle 4, please?  

6. Insidious 

• Number of Movies: 4
• Best Movie in the Series: 1

I often mentally link Insidious to The Conjuring series, and for good reason. Both original films were directed by James Wan, both first movies star Patrick Wilson, and both first movies have a similar disturbing vibe. But, out of the two series, I feel the Insidious franchise is tighter and scarier. Fun fact, the scariest moment out of any horror movie I’ve ever seen was in the first Insidious. It was the scene with the photographs. If you’ve seen the movie, you know which scene I'm talking about. 

The series as a whole is fascinating, though. It goes frontwards and backwards, with Insidious: The Last Key probably being the second best movie in the series, as it stars Linda Shaye, the parapsychologist from the first movie, in the leading role. It’s psychological horror at its finest, and with meaningful, spine-tingling jump scares that don’t feel cheap. And would you believe they’re all rated PG-13? That’s no small feat! Bring on the sequel, Insidious: Fear the Dark!  

5. Saw 

• Number of Movies: 9
• Best Movie in the Series: 2

Another series started by James freaking Wan (honestly, if we’re talking horror directors, it would probably go Craven, Carpenter, then Wan), Saw wore out its welcome with near yearly iterations, but if you watch them again, you can tell why the series was so mainstream for so long. Pretty much popularizing the “torture porn” genre, its ambition was always to up the ante with how to kill hapless victims, and like Jason Voorhees before him, Jigsaw created elaborate kills that got more and more gruesome as the series progressed.

But, the beauty of Saw was always in its creativity. Tobin Bell’s Jigsaw dies in the third movie, but each subsequent film finds a way to toy with the mythology. The series may have worn out its welcome by around Saw V, but Saw VI is one of the best in the series, so it always found new ways to reinvent itself. The upcoming Saw X can’t get here soon enough.  

4. Alien 

• Number of Movies: 6 (8 if you count the Alien vs. Predator series)
• Best Movie in the Series: 1

Alien is the kind of series where you could debate which is the best movie in the franchise all day. Is it the haunted house in outer space original, or, is it the James Cameron war film, Aliens? Well, for the sake of this article, I’ll go with the original because it truly is the more terrifying of the two.

This is a series that likes to jump backward in order to expand its future. Ridley Scott wasn’t content with where Alien: Resurrection went (nor should he have been), so he added onto the mythos with Prometheus, which explains where the Xenomorphs came from, and then Alien: Covenant, which expounds upon the lore. All of the films are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying in their otherness, which lands it so high on this list of the greatest horror franchises of all time.  

3. Friday the 13th 

• Number of Movies: 12
• Best Movie in the Series: 6

I view the Friday the 13th series like the Halloween series, but way better and with way fewer dips in quality. (Shut up. Jason X is awesome.) If we’re talking horror villains, the hockey mask-wearing Jason Voorhees is right up there with Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, and The Wolfman when it comes to recognizable monsters. But, how are the actual films? Well, there are 12 movies in the franchise, and at least six of them are amazing (and one of them co-stars Freddy Krueger! That’s a pretty high body count.)

What makes the series work so well is the formula. After Jason got his trademark hockey mask in Part III, the hulking monstrosity has been stalking victims for decades, but it never gets boring. It might get ridiculous, but it’s always engaging, if not entirely frightening. Friday the 13th always made it fun to root for the bad guy. Parts 1 and 2 are also really dynamic and interesting horror films, as well. Even if you don’t like the horror genre, you’re bound to know this series. It’s that iconic. 

2. A Nightmare On Elm Street 

• Number of Movies: 9
• Best Movie in the Series: 3

Here’s the thing. The bad Nightmare on Elm Street movies are REALLY bad (please don’t make me watch that remake again), but the good ones are probably the best horror movies in the medium, so that’s why this is so high up on the list. Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger was literally nightmare fuel for a whole generation of kids. The idea of a serial killer creeping into your dreams and killing you from inside your head is still probably the most terrifying idea to ever come out of Wes Craven’s messed up head. R.I.P. horrormeister Wes Craven. 

It's debatable whether the original or Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is the better film, but the fact is, either could be considered one of the best horror movies ever made. New Nightmare was also wildly creative and unique, and I have a soft spot for the super weird Freddy’s Revenge, which many say is an allegory for coming out of the closet. Overall, a flawed series to be sure, but one of the best. 

1. The Evil Dead 

• Number of Movies: 4
• Best Movie in the Series: 2

Here it is. The very best horror franchise of all time as far as I'm concerned. Is there any surprise that it has such a low number of sequels? What makes Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead series stand out is cult icon, Bruce Campbell. With most horror movies, you root for the villain. Here, it’s the Ash Williams show. Not to be confused with the actual show, Ash vs. Evil Dead featuring Bruce Campbell, which was also quite awesome.    

What also makes this franchise stand out is that each movie is wildly different, and it really depends on which film you're in the mood for that day. Do you want straight up horror? If so, then the first and the remake are uniquely scary. Evil Dead 2 is both frightening and funny, and Army of Darkness is a flat-out horror comedy. Each has personality to spare, which makes it the greatest horror series of all time, because each film is perfect in its own special way. And that includes the latest instalment, Evil Dead Rise.

Horror is purely subjective, though. Which horror series do you think is the best? 

‘Tis the season to be spooky readers, as Halloween movies are out there and ready to liven up any and all parties and movie nights that celebrate the season of the witch. Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu are going to be horror fans' friends in the coming month, along with all the other streaming services that have genre titles ready without any fuss or muss.

What you see before you are 15 tales of frightful terror that are primed for viewers to enjoy their haunted delights. Why 15, you may ask? Well, you’d perhaps expect 13 scares from a list like this; so naturally we had to go the extra mile to be even spookier! After all, it’s the scares you don’t expect that rattle us all the most.

Halloween - 1977 (AMC, Shudder)

What better way to kick off a list of Halloween movies than with an actual Halloween movie? More specifically, director John Carpenter’s 1977 classic that started it all is available through two AMC network-owned platforms. If you’re looking to see the TV edit of the adventures of Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode, you can use AMC’s cable streaming platform. But if you’re a purist who loves the R-rated original, AMC’s horror streamer Shudder has you covered.

The Blair Witch Project (Starz)

20 years ago, independent horror got a serious wakeup call in the form of Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick’s The Blair Witch Project. Whether you saw the film when pop culture was caught up in the middle of its original viral marketing hoax, or you caught it years after the fact when other films in the franchise intended to capture the throne, the creepy camping picture remains frozen in time, and is available with a Starz subscription or premium add-on.

John Carpenter’s The Thing (Starz)

History, as always, laughs last when a film like John Carpenter’s The Thing bombs for its theatrical release, only to go on to become iconic genre classic. Kurt Russell, David Keith, Wilford Brimley, and an ensemble cast get rattled by paranoia at a research base in Antarctica, thanks to a shapeshifting alien entity that can take the form of anything, or anyone. Ghoulish practical effects, and Carpenter’s nightmarish skills of drawing tension out of the simplest of situations, rule this atmospheric haunter, which boasts one hell of a finale.

Psycho - 1960 (Starz)

A lot of Alfred Hitchcock movies will be making their way to Starz throughout the month of October, and the master of suspense’s catalog has tons of thriller and horror-adjacent titles to choose from. Quite possibly the most horrific film in Hitchcock’s oeuvre is Psycho, adapted from author Robert Bloch’s infamous novel involving a secluded hotel, a seemingly meek young man, and a couple of the women in his life. It’s a classic in every way, and if you don’t know where it’s going, stay away from spoilers and enjoy this one as cold as possible.

The Exorcist (Max Go)

One of the most legendary chillers in horror history, director William Friedkin never considered he was directing a horror film when The Exorcist was being made. Generations of fans would spray pea soup on that assessment, though, as the story of Linda Blair’s young Reagan and her gradual demonic possession is quite well-known as a movie that can still terrorize first-time audiences. If you’re a Cinemax subscriber, Max Go is set for you to relive, or to discover, author William Peter Blatty’s truly devilish horror tale coming to live.

Night Of The Living Dead (Tubi, Prime Video)

George A. Romero’s seminal Night of the Living Dead didn’t always feature that title, and thanks to the last-minute switch from the original title, Night of the Flesh Eaters, the film went into public domain. So fans can probably find Romero’s zombie-creating classic through many different sources. No matter where you watch it, the story of a group of disparate people just trying to survive the terror of an undead apocalypse is still as chilling as it was back in the day. "Barbra..."

Candyman (Netflix)

A cult classic of truly haunting ‘90s horror, director Bernard Rose’s Candyman is available for those who dare to seek it on Netflix. With Tony Todd’s hypnotic and seriously unsettling specter at the center of this parable on urban renewal, his monster's borderline-romantic enticement of Virginia Madsen’s protagonist makes this adaptation of Clive Barker’s book The Forbidden more than just a slasher fest. But trust us, Candyman – that's three times – has more than enough blood and scares to satisfy you horror hounds out there.

Carrie - 1976 (Netflix, Prime Video)

“If you’ve got a taste for terror… take Carrie to the prom.” That's the setup of a lifetime, right there in the tagline of Brian De Palma’s landmark adaptation of Stephen King’s horror classic. Young Sissy Spacek’s psychokinetic journey filled with death and vengeance can be spotted on both Netflix and Prime Video. Depending on which one you choose, you could be led into bit of a King-flavored binge. Should that happen, don’t forget who first took you to the dance… because she bloody well hasn’t forgotten you!

The Scream Franchise (Netflix)

All of the Scream films have just recently been reunited as a whole on the Netflix platform. So if you’re one of those folks who loves to relive Neve Campbell’s perils and pitfalls as Sydney Prescott, you’re going to be in luck this Halloween! All four Wes Craven-directed entries in the series, from 1996’s Scream to 2011’s Scre4m, are yours for the binging, which means it’s a good time to memorize the rules of any good horror film before falling prey to one of several Ghostface killers.

Child’s Play - 1988 (Hulu)

Yes, there was a Child’s Play reboot this year; and it's something we recommend for those interested in a totally new spin on Chucky’s killing spree. But if you're a diehard fan of the O.G. dark magic of Charles Lee Ray’s possessed killer doll, then the original Child’s Play is available for a playdate on Hulu. Anyone who wants to follow up with any of the Chucky follow-ups will have to do some digging, as the sequels show up in different streaming libraries. Don’t let that turn you away from this classic though, as it’s quite possibly the best of Brad Dourif’s run in the role so far.

Saw (Hulu)

Much like the previous entry Candyman, the Saw franchise is about to get a new lease on life through a legacyquel, so now is the right time to reacquaint oneself with the box office smash that started it all. Director James Wan and writer/co-star Leigh Whannell turned an independent horror hit into a cottage industry, as the twisty torture-porn spawned several sequels and imitators that would fill the early Aughts with enough blood to even worry Bev Marsh. Play the game with the original Saw on Hulu, and don’t forget to follow the rules.

Hellraiser (Hulu, Tubi, Prime Video)

Clive Barker isn’t just a legendary writer of horror tales; the man’s directed quite a few of his own. Case in point: the author's classic tale of pains, pleasures, and punishments in-between known as “The Hellbound Heart” became Barker's equally memorable film Hellraiser. His first film, the disturbing introduction to Pinhead and his Cenobites still stands out as a directorial debut that left its puzzlebox-shaped mark on the world. Even Stephen King himself was impressed, reacting to the 1988 film by saying “I have seen the future of horror, and his name is Clive Barker”.

The Evil Dead (Hulu, Showtime Anytime)

Ash Williams, at least in the form of Bruce Campbell's hero, is officially retired (probably). Moments like these are sad, but at the same time, it just makes the time we spent with him all the more special. And it all began with Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror hit, The Evil Dead, which is not only available on Hulu but also accessible through Showtime Anytime’s streaming library. A Lovecraftian-tinged horror that eventually gave way to horror-comedy classics like Army of Darkness and the splatter-iffic Starz TV series, The Evil Dead is more of a pure nightmare for all to behold.

The Lost Boys (HBO)

Horror-comedy is a fine line that, if walked the right way, can launch a movie to greatness. Director Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys is definitely one of those films that knows how to toe that line in the fictional beach town of Santa Carla, with Keifer Sutherland's gang of sexy vampire bad boys facing off against a group of kids (including the Coreys) who are ready to fight at a moment’s notice. You'll be laughing and screaming in equal measure, and in some cases, you won't know which is which.

The Friday The 13th Series (AMC)

Ok, so this last option comes with a bit of a caveat, as the first eight films, as well as the 2009 reboot of the Friday the 13th franchise, are all available through the AMC networks’ streaming platform. Which means that if you really need to get your Jason Voorhees on, you’re going to have to settle for TV edits of the films you’ve come to know and love. But if you really need to “ch-ch-ch” your “ah-ah-ah” for Halloween, this option's certainly there for the taking.

The 8 Best Horror Shows Streaming On Netflix

What’s more frightening than the movies we’ve just shared for your ideal Halloween streaming binge? The fact that if you’re not careful, you might miss them. So be sure to check the lineups for the various streaming services mentioned above, as availability is subject to change. Otherwise, prepare to go bump in the night, whether it’s by yourself or with company,

Bruce Campbell has played many great roles in his career, but he'll forever be linked with the Evil Dead series. Campbell played Ashley Williams in three movies and a TV series that only recently ended, so the actor has been part of the franchise for his entire career. That sort of history likely creates a lot of memorable moments, but Campbell says that his best memory of being part of Evil Dead came way back at the beginning, when the first film actually made it to theaters, including the one where he grew up watching movies. According to Campbell...

The original The Evil Dead back in 1981 wasn't exactly a blockbuster. It was a horror movie made on the cheap by a bunch of friends, including Bruce Campbell and his buddy Sam Raimi who directed the film. It wasn't a movie that was going to fill a movie theater, but for Bruce Campbell, the fact that it was on the screen at all was the win. He sat in the same theater as a kid and watched movies and wondered what it might be like to be up there on that screen (because we've all wondered that) and then, a decade later, he's experiencing exactly that as he sits in the same seat. It's no wonder no experience has topped that one. How could it?

While nobody expected The Evil Dead to become a franchise, the original film became a cult classic which spawned a pair of sequels. The trilogy continued to be popular for years until it eventually spawned the series Ash vs. Evil Dead, which was just recently canceled. The actor also told Comicbook.com that he's happy he was able to take a more recent shot at playing Ash, as he always thought it was strange that he was forever associated with his very first film role.

Bruce Campbell isn't entirely done with the Evil Dead quite yet, as it was recently announced he would be lending his voice to an upcoming video game. Whether or not Bruce Campbell ever plays Ash again in the flesh isn't all that important to him, it's all gravy from here.

The Friday the 13th franchise has built itself on one key tenet: no matter what, Jason Voorhees always comes back. There was never really an explanation in the series' canon as to why this was a reality that the folks near Camp Crystal Lake continued to face through the events of nine films and a match up with Freddy Kruger. At least until now, as the director of Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday, Adam Marcus, explained something that most folks never picked up on in his "final" entry in the series: Jason is part of The Evil Dead franchise. Marcus explained as follows:

If you're an '80s horror fan, you're probably freaking out about now, and why wouldn't you? For all of the years that folks have hoped and wished that a crossover between The Evil Dead and its various genre contemporaries would be possible, the link was sitting right in front of everyone's eyes. All that was there to really tip anyone off was a shot of the Voorhees family basement, in which the Necronomicon is seen among some possessions that Pamela had squirreled away in her house.

So why would such an awesome horror continuity note be buried in a movie like Jason Goes To Hell? Well, as Adam Marcus explained to Horror Geek Life, while it was visually obvious, he had to leave it extremely vague due to this specific reason:

While the intent of Jason Goes To Hell was, in fact, to bridge the Friday the 13th and Evil Dead worlds, New Line would have never let Marcus go on to explain this chain of events in the film. However, it was eventually explored in another form: the comic book series / proposed movie Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash. Though rights issues would still be present, considering Sony has been playing around with the Evil Dead universe, this would still be an interesting way to try and revive the Voorhees legacy after several stalled attempts at a solo franchise. Maybe Max Landis can help by squeezing it into his proposed horror free-for-all.

If you're hungry for more Deadite action, you can watch the first two seasons of Ash vs. The Evil Dead available now on Starz Play.

When Stranger Things first hit Netflix last summer, viewers were quick to notice all of the nods and homages to classic horror films and TV shows, and there were plenty of those fun moments to discover. Now that the show has amassed a plethora of fans, the creative team has been even more straightforward with its genre love throughout the Season 2 promotional campaign. And while Ghostbusters and Alien riffs spoke to the hit show's sci-fi roots, the newest poster is all horror, and possibly a little comedy, paying tribute to Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead.

Now, we could spend all day talking about how the already stellar Stranger Things Season 2 cast could get even better with the addition of Bruce Campbell, whose Ash is currently stomping holes in deadites on Starz's Ash vs. Evil Dead. But we know that's not happening, so I guess we'll just save those dreams for when we're sleeping.

More to the point here, we're totally down with Joyce standing in for Ash on the poster...or "being pulled into the Upside Down" is, I guess, the more proper way to word it. I'd love to get a shirt with Stranger Things written in the Evil Dead font, even without the other stuff on it.

Sadly, there's not much to infer about where Season 2 is going from this poster, unless there's something super-informative to glean from the right-to-left change in the hand being wrapped around the victim's throat there. Well, I guess that would just be signaling that it's the Upside Down, where everything is kind of backwards. (But then shouldn't it be Joyce getting pulled out of the ground?) What I really want now is for someone to add another homage on top of this by throwing Ned Flanders-as-Satan into the mix, since being left-handed is part of his persona.

For anyone who needs a fresh reminder of what the original Evil Dead poster looks like, here you go.

I wonder if Stephen King's blurb on the poster had anything to do with why it was chosen. After all, the Duffer brothers are huge fans of his, and King's influence was all over Season 1, with more of that influence coming in Season 2. Plus, King is a fan of Stranger Things.

Speaking of Season 2, fans can look forward to quite a few new characters adding to the freaky mix, as the story picks up one year after Will Byers' return to the right-side-up world. On the adult side, we've got Sean Astin's Bob Newby, Joyce's new boyfriend and the new ire of Hopper's existence; Paul Reiser's mysterious Department of Energy exec Owens; Brett Gelman's conspiracy theorist Murray Bauman; Linnea Berthelsen's emotionally damaged Roman, who returns to Hawkins due to all the weirdness; and Will Chase's Neil Mayfield, who moves his family to Hawkins from California. On the younger side, we have Sadie Sink's suspicion-oozing tomboy Max and her violent and unpredictable older stepbrother Billy (Dacre Montgomery). They'll all definitely provide some craziness to the drama.

Find out what all the evil (and dead things) will do to Hawkins and its citizens when Stranger Things Season 2 hits Netflix on Friday, October 27, at 12:01 a.m. PT. And to see everything else that's coming to the small screen, horror and otherwise, head to our fall premiere schedule.

Horror films have proven to be quite a fertile playground for first time directors. Burgeoning filmmakers have been able to have fun and strut their stuff within the constraints of the genre, all without spending dozens of millions of dollars.

If directors like Jordan Peele of Get Out can muster up a worthwhile film that finds an audience, they can then use it as a springboard for more ambitious and costly films. Most of the time, though, their debuts efforts are drenched in such passionate that these directors are unable to even match let alone eclipse them.

This week, Peele becomes the latest first-time director to dabble in the horror genre with Get Out. The film's 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes (for now), which is proof that its been quite a successful dabble, too. But where does it rank against other films from debut filmmakers? Thankfully we're here to help, because here are the 10 greatest horror movies made by first-time directors.

10. Fright Night

While it might have taken The Wicker Man a few years to finally earn the praise it deserved, Fright Night found an audience from the very first August night it was released back in 1985. Tom Holland's debut film, which followed on from him scribing Cloak & Dagger, The Beast Within, and Psycho II, grossed $24.9 million, and was even followed by a sequel and a remake. But nothing quite matches the original, which is as scary as it is funny, with Chris Sarandon particularly brilliant as the vampire next door.

9. The Cabin in the Woods

Thanks to behind-the-scenes studio complications, Drew Goddard's directorial debut, The Cabin In The Woods, was kept on a shelf for a shocking number of years. We should all be extremely thankful that all of the nonsense got sorted out, because the movie is simply one of the greatest examples of modern horror. Based on a genius script co-written by Goddard and Joss Whedon, the film is endlessly clever - managing to be both loving and critical of its genre and simultaneously being both hilarious and frightening. Goddard has yet to direct a feature since, but given the quality of his first effort, we are most definitely waiting with bated breath.

8. Cronos

While Guillermo Del Toro has gone on to direct better films (I'm looking at you, Pan's Labyrinth), 1993's Cronos was one hell of a calling card. A vampire tale with a surreal twist, Cronos might be stupendously gory, at a time when this was a delightful rarity instead of a boring cliché, but Del Toro makes sure that it's stylish and imaginative, too. While Del Toro is respectful to the horror genre he doesn't pander and Cronos is as intelligent as it is entertaining, while it was also the first proof that Del Toro has always been a Ron Perlman die-hard.

7. The Blair Witch Project

The triumph of The Blair Witch Project doesn't just go beyond the genre, but also beyond cinema. The decision to cast complete unknowns, as well as a marketing campaign that insisted the found footage really did occur, got under the skin of a mainstream audience to the tune of a $248.6 million box office from just a $60,000 budget. All of which meant that by keeping its villain out of sight, and letting the audience's imagination do the hard work, The Blair Witch Project is stupendously effective.

6. The Witch

The second-most-recent film of the list (stay tuned to find out what tops it), The Witch is a patient and unsettling horror film that keeps its cards very close to its chest while it slowly builds to its enthralling finale. Which makes it all the more impressive that this was writer and director Robert Eggers' debut as director. Eggers nails everything from a subtle script, to perfect casting, to haunting cinematography, while his camera work is never showy yet powerful when it needs to be. We can't wait to see what he does next.

5. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

From a director that's just on his way to the big-time to one that's right up there with the Hollywood elite. Even though he's probably the most divisive in the business at the moment, too. It says everything about Zack Snyder that his debut outing would be a remake of the classic 1978 George A. Romero film of the same name. But while purists would disagree, Zack Snyder, with help from a James Gunn script, absolutely nailed it, as his Dawn Of The Dead doffs its cap to its predecessor, while being its own visceral and gloriously entertaining film at the same time.

4. The Babadook

Yet another recent cheap horror film that proves you don't need money to create a genuinely terrifying experience. With The Babadook, writer and director Jennifer Kent created a creature that's already secured its place in horror folklore. While it only possesses a few genuine jumps, The Babadook instead creeps under your skin but is just as equally terrifying. It also possesses a damn impressive and moving story to boot, all of which combined to raise the genre.

3. Get Out

Yep, it really is that high on my list. And Get Out earns it, too, because it really is that impressive. Jordan Peele walks the perfect tonal tightrope, as he makes Get Out more terrifying than it is funny, but also relies on the latter to keep the audiences thoroughly entertained. At the same time its timely subtext constantly festers underneath, pulling you in closer and closer. Not just an early contender for the best film of 2017, but a horror film that's destined to last for the ages.

2. Night Of The Living Dead

As a seismic picture that changed cinema, let alone revolutionized the horror genre, Night Of The Living Dead deserves all the recognition it gets. Of course, the first viewers of the film were going to react poorly to its gore, but this has now become a staple of the genre, and Romero uses it as a special effect so brilliantly that you still can't help but wince. Nowadays its grainy black-and-white aesthetic should feel dated, but instead it gives it a throwback feel that makes it even more engaging. Which is proof that even after all this time, Night Of The Living Dead is still full of surprises.

1. Eraserhead

The first peak into David Lynch's delightfully warped mind, Eraserhead is so shocking and perplexing that even though you want to look away you're repeatedly convinced not to. Lynch's surreal visuals undoubtedly disturb. But they effectively provide a window into Henry Spencer (Jack Nance)'s issues with fatherhood, while the spooky score only adds to the terrifying concoction. And then there's Spencer's deformed baby, a prop that's so bizarre that the contents that went into creating it are still a secret to this day. Whatever it is, it's uniquely nightmarish, and will never be repeated on screen again. Just like Eraserhead.

TV rarely gets more intense and over-the-top as it did on Saturday night when Ash vs Evil Dead bid farewell to Season 1 with wacky hallucinations, Godfather references and disgusting monster babies. For fans hoping that creator Sam Raimi would once again use this franchise to reference the works of Wes Craven, particularly A Nightmare on Elm Street, disappointment was not in store. Just check out what’s hanging by the door when Ash first makes his way downstairs. (Minor episode spoilers are coming.)

Welcome to prime time, bitch! Yes, non-exact as it is, that glove is clearly meant to represent the iconic hand gear that ruined many an Elm Street teen’s life when worn by one Freddy Krueger in the Elm Street franchise. Even though the model is basically the same, it’s understandable that the lack of blades might make a horror newbie second guess this conspicuously singular glove might just be a random prop, there’s a history to Sam Raimi and Wes Craven referencing each other’s films. (Plus, the glove’s image is probably under one copyright law or another, thus limiting how close the resemblance could get.)

It all started when Raimi’s original Evil Dead film featured a poster of Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes, which was followed up by Craven adding footage from Evil Dead in the first A Nightmare on Elm Street film. Raimi then took it upon himself to use not just promotional material but an actual part of Freddy’s universe when the glove was seen hanging by the toolshed door in Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn.

Fans no doubt had their eyes glued to the screen once the cabin was introduced, hoping for an inside joke, and that effort definitely paid off here. The season finale was directed by Rick Jacobson, and not Raimi himself, but there had to have been a conversation prior to the episode being filmed where the decision was made to add this sweet Easter egg. The only thing that’s truly terrible about it is that Craven wasn’t around to witness it.

Ash and Freddy crossed paths several times, only it was limited to the comic books, with Jason Voorhees also hanging around. Although attempts were made to turn that crossover into a feature, it never happened because no one would allow Ash to kill the other two characters. As if Bruce Campbell is going to fall victim to a burned-up pervert and a dude who drowned as a kid.

Though Season 1 of Ash vs Evil Dead sadly came to its blood-covered completion with Ash grabbing the big end of the stick by the balls, we can look forward to evil taking over the world when Season 2 debuts on Starz later this year. Here’s hoping that new Elm Street reboot gets lost in the basement of development hell in the meantime.

Way back in the bygone era of 2003, slasher movie fans got the horror equivalent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when the two greatest icons of the 80’s and 90’s finally got to square off against each other in the obviously titled Freddy vs. Jason. Following that, there was talk of a sequel that would throw Ash, Bruce Campbell’s character from the Evil Dead franchise, into the mix. While that sequel never happened, it turns out there was some discussion about it at the time. The reason it never materialized? Because there’s one villain that neither Freddy, Jason, or Ash could ever hope to defeat. Lawyers.

Speaking with Yahoo Movies about the new Ash vs. The Evil Dead series, Bruce Campbell says he thought if the movie happened, Ash should kill both Freddy and Jason in it, but the people in charge of those properties wouldn’t allow it.

It’s far from surprising that these were the reasons the movie never happened. Everybody wants "their guy" to look strong in the movie in order to keep the brand popular, and, therefore profitable. It’s no surprise considering in the original film (spoiler alert for a 10-year-old movie), neither Freddy nor Jason actually die, either. If one of them had actually "won" the fight, it would have likely made that character significantly more popular and no lawyer is going to give away potential money like that.

It’s frustrating because that movie could have been great, and we tend to agree that Ash should have won the fight. The fact is that Freddy & Jason die at the end of every damn movie and as long as they had died together, it should have been fine. The human always wins in those films, and Ash is the human in this case, even if most of the human characters in slasher movies don’t carry shotguns or have chainsaws for hands. As long as neither Freddy nor Jason got to outlive the other, that really should have made the lawyers happy. Check out the full segment below

Is this a missed opportunity or was this idea a disaster waiting to happen? Who would you have win the fight of Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash?

Even with a reboot/remake/whatever of the original Evil Dead coming next month, what really gets the Internet excited is when the Raimi brothers Sam and Ivan, Bruce Campbell, or some combination of the three starts talking about returning to the franchise. It's hard to think of any movie made on a tiny budget by a bunch of young guys in the woods that's inspired the same kind of fervor, and required grown men to seriously thinking about making another movie in the style of the one they did when they were 22 and fearless.

With Sam Raimi out on promotional duties for this weekend's Oz The Great And Powerful, the inevitable talk about Evil Dead 4 has emerged again, but this time Raimi had a good answer to fans. Claiming that he would love to make Evil Dead 4, Raimi said that he and his brother were planning to work on a script over the summer. That firm timeline and enthusiasm were new for the "maybe someday" Raimi, and seemed like an indication that, after the reboot comes to theaters in April and he gets Oz out of the way, Raimi will be ready to return to Ash and the wild adventures that surround him.

Except… it might not be so much that Raimi is ready as that he's been worn down by all this begging. Talking to Bleeding Cool, Raimi explained that it was the energy of the crowd at the Meet the Filmmakers event for Oz in London that got him to promise the summer script, and "I feel like I was pushed into saying that, a little bit." And even though he's never promised anything, he says the pressure from fans keeps him nervous:

It's wild to hear any director, especially one as powerful and well-regarded as Raimi, admit to being forced to do anything by fans. Usually directors bend over backwards to avoid admitting anything of the sort, and I don't blame them-- once you allow for that kind of nonsense, you get petitions about characters to be added to sequels and all other kinds of demands. It sounds like Raimi continues to be surprised by the ongoing fan love for Evil Dead, and the enthusiasm has motivated him to give it a shot… though he still seems unclear on exactly why anyone actually wants this.

I can't decide if I feel bad for Raimi in this situation or not. In a way he seems genuinely bullied, saying things to placate a roaring crowd and not actually feeling it. On the other hand, he says there's nothing else he particularly wants to make after Oz…so maybe the fans (and his encouraging brother) are just the push he needs? If you see Raimi in person, though, maybe don't yell at him about Evil Dead 4. I think he needs some time to work out his feelings for himself.

Take it from me—a dedicated nerd girl with a passion for fashion—it can be difficult to be stylish while displaying your fangirl pride. Often the coolest allusionary tees are made only in men's sizes, leaving us lady fans to seek out vintage kid tees, or be forced into the loathsome "baby tee" option that has somehow survived its '90s heyday. But fangirl fashion is crawling out of the thrift store thanks to a plucky batch of designers who find their inspiration in fantasy, sci-fi and horror!

Io9 tipped us off to Crissy Baker and company who own and operate the Etsy shop Nerd Alert Designs. Here the ladies spin their love of video games, '80s cartoon shows, and movies into vintage inspired garments with a geek chic edge. The custom-made clothes they offer range from pretty straightforward cosplay to cute sundresses upcycled from vintage bed sheets, to a few that add a playful approach to some truly ghoulish delights, like this adorable dress that's pocket is the key to making the lucky lady in it the newest incarnation of Evil Dead's Ash! Hey, why should Jane Levy have all the fun?

Another more twisted, yet more subtle option for female fans of body horror is Nerd Alert's tribute to Human Centipede.

However, if you're more interested in a galaxy far, far away, they've got plenty of Star Wars-inspired duds, including my personal favorite, a kickin' '60s styled cocktail dress that's one part Betty Draper and two parts Darth Vader.

Check out all Nerd Alert has to offer at Etsy.

Evil Dead writer-director Sam Raimi's Renaissance Pictures reboot of the classic 1980s horror film has been threatened, as upstart Award Pictures has filed an objection, calling into question the production company's copyright claim. At the outset this is odd as Renaissance was formed in 1979--by Raimi, Bruce Campbell and producer Robert Tapert—for the expressed purpose of producing The Evil Dead. But things just get stranger as Award Pictures claims Renaissance surrendered its rights to the property since Tapert and Raimi were quoted in the 2000 book The Evil Dead Companion as saying, "We're never going to do a sequel."

THR reports that Award Pictures, which is working on an Evil Dead sequel of their own, charges "This statement is a public declaration by the defendant that the defendant abandoned the alleged 'mark,' Evil Dead, decades ago." And so Award Pictures argues to the U.S. Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board that their sequel, daringly titled Evil Dead 4: Consequences, be awarded the copyright as a prior user as its patent claim was filed before Raimi's reboot.

It's a bold declaration to say the least, and Raimi and Renaissance are suing to settle the matter. They counter that The Evil Dead property has not been abandoned, but rather has thrived through its two Renaissance-produced sequels, Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness, as well as through the licensing of Evil Dead video games, action figures, comic books, clothing and other memorabilia. All elements Renaissance argues that have kept the brand in consumers minds, backed by the fact that the original still screens in theaters. Renaissance's lawsuit further accuses Award Pictures of purposely setting out to confuse consumers by essentially ripping off the Evil Dead name with their Evil Dead 4, and insists the film "would inevitably infringe Renaissance's copyright rights in The Evil Dead."

Basically, while Award is petitioning for the rights to Evil Dead and thereby threatening Raimi's in-development reboot, Renaissance is demanding the courts issue an injunction against the brazen production company's creation of Evil Dead 4: Consequences, and is suing for monetary damages on the grounds of trademark infringement, false advertising and injury to business reputation. While it's unclear how this peculiar copyright battle will end, it appears Renaissance's reboot-backers Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and FilmDistrict have faith in their case as Coming Soon reveals principal photography on the picture has begun in Auckland, New Zealand. This Evil Dead is expected to wrap in early July.

We're debuting two very new things here at Cinema Blend today. First of all there's Kino Katey, the section of the site that's basically dedicated to short-burst thoughts, reviews, and whatever else from me, who you'll still find writing for the rest of the site of course. And one of the new features at Kino Katey is something we're calling Virgin Territory, in which I watch a movie I've never seen before and talk about it with someone who loves it. Because we're celebrating Ash Wednesday all over the site today (you can read all about it here), I decided to watch The Evil Dead, the low-budget 1981 horror film that put director Sam Raimi on the map and introduced Bruce Campbell as the schlocky, blood-spattered hero for generations.

To talk it over I enlisted Eric Eisenberg, who owns the entire Evil Dead trilogy on Blu-Ray and can talk extensively about even the most minute behind-the-scenes details. Watch our conversation below as we discuss the merits of low-budget horror, the film's feminist implications, and how you can see Sam Raimi emerge as a talented director even amid all that fake blood. Hopefully this will be the first in a long series, so let us know what you think and what you might want to see us discuss next!

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I love Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy. I have seen all three films a thousand times each and I will probably watch them thousands of times more. They're funny, they're scary, they're sick and they're awesome, but most importantly they're filled with cinematic moments that I nor any other fan will ever forget.

In honor of Ash Wednesday I watched the entire trilogy again (like I needed an excuse) and picked out what I believe to be the 10 greatest and most memorable moments in the Evil Dead franchise. If you've seen the movies before, watch for nostalgia; if you haven't, watch to understand why you should. No matter what, everyone should leave this article realizing that this is a series that everyone should watch at least once.

The Evil Dead – Tree Rape

The above is easily the scariest and most controversial scene in the entire trilogy. While many of the effects in the first film have not aged well, this still a truly horrifying scene. Sam Raimi has previously said that he regrets including it, but I don't think it would be the same movie without it.

The Evil Dead – We're Going To Get You

The trilogy went a bit silly in its final two installments, but this scene and the one above are the two that really put a chill down my spine. The formula is simple: doll-like makeup, a sweet voice and a short lullaby. The outcome? Terrifying.

The Evil Dead – Burning of The Nyturan Demonta

Remember what I said above about the trilogy going a bit silly? This is the real start of it. The gore factor here is pushed to 11, but it goes on for so long that it just becomes hysterical. And just when you think they can't possibly do any more, giant claws come out and rip the bodies to shreds. It doesn't get much better.

Evil Dead II – The Hand

If the tree rape scene is the most memorable horror scene in the trilogy, then this scene is probably the most memorable comedic one. Paying tribute to The Three Stooges, this scene is as great as slapstick gets. Who's laughing now? All of us, Bruce. All of us.

Evil Dead II – Laughing

A lot of my love for this scene stems from the fact that it happens almost directly after Ash has chopped his own hand off with a chainsaw, and he is walking around basically pain free. On a deeper level, though, this scene is exactly what the trilogy excels at: balancing terror, obscene amounts of gore, and some great laughs.

Evil Dead II – Groovy

I debated whether to use this scene or the one from Army of Darkness, but I ultimately decided that this version is a lot cooler. After all, would you rather have a chainsaw for a hand or a piece of armor that can crush goblets? The latter is certainly cool, but it doesn't hold a candle to the original.

Army of Darkness – This Is My Boomstick!

In The Evil Dead, Ash is a fairly passive character, but by the time Army of Darkness rolls around he is just sick of everyone's bullshit. He's stuck in some medieval world, the locals just tried to kill him, and he escapes only by the skin of his teeth. If you were in his position you wouldn't want to be dealing with any primitive screwheads either.

Army of Darkness – Good Ash Vs. Bad Ash

One Bruce Campbell is amazing, but two? You just can't go wrong. I particularly love how he totally hams it up for the Bad Ash part, from the self-important chest touching to the “Goody little two shoes” dance. Then, of course, Good Ash puts him in his place.

Army of Darkness – Retrieving The Necronomicon

It's just three simple words. Klaatu. Barada. Nikto. Hell, they're three words every single sci-fi nerd on the planet can recognize from The Day The Earth Stood Still. Ash, sadly, has never seen that movie. Then again, maybe we should be happy he couldn't remember them. If he did, the movie would have been an hour shorter.

Army of Darkness – Hail To The King, Baby

There's been talk for years about a possible Evil Dead 4, but every time I watch this scene I become conflicted. On the one hand, it solidifies Ash J. Williams as one of the coolest characters of all time, and who wouldn't want to see more of him? On the other, it's such an incredibly perfect ending that the only place to go is down.

Keep right on celebrating Ash Wednesday the Bruce Campbell way, right here on Cinema Blend. Look for more Ash Wednesday fun coming throughout the day right here.

In every horror genre there are rules that need to be followed: in slashers, you better not be having sex; the best way to avoid vampires is by not extending invitations to anyone; and skeptics and believers must be present at all exorcisms. Zombie movies are no exception. But while there are multiple variations of the undead, from walking speed to intelligence, there’s one rule that must always be followed without exception – you don’t go solo.

What typically occurs is that the protagonist experiences some form of horror on their own before the virus spreads and our hero ends up joining a ragtag group of survivors. From that point on, however, the question of who is more dangerous, the group of scared people or walking dead, arises. But what if the groupings weren’t random? What if the strongest and most skilled characters were brought together to form the All-Star Zombie Survival Squad? That’s exactly what I intended to find out.

Scouring the full history of the zombie sub-genre, from George A. Romero to Edgar Wright, I have created such a team and have identified each member by the expertise that makes them invaluable in the face of Armageddon. Read on below.

Shaun From Shaun of the Dead

The zombie apocalypse is a pretty miserable time to be alive. Every second your awake is in spent in fear of the undead, you never feel safe and the sound and smell of the walking dead outside is enough to send a chill down anyone’s spine. That’s why having Shaun from Shaun of the Dead on board would be so essential. Not only does the man know how to prioritize the important things in his life and swing a mean cricket bat, but he can help keep spirits up in the lowest of moments. Some may make the argument that having someone like Shaun can be distracting, but the truth is that when the real zombie apocalypse comes, there will be down moments – moments where you are huddled together and praying that the hordes don’t discover your location. While being scared may keep you alert, it can eventually drive you mad and make you act irrational. Hearing a good joke and having a good laugh can help save your sanity.

Ana From Dawn of the Dead 2004

Everyone knows that if you’re bitten by a zombie, you’re toast. That’s Undead 101. The only cure is a bullet in the brain or a smashed skull. But the truth of the matter is that zombies are hardly the only hazard in that situation. You still have car crashes, broken glass, and a fraction of the populace that has no idea how to handle the pistol that someone has just placed in their hand. Enter Ana from Zack Snyder’s remake of Dawn of the Dead. A professional nurse, she can help treat wounds that otherwise would be at risk of infection and, worse, could slow the group down. There’s always the matter of supplies (First Aid kits don’t always have everything you need), but she can probably save a limb or two by instructing the group on how to properly use a tourniquet. Adding to her healing skills is her ability to think under pressure and let go of the people she cares about – two must haves in the world of the undead.

Tallahassee From Zombieland

There’s a reason why zombie armies amass so quickly – they’re pretty damn hard to kill. Most of them aren’t stumbling around with a Hector Hammond-sized dome and you have to be a really good with a firearm to get a headshot with every bullet. Fortunately, Tallahassee from Zombieland has those skills. Just as he gathered from motherly advice, the Florida hillbilly is a natural born zombie killing machine. Be it armed with a H&K MP7A1, a Winchester 1892 Mare's Leg or a Mossberg 500 Mariner, he’s a master of the equation Zombie + Gun = Dead Zombie. While the others are planning the next move, healing the wounded, or easing the tension, it’s Tallahassee who is standing guard and being vigilant, ready to take out the swarm coming over the hill. Pair that up with intangibles such as his ability to enjoy the little things in life and his driving skills and you have an extremely valuable asset.

Riley Denbo From Land of the Dead

In a world overrun by zombies, it doesn’t take long for supplies to begin running short. While the most immediate concerns are food, water and medical aid, one cannot discount the necessity for weaponry and transportation. Luckily, this is the specialty of Riley Denbo. In George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead, Riley is credited with the creation of Dead Reckoning – an armored and weaponized vehicle that is considered by most to be the pinnacle of anti-zombie technology. Packed with more than its fair share of fire power, Dead Reckoning also does a handy job of distracting the hordes with fireworks, proving that Denbo also has an astute knowledge of zombie psychology and sociology. Even if he’s unable to construct something like Dead Reckoning, though, his skill set is far from useless. Understanding mechanics can easily get a car hotwired or an automatic door closed before the undead are able to attack. There’s also the fact that he’s well respected and charismatic, meaning that people will be willing to listen to his opinion and that he can calm the frantic.

Selena From 28 Days Later

While all of the people you are reading about here can help extended your life in the face of the walking dead, they are pretty much useless without a plan. Talented as they may be, standing around in the middle of the street is a good way to get your guts eaten and your brains devoured. That’s why you need someone like Selena. Although 28 Days Later is technically a viral outbreak movie, her abilities transfer over quite smoothly. While I don’t want to discount Mark’s usefulness in the film, it’s fairly obvious that the plan involving the exploding gas tanks at the start of the film was the brain child of Selena. She is also the one who spots the grocery store and recommends that they do some food shopping while ensuring that everyone only picks out foods that don’t need to be cooked. It’s also worth noting that she isn’t too enthusiastic about meeting up with the soldiers that have the supposed “answer to infection.” Had General Patton fought a zombie war he might have been in this spot, but Selena is a more than capable substitute.

Ben From Night of the Living Dead

Zombie apocalypse or no, the world goes to hell in a hand basket without leadership. Thanks to free will and strong opinions, most would run around like chickens with their heads cut off without someone to look to for guidance. That same rule applies to this group. There needs to be a person in charge that can earn the respect of everyone. That man is Ben from Night of the Living Dead. The fact of the matter is that the man was able to take control and get people to listen to him despite the fact that he was a black man living in a socially divided country. The members of the group listed here would know better than to judge Ben by the color of his skin and see him for what he is – a rational thinker who is quick to assess a situation and act with a strong plan. With Ben in control and planning things for the short term and Selena planning long-term, odds for survival are pretty high.

Ash From The Evil Dead Series

The majority of what you see above is the best and the brightest that zombie movies have to offer. They’re logical, creative and intelligent people – but not every situation calls for logic, creativity and intelligence. Sometimes you just need brute force and that’s where Ash from The Evil Dead series comes in. Though he’s certainly not dumb (the man does keep a chemistry textbook in his trunk), he would not be involved with the group because of his brains. This is a man with a Remington in his left hand and a chainsaw as his right. It’s Ash’s time to shine when the chips are down and the group needs to buy some time to think. Slam open the door, rev up the chainsaw, fire off an endless number of shells, say a quick one-liner, and land a big fat smooch on the nearest female. And yes, Deadites aren’t exactly the same as zombies, but they certainly serve the same purpose in this article.

Alice From The Resident Evil Series

There’s a reason why those with the most experience achieve the highest ranks in the military – as you live, you learn. Those that have seen it all know how to better achieve desired results. Enter Alice of the Resident Evil series, who has spent more movies fighting zombies than any other character. With heightened abilities and fighting skills thanks to the same T-Virus that caused the apocalypse, she is already genetically perfect to fight the army of the risen dead and her experience raises her to another level. For all of the talents held by every member on this list, the value of someone who has seen it all is incalculable – and let’s face it, the mutated undead that Alice has survived are a hell of a lot worse than the stumbling brainless hordes that fill the streets. Seven o’clock every night is set aside for training and story time. This is how you survive the zombie apocalypse.

Welcome back to FlixWorthy, your weekly guide to Netflix streaming. Each Monday FlixWorthy dives headfirst into Netflix's streaming catalogue and surfaces with a handful of new or notable selections for your amusement and edification. Sometimes it'll be classics, sometimes it'll be little-seen gems, sometimes it'll be shows you might have missed, and sometimes...sometimes it'll be crap so awful it simply has to be seen to be believed. Here's what's FlixWorthy this week, kids.

Harlan Ellison: Dreams with Sharp Teeth

(2008, Not Rated, 96 min.)

If you aren't familiar with writer Harlan Ellison, you'll get a perfect introduction in the opening moments of Dreams with Sharp Teeth. Comedian and long-time friend Robin Williams asks Ellison if it's true that he once mailed a dead gopher to a publishing house. The response: "Absolutely true." What follows is a documentary profile of the outspoken writer through interviews, archival footage, and readings of his stories. Writers including Neil Gaiman, Peter David, Ron Moore, and Josh Olson put in cameos to discuss their friendship with Ellison and his influence on their work, but quite frankly the star attraction is the man himself. Prolific, passionate, and abrasive, Ellison is as distinctive as his body of work, and the personality that has won him both legions of fans and cadres of bitter enemies is on full display in Dreams with Sharp Teeth. It's clear that writer-director Erik Nelson (Grizzly Man) is an Ellison fan, so it's disappointing that the film doesn't delve deeper into the controversies surrounding the writer, but Ellison's fascinating personal history and love-him-or-hate-him personality carry the weight of the film well.

Double-Feature It With...

Trumbo

(2007, Rated PG-13, 96 min., HD)

Before discovering this documentary, my knowledge of Dalton Trumbo was limited to recognizing his impressive list of screen credits and his blacklisting by HUAC. Based on a play by Dalton's son Christopher, Trumbo is an engrossing look at the fearless writer responsible for Spartacus and Johnny Got His Gun. Trumbo combines the usual mix of interviews and historical footage with readings of Trumbo's letters by actors including Joan Allen, Brian Dennehy, Paul Giamatti, and Donald Sutherland.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

(1988, Rated PG, 110 min.)

Pretty much the only entertaining parts of this week's Oscars were the ones involving Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. If Hollywood's big night has left you craving some vintage Martin, Netflix has added Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to their streaming catalogue. Directed by Frank Oz, Scoundrels stars Martin and Michael Caine as rival con men who face off over a wager to see who can swindle away the fortune of a wealthy heiress in the French Riviera. As you'd expect of the pairing of Martin and Caine, the film is a mixture of wit and slapstick, and it's great fun watching the two spar and undercut each other's plans (although it would be better if Caine delivered a monologue involving tangerines at some point). Weirdly, the film was originally intended as a project for Mick Jagger and David Bowie. All due respect to Bowie's fine performance in Labyrinth, but I think we're all better off that that version of the film never happened.

Double-Feature It With...

Roxanne

(1987, Rated PG, 107 min.)

In Roxanne, Martin steps from con man to the other side of protecting and serving as a small-town firefighter gifted (or cursed) with a prominent proboscis. Putting a modern spin on Cyrano de Bergerac, Roxanne sees Martin's C.D. Bales fall for Daryl Hannah and use a handsome buddy to seduce her by proxy. He also fends off several bullies using a tennis racquet at one point, which is awesome.

Mallrats

(1995, Rated R, 96 min.)

Ah, Mallrats. Before Jersey Girl came along, Mallrats was the easiest target for Smith detractors, the ugly middle child between the better-respected Clerks and Chasing Amy. Mallrats will always hold a special place in my heart, however, because it was the first Smith movie I ever saw, and a regular staple of my friends' weekend viewing habits throughout college. Broader in both scale and comedy than Clerks, Mallrats starred Jeremy London as the lovestruck and recently dumped TS Quint, and introduced the world to the awesomeness of Jason Lee, back before he broke our hearts with the Chipmunks movies. TS and also-dumped buddy Brodie (Lee) wander the retail wasteland that is the local mall, running across View Askewniverse stalwarts such as Jay and Silent Bob, discussing superhero sex organs with Stan Lee, and speculating about the dubious merits of getting busy in the back of a Volkswagen. Mallrats isn't as notable as Clerks or Chasing Amy, but neither is it as ridiculous as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. It's just good, silly fun from the days before Smith was making "real" movies starring Bruce Willis. I'll take Mallrats over Cop Out any day of the week.

Double-Feature It With:

The Breakfast Club

(1985, Rated R, 92 min.)

Maybe it's just because the John Hughes montage during the Oscar made me nostalgic, but any excuse to rewatch The Breakfast Club is a good excuse to rewatch The Breakfast Club. Like many other filmmakers of his generation, Smith was heavily influenced by Hughes' teen films. Why not pair up vintage Smith with what is arguably Hughes' masterpiece?

House of 1,000 Corpses

(2003, Rated R, 88 min., HD)

There's no question that Rob Zombie has become a powerful player in the modern horror landscape. How you feel about that will determine whether or not you're excited that Zombie's House of 1,000 Corpses has turned up in Netflix's streaming library. This was the film that established Zombie as a writer-director, instead of just "that hairy guy from White Zombie." Inspired by old-school horror and exploitation movies, Corpses is a violent and gory throwback that tosses two couples into the midst of an urban legend that proves to be all too true. All the standard horror elements are here: hapless travelers, a bugfuck crazy family of psychopaths, and an array of insides becoming outsides in spectacular fashion. Granted, horror movies don't always review well, but the 17% fresh rating on RottenTomatoes probably won't lure in many sightseers who aren't already Zombie fans. Regardless of your opinion on the Halloween remakes, the path to them began here.

Double-Feature It With:

The Evil Dead

(1981, Not Rated, 85 min.)

Depending on whether you actually enjoyed House of 1,000 Corpses, Evil Dead will either be a complementary cult classic or a revivifying antidote. Either way, Sam Raimi's definitive "cabin in the woods" flick is chock full of win. (Available until April 1, 2010)

The Call of Cthulhu

(2005, Not Rated, 47 min.)

I remember this film getting a lot of buzz a few years ago, but I never got around to seeing it. Lovecraft has always been damn near impossible to get right on the big screen, but the filmmakers behind Call of Cthulhu decided to try something new by trying something old. The Call of Cthulhu is presented as if it's an actual relic from the 1920s, a low-budget affair delivered in silent-film style and black and white. By all accounts, the short film is very faithful to the Lovecraft story from which it draws its name and inspiration, and at 47 minutes, it's an easy way to kill a lunch or laundry break. Until Guillermo del Toro eventually gets around to making At the Mountains of Madness, this might just be your best bet for cinematic Lovecraft.

Double-Feature It With:

From Beyond

(1986, Unrated, 85 min.)

Del Toro isn't the only filmmaker determined to crack the Lovecraft nut. Stuart Gordon has been doing his best to bring the writer's works and style to the big screen since 1985's Re-Animator. Gordon regular Jeffrey Combs stars a scientist meddling in things he shouldn't, all loosely based on a Lovecraft short story of the same name. If I had my druthers, I'd actually suggest pairing Call of Cthulhu with Gordon's Dagon, but it isn't available streaming.

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