The Evil Dead franchise has remained one of horror's biggest names for more than four decades. While Sam Raimi's original films mixed supernatural horror with dark comedy, the modern era takes a much darker and more intense approach. Packed with terrifying Deadites, brutal practical effects, and emotional storytelling, these three movies have introduced the franchise to a whole new generation of horror fans.
Whether you're new to the series or planning a complete marathon, this guide covers everything you need to know about the modern Evil Dead movies.
The story follows Mia, a young woman trying to overcome her drug addiction. She travels to a remote cabin with her brother David and their friends, hoping to begin a new chapter in her life. Their peaceful getaway quickly turns into a nightmare after they discover the mysterious Book of the Dead hidden beneath the cabin.
Once the ancient words are read aloud, an evil force awakens and begins possessing everyone inside the cabin.
The story follows Beth, who visits her sister Ellie and her family. Their reunion turns into a terrifying fight for survival after an ancient evil is unleashed, transforming Ellie into a terrifying Deadite.
The new setting gives the franchise a fresh feel while keeping the same terrifying atmosphere.
The film follows Alice, a grieving woman who visits her late husband's family after his funeral. What begins as a quiet family gathering soon turns into a horrifying nightmare when the Book of the Dead unleashes a new wave of Deadites. As evil spreads through the isolated home, the family must fight to survive against an unstoppable supernatural force.
If you're a horror fan looking for intense scares, unforgettable Deadites, and impressive practical effects, these three movies deserve a place on your watchlist.
Whether you're new to the series or planning a complete marathon, this guide covers everything you need to know about the modern Evil Dead movies.
Evil Dead (2013)
Story
Directed by Fede Álvarez, Evil Dead (2013) serves as a fresh reboot of the franchise.The story follows Mia, a young woman trying to overcome her drug addiction. She travels to a remote cabin with her brother David and their friends, hoping to begin a new chapter in her life. Their peaceful getaway quickly turns into a nightmare after they discover the mysterious Book of the Dead hidden beneath the cabin.
Once the ancient words are read aloud, an evil force awakens and begins possessing everyone inside the cabin.
Main Cast
- Jane Levy as Mia
- Shiloh Fernandez as David
- Lou Taylor Pucci as Eric
- Jessica Lucas as Olivia
- Elizabeth Blackmore as Natalie
Why Fans Love It
- Brutal practical effects
- Intense survival horror
- Outstanding performance by Jane Levy
- One of the bloodiest finales in the franchise
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Critical Reception
Critics praised the movie for respecting the original while creating its own identity. The practical effects, suspense, and Jane Levy's performance received particular praise, and many horror fans still consider it one of the best horror remakes ever made.Box Office
Made on a budget of around $17 million, the film earned over $97 million worldwide, proving that audiences were ready for a darker version of Evil Dead.Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Story
Instead of returning to the familiar cabin, director Lee Cronin moved the horror to a run-down apartment building.The story follows Beth, who visits her sister Ellie and her family. Their reunion turns into a terrifying fight for survival after an ancient evil is unleashed, transforming Ellie into a terrifying Deadite.
The new setting gives the franchise a fresh feel while keeping the same terrifying atmosphere.
Main Cast
- Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie
- Lily Sullivan as Beth
- Morgan Davies as Danny
- Gabrielle Echols as Bridget
- Nell Fisher as Kassie
- Mirabai Pease as Teresa
- Richard Crouchley as Caleb
- Anna-Maree Thomas as Jessica
Why Fans Love It
- Emotional family story
- Creative horror scenes
- Amazing practical makeup effects
- Alyssa Sutherland's unforgettable performance
Critical Reception
The movie received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Many praised Lee Cronin's direction, the practical effects, and the emotional story, while Alyssa Sutherland's performance quickly became one of the franchise's highlights.Related Interest: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2026) — Everything You Need to Know
Box Office
With a production budget of about $19 million, Evil Dead Rise became the highest-grossing film in the franchise at the time, earning more than $147 million worldwide.Evil Dead Burn (2026)
Story
Directed by Sébastien Vaniček, Evil Dead Burn continues the modern era with a brand-new standalone story.The film follows Alice, a grieving woman who visits her late husband's family after his funeral. What begins as a quiet family gathering soon turns into a horrifying nightmare when the Book of the Dead unleashes a new wave of Deadites. As evil spreads through the isolated home, the family must fight to survive against an unstoppable supernatural force.
Movie Cast
- Souheila Yacoub as Alice
- Tandi Wright as Susan
- Hunter Doohan as Joseph
- Luciane Buchanan as Thya
- Erroll Shand as Edgar
- Maude Davey as Polly
- George Pullar as Will
- Greta van den Brink as Jessica
- Keanu Karim as Jared
- Victory Ndukwe as Leo
Why Fans Love It
- Dark family drama
- Brutal practical gore
- Disturbing Deadite designs
- Strong performances
- Fast-paced horror from beginning to end
Critical Reception
Early reviews praised the film's practical effects, disturbing atmosphere, and relentless horror. Many critics highlighted Sébastien Vaniček's unique visual style, while some felt the movie focused more on brutal gore than emotional depth. Overall, it has received a positive response from horror fans who enjoy intense supernatural horror.Box Office
The film opened strongly in theaters and quickly became another successful chapter for the franchise, continuing the commercial momentum created by Evil Dead (2013) and Evil Dead Rise.Which Modern Evil Dead Movie Is the Best?
Each movie offers something different.- Evil Dead (2013) is perfect for fans who enjoy brutal survival horror.
- Evil Dead Rise combines emotional storytelling with terrifying supernatural horror.
- Evil Dead Burn delivers relentless gore, psychological tension, and another fresh take on the Evil Dead mythology.
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Where to Watch the Modern Evil Dead Movies
Looking for the complete collection?
We've created a dedicated page where you can explore all three modern Evil Dead movies in one place. If you're planning a horror marathon, simply visit our complete collection page below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these three movies connected?
Yes. They all share the mythology of the Book of the Dead, but each tells a standalone story with new characters.Do I need to watch the original Evil Dead movies first?
No. The modern movies can be enjoyed on their own, although watching the originals gives you a deeper appreciation of the franchise.Which modern Evil Dead movie is the scariest?
Many fans consider Evil Dead (2013) the most brutal, while others prefer the emotional horror of Evil Dead Rise or the relentless intensity of Evil Dead Burn.Is Evil Dead Burn a direct sequel?
No. Like the previous modern films, it tells a new standalone story within the same universe.Are the modern Evil Dead movies worth watching?
Absolutely. If you enjoy supernatural horror, practical effects, and suspenseful storytelling, all three movies are worth adding to your watchlist.Final Thoughts
The modern Evil Dead trilogy proves that a classic horror franchise can evolve while staying true to its roots. From the terrifying cabin in Evil Dead (2013) to the apartment nightmare of Evil Dead Rise and the haunting family horror of Evil Dead Burn, each movie brings something fresh to the series.If you're a horror fan looking for intense scares, unforgettable Deadites, and impressive practical effects, these three movies deserve a place on your watchlist.
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Horror