There's no arguing that Sam Raimi stands among the greats in the world of horror filmmaking. With a career that spans decades, Raimi has crafted some of the most iconic and influential films in the genre. Whether it's a sinister cabin in the woods or a demonic curse, Raimi has a knack for taking the most terrifying concepts and elevating them into something truly unforgettable.
With such a rich legacy, choosing the best of his work can be tricky. In this article, we’ll break down the four best Sam Raimi horror movies to watch, along with one to skip—because even the greats have their missteps.
Evil Dead II (1987)
- Verdict: Watch
- Cast: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley, Richard Domeier
- Where to watch: Prime Video for free
The Evil Dead (1981) might have been the first movie in the Evil Dead franchise, but I'd argue that its sequel, Evil Dead II, is the true gem of the series. While The Evil Dead was a gritty, horrifying cult classic, Evil Dead II took everything to new heights by amplifying the horror and adding a layer of dark humor that made it even more memorable.
The sequel sees the return of Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda, who decide to take a trip to a remote cabin in the woods for a romantic getaway only to inadvertently unleash an ancient evil after playing a cursed recording of the Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead. This leads Ash into a nightmarish battle for survival as the evil forces possess Linda, turning her into a terrifying demon and unleashing a wave of chaos within the cabin.
The Evil Dead (1981)
- Verdict: Watch
- Cast: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms
Of course, The Evil Dead would be considered a horror movie to watch if we said its sequel was a must-see. Although it might not be as funny as Evil Dead II, seeing as though it takes a more serious approach to the horror, The Evil Dead still delivers an unforgettable, gut-wrenching experience with its raw, relentless terror.
It follows five college students who travel to a secluded cabin in the woods for vacation only to accidentally unleash an ancient evil after discovering a mysterious book, the Necronomicon, and playing a cursed recording. As the demonic forces begin to possess each member of the group, the remaining survivors are forced to fight for their lives.
The Gift (2000)
- Verdict: Skip
- Cast: Cate Blanchett, Giovanni Ribisi, Keanu Reeves, Katie Holmes, Greg Kinnear, Hilary Swank
- Where to watch: Pluto TV for free
Look, I know even the greatest filmmakers have their missteps, and Sam Raimi is no exception. The Gift was not his finest work. Despite a talented cast and an interesting premise, this supernatural horror fell short due to its predictable plot, uneven pacing, and tonal inconsistencies.
It centers around a woman with psychic abilities, Annabelle Wilson, who is drawn into the investigation of a missing young socialite after having disturbing visions about the case. As Annabelle delves deeper into the mystery and tries to piece together the truth, she uncovers dark secrets about the missing woman's life and the people closest to her.
Army of Darkness (1992)
- Verdict: Watch
- Cast: Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert, Ian Abercrombie
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital retailers
Another great horror movie by Raimi that we recommend watching is Army of Darkness, which serves as a sequel to Evil Dead II. The film takes the franchise in an exciting new direction by mixing horror with comedy and fantasy elements.
In the dark fantasy film, Ash is transported back in time to the medieval era, where he must fight an army of the undead and retrieve the Necronomicon in order to return to the present. With its outrageous action and offbeat humor, Army of Darkness stands out as a fun and unforgettable entry in the Evil Dead franchise.
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
- Verdict: Watch
- Cast: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, Adriana Barraza
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Raimi stepped away from the Evil Dead franchise to make the supernatural horror Drag Me to Hell, which marked his long-awaited return to the horror genre after a break to explore other projects. And honestly, he absolutely delivered with this one.
It follows Christine Brown, a young bank loan officer who, after denying an elderly woman a loan, finds herself cursed by the woman in a desperate act of revenge. In a frantic attempt to rid herself of the curse, Christine turns to a series of increasingly desperate measures. However, she soon finds herself having to confront a dark and unsettling truth. The curse may be impossible to break without a sacrifice.