The original Evil Dead (1981), directed by Sam Raimi, is a chaotic, bloody, and wildly inventive horror film that became an instant cult classic. Made on a shoestring budget, it somehow manages to outdo many bigger productions simply through sheer creativity and relentless energy. The setup is simple—a group of friends head to a remote cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash a demonic force—but the execution is what makes it legendary. The camera work is wild, the effects are gruesome, and the entire thing feels like a fever dream. Bruce Campbell’s performance as Ash might be more serious in this first entry, but his physical acting and descent into madness already hint at the icon he would become. It’s raw, it’s unhinged, and it still holds up beautifully.
Then came Evil Dead (2013), which wisely didn’t try to copy the original’s tone. Instead, it went all-in on the gore and serious horror. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this version ditches the camp and humour in favour of straight-up brutality. It’s darker, meaner, and … a little boring. Sure, the practical effects are excellent, the atmosphere is oppressive, and it does a solid job of reimagining the original setup with a new cast of characters. But it does not have the magic from the old classic.
While the remake is a good horror film in its own right, it just doesn’t have the same spark as the original. It’s heavier, but it lacks the wild personality and insane charm that made Raimi’s version so special. The 2013 version feels more like a polished, serious possession film—while the original is pure chaos bottled up and unleashed.
Both are good, and both serve different horror moods—but the original still reigns supreme.
Winner: Evil Dead (1981)
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