The Evil Dead (1981)
Sam Raimi's landmark low-budget horror debut that redefined the genre and launched one of cinema's most enduring cult franchises.
The Evil Dead - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Evil Dead
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Sam Raimi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): NC-17
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 15, 1981 (United States - NC-17), April 22, 1983 (Canada), January 17, 1983 (United Kingdom - 18), February 10, 1984 (Germany - 18), August 24, 1983 (France - 12), June 23, 1983 (Australia - R 18+), May 25, 1982 (Brazil), May 16, 1985 (Mexico - C), August 17, 1984 (Italy - VM14), December 21, 1983 (Spain - 18), September 2, 1989 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Tanz der Teufel 1 - The Evil Dead (DE), Uma Noite Alucinante: A Morte do Demônio (BR), Kötü Ruh (TR), مرده شریر (IR), Mala muerte (CO), Diabólico (AR), 将變 (HK), ผีอมตะ (TH)
- Production Companies: Renaissance Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Evil Dead - Plot
In 1979, a group of college students find a Sumerian Book of the Dead in an old wilderness cabin they've rented for a weekend getaway.
The Evil Dead - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the terror that started it all:
The ultimate experience in gruelling terror.
Where to Watch The Evil Dead
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The Evil Dead - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sam Raimi
Main Cast
- Bruce Campbell
- Ellen Sandweiss
- Richard DeManincor
- Betsy Baker
- Theresa Tilly
- Philip A. Gillis
- Dorothy Tapert
- Cheryl Guttridge
- Barbara Carey
- David Horton
Writers
- Sam Raimi
Producers
- Robert Tapert
The Evil Dead - FAQs
Where can you watch The Evil Dead online?
The Evil Dead is available to stream on Pluto TV with ads at no cost. It can also be rented or purchased digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options near you.
Is The Evil Dead based on a true story?
No, The Evil Dead is not based on a true story. Sam Raimi conceived the story as an original work of supernatural horror fiction. The Necronomicon Ex-Mortis (Book of the Dead) depicted in the film is a fictional artifact, though it draws loosely on H.P. Lovecraft's literary mythology.
Who are the main actors in The Evil Dead?
The Evil Dead stars Bruce Campbell as Ash, Ellen Sandweiss as Cheryl, Richard DeManincor as Scott, Betsy Baker as Linda, and Theresa Tilly as Shelly. Bruce Campbell's portrayal of Ash Williams became iconic, launching a career-defining role he would reprise across sequels and a television series.
What is The Evil Dead about?
The Evil Dead follows five college students who retreat to a remote Tennessee cabin for the weekend. They discover a Sumerian Book of the Dead and an audio tape recording incantations that, when played, awaken malevolent demonic forces in the surrounding woods, possessing members of the group one by one.
What is the age rating for The Evil Dead?
The Evil Dead holds an NC-17 rating in the United States, reflecting its intense and graphic horror content. It was rated 18 in the United Kingdom and Germany, R 18+ in Australia, and received various other adult classifications internationally. It is strictly intended for mature audiences only.
How long is The Evil Dead?
The Evil Dead has a runtime of 85 minutes, making it a tightly paced horror experience that wastes little time building to its terrifying set pieces. Despite its brief running time, the film delivers relentless tension and atmosphere that have cemented its status as a cornerstone of the horror genre.
Did The Evil Dead launch a franchise?
Yes. The Evil Dead spawned a beloved franchise including Evil Dead II (1987) and Army of Darkness (1992), both directed by Sam Raimi. A remake, Evil Dead, followed in 2013, and the franchise expanded further with the television series Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018) and the sequel Evil Dead Rise (2023).
What was the budget for The Evil Dead?
The Evil Dead was made on a remarkably modest budget of approximately $350,000, much of it raised by Sam Raimi and producer Robert Tapert through private investors. Despite this shoestring production, the film went on to gross nearly $29.6 million worldwide, making it an extraordinary financial and cultural success.
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