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5 horror movies to watch if you’re a fan of Evil Dead.

Evil Dead is a hard series to categorize. Over its lifetime, it has been rebooted and redone in ways that change its subgenre but keep its original spirit. Army of Darkness is so far removed from the original Evil Dead film they shouldn’t even be placed next to each other on streaming sites.

What separates this franchise from its competitors is that it brings all kinds of horror fans to the table. If you enjoy some slapstick, watch Evil Dead 2. Or, if you prefer a more dreadful time, watch the newest reboot released in 2013. If you have been in love with Bruce Campbell since you were a child like me, then watch them all on repeat until your loved ones attempt to hold an intervention.

If you are trying to fill the emptiness in your soul until Evil Dead Rise comes out, then I have some films for you.

Bornless Ones

I am going to be generous and say that Bornless Ones is heavily inspired by the original Evil Dead films. Director Alexander Babaev (Taynyy Santa) does a great job of injecting new life into a familiar setting. Not only do we get demons possessing unlikable characters and giving them their comeuppance but also evil spirits healing a disabled kid, and that’s something we can all feel good about.

The plot of this movie may be unremarkable, but its use of practical  effects is outstanding. The imagery and makeup used can be absolutely nauseating, in the best ways of course. If you have ever gotten Taco Bell when you really wanted authentic Mexican food, then you have already experienced what it is to watch Bornless Ones. It may not be what you wanted, but it kind of works. 

Deathgasm

The name of this film gives you all the details you need to know. Deathgasm is hilarious, gory, and all about metal. Writer Jason Howden (Guns Akimbo) manages to combine these aspects flawlessly.  Taking the Evil Dead vibe into the modern world, Deathgasm replaces the dusty tome with some ancient sheet music.  This sheet music summons demonic entities to those that read it, as is tradition. 

This one may not have the same feeling as the Evil Dead franchise, but it introduces those themes to a new audience.  While this film may borrow from some of its predecessors, it manages to feel fresh and unique. If you love the Evil Dead franchise for unnecessary amounts of blood, I recommend checking out Deathgasm.

Demon Knight

We didn’t deserve the Tales from the Crypt series. It was a beautiful blending of comedy and horror that tragically ended too soon. At the height of its popularity, we received two movie spin offs, one of which we don’t discuss in polite company. The other has Billy Zane (Titanic) playing a cowboy demon, and it is nothing short of fantastic. 

This movie starts off at 100 MPH  and never slows down. Filled to the brim with zany terror and amazing practical effects, Demon Knight is a fun throwback to a different time. Although it may not follow the same formula as the Evil Dead franchise, these two films could happen in the same universe. If the concept of exploding eyeballs intrigues you, watch Demon Knight.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Speaking of things we don’t deserve, Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass) brings us a sequel to a failed Blumhouse movie titled simply Ouija. Mike Flanagan has typically used conventionally scary ideas – things like ghosts, haunted houses, and even Catholics. This time however he has to get our heart rate up using a Hasboro toy. 

Although this doesn’t check all of the Evil Dead boxes, it is a groovy possession film with a cursed object, so it’s pretty close. If brand recognition isn’t enough incentive to watch this film, then the cast should be. Ouija Origin of Evil stars Elizabeth Reaser (The Haunting of Hill House), Henry Thomas (The Haunting of Bly Manor) and Kate Siegel (Midnight Mass). If you want a little less cheese in your horror, check out Ouija Origin of Evil.

Deadstream

Deadstream is what would happen if you dragged Evil Dead kicking and screaming into the modern day. Kids these days just don’t go read archaic texts in the woods like they used to, but they will do it vicariously through a live streamer. This movie works in all the ways it shouldn’t. What seems like a goofy premise in an oversaturated genre ends up being a standout film. 

From the beautiful minds of Joseph Winter (V/H/S 99) and Venessa Winter (Devils Got My Back), Deadstream checks every box on the Evil Dead list. From gory over the top violence to campy comedy this film has it all. This film manages to be tense, hilarious, and cringe-inducing all at the same time. If you want a film that will make you howl with laughter and while at the edge of your seat, check out Deadstream.