10 Best Evil Dead Moments
From chainsaws and Deadites to boomsticks and cheesy one-liners, the Evil Dead franchise is one of horror’s most creative and consistent. Blending his love of The Three Stooges with some gruesome, outlandish imagery, director Sam Raimi managed to create the original cult classic when he was only twenty years old. Thanks to Stephen King’s praises, Raimi and horror-icon Bruce Campbell’s first feature film (The Evil Dead, 1981) quickly achieved cult status, spawning a franchise consisting of five films, and a three-season television series.
Each entry in the franchise has a unique voice, from the amateur yet inspiring charm of the original to the twisted and darkly comedic Evil Dead 2 (1987), to the outlandish fantasy elements of Army of Darkness (1992). And, in recent years, there have been two standalone films: a relentless new interpretation of the first film from director Fede Álvarez (Alien: Romulus), Evil Dead (2013), as well as the series’ latest entry, Evil Dead Rise (directed by Lee Cronin, 2023), whose high-rise apartment complex offered a fun twist on a familiar premise.
Over the franchise’s 40-year history, there have been dozens of iconic moments that have stuck with horror aficionados. Whether these moments were quotable, scary, or comical, they helped to define what an Evil Dead film should be; they have become as synonymous with the franchise as Ash Williams himself. Here at The Film Magazine, we have meticulously chosen the greatest scenes from this beloved feature film franchise – those that made us laugh, wince, and cheer over the years. These are the 10 Best Evil Dead Moments.
10. Tormenting Ash
“We’re gonna get you…”
The Evil Dead
Before Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) became a horror icon, he was an ordinary person. A victim, if anything, caught in an unimaginable situation. In a single night, he witnessed his sister, girlfriend, and friends transform into merciless Deadites.
In The Evil Dead, as Ash sees his loved ones taken one by one, the Deadites begin to torment Ash both physically and psychologically. Shortly after Ash discovers Linda (Betsy Baker) has been possessed, she begins to emotionally torture him. Perched eerily in the doorway, Deadite Linda mocks Ash’s growing panic, singing a chilling rendition of “We’re Gonna Get You.”
This moment remains one of the original film’s strongest scenes, primarily because it highlights the Deadites’ sadistic delight in emotionally torturing their victims. However, this scene stands out from the rest of Ash’s early encounters with the Deadites due to its haunting contrast between the lullaby and the psychological terror. By this point in the film, Ash is all alone, trapped in an isolated cabin crawling with Deadites. One of their victims is Linda, who is now taunting Ash. She creepily sings, stares, and giggles as Ash begins to panic. Ultimately, this scene’s effectiveness comes down to two factors: firstly, Bruce Campbell and Betsy Baker’s intense performances. Secondly, the make-up effects, and specifically the pupil-less contact lenses that eliminate Linda’s humanity.
Over forty years later, Deadite Linda’s childish tormenting of Ash remains spine-tingling. This is an iconic moment in the franchise because it reveals the Deadites’ true intentions, as well as their insatiable desire to emotionally scar the living. Furthermore, it’s admirably directed.
Recommended for you: Where to Start with Sam Raimi
9. Mommy Loves You to Death
“Mommy’s with the maggots now.”
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Ten years after Fede Álvarez’s incredibly dark remake, Lee Cronin’s Evil Dead Rise aimed to incorporate some of the dark comedy of the original trilogy – more specifically, Evil Dead 2. And so, much of the twisted humour came from the film’s main Deadite, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland). “Mommy’s with the maggots now,” is the film’s most recognisable line, and it explicitly signifies the beginning of the film’s descent into chaos.
Ellie Bixler is the mother of the three children in the film, as well as Beth’s (Lily Sullivan) sister. Tragically, Ellie becomes the Book of the Dead’s first victim, and is possessed, not before pleading with Beth to save her children. Later that night, Deadite Ellie reawakens after being moved to the bathroom, where she begins shrieking profusely (and utters her iconic line). To the despair of her family, she monstrously crawls out of the bathroom. Deadites like to play with their food first, evidenced by Ellie smiling menacingly, snarling, and fake-lunging at Beth for her own amusement (before genuinely striking moments later).
Despite how disturbing the scene is, it’s a testament to the revolting nature of the Deadites. Crucially, the scene explores how they prey on humans’ emotions. Given that some of the film’s most prominent themes are family and motherhood, Ellie, the mother of three, becoming a Deadite is even darker to think about.
Furthermore, Ellie has already become a fan-favourite character because of Alyssa Sutherland’s remarkable performance; she’s the highlight of the film. Thanks to her commitment, Ellie and Deadite Ellie feel like entirely different characters. One is caring and making the best of a bad situation (she’s a single mother who is about to be evicted), while the other is malicious, giddy, and erratic.
