10 More Horror Movie Sequels MASSIVELY Better Than The Original
3. Evil Dead II
Horror comedies are plentiful in cinema, but few match the sheer off-the-wall nature of the Evil Dead series. The five-film (plus a TV series) franchise is known for its over-the-top gore and raunchy but genuinely funny sense of humour - and the first two movies best exemplify this.
Directed by Sam Raimi, the initial two Evil Dead pictures are both wildly entertaining, but Evil Dead II takes the cake when it comes to blending laughs, frights, and technical value. Raimi's more assured hand means the 1987 fan favourite easily embraces the absurdity of some of its events, almost to the point of affectionate parody of its predecessor.
Unlike Army of Darkness and Evil Dead (2013), Evil Dead II succeeds at balancing tonal variations by ensuring that Ash's competent, eccentric, free-spirited nature is matched by the Deadites' palpable threat. Beyond this, the kinetic camerawork elevates the original flick's already impressive visual style, serving as a showcase of what a few years of experience and an increased budget can do for long-running cinematic storytelling.
Ultimately, both movies are a wild, entertaining ride, but Evil Dead II is able to win out on entertainment value and visceral spectacle.