20 Sequels That Brilliantly Fixed Past Mistakes

Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams is such a beloved and legendary horror icon that it might be easy to forget that he's actually fairly forgettable in his first appearance. 

1981's The Evil Dead is a brilliant horror film, but the characters took a backseat to the gory carnage, including Ash himself. Campbell was still good in the part, but from that movie alone, no-one would've guessed how great this character would ultimately become when Evil Dead II arrived in 1987. 

This time around, Ash was so much more than just an everyman in peril. He was a darkly hilarious badass who triumphed against evil despite overwhelming odds, all while constantly dropping iconic one-liners - "Groovy!", "Swallow this" and all the rest. 

Nevertheless, his everyman energy isn't entirely gone, which helps him to be relatable. Ash is a flawed, reluctant hero who's egotistical, self-serving, and a bit of a tosser in all honesty. He's the sort-of character who'd be doomed in so many other horror stories, which makes his repeated victories all the more satisfying. 

Ash Williams is a strong contender for the most iconic horror movie hero of all time, and the way that Evil Dead II turned a previously 'whatever' character into such an undeniable legend is nothing short of remarkable. Actually, you know what it is? It's groovy.