The Evil Dead (1981) vs Evil Dead (2013): Cult Classic vs Modern Mayhem

Source: New Line Cinema & Sony Pictures Releasing

Sam Raimi’s “The Evil Dead” (1981) is a classic horror film that set a new standard for the genre. In 2013, a reimagining called “Evil Dead” paid homage to the original while carving out its own place in modern horror. This comparison explores some of their differences, and we give our take on which film is our favorite.

Budget:

• The Evil Dead (1981): The original “The Evil Dead” budget was approximately $350,000 to $400,000, which was quite low for a feature film even then. The film was financed through a combination of family and friends’ contributions and investors whom director Sam Raimi and producer Robert Tapert found.

• Evil Dead (2013): The budget for the “Evil Dead” remake was substantially higher than the original, with estimates around $17 million. This allowed for a more polished production, with higher-quality effects and a more professional cast and crew.

Plot:

•  The Evil Dead (1981): “The Evil Dead” follows five college students vacationing in an isolated cabin in the woods. They find an audiotape that, when played, releases a legion of demons and spirits. The group experiences horrific events as they are possessed one by one, except for the protagonist, Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell.

• Evil Dead (2013): The 2013 “Evil Dead” serves as a soft reboot and continuation of the original series. The premise is similar to the 1981 film, with five friends discovering a Book of the Dead at a remote cabin, leading to demonic possessions. However, this version focuses on the character Mia, who is trying to kick a drug addiction, adding a layer of metaphor to the horror elements.

Reception: 

• The Evil Dead (1981): The original “The Evil Dead” was a commercial success, grossing over $2.4 million in the United States and approximately $29.4 million worldwide. Despite its low budget, it received positive reviews for its full-throttle energy and creativity. It has since become a cult classic, praised for its innovative camera work and as a horror genre staple.

• Evil Dead (2013): The reception of the 2013 “Evil Dead” was generally positive, though it didn’t quite reach the cult status of the original. Critics and audiences praised the film for its commitment to practical effects and intense gore and for respecting the source material while providing a fresh take on the story. It was also a financial success, grossing over $97 million worldwide. Some fans of the original missed the campy humor of the 1981 version, as the remake adopted a more serious and gruesome approach.

Our Take: 

Comparing “The Evil Dead” (1981) with its 2013 counterpart is challenging, as both films have distinct qualities that cater to different horror preferences. The original film will always be iconic for its pioneering approach to the horror genre, particularly impressive given its modest budget. It crafted a hauntingly terrifying experience that has resonated with audiences for decades, setting a high standard for low-budget filmmaking and influencing many subsequent horror directors.

On the other hand, the 2013 “Evil Dead” offers a shock factor that some viewers may find more compelling. Its fresh perspective and updated visual effects provide a contemporary take on the classic tale, which might resonate more strongly with modern audiences. 

While there may be an element of recency bias influencing this view, it’s undeniable that the 2013 film serves as an effective relaunch of the franchise, introducing the terror of the original “Evil Dead” to a new generation of horror enthusiasts.

This soft reboot doesn’t merely rehash the original narrative; it expands upon it, grounding the horror in more relatable, character-driven stories, such as the subplot of addiction. It manages to honor the spirit of the 1981 classic while amplifying the horror elements to meet the expectations of today’s audience. In doing so, the 2013 “Evil Dead” bridges the gap between the past and present, potentially reinvigorating the franchise for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. 

We’re hooked on the 2013 remake!

Recommended Read: 5 Things You Didnt Know About The Evil Dead 1981

Recommended Watch: Check out this cool behind-the-scenes footage from the 2013 remake:

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