At a Glance
- Sam Raimi’s 15-film list spans horror, action, and comedy.
- The top spot goes to Evil Dead II (1987), a masterful blend of gore and humor.
- The bottom is Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), a lukewarm origin story.
- Why it matters: The list maps Raimi’s evolution from cult horror icon to mainstream blockbuster.
Sam Raimi’s career is a rollercoaster of genre-blending thrillers, and this ranking captures that journey. From the visceral terror of The Evil Dead to the comedic horror of Send Help, the list highlights how Raimi’s signature style has evolved over four decades. The films are ordered by how closely they align with the elements that make a Raimi movie-horror, action, and a touch of gore-while also reflecting the changing landscape of Hollywood.
Sam Raimi’s Filmography Ranking
The list includes every film directed by Raimi except his debut Crimewave and the non-genre baseball movie For the Love of the Game. Each entry is paired with a short analysis of why it landed where it did.
1. Evil Dead II (1987)
- A direct sequel that amplifies the gore and humor of the original.
- The film’s pacing keeps the audience on edge while delivering laugh-out-loud moments.
- Raimi’s tight direction turns a low-budget horror into a modern masterpiece.
2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
- A standout sequel that balances action with emotional depth.
- Doc Ock’s villainy is complemented by heartfelt moments.
- The film is often cited as one of the best superhero movies ever made.
3. The Evil Dead (1981)
- The film that launched Raimi’s career, blending horror and comedy.
- Bruce Campbell’s performance anchors the film’s blend of terror and humor.
- It remains a touchstone for cult horror fans.
4. Spider-Man (2002)
- The first film that brought Spider-Man to life with an adventurous tone.
- It helped elevate the superhero genre and launched Raimi into a new directorial stratosphere.
- The movie’s exploration of Peter Parker’s internal conflict resonated with audiences.
5. Army of Darkness (1992)
- A comedic, over-the-top take on the horror-action hybrid.
- The film’s self-awareness and humor are its strongest points.
- It is a quintessential Raimi-Bruce Campbell collaboration.
6. A Simple Plan (1998)
- A straightforward thriller about a group of friends who find money.
- The film’s tension and twists keep viewers on edge.
- Billy Bob Thornton’s Oscar-nominated performance stands out.
7. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
- Marketing focused on the trailer’s dramatic reveal.
- The film’s final twist undermines the earlier hype.
- It still delivers a creepy, surprising narrative.
8. Send Help (2026)
- A horror-comedy about a CEO and an employee stranded on an island.
- The film returns to Raimi’s signature brand of gore and humor.
- It is in theaters January 30 and is a true return to form.
9. Darkman (1990)
- A superhero story featuring Liam Neeson that fails to fully cohere.
- The movie is visually gorgeous but lacks the emotional punch of other Raimi films.
- It remains a notable entry in his filmography.
10. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
- Raimi’s first MCU entry, constrained by ratings and franchise rules.
- The film is fun but lacks the innovation of his earlier works.
- It is a solid effort that falls short of his best.
11. The Gift (2000)
- A cool premise with a great cast.
- Despite its strengths, it is not a film that invites revisit.
- It sits comfortably in the middle of the list.
12. The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- A Western featuring Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
- The film is a down-the-middle Western that doesn’t feel distinctly Raimi.
- It is included because of the director’s involvement.
13. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
- The final Spider-Man film for Raimi, criticized for awkward moments.
- Too many new villains and a lack of emotional depth.
- It fails to match the quality of its predecessors.
14. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
- An origin story for the Wizard of Oz starring James Franco.
- The film made money but was dismissed by critics.
- Raimi did not direct another feature for almost ten years after its release.
15. 15 films in total
- The list reflects Raimi’s evolution from cult horror to mainstream blockbusters.
Middle of the Pack
Films ranked 6-10 showcase Raimi’s experimentation with genre and tone. A Simple Plan and Drag Me to Hell illustrate his ability to craft tension and surprise, while Send Help demonstrates a return to his horror-comedy roots. Darkman and Doctor Strange show the challenges of blending superhero narratives with Raimi’s distinctive style.
Bottom of the List
The lower end of the ranking highlights projects where Raimi’s signature elements were diluted. The Quick and the Dead feels more like a conventional Western, and Spider-Man 3 suffers from narrative clutter. Oz the Great and Powerful is noted for its lackluster reception and the decade-long gap that followed.
Legacy and Influence
Raimi’s work has left a lasting imprint on horror, action, and superhero genres. His blend of visceral gore, comedic timing, and character depth has influenced a generation of filmmakers. The evolution seen in this ranking-from The Evil Dead to Send Help-shows how Raimi adapted to changing audience expectations while maintaining his core voice.
Key Takeaways
- Evil Dead II remains the pinnacle of Raimi’s career.
- Spider-Man 2 is a benchmark for superhero sequels.
- Send Help marks a successful return to horror-comedy.
- The list underscores Raimi’s willingness to experiment across genres.
- Even his lower-ranked films contribute to a diverse filmography.
