10 Filmmaking Lessons From the ‘Evil Dead’ Franchise

Don’t read from the Book of the Dead. 

The Evil Dead franchise is a beloved and influential series of horror-comedy films that have captured the hearts of fans around the world. From its humble beginnings as a low-budget independent film to its status as a cult classic, the franchise has left an indelible mark on the genre.

Along the way, it has provided a wealth of valuable filmmaking lessons that can benefit aspiring filmmakers and fans alike.

We picked ten we thought would be beneficial to readers. 

Check them out. 

10 Filmmaking Lessons From the Evil Dead Franchise

The Evil Dead is the distillation of great genre filmmaking. Based on Raimi’s 1979 short film Within the Woods, the movie plays on the cabin in the woods trope and delivers incredible characters and set pieces that are very memorable. 

The Evil Dead movies are a ton of fun and exciting to watch. they combine some of the most important parts of filmmaking and are full of lessons for budding filmmakers everywhere. 

1. Embrace your limitations: One of the most important lessons that can be learned from the Evil Dead franchise is the importance of embracing your limitations. With the original film being made on a shoestring budget, director Sam Raimi had to get creative with his camera angles and special effects. This limitation not only helped to create a unique and distinct style of the film but also helped to showcase Raimi’s talent as a filmmaker.

2. Take risks: The Evil Dead franchise is known for its over-the-top gore and humor, which could have easily turned off audiences. However, by taking risks and pushing boundaries, the films became cult classics that have stood the test of time. This lesson teaches us that sometimes, taking risks is necessary to create something truly special.

3. Stay true to your vision: Despite facing criticism and pushback from studios, Raimi and his team stayed true to their vision for the franchise, resulting in a distinct and beloved series of films. This lesson teaches us that it is important to stick to your vision and not compromise your artistic integrity for the sake of pleasing others.

4. Create memorable characters: The characters in the franchise, particularly protagonist Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), have become iconic due to their distinct personalities and quirks. This lesson shows us the importance of creating memorable and unique characters that audiences can connect with and relate to.

5. Use practical effects: The Evil Dead relied heavily on practical effects, which not only helped with the limited budget but also added to the films’ overall charm and authenticity. This lesson teaches us that practical effects can be just as effective, if not more so, than expensive CGI effects.

6. Pay homage to other films: The Evil Dead is full of references to classic horror films, showing that paying homage to the genre’s roots can be a great way to connect with audiences. This lesson teaches us the importance of understanding and appreciating the history of the genre we are working in.

7. Keep things fresh: While the franchise has a distinct style and tone, each film in the series has its own unique spin, keeping things fresh and engaging. This lesson teaches us the importance of keeping our work fresh and original, even within the confines of a particular genre or franchise.

8. Embrace humor: The Evil Dead is known for its blend of horror and humor, showing that the two genres can work together to create something truly special. This lesson teaches us the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously and incorporating humor into our work when appropriate.

9. Don’t be afraid to go big: The movies have become known for their over-the-top set pieces and action scenes, proving that sometimes the most memorable moments come from taking things to the extreme. This lesson teaches us the importance of taking risks and not being afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible.

10. Have fun: Above all else, the Evil Dead franchise is a testament to the joy of filmmaking. Despite the hard work and challenges that come with creating a film, the franchise remains a fun and entertaining ride for both the filmmakers and the audience. This lesson teaches us the importance of enjoying the process of filmmaking and remembering why we got into the business in the first place.

Summing Up 10 Filmmaking Lessons From the Evil Dead Franchise

The Evil Dead franchise has provided invaluable insights into the world of filmmaking. From embracing limitations and taking risks to stay true to one’s vision and having fun, the lessons from the franchise can help guide aspiring filmmakers on their own creative journeys.