How to Watch Evil Dead in Chronological Order

So, you want to dive into the Evil Dead universe, but not just watch it. You want to experience it the way it all went down. That’s a smart move. Following the story from the beginning can really change how you see things, especially with a series as wild and connected as Evil Dead. It’s not always obvious where each movie or show fits, but figuring out how to watch Evil Dead in chronological order is totally doable and super rewarding. Let’s get this straight.

The Beginning of the Bad

The very first thing you need to know is that the original 1981 film, The Evil Dead, kicks things off. This is where it all starts for Ash Williams and his unfortunate friends. It’s raw, it’s terrifying, and it sets the stage for all the mayhem that follows. You’ll see the Necronomicon Ex Mortis, the Book of the Dead, for the first time and witness the Kandarian demons being unleashed. It’s a classic for a reason, and absolutely essential for understanding the timeline.

After that, the story continues pretty directly with Evil Dead II in 1987. Now, this one’s a bit tricky. It acts as both a sequel and a sort of remake of the first movie, but don’t let that confuse you. It picks up with Ash, but quickly recaps the events of the first film in a much more comedic and over-the-top way. If you’re watching chronologically, just know that the very beginning of Evil Dead II is a condensed version of the first movie. The bulk of Evil Dead II moves the story forward with Ash battling more demons, often with his signature chainsaw hand.

Ash vs. Evil Dead Takes Over

The next big piece of the puzzle is the TV series, Ash vs. Evil Dead, which premiered in 2015. This show is a direct continuation of the original movie trilogy, set about 30 years after Army of Darkness. Ash is older, still a bit of a slacker, but he accidentally unleashes evil again. This is where you get to see more of Ash’s life and how the Deadites have continued to plague him. The series is packed with gore, humor, and plenty of callbacks to the movies. It’s a must-watch for any fan and fits perfectly into the chronological viewing order after the films.

The series really fleshes out Ash’s character and his relationships. You’ll meet new characters who become his unlikely companions in fighting the evil. It bridges the gap between the films and feels like a natural progression of Ash’s ongoing struggle. If you enjoyed the comedic horror of the later movies, you’ll love this show.

A New Generation of Evil

Now, things get a little more complicated with the more recent films. Evil Dead (2013) is a reboot, but it’s not in the same timeline as Ash’s story. Instead, it tells a parallel story about a different group of people who find the Necronomicon. This movie is much more serious and straight-up horror than the others, focusing on Mia, who is taken to a remote cabin by her friends to help her overcome her drug addiction. Of course, they find the book. Since it’s a separate story, you can watch it at any point, but if you’re strictly going by when the events happen, it’s best to place it after the original trilogy and Ash vs. Evil Dead, or even as a standalone viewing. It’s a fresh take on the Evil Dead lore, showcasing that the book’s power isn’t limited to Ash.

Then we have Evil Dead Rise (2023). This movie is also a standalone story but is set in Los Angeles, not a cabin in the woods. It features two sisters and their children who have to deal with Deadites invading their apartment building. While it doesn’t directly feature Ash or characters from his previous adventures, it is definitely set in the same universe and deals with the same demonic forces. Many fans consider it to be a spiritual successor or a new chapter that exists independently but within the same mythology. If you’re watching chronologically by release date, it’s the most recent. If you’re trying to slot it into a timeline of events, it’s a bit harder because it doesn’t have direct ties to Ash’s past, but it certainly follows the established rules of the Necronomicon. It shows the evil can manifest anywhere, anytime.

Putting it All Together

So, for the purest chronological experience, here’s how I’d recommend watching it:

• The Evil Dead (1981)
• Evil Dead II (1987)
• Army of Darkness (1992)
• Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018) – all three seasons
• Evil DeadAsh vs Evil Dead (2013) – This is where it gets a bit fluid. Since it’s a parallel story, you could watch it after Army of Darkness or after the TV show. I personally like to watch it after the Ash saga concludes, as it feels like a separate but connected branch.
• Evil Dead Rise (2023) – Again, a standalone story, but the latest in terms of release and conceptually. It shows the ongoing threat of the Necronomicon. You can watch this last to see the most recent manifestation of the evil.

This order lets you see Ash’s story unfold from his first terrifying encounter to his later, more seasoned (and still unlucky) adventures. Then, you can explore the newer takes on the franchise that expand the universe without directly interfering with Ash’s personal narrative. It’s a great way to appreciate the evolution of the series, from its gritty beginnings to its more modern, sometimes campy, takes.

If you’re curious about the lore behind the Necronomicon, checking out sources like Wikipedia’s entry on the Necronomicon can give you some interesting background, though remember that its fictional nature is key.

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve got the order, the best thing to do is grab some snacks, maybe a few friends (but not too many if you value their lives), and settle in for a marathon of terror and laughs. You can often find these titles on various streaming services or for rent online. Just search for them on platforms like Google Play Movies & TV or Amazon Prime Video. Enjoy the ride, and try not to read from any ancient books you find lying around!