The theater went silent the moment Rachel McAdams faced down that CGI boar, a collective intake of breath before the carnage began. In that instant, something clicked: Sam Raimi was back to doing what only he can. It’s not as if the director behind The Evil Dead and the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy ever vanished, but a true Raimi film juggles laughs, heart, action, and over-the-top gore with a maestro’s touch.
That McAdams scene is from Send Help, in theaters January 30th. What better time, then, to sort through Raimi’s filmography? We’re ranking almost everything, omitting only the hard-to-find directorial debut, Crimewave, and For the Love of the Game (sorry, Kevin Costner). Where do the rest fall? Let’s get started.
14. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
I remember the trailers for Oz the Great and Powerful, and the promise of something magical. The final product wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t remarkable either. This origin story of the Wizard of Oz, starring James Franco, earned money, yet felt so uninspired that Raimi didn’t direct another feature film for nearly a decade. This one lacked spark.
13. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
The hype surrounding Spider-Man 2 was stratospheric, raising expectations to impossible heights for Raimi’s final Spidey outing. This film, sadly, stumbles, weighed down by cringe-worthy moments, an excess of villains, and a shortage of the emotional depth that elevated its predecessors. Think of it as an overstuffed backpack, ready to burst.
12. The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Westerns might not be io9’s usual beat, but we’ll make an exception for Raimi. Sharon Stone stars as a woman entering a dueling contest for revenge against an evil sheriff (Gene Hackman). While the cast (including Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio) is stellar, it plays as a fairly standard Western. Ultimately, it needs more Raimi weirdness to climb higher.
11. The Gift (2000)
I walked out of The Gift initially impressed. Interesting concept, strong cast, and Raimi directing—what could go wrong? But, unlike many of Raimi’s other films, I never felt the urge to revisit it. Perhaps another viewing would change its position, but for now, this is where it sits. Maybe I’m missing something.
What is Sam Raimi’s highest-grossing movie?
Ironically, it’s a movie many consider his weakest: Oz the Great and Powerful, which raked in nearly $500 million USD worldwide (€460M EUR). Raimi proved he could command a massive budget, even if the story didn’t quite match the spectacle.
10. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
For his introduction to the MCU, Raimi steered Doctor Strange into wild, uncharted territory. All the hallmarks of a Raimi movie are present, but beholden to the MCU’s constraints, it never reaches the innovative or shocking heights of his best work. Fun, but short of groundbreaking.
9. Darkman (1990)
Hear me out. Many consider Darkman a Raimi masterpiece, and its ambition is undeniable. Liam Neeson plays Raimi’s original superhero, but the character never fully resonated with me. The movie is visually striking, but the pieces don’t quite align as seamlessly as in Raimi’s other films. Agree to disagree?
8. Send Help (2026)
Yes, the new film lands this high. It’s a genuine return to form, blending horror and comedy in classic Raimi fashion. Dylan O’Brien and Rachel McAdams play a CEO and employee stranded on an island. The simple premise spirals into wild, outrageous situations. But given Raimi’s extensive catalog, it settles comfortably in the middle of the pack.
7. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
I’m blaming the trailers for this placement. Drag Me to Hell’s marketing revealed the ending: Alison Lohman’s character being dragged to hell. While narratively fitting, knowing the climax in advance diminished the impact of this otherwise clever and chilling film.
What are some horror movies similar to ‘Drag Me to Hell?’
For those who appreciate Drag Me to Hell‘s blend of horror and dark humor, consider Evil Dead 2 (also by Raimi), Tucker & Dale vs Evil, or Shaun of the Dead. All balance scares with comedic relief.
6. A Simple Plan (1998)
Its power lies in its simplicity. Friends discover a fortune and question their trust in one another. The performances are outstanding, especially Billy Bob Thornton’s Oscar-nominated turn, and the tension is palpable. Its straightforward nature, however, keeps it from surpassing Raimi’s more unconventional classics.
5. Army of Darkness (1992)
I probably enjoy Army of Darkness more than any other film on this list. It’s hilarious, excessive, and self-aware. For me, it’s the quintessential Raimi/Bruce Campbell collaboration, showcasing both at their peak. Its comedic emphasis, however, slightly overshadows the balanced horror/humor of his best films.
4. Spider-Man (2002)
Unless you witnessed it firsthand, it’s difficult to grasp the impact of Raimi’s Spider-Man. While directors like Tim Burton made successful superhero movies before, Spider-Man elevated the genre with its tone and exploration of Peter Parker’s dual life. This film propelled Raimi to a new level.
3. The Evil Dead (1981)
The film that launched Raimi’s career remains a standout. The Evil Dead brims with passion, showcasing young filmmakers blending humor and horror in innovative ways. Bruce Campbell is a revelation, and the scares are more visceral than its sequels.
2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, and Terminator 2 form an elite club of sequels surpassing their originals, and Spider-Man 2 deserves inclusion. With Peter Parker embracing his role, the film achieves something exceptional. Doc Ock’s villainy and the poignant emotional beats contribute to making it one of the best superhero films ever.
How did Sam Raimi influence superhero movies?
Raimi infused superhero films with a distinct sense of character, balancing action with genuine emotion. His influence can be seen in directors like James Gunn, who similarly blend humor and heart in their superhero narratives. Sam Raimi set a precedent for bringing comic books to life with both reverence and creative flair. It was lighting in a bottle.
1. Evil Dead II (1987)
Raimi and sequels clearly have a thing. As if he needs a first attempt to refine the formula for something even better. And so it happened with Spider-Man, and definitively with Evil Dead II. This follow-up mirrors the original, but amplifies the goofiness and gore, resulting in an alchemy that surpasses the already excellent first film. It’s a modern masterpiece of mayhem. But has any other horror-comedy sequel ever outdone the original?
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