Evil Dead II (1987)

Kernel Score: 84% · 3,411 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Comedy, Fantasy

Released: 1987-03-13

Runtime: 84 minutes

Is Evil Dead II worth watching?

Must-watch. A man fights demons in a cabin in this gory, hilarious horror-comedy. Sam Raimi's frantic camera and Bruce Campbell's slapstick make it a cult classic. It's best seen with a crowd and a strong stomach.

Watch it if you

  • like horror that doubles as slapstick
  • enjoy gory practical effects
  • love cult classics

Skip it if you

  • can't take gore
  • want serious scares

Best for: Horror night with friends

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Evil Dead II

  • Stream: HBO Max
  • Free with ads: Kanopy
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda find a log cabin in the woods with a voice recording from an archeologist who had recorded himself reciting ancient chants from "The Book of the Dead." As they play the recording an evil power is unleashed taking over Linda's body.

Evil Dead II parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Evil Dead II is a horror-comedy featuring graphic, over-the-top gore and violence.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Features chainsaw and shotgun violence, dismemberment, and gruesome supernatural gore played for dark comedic effect.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Evil Dead II

If you liked Evil Dead II, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Evil Dead (1981) — 82%: The raw original that started the series.
  • Army of Darkness (1992) — 81%: The third film, goofier and more adventurous.
  • Re-Animator (1985) — 78%: Gory, darkly funny horror cult favorite.
  • What We Do in the Shadows (2014) — 87%: Modern horror comedy with deadpan humour.
  • Gremlins (1984) — 80%: Creature comedy with real horror edges.
  • Trick 'r Treat (2007) — 77%: Playful horror anthology with a mean streak.

Director

Sam Raimi

Cast

  • Bruce Campbell as Ash
  • Sarah Berry as Annie
  • Dan Hicks as Jake
  • Kassie DePaiva as Bobby Joe
  • Ted Raimi as Possessed Henrietta
  • Denise Bixler as Linda
  • Richard Domeier as Ed
  • John Peakes as Professor Knowby
  • Lou Hancock as Henrietta
  • Snowy Winters as Dancer

Evil Dead II FAQ

Is Evil Dead II worth watching?

Must-watch. A man fights demons in a cabin in this gory, hilarious horror-comedy. Sam Raimi's frantic camera and Bruce Campbell's slapstick make it a cult classic. It's best seen with a crowd and a strong stomach.

Where can I watch Evil Dead II?

In the US you can stream Evil Dead II on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Evil Dead II OK for kids?

Evil Dead II is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Evil Dead II is a horror-comedy featuring graphic, over-the-top gore and violence.

What movies are like Evil Dead II?

If you liked Evil Dead II, try The Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, Re-Animator and What We Do in the Shadows.