By: Heather Seebach
Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy is such a classic that it has inspired countless films since, and has been directly referenced in more than a few movies, plus television shows, music videos, and even video games. Here is a list of my 10 favorite references to the great trilogy:
10. Night of the Creeps
Numerous characters in this cult classic share last names with famous horror directors, including Detective Cameron, Detective Landis, and of course, Sergeant Raimi. Not specifically an Evil Dead nod per say, but such an awesome reference that I did not want to omit it.
9. Duke Nukem 3D
This tough-talking video game character has many one-liners, but some are lifted directly from movies, such as They Live and Army of Darkness. The cover of Duke Nukem 3D is also a direct parody of the AoD poster.
8. Supernatural - "Hammer of the Gods"
Resident smart-ass Dean Winchester tossed out the famous Ash line, "Listen up, you primitive screwheads!" in season 5, episode 19. Click here to watch him say it (the video will automatically skip the spot).
7. Idle Hands
The very concept of Idle Hands is practically lifted from that famous sequence in Evil Dead 2 (and some book called The Bible). In fact, Devon Sawa supposedly watched Raimi's film repeatedly in his trailer to prepare (and it shows in his hand acting).
6. Foo Fighters' Everlong video
In the second half of this music video, we see a very Evil Dead-esque cabin complete with animal head, slamming cellar door, and chainsaw. Adding to the awesomeness - this video was directed by Michel Gondry.
5. Cabin in the Woods
In addition to the whole "cabin in the woods" sub-genre being thanks to The Evil Dead, the scientists' dry-erase board includes many monsters, among them being "deadites" and "angry molesting tree.
4. Shaun of the Dead
This great movie is packed with homages, but my three favorite Evil Dead moments are:
- Just before Shaun finds zombie Pete in the shower, there is a hilarious reference to the quick-cut workshed montage of Shaun zipping, flushing, and washing his hands.
- When Shaun finds Pete, he says, "We're going to the pub, so you're more than welcome to...(frightened voice)...join us." Another brilliant, subtle nod by Edgar Wright.
- While speaking to the Foree Electric employees, Shaun mentions that "Ash" is feeling under the weather.
3. Donnie Darko
When Frank appears to Donnie in the movie theater, he is attending a double-feature of The Evil Dead and The Last Temptation of Christ.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street
In one scene, Nancy is watching The Evil Dead on her television. Wes Craven and Sam Raimi actually had a little in-joke going. Craven's The Hills Have Eyes had a poster cameo in The Evil Dead, and Freddy's glove appeared in ED2.
1. High Fidelity
My favorite ED-related reference ever because it's unexpected, and when it comes to these films, I am so Rob and Barry in this scene.
"If I said I haven't seen Evil Dead 2 yet - what would you think?"
"I'd think you're a cinematic idiot and I'd feel sorry for you."
Right on, Barry, Right on.
This article is part of Evil Dead Week here at VDA! Check back every day for a new Evil Dead-themed article, counting down to the release of Fede Alvarez's Evil Dead!
Monday: Top 10 Deadites from the Evil Dead Trilogy
Tuesday: The Early Films of Raimi and Campbell
Wednesday: Top 10 References to the Evil Dead Films
Thursday: 5 Reasons to see Evil Dead (and 5 Excuses-Not-To That Are Bullshit)
Friday: My review of 'Evil Dead' (updated)
Saturday: Dissecting 'Evil Dead' Analysis Part 1
Sunday: Dissecting 'Evil Dead' Analysis Part 2
Bonus: Dissecting 'Evil Dead' Part 3
10. Night of the Creeps
Numerous characters in this cult classic share last names with famous horror directors, including Detective Cameron, Detective Landis, and of course, Sergeant Raimi. Not specifically an Evil Dead nod per say, but such an awesome reference that I did not want to omit it.
9. Duke Nukem 3D
This tough-talking video game character has many one-liners, but some are lifted directly from movies, such as They Live and Army of Darkness. The cover of Duke Nukem 3D is also a direct parody of the AoD poster.
8. Supernatural - "Hammer of the Gods"
Resident smart-ass Dean Winchester tossed out the famous Ash line, "Listen up, you primitive screwheads!" in season 5, episode 19. Click here to watch him say it (the video will automatically skip the spot).
7. Idle Hands
The very concept of Idle Hands is practically lifted from that famous sequence in Evil Dead 2 (and some book called The Bible). In fact, Devon Sawa supposedly watched Raimi's film repeatedly in his trailer to prepare (and it shows in his hand acting).
6. Foo Fighters' Everlong video
In the second half of this music video, we see a very Evil Dead-esque cabin complete with animal head, slamming cellar door, and chainsaw. Adding to the awesomeness - this video was directed by Michel Gondry.
5. Cabin in the Woods
In addition to the whole "cabin in the woods" sub-genre being thanks to The Evil Dead, the scientists' dry-erase board includes many monsters, among them being "deadites" and "angry molesting tree.
4. Shaun of the Dead
This great movie is packed with homages, but my three favorite Evil Dead moments are:
- Just before Shaun finds zombie Pete in the shower, there is a hilarious reference to the quick-cut workshed montage of Shaun zipping, flushing, and washing his hands.
- When Shaun finds Pete, he says, "We're going to the pub, so you're more than welcome to...(frightened voice)...join us." Another brilliant, subtle nod by Edgar Wright.
- While speaking to the Foree Electric employees, Shaun mentions that "Ash" is feeling under the weather.
3. Donnie Darko
When Frank appears to Donnie in the movie theater, he is attending a double-feature of The Evil Dead and The Last Temptation of Christ.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street
In one scene, Nancy is watching The Evil Dead on her television. Wes Craven and Sam Raimi actually had a little in-joke going. Craven's The Hills Have Eyes had a poster cameo in The Evil Dead, and Freddy's glove appeared in ED2.
1. High Fidelity
My favorite ED-related reference ever because it's unexpected, and when it comes to these films, I am so Rob and Barry in this scene.
"If I said I haven't seen Evil Dead 2 yet - what would you think?"
"I'd think you're a cinematic idiot and I'd feel sorry for you."
Right on, Barry, Right on.
This article is part of Evil Dead Week here at VDA! Check back every day for a new Evil Dead-themed article, counting down to the release of Fede Alvarez's Evil Dead!
Monday: Top 10 Deadites from the Evil Dead Trilogy
Tuesday: The Early Films of Raimi and Campbell
Wednesday: Top 10 References to the Evil Dead Films
Thursday: 5 Reasons to see Evil Dead (and 5 Excuses-Not-To That Are Bullshit)
Friday: My review of 'Evil Dead' (updated)
Saturday: Dissecting 'Evil Dead' Analysis Part 1
Sunday: Dissecting 'Evil Dead' Analysis Part 2
Bonus: Dissecting 'Evil Dead' Part 3
