While The Evil Dead received favorable critical comment when it was initially released, it failed to establish Raimi's reputation. It was, however, a box-office success, which led to Campbell and Raimi teaming up again for the release of another movie.

The Evil Dead franchise began all the way back in 1981, and it became an instant hit despite having a microbudget. The Evil Dead had a budget of justR$375,000, and that's clear from the DIY visuals and camerawork that established Sam Raimi's directing style.