The Evil Dead premieres in Detroit in 1981. The low-budget horror comedy classic written and directed by Sam Raimi and stars childhood friend Bruce Campbell. Buzz at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival and a rave review from Stephen King leads to mild success in the U.S. and great success internationally. The film was followed by two sequels, a TV series, a remake, a video game and comic book. It’s now considered a highly influential cult film.
Sam Raimi's low-budget horror comedy classic "The Evil Dead" premieres in Detroit in 1981. / Illustration by David Ford