Last year's "Evil Dead Rises" was not only one of the best horror films of 2023, but also one of the best the genre has seen in years. Now that this bloody supernatural phenomenon is available on Prime Video, you should definitely check it out.

It may seem odd to describe a horror film as "fun," but "Evil Dead Rises" is not particularly concerned with giving the audience nightmares; instead, it eschews fear and focuses on deliciously upsetting thrills. Plus, there will be buckets of blood.

The "Evil Dead" series has been remarkably consistent in an era when horror sequels tend to be pretty bad. The "Evil Dead Rise" may be the best of them all, which is no small accomplishment considering that 1987's "Evil Dead II" ranks as a heavyweight of the genre. Now let's find out why "Evil Dead Rise" is a devilishly fun piece of work.

Running as a stand-alone horror series, with only a tenuous connection to the 80s original, "Evil Dead Rise" is an epic franchise refresh. The film takes place out of an isolated cabin in the woods and instead takes place in an apartment complex in Los Angeles.

After a chilling opening packed with one of my favorite title cards in movie history, the audience is introduced to Beth (Lily Sullivan) and Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland). These two estranged sisters are polar opposites, but are reunited when the former learns she is pregnant and has nowhere else to go. However, this family reunion is soon cut short. [An earthquake reveals a sinister book called "Naturom Demonto" hidden in the basement, and one of Ellie's teenage children accidentally invokes a demonic presence. What follows is a battle for survival against the bloodthirsty flesh-possessed creature.

If I haven't made it clear enough, let me be clear - "Evil Dead Rise" is a complete gorefest. Of course, this is to be expected when it comes to the "Evil Dead" series, but it should be noted that this horror film is not for germophobes. If blood, guts, and organs are not your thing, we recommend skipping this movie.

However, for those who don't mind seeing a sticky (fake) river of blood, "Evil Dead Rises" is a ferociously enjoyable horror film. It is also creative, wisely utilizing its claustrophobic apartment setting in increasingly inventive ways and providing enough emotional stakes to make you genuinely care about its central characters. Lily Sullivan, in particular, has made Beth a first-rate "final girl."

I was also pleasantly surprised to see "Evil Deadrise" take some narrative risks that I would not have expected. I watch a lot of movies, especially horror films, and it is rare these days that the genre surprises me. I won't say more to avoid spoilers, but it is unpredictable.

I am not alone in being impressed with "Evil Dead Rises," the 2023 film currently holds an 84% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which is good enough for a Certified Fresh endorsement! The film has been praised by many, especially in the horror genre. The 76% audience score is also solid, especially considering that the horror genre tends to receive lower ratings from audiences due to its controversial nature.

If you're looking for something new on Prime Video this week, I urge you to give Evil Dead Rises a chance. If you can tolerate some pretty extreme gore, you'll enjoy a wickedly fun horror film without fear of narrative risk.

Meanwhile, for more recommendations, check out our top list of new movies arriving on the best streaming services this week, including Prime Video's new astronaut-themed comedy "Space Cadets," starring Emma Roberts.

Now you can stream "Evil Dead Rise" on Prime Video.