Groovy Movies: 10 Of Bruce Campbell’s Best Movies, According To IMDb

Bruce Campbell might just be the reigning king of camp. He’s best known for his role as Ash in the Evil Dead franchise. Recognizable for his classic leading man looks, his aloof demeanor, and cheeky sense of humor, he’s best known for his frequent collaborations with Sam Raimi.

However, Campbell’s career can be tough to navigate for movie-goers who aren’t into so-bad-it’s-good flicks. Perhaps due to his campy attitude, a lot of Bruce Campbell’s acting career consists of bit roles in schlocky b-movies. Nonetheless, as a performer, he has a lot of entertaining qualities to offer.

10 Oz The Great & Powerful (2013) – 6.2

Oz The Great And Powerful features one of Bruce Campbell’s lesser-known cameos, but it makes the cut nonetheless in terms of IMDb ratings. Here, Campbell returns to collaborate with Sam Raimi on his journey through Oz. Cambell plays Winkie The Gatekeeper, sporting a giant fake nose, dangly mustache, and tremendous eyebrows.

Cambell has no problem delivering his typical magnetic personality, however it is surrounded by a somewhat lackluster feature. Oz The Great And Powerful is alright for any diehard fans of Oz or Sam Raimi, but it’s most skipping otherwise.

9 Sky High (2005) – 6.2

Sky High is one of Disney’s frequently forgotten live-action kids movies. Though it isn’t a masterpiece, it is worth a watch for Bruce Campbell’s performance as Coach Boomer alone. Sky High is about a high school for super-powered teenagers who are the children of famous superheroes, full of bright colors and a great sense of humor.

Coach Boomer has an unforgettable scene wherein he categorizes freshmen as either heroes or sidekicks. His big personality and quips are perfect for a movie with Spy Kids energy like Sky High.

8 My Name Is Bruce (2007) – 6.2

Easily Bruce Campbell’s most self-referential role, My Name Is Bruce is a horror-comedy directed by Campbell himself. Although Sam Raimi wasn’t involved in the production, the film carries over some of that familiar Evil Dead energy.

This movie is great for anyone who has just binged Ash Vs. Evil Dead and the rest of the Evil Dead franchise and is still hungry for more. While it’s not as good as Campbell’s flagship franchise, it’s a fun horror-comedy romp.

7 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (2007) – 6.7

Despite its obnoxiously long title, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters is a fitting addendum to the Adult Swin series. It’s also an important milestone for Adult Swim content, being the first feature film to spawn from one of the network’s shows.

Bruce Campbell’s performance as Chicken Bittle is well-suited for a series as dark and absurd as Aqua Teen Hunger Force. He is also one of the few characters to die permanently in the series.

6 Running Time (1997) – 7.0

According to Campbell, Running Time is the film that he is most proud of. The movie is an independent thriller, with some bold experimental qualities. But perhaps what people know Running Time for the most is that it place in real-time and is directed as a single long take without any cuts.

Though it is a lesser-known film with mixed reviews, it’s an impressive watch for its technical experimentation. Have other films done the one-take schtick better? Yes. Do any of them star Bruce Campbell? Running Time has no competition on that front.

5 Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) – 7.0

Bubba Ho-Tep features Bruce Campbell back at doing what he does best—over the top camp in a horror-comedy. Campbell carries the movie into cult classic status with his unforgettable performance as a retired Elvis impersonator. His charisma steals the whole show, just like the king himself.

Although this film is rooted in comedy, it also isn’t afraid to tackle heavier themes of aging in an industry that values youth above all else. Humor, horror, and heart are perfectly wrapped up in a b-movie package.

4 The Evil Dead (1981) – 7.1

The Evil Dead, the movie that started it all for Mr. Campbell and Sam Raimi. The Evil Dead makes up for its low budget with an incredibly dynamic camera and high energy scares. There’s a reason why this is a classic, as it not only quickly gained a cult following, but it also launched a franchise and established the now-well-known cabin horror tropes.

Despite the fact that he tries to play it straight in this movie, it’s clear why Bruce Campbell became a b-movie icon after The Evil Dead. He doesn’t turn it up as high as later Evil Dead movies, but he lays down the iconic groundwork to build up from in the future.

3 Spider-Man 2 (2004) – 7.3

This is a pretty small cameo, but Campbell’s appearances in Raimi’s Spider-Man films cannot be overlooked. Sam Raimi is a legend for getting his b-movie buddy into these massive blockbusters. As the critical darling of the series, Spider-Man 2 ranks rather high on Campbell’s IMDb.

Campbell’s portrayal of the snotty theatre usher is hilarious. He very well off of Toby Maguire’s desperate Peter Parker. Though this role isn’t his funniest in the Spider-Man trilogy, it is nonetheless unforgettable.

2 Army Of Darkness (1992) – 7.5

As the third entry, Army Of Darkness marks an interesting point in the franchise for the Evil Dead films. It moves away from cabin horror and into the realm of swords and sandals. Some horror elements remain, but the film is more firmly rooted in slapstick humor than previous entries.

Bruce Campbell brings the thunder as Ash Williams, as usual. It’s clear he has a lot of fun playing a doppelganger of himself, and double the Ash means double the fun. This movie is proof that there are infinite possibilities for the Evil Dead world outside of the cabin in the woods.

1 Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn (1987) – 7.8

As far as fans are concerned, Evil Dead 2 represents peak Evil Dead. This is where Raimi went all-in on that iconic blend of horror and humor. It’s something that’s hard to balance, but Evil Dead 2 makes it look easy. Throughout the film, it’s never clear if Raimi is setting up a scare or a punchline. Either way, it’s full of shocks.

Bruce Campbell comes into his own as both a b-movie icon and a badass horror hero. He more iconic moments and lines here than in any other Evil Dead media. And as always, he’s able to pull off the action hero brood as well as the looney tune.

About The Author