As The Raven returns to theaters and the series is reborn after nearly two decades, audiences may wonder how the new installment compares to the previous films. Starting out as a cult classic, it’s remarkable how The Raven The series has arrived and the enduring legacy of its many adaptations. With each film or television series offering a unique perspective on the classic tale of revenge, this guide aims to chronicle these various adaptations and perhaps even resurrect a few from the depths of obscurity.

Originally published by Caliber Comics in 1988, The Raven was the creation of James O’Barr. The comic quickly found its place as a cult classic, leading to a successful film adaptation in 1994. The film became extremely popular, cementing The Raven as a cultural reference for comic book movies. Since then, The Raven has become a phenomenon in its own right, with countless comics continuing O’Barr’s work, multiple adaptations across different media, and enough branded merchandise to fill Hot Topic stores around the world. The legacy of The Raven still lives on, continually embraced by his devoted fans.

6 The Crow reboot was determined to make a revival

The Raven (2024)

After being stuck in development hell and going through several tracks, the 2024 reboot of The Raven was eventually resurrected when the public believed the project was dead on arrival. Directed by Rupert Sanders of Ghost in the Shell As director, he has emphasized that this film is not a remake of the 1994 cult classic, but rather a reimagining of James O’Barr’s original comic book. In this tale, audiences follow the love story of Eric (Bill Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA Twigs), who meet in a rehabilitation center. After escaping, Shelly’s dark past catches up with her as the demonic Vincent Roeg (Danny Huston) orchestrates their murders. Determined to save Shelly from Hell and bring her back to life, Eric negotiates with the mysterious Kronos (Sami Bouajila) to kill those responsible for their deaths. Resurrected as an undead vigilante, Eric sets out to “set things right,” redeem Shelly’s past, and ensure that Roeg receives his eternal punishment.

Even without the legacy of the ’90s cult classic hanging over it, the 2024 Crow The film is disappointing. While Bill Skarsgård was an inspired choice for the role and could have shined with a stronger script, the film struggled to find its footing. Caught between a revenge thriller, a supernatural horror film, a superhero film or a love story, The Raven Reboots often settle for the most mundane aspects of each genre. While there are a few standout moments, like the opera massacre, they are few and far between. Ultimately, audiences and critics alike have made it clear that they want the 2024 film to be The Raven would have flown away.

5 On a wing and a wicked prayer

The Raven: Perverse Prayer (2005)

• The fourth film was originally titled The Raven: Lazarus and was about a rapper killed in a drive-by shooting.

The mining town of Lake Ravasu on the Raven Aztec reservation is a toxic waste barrel waiting to explode. Racial tensions are escalating, a new casino threatens to put countless miners out of work, and a cult is preparing to unleash the apocalypse. Led by Death (David Boreanaz), the cult sacrifices Lily Ignites The Dawn (Emmanuelle Chriqui) for her eyes as part of a ritual to summon Satan. When Lily’s lover, James Cuervo (Edward Furlong), becomes another victim of her murder, he returns as the Raven, seeking revenge on Death and his followers as Hell breaks loose.

When audiences see the overlay text stating that the main villain is “looking to raise hell… literally,” followed by scenes of him eating deviled eggs and devil’s food cake, they’ll know exactly what kind of movie they’re getting into. The Raven: Wicked Prayer is a low-budget horror film from the 2000s that features men happily bathing in toxic waste, the Raven using a marker to put on his signature makeup, and lines like, “That’s Mack Daddy, El Niño, calling you, man. Stop lounging around in the dark and come over here and make your pitch.” If the audience can ignore the problematic elements of the film and turn off their brains for 99 minutes, it becomes an enjoyably bad movie with plenty of worthy material. Otherwise, it’s just another movie Crow a sequel that wastes the talents of David Boreanaz, Edward Furlong, Dennis Hopper and Danny Trejo.

4 A Tale of Two Cities of Angels

The Crow: City of Angels (1996)

• Musician Iggy Pop had to turn down the role of Fun Boy in The Raven but would later play Curve in his sequel.

Like the 2024 reboot, The Raven: City of Angels has been plagued by a tumultuous production and development process. As a sequel, The Raven: City of Angels The film aimed to honor the original film while establishing its own unique identity. Set years after the events of the first film, the story follows a now-adult Sarah Mohr (Mia Kirshner) haunted by visions of death. Now living in Los Angeles, Sarah meets mechanic Ashe Corven (Vincent Pérez), who, along with his eight-year-old son, was murdered by drug lord Judah Earl (Richard Brooks). Seeking revenge for their wrongful deaths and aided by Sarah, the resurrected Raven embarks on a crusade across Los Angeles to take down Earl. However, when Judah discovers that Ashe’s power comes from his corvid companion, he drinks the bird’s blood to take it for himself. Mortal again, Ashe must confront Judah one last time, hoping to find peace for himself and his son in the afterlife.

Over the years, many have learned to appreciate The Raven: City of Angelsif not for its iconic soundtrack, then at least for its stylized stage design. It’s clear from the final product and behind-the-scenes details that The Raven: City of Angels was supposed to be a very different film. However, interference from the producers at Miramax resulted in a story that feels like the mangled remains of something better. While various cuts and fan edits offer glimpses of what could have been, as it stands, The Raven: City of Angels is a somewhat disappointing sequel that deserves better.

3 The Raven Returns from Death Row

The Raven: Salvation (2000)

• The third film was originally slated to be directed by Rob Zombie and touted as a futuristic horror film.

When Alex Corvis (Eric Mabius) is sentenced to death in the electric chair, not everything is as it seems. Wrongly convicted of murdering his girlfriend Lauren (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe), Corvis returns from the dead to uncover the truth and track down a man with a distinctive zigzag scar who seems to be at the center of it all. After meeting Lauren’s sister Erin (Kirsten Dunst), who initially believed him guilty, the two uncover a conspiracy involving corrupt cops, including Erin’s own father. Together, they discover that Lauren was murdered to silence her after she uncovered her father’s dirty dealings. When Erin is kidnapped and her mouth sewn shut, Alex is taken to the leader of the conspiracy, Captain John L. Book (John Ward). In the end, justice prevails when Corvis and Erin strap Captain Book to the electric chair, executing him for his crimes. With his name cleared, Corvis reunites with Lauren in the afterlife, leaving their spirits in Erin’s heart as they rest in peace.

Despite its small budget, The Raven: Salvation is anchored by a solid premise and a talented cast, including Kirsten Dunst of Spider-Man fame and William Atherton of Ghostbusters. Additionally, the film’s iconic visuals, such as Corvis’ scarred face and Erin’s stitched mouth, contribute to its lasting impact. While it may not be a perfect supernatural crime thriller, The Raven: Salvation is a hidden gem for those willing to give it a chance.

2 The Crow Takes Flight as a TV Series

The Raven: Stairway to Heaven (1998-1999)

• The Raven: Stairway to Heaven introduces the Serpents, undead enemies of the Crows who were unjustly killed.

The Raven: Stairway to HeavenThe Crow, the only television series based on The Crow, offers a fresh take on the story of the original film. While Eric Draven (Mark Dacascos) is still determined to avenge his death and reunite with Shelly (Sabine Karsenti), his journey is far more complicated. Eric must navigate the delicate balance between life and death, righting many wrongs before returning to the Land of the Dead. The series also introduces Hannah Foster (Bobbie Phillips), the first female Crow on screen, who embarks on her own quest for justice after the death of her daughter. The Raven: Stairway to Heaven stands out as a unique approach that reflects the 90s television landscape, alongside shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Knight foreverAnd Xena: Warrior Princess.

Although it is not a traditional adaptation of The RavenThis series has a lot to offer. Like the kitsch charm of Adam West Batman series, The Raven: Stairway to Heaven serves as a nostalgic time capsule, with endearing characters, surreal plots, and creative expansions of the mythology. More ’90s superhero series than gothic horror thriller, Mark Dacascos shines as Eric Draven, and much of the supporting cast delivers solid performances. So cheesy at times that it could be served on a slice of pizza and best enjoyed with a can of Surge, The Raven: Stairway to Heaven offers a very different but oddly enjoyable experience compared to most The Raven movies.

1 The Crow remains an iconic cult classic

The Raven (1994)

• The Raven ranked 468 out of 5 The Empire 2008 list of the 500 greatest films of all time.

The movie that started it all and remains one of the best comic book movies ever made, The Raven, helped define a generation. This timeless tale of romance, revenge and loss follows musician Eric Draven (the late Brandon Lee) as he rises from the grave to seek revenge for the life stolen from him and his true love, Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas). Confronting the criminals responsible for their deaths and taking on the sinister Top Dollar, the film ends on an emotional note as Eric leaves the world of the living to reunite with Shelly in the afterlife.

The Raven has set a high standard for comic book adaptations with its stylized visuals, intense action, heartfelt story, and unforgettable characters. It’s easy to see why The Raven has become an iconic work of Gothic cinema, which is why so many films have struggled to recapture its magic and cultural impact. The film resonates because it touches on universal themes like love, loss, and the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. As Eric Draven said, “It can’t rain all the time,” reminding audiences to look for rainbows, count the silver linings, and maybe even dance through the storms. Life is beautiful, and while it may be fleeting, it lives on through the memories we cherish and the legacies people leave behind.