AS The Crow 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 to see how far The Crow series has arrived and the enduring legacy of its many adaptations. With each film or TV 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 Crow 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, solidifying The Crow as a cultural touchstone for comic book movies. Since then, The Crow has evolved into a full-fledged phenomenon, with countless comics continuing O'Barr's work, multiple adaptations in different media, and enough branded merchandise to fill Hot Topic stores around the world. The legacy of The Crow continues to live, constantly embraced by his most devoted fans.
6 The Crow reboot was set on a revival
The Crow (2024)
After being stuck in development hell and going through multiple tracks, the 2024 reboot of The Crow was finally resurrected when audiences believed the project was dead on arrival. Directed by Rupert Sanders of Ghost in the Shell fame, 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 reimagining, audiences follow the love story of Eric (Bill Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA Twigs), who meet in a rehab facility. After escaping, Shelly's dark past catches up with her as the demonic Vincent Roeg (Danny Huston) orchestrates their murders. Determined to rescue Shelly from Hell and bring her back to life, Eric contracts with the mysterious Kronos (Sami Bouajila) to kill those responsible for their deaths. Brought back to life as an undead vigilante, Eric sets out to “set things right,” redeem Shelly's past, and ensure Roeg faces his eternal punishment.
Even without the legacy of the '90s cult classic looming over it, 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 balance. Caught between a revenge thriller, a supernatural horror slasher, a superhero film, or a love story, The Crow the reboot often focuses on the most banal aspects of each genre. While there are some standout moments, like the opera house massacre, they are few and far between. Ultimately, audiences and critics alike made it clear that they wanted 2024 The Crow they would have poured out en masse.
5 On a wing and an evil prayer
The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005)
- Initially, the fourth film was titled The Crow: Lazarus and it was about a rapper killed in a two-car shootout.
The mining town of Lake Ravasu on the Aztec reservation of Raven is a toxic waste barrel waiting to explode. Racial tensions are rising, a new casino threatens to put countless miners out of work, and a cult is preparing to usher in 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 all Hell breaks loose.
When audiences see the blurb that the main villain is “trying to raise hell… literally,” followed by scenes of him eating deviled eggs and devil's pie, they'll know exactly what kind of movie they're in for. The Crow: Wicked Prayer is a low-budget horror film from the 2000s that features men happily bathing in toxic waste, the Crow using a Sharpie to apply his makeup, and lines like “That's Mack Daddy, El Niño, calling, buddy. Stop wallowing in the darkness and come over here and give your speech.” If audiences can ignore the film's problematic elements and turn off their brains for 99 minutes, it becomes a delightfully bad movie with plenty of riff-worthy material. Otherwise, it's just another Crow sequel that wastes the talent 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 Crow but would later play Curve in its sequel.
Like the 2024 reboot, The Crow: City of Angels has been plagued by a tumultuous production and development process. As a sequel, The Crow: City of Angels aimed to honor the original film while establishing her own unique identity. Set years after the events of the first film, the story follows a now-adult Sarah Mohr (Mia Kirshner) who is plagued by visions of death. Now living in Los Angeles, Sarah encounters mechanic Ashe Corven (Vincent Pérez), who, along with her eight-year-old son, was murdered by drug lord Judah Earl (Richard Brooks). Seeking vengeance for their wrongful deaths and aided by Sarah, the resurrected Crow embarks on a crusade across Los Angeles to take down Earl. However, when Judah discovers that Ashe's power comes from her fellow crow, he drinks the bird's blood to steal it for himself. Now mortal again, Ashe must face Judah one last time, hoping to find peace for both herself and her son in the afterlife.
Over the years, many have come to appreciate The Crow: City of Angelsif not for its iconic soundtrack, then for its stylised production design. It is evident from the final product and behind-the-scenes details that The Crow: City of Angels was meant to be a very different film. However, interference from the producers at Miramax has resulted in a story that feels like the mutilated remains of something better. While various cuts and fan-edited versions offer glimpses of what could have been, as is, The Crow: City of Angels It's a somewhat disappointing sequel that deserves better.
3 The Crow Returns from Death Row
The Crow: Salvation (2000)
- Originally, the third film was to be directed by Rob Zombie and pitched as a futuristic horror film.
When Alex Corvis (Eric Mabius) is sentenced to death by electric chair, not everything is as it seems. Wrongly convicted of the murder of his girlfriend Lauren (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe), Corvis returns from the grave to uncover the truth and hunt 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 believes him to be guilty, the two uncover a conspiracy involving corrupt cops, including Erin's father. Together, they discover that Lauren was murdered to silence her after she discovered her father's dirty dealings. When Erin is kidnapped and her mouth sewn shut, Alex is led to the conspiracy's kingpin, Captain John L. Book (John Ward). Ultimately, justice prevails when Corvis and Erin strap Captain Book to the electric chair, executing him for his crimes. Once rehabilitated, Corvis reunites with Lauren in the afterlife, leaving their spirits in Erin's heart as they rest in peace.
Despite the limited budget, The Crow: Salvation It's anchored by a strong premise and a talented cast, including Kirsten Dunst of Spiderman fame and William Atherton from Ghostbusters. Additionally, the film's iconic images, such as Corvis's scarred face and Erin's sewn-up mouth, add to its lasting impact. While it's not a perfect supernatural detective thriller, The Crow: Salvation It is a hidden treasure for those willing to give it a chance.
2 The Crow Takes Off as a TV Series
The Crow: A Stairway to Heaven (1998-1999)
- The Crow: Stairway to Heaven introduced the Serpents, undead enemies of the Crows who were unjustly killed.
The Crow: Stairway to HeavenThe only TV series based on The Crow, offers a fresh take on the original film's story. While Eric Draven (Mark Dacascos) is still driven to avenge her death and reunite with Shelly (Sabine Karsenti), his journey is far more complicated. Eric must navigate the delicate balance of life and death, facing numerous wrongs before moving 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 her daughter's death. The Crow: Stairway to Heaven stands out as a unique interpretation that reflects the landscape of 90s television, along with shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Knight ForeverAND Xena: Warrior Princess.
While it is not a traditional adaptation of The CrowThis series has a lot to offer. Like the kitsch charm of Adam West Batman series, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven serves as a nostalgic time capsule, with engaging characters, surreal plots, and creative expansions of the mythology. More of a '90s superhero show than a gothic horror thriller, Mark Dacascos shines as Eric Draven and much of the supporting cast delivers solid performances. At times so sappy it could be served on a slice of pizza and best enjoyed with a can of Surge, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven offers a very different but strangely enjoyable experience than most The Crow movie.
1 The Crow remains an iconic cult classic
The Crow (1994)
- The Crow Ranked 468 out of Empire List of the 500 greatest films of all time 2008.
The movie that started it all and remains one of the best comic book movies ever made, The Crow, helped define a generation. This timeless tale of romance, revenge and loss follows musician Eric Draven (the late Brandon Lee), who rises from the grave to seek vengeance for the lives that were stolen from him and his true love, Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas). Confronting the criminals responsible for their deaths and facing off against 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 Crow 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 Crow has become an iconic piece of gothic cinema and the reason why so many films have struggled to recapture its magic and cultural impact. The film resonates because it taps into universal themes of love, loss, and the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. As Eric Draven famously 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’s fleeting, it continues through the memories we make and the legacies people leave behind.