17+ Best 1980s Horror Movies (List)

The 1980s was a golden era for horror movies, with a surge in creativity and innovation that left a lasting impact on the genre.

From iconic slasher films to supernatural thrillers, the decade produced some of the most memorable and influential horror movies of all time.

Best 1980s Horror Movies

The 1980s was a prolific decade for horror, with the rise of iconic slasher franchises, advancements in special effects leading to more graphic and fantastical horror, and a surge in popularity for the genre.

Here are some of the best horror movies from the 1980s:

“The Shining” (1980)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

A psychological horror film based on Stephen King’s novel, centered around a haunted hotel and a family trapped within it.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)

Director: Sean S. Cunningham

The start of a legendary slasher franchise, featuring the iconic character Jason Voorhees.

“An American Werewolf in London” (1981)

Director: John Landis

A horror-comedy about an American tourist who becomes a werewolf after a wolf attack in England.

“The Evil Dead” (1981)

Director: Sam Raimi

A group of friends unknowingly summon demonic entities while staying at a cabin in the woods.

“Poltergeist” (1982)

Director: Tobe Hooper

A suburban family’s home is invaded by malevolent ghosts.

“The Thing” (1982)

Director: John Carpenter

A shape-shifting alien terrorizes a research team in Antarctica.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)

Director: Wes Craven

The introduction of Freddy Krueger, a vengeful spirit who kills people in their dreams.

“Gremlins” (1984)

Director: Joe Dante

A Christmas horror-comedy about small, destructive creatures unleashed in a small town.

“Re-Animator” (1985)

Director: Stuart Gordon

A horror-comedy about a medical student who discovers a serum that can reanimate the dead.

“Day of the Dead” (1985)

Director: George A. Romero

The third installment in Romero’s “Living Dead” series, set in an underground military base.

“The Fly” (1986)

Director: David Cronenberg

A scientist accidentally merges his DNA with that of a fly, leading to a horrifying transformation.

“Aliens” (1986)

Director: James Cameron

The sequel to “Alien,” this film blends action and horror as survivors battle an alien hive.

“Hellraiser” (1987)

Director: Clive Barker

A supernatural horror film involving a puzzle box that opens a gateway to a hellish realm.

“Child’s Play” (1988)

Director: Tom Holland

A killer’s soul is transferred into a doll, which then goes on a murderous rampage.

“Pet Sematary” (1989)

Director: Mary Lambert

Based on Stephen King’s novel, a family discovers a cemetery that can bring the dead back to life.

“The Blob” (1988)

Director: Chuck Russell

A remake of the 1958 film, a deadly alien organism terrorizes a small town.

“Evil Dead II” (1987)

Director: Sam Raimi

A sequel to “The Evil Dead,” combining horror with black comedy.

Each of these films from the 1980s contributed to the evolution of the horror genre, offering a mix of terror, gore, and in some cases, dark comedy, that continues to influence modern horror films.

Below we look at the best 1980s horror movies, delving into their significance, impact, and enduring popularity.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Slasher Films

One of the defining characteristics of 1980s horror movies was the rise of slasher films.

These movies typically featured a masked killer stalking and brutally murdering a group of teenagers, often in a suburban or isolated setting.

Slasher films became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with their suspenseful storytelling and graphic violence.

Halloween (1987)

John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror movies of all time and is often credited with popularizing the slasher genre.

The film follows the story of Michael Myers, a deranged killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to continue his murderous rampage.

“Halloween” introduced many of the tropes that would become synonymous with slasher films, such as the final girl and the relentless pursuit of the killer.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Directed by Wes Craven, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” introduced audiences to Freddy Krueger, a supernatural serial killer who haunts teenagers in their dreams.

The film combined elements of slasher horror with surrealistic dream sequences, creating a unique and terrifying experience for viewers.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” spawned a successful franchise and solidified Freddy Krueger as one of the most iconic horror villains of all time.

Friday the 13th (1980)

The “Friday the 13th” franchise became a staple of 1980s horror, with multiple sequels and spin-offs.

The original film, directed by Sean S. Cunningham, centers around the vengeful spirit of Jason Voorhees, a young boy who drowned at Camp Crystal Lake due to negligence.

The subsequent films in the series followed Jason’s reign of terror as he sought revenge on those who entered his domain.

“Friday the 13th” popularized the concept of the masked killer and set the stage for countless imitators.

Supernatural Thrillers

In addition to slasher films, the 1980s also saw a resurgence of supernatural thrillers that captivated audiences with their eerie atmospheres and supernatural elements.

These movies often explored themes of the occult, possession, and otherworldly forces.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “The Shining” is a masterclass in psychological horror.

The film follows Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel during the winter season.

As Jack’s sanity unravels, the hotel’s dark history and supernatural forces begin to take hold.

“The Shining” is renowned for its atmospheric tension, iconic imagery, and Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance.

Poltergeist (1982)

Tobe Hooper’s “Poltergeist” combines elements of horror and family drama to create a chilling tale of a suburban family haunted by malevolent spirits.

The film explores themes of suburban conformity and the dangers lurking beneath the surface.

“Poltergeist” is notable for its groundbreaking special effects and memorable scenes, such as the infamous clown doll attack.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Directed by Sam Raimi, “The Evil Dead” is a cult classic that blends horror and dark comedy.

The film follows a group of friends who unwittingly unleash demonic forces while staying at a remote cabin in the woods.

“The Evil Dead” is known for its innovative camera work, gruesome practical effects, and the charismatic performance of Bruce Campbell as the iconic protagonist, Ash Williams.

FAQs – Best 1980s Horror Movies

1. What are some other notable slasher films from the 1980s?

Aside from the aforementioned classics, other notable slasher films from the 1980s include “Child’s Play” (1988), “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” (1986), and “Sleepaway Camp” (1983).

2. Are there any horror movies from the 1980s that have gained a cult following?

Yes, several horror movies from the 1980s have gained cult followings over the years.

Examples include “The Lost Boys” (1987), “Re-Animator” (1985), and “Return of the Living Dead” (1985).

3. Did any horror franchises start in the 1980s?

Yes, several horror franchises began in the 1980s. In addition to “Friday the 13th” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” other notable franchises include “Hellraiser” (1987), “Child’s Play,” and “The Evil Dead.”

4. Were there any notable horror directors who emerged in the 1980s?

Yes, the 1980s saw the rise of several influential horror directors.

Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and Sam Raimi are among the notable directors who made their mark on the genre during this decade.

5. Are there any horror movies from the 1980s that have been remade or rebooted?

Yes, many horror movies from the 1980s have been remade or rebooted in recent years.

Examples include the remakes of “Halloween” (2007) and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (2010).

6. Did any horror movies from the 1980s receive critical acclaim?

Yes, several horror movies from the 1980s received critical acclaim. “The Shining” and “Halloween” are often cited as examples of horror films that were not only commercially successful but also highly regarded by critics.

7. Were there any horror movies from the 1980s that pushed the boundaries of the genre?

Yes, the 1980s saw the release of several horror movies that pushed the boundaries of the genre.

“The Evil Dead” is often praised for its innovative camera work and groundbreaking practical effects.

8. Did any horror movies from the 1980s have a significant impact on popular culture?

Yes, many horror movies from the 1980s had a significant impact on popular culture.

For example, the character of Freddy Krueger from “A Nightmare on Elm Street” became an iconic figure in the horror genre.

9. Are there any lesser-known horror gems from the 1980s that are worth watching?

While the aforementioned movies are widely recognized, there are also lesser-known horror gems from the 1980s that are worth exploring.

Examples include “The Changeling” (1980), “The Beyond” (1981), and “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” (1986).

10. Did the horror movies of the 1980s influence future generations of filmmakers?

Yes, the horror movies of the 1980s had a profound influence on future generations of filmmakers. Many directors, such as Guillermo del Toro and James Wan, have cited 1980s horror movies as sources of inspiration for their own work.

Summary – Best 1980s Horror Movies

The 1980s was a transformative decade for horror movies, giving birth to iconic franchises, introducing legendary villains, and pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Slasher films like “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Friday the 13th” became cultural touchstones, while supernatural thrillers like “The Shining,” “Poltergeist,” and “The Evil Dead” captivated audiences with their unique blend of terror and suspense.

These movies continue to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day, solidifying their status as some of the best horror movies of all time.

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