80's Horror Movies: 12 of The Best To Watch.

The best horror movies from the 80's to watch

Yes I know in the image a certain film appears twice, I cannot be bothered to re-do it :)

The Shining 

The Shining is a classic horror film that has stood the test of time. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's novel, the movie tells the story of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes on the job of winter caretaker at the remote Overlook Hotel in Colorado. 

As Jack and his family settle into the hotel, strange things begin to happen, and it becomes clear that the hotel has a dark and sinister past. The isolation of the hotel, combined with its supernatural elements, begins to take its toll on Jack's already fragile mental state.

He descends into madness, becoming increasingly violent and dangerous to those around him. His wife Wendy and son Danny are trapped in the hotel with him, and they must fight for their survival as Jack's grip on reality slips away. 

It's probably my favorite movie of all time, and one that can be rewatched over and over without ever being bored. [The Shining on IMDB]

An American Werewolf in London 

John Landis' horror-comedy film is a perfect blend of scares and dark humor. The story follows two American tourists who find themselves in the midst of a terrifying situation when they are attacked by a werewolf in England. Despite their pleas for help, none of the locals will admit that such a creature exists, leaving the tourists to fend for themselves. 

Unfortunately, one of them doesn't make it out alive, while the other, David, is cursed to become a werewolf himself. The transformation scenes in this film are particularly noteworthy, thanks to the  makeup effects by Rick Baker. As David's body undergoes a gruesome metamorphosis, viewers are treated to some truly impressive special effects that still hold up today.

But even beyond the impressive visuals, An American Werewolf in London is a standout film for its ability to balance horror and comedy in a way that feels both thrilling and entertaining. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a good scare with a side of humor. [An American Werewolf in London on IMDB]

The Evil Dead 

Evil Dead is a cult classic that has gained a massive following over the years. The story follows five friends who decide to take a trip to a remote cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway. However, things take a turn for the worse when they accidentally unleash flesh-possessing demons that start to terrorize them. 

The film is known for its innovative camera work, which includes the use of a "shaky cam" technique that adds to the tension and suspense of the movie. The practical effects used in the film are also impressive and add to the overall horror experience. 

The movie was the launchpad for Bruce Campbell's career as Ash Williams, who becomes the unlikely hero in the fight against the demonic forces and is a huge cult figure in the world of horror. [The Evil Dead on IMDB]

Poltergeist

Poltergeist  revolves around a suburban family who are living a peaceful life until their home is invaded by some pesky and quite active ghosts, who start tormenting the family and eventually abduct their youngest daughter. They meant business!

The film is known for its effective use of special effects, especially for the time it was released, which helps keep you on edge throughout the movie. Despite its horror elements, Poltergeist also manages to blend in a Spielbergian sense of wonder. 

It is a film that I still love to this day, and always will. I am not sure any film has bettered it when it comes to poltergeists, and probably never will. [Poltergeist on IMDB]

The Thing 

John Carpenter's The Thing is a cinematic masterpiece that expertly captures the feelings of paranoia and isolation. The film is set in an isolated Antarctic research station where a group of researchers are infiltrated by an alien life form that has the ability to imitate any organism it kills. 

As the researchers begin to realize that they cannot trust each other, tension and fear begin to mount, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire film. One of my fav aspects of The Thing is Rob Bottin's revolutionary creature effects, which are both terrifying and awe-inspiring. [The Thing on IMDB]

A Nightmare on Elm Street 

Wes Craven's horror masterpiece, A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced audiences to the iconic villain, Freddy Krueger. Played by Robert Englund, Krueger is a disfigured and sadistic killer who preys on teenagers in their dreams, using their deepest fears against them to ultimately kill them in reality. 

The success of A Nightmare on Elm Street led to a franchise of sequels, each exploring different aspects of Freddy's backstory and his reign of terror. Even today, the character of Freddy Krueger remains a cultural icon and one of the most recognizable horror villains of all time. [A Nightmare on Elm Street on IMDB]

Gremlins 

Gremlins is a classic horror-comedy film and revolves around a young man who receives a peculiar creature called a mogwai as a pet from his father. However, he soon discovers that the mogwai comes with strict rules that must be followed to avoid dire consequences. Unfortunately, he fails to adhere to these rules, and the mogwai spawns other creatures that transform into small, destructive monsters known as gremlins. 

The film perfectly balances humor with moments of genuine terror, making it an enjoyable watch for both horror and comedy fans. The gremlins' mischievous behavior and hilarious antics are sure to make you laugh. It's a movie I rewatch every Christmas [Gremlins on IMDB]

The Fly

David Cronenberg's remake of the classic horror film "The Fly" stars Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who becomes obsessed with creating a teleportation device. However, during an experiment gone wrong, Brundle accidentally merges his DNA with that of a common housefly, leading to a grotesque transformation that threatens to consume him entirely. 

As Brundle's body begins to change in horrifying ways, he struggles to come to terms with his new identity and the loss of his humanity. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Veronica (played by Geena Davis) watches in horror as the man she loves is slowly consumed by the monstrous creature he has become.

With Goldblum's unforgettable performance at its center, The Fly remains a classic of the horror genre and a testament to the power of transformational storytelling. [The Fly on IMDB]

Aliens

James Cameron's highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's iconic film, Alien, is a thrilling combination of science fiction and horror. The film follows the courageous and determined Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, as she returns to face off against the terrifying Xenomorphs once again.

This time, Ripley is joined by a team of marines on a distant planet colony where they must fight for their survival against the relentless and deadly creatures. The tension and suspense build as the group navigates through dark and eerie corridors, facing off against the Xenomorphs in intense and heart-pounding battles. [Aliens on IMDB]

The Lost Boys 

Lost Boys is a movie that combines horror and comedy in a stylish way. Joel Schumacher directs this film about two brothers who move to a new town and discover that it is infested with vampires. The movie follows the brothers as they try to uncover the truth about the vampires and stop them from taking over the town.  [The Lost Boys on IMDB]

Child’s Play

Child's Play is a horror movie that introduces the iconic character of Chucky, a seemingly innocent doll that is actually possessed by the soul of a notorious serial killer named Charles Lee Ray. The film explores the dark and twisted world of voodoo magic, as Chucky's soul is transferred into the doll using this ancient practice. 

As the story unfolds, we witness Chucky's reign of terror as he embarks on a killing spree, unleashing his wrath on anyone who crosses his path. The film effectively combines slasher elements with supernatural horror and comedy. [Child's Play on IMDB] [Read my Child's Play review]

Pet Sematary 

Pet Sematary is a about a family who stumbles upon an ancient burial ground located behind their house. The burial ground has the power to bring back to life anything that is buried there, but the consequences are not always what they expect.

As the story unfolds, the family is faced with unimaginable horrors and must confront their deepest fears to survive. Taken from the famous Stephen King novel and is one of the best adaptations of his book in my view. [Pet Sematary on IMDB]

What is your favorite horror movie of the 80's? Let me know in the comments or on my twitter.

Comments