The 1980s may be the decade most associated with the horror genre, wantonly indulging in its most exploitative characteristics. The slasher genre certainly made a big impact here, with countless sequels and knock-offs. There was an undeniable emphasis on nudity and gore, leaving it rather inaccessible for casual viewers. But the exercised freedoms also found plenty of ingenuity across the genre, developing strange tales with iconic imagery. Special effects had major improvements, establishing a very particular attitude.
’80s nostalgia has been prevalent as of late, organically falling into place long after all the horror-remakes tried to insist. So, here’s how IMDb users rated the best ’80s horror films. Consider them for your impending thriller night — Halloween.
The Lost Boys - 7.3
This classic horror-comedy is one of the best vampire movies around, and possibly the most entertaining. The Lost Boys is absolutely steeped in ;80s culture, although it’s still unclear what that sax player was all about. However, despite the welcome embrace of cheesy fun, the horror is treated with equal commitment. Bloody sequences and vampire attacks are treated as legitimate thrills. The counterbalancing jokes themselves are absolute gold, blending self-awareness, physical gags, and gleeful strangeness. The two Coreys are a staple of the eighties, and make it distinctly clear why they’ve been cemented in cinema history. Of course, all of the performances are memorable, with 24’s Kiefer Sutherland himself bringing immense likability to the villain.
Dead Ringers - 7.3
This psychological thriller takes its title quite literally. No subject matter could be more appropriate for the undisputed champion of body horror — David Cronenberg. In a decade with gory appeal, a director like Cronenberg was a perfect fit. But this particular outing was far less interested in graphic exploitation. Instead, Dead Ringers involves the troubling romance that comes between two identical brothers. Their profession as gynecologists is as deliberate as every other meticulous manipulation in the screenplay. It’s a fascinating story, and features some of Jeremy Irons’ best acting on screen. It’s a slow burn, but haunting and compelling even after the credits.
They Live - 7.3
Many kings of horror thrived in this decade, including John Carpenter, who instigated the slasher craze himself. But in this case, he would focus on science-fiction, flaunting his capacity for range. The blatant social commentary of They Live never feels oppressive or unwelcome, thanks to the sly comedy and brisk pacing. It’s a movie that includes both charming one-liners and a deeply profound monologue from Keith David. He and Roddy Piper are easily some of Carpenter’s most memorable characters. The story battles commercialism and conformity, fueled by paranoia. Truly, those iconic sunglasses are a conceptually brilliant twist, and the movie itself serves as our own pair.
An American Werewolf in London - 7.5
There have been countless werewolf movies, as popularized by the classic black-and-whites from Universal. As such, one would be hard-pressed to imagine anything new that could successfully expand the mythology with genuine intrigue. However, An American Werewolf in London is undeniably one of the most original spins on the lore — despite the trope of Americans finding horrors abroad. John Landis is nothing short of genius, generating a terrifyingly glum and murky atmosphere. This is balanced by clever, nuanced comedy. The werewolf curse now traps victims between worlds, which is a truly fascinating angle. Perhaps most iconic, the special effects boast unprecedented originality and artistry.
The Fly (1986) - 7.5
In The Fly, David Cronenberg indulges every fascination with body horror that he could possibly desire. And Jeff Goldblum invokes all of the Goldblum-isms that make him so unique and fun to watch. It’s a winning combination, with stunning special effects and a genuinely heartbreaking story. Although the protagonist meddles with volatile forces, he remains totally sympathetic thanks to Goldblum’s performance. His suffering, particularly in relation to his love interest, is sincerely difficult to watch. The transformation is treated as any true life-threatening illness, with slow and methodical exacerbation. For all of the gory details, the real horror is derived from watching Goldblum deteriorate into an unrecognizable shell.
The Evil Dead - 7.5
This bizarre cult classic includes some of the most inventive, unbridled enthusiasm in horror. So many first-timers with innate talent and creativity have come out swinging. Low budget fare demands resourcefulness, and Sam Raimi delivered far more than that. The gritty, grainy presentation is combined with innovative camerawork to deliver some of the best horror of any decade. The Evil Dead plays with B-movie tones, but offers truly genuine scares. It completely nails the haunting elements, to be sure, but the attitude also leans towards nightmarish fantasy. Bruce Campbell is an immensely likable everyman, and without the cartoonish aspects of the sequels, this entry remains sincerely disturbing.
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984) - 7.5
A Nightmare on Elm Street both siphoned popular ingredients of the slasher trend and transcended it altogether. Wes Craven smoothly transitioned into the eighties, and offered a conceptually unshakable premise — death by nightmare. The necessity of sleep is daunting, and the surreal dreamworld ensures the kills are limited only by demented imagination. Further, Freddy Krueger himself is a rather talkative threat. His tall, slender, and iconic appearance is inherently imposing. But his taunting dialogue allows the fans to become attached, where previous killers were mainly faceless, hulking tanks. With such a unique antagonist, the audience is allowed to legitimately invest in the doomed teenagers and charismatic killer alike.
Evil Dead II - 7.8
Somehow, the raw extremes and primal characteristics of horror allow a very natural incorporation of comedy. And Sam Raimi has a terrific handle on both this time around, for a soft reboot of his iconic original. Evil Dead II retcons certain story elements, serving as both sequel and reimagining. Raimi has a unique flare for discovering genuine humor in the macabre. This sequel is bloodier and faster, leaning into an appealing campiness that even exceeds its influences. The claymation dance is so utterly strange, it equally coerces both amusement and horror. There are so many odd and inventive displays of mania and terror, the film is addictive to watch anytime — but especially around Halloween.
The Thing - 8.2
This exemplary exercise in paranoia is one of the all-time greatest horror movies ever made. The mystery of the terrorizing alien’s pervasive presence is affecting on the primitive, predatory level. But it also intelligently ties into the sociopolitical fears of the time. Although the arctic setting is rather blatant, it’s also the perfect setting for isolated madness. Once again, John Carpenter appears on this list, with a sophisticated, thematically and artistically rich film, immersed in claustrophobia. Here, the performances are just as convincing as the special effects, the latter of which are completely unprecedented. There are few gorier films as affecting and sincerely horrific as The Thing, all because of the psychological investment.
The Shining - 8.4
This is still one of the most accessible, tasteful horror films ever made. Although Stephen King’s disagreements have some validity to them, The Shining is undeniably bravado filmmaking. Stanley Kubrick journeyed across a wide variety of genres, conquering each one by one. Horror was no exception, conjuring impeccable iconography of the paranormal and psychological alike. Jack Nicholson certainly leans in to the madness, which may be overwhelming for some. But there’s also no denying the magnetism of his performance. The child acting is also remarkable, particularly given such profound material. The language and blood feel as chilled as a museum, but retain their gut impact.
