The Top Five Horror Movies of the 1980s
Masked killers and summer camps; the late 1970s introduced a new type of slasher film that was as influential as it was overdone. Horror fans quickly got bored of the world of “final girls” and serial killers, and yearned for more gore. Enter the 1980s horror film; directors like Wes Craven, Stanley Kubrick, and John Carpenter redefined the genre and pushed the limits of what horror could be. Throughout this list, we will encounter a clawed killer in a suburban neighborhood; brave the wastelands of Antarctica; and stay at the Overlook Hotel. This is the top five horror movies of the golden era of horror; the 1980s.
5. Creep Show (1982)
Creep Show, a compendium of five horrific short stories, is acclaimed as one of the best horror anthologies of all time. Directed by horror icon and director of Night of The Living Dead, George A. Romero, and featuring Stephen King’s brilliant screenwriting, this E.C Comics inspired anthology is not only the first of its kind, but inspired many anthologies to come, such as Trick ‘r’ Treat and Tales of Halloween. Unlike the other films on this list, Creepshow is not one that is truly terrifying; Romero and King present the childish thrill of horror, something that is not often seen in the horror genre.
This film is littered with Hollywood A-listers, such as Ed Harris and Ted Danson, and their brilliant acting brings each classic tale to life. The use of practical effects, makeup, and perfectly eerie sets creates a compelling viewing experience, and is a film that will go down as one of the greats.
4. Hellraiser (1987)
Clive Barker's Hellraiser represents the epitome of 80s horror; between it’s brilliant practical effects and its innovative story, it is still as terrifying today as it was upon its release in 1987. Based on Barker's novella The Hellbound Heart, the story centers around a puzzle box that is a portal to the depths of Hell ruled by the Cenobites. Frank (Sean Chapman) escapes hell, and the terrifying Cenobites, through the attic in the house of his brother and his wife. In a hasty attempt to flee the Pinhead and the Cenobites forever, he enlists Julia (Clare Higgins), his ex-lover, to lure men back to the house so he can use their blood to fully resurrect himself.
What makes Hellraiser one of the best horror movies of the 1980s is the brilliant use of practical effects and makeup throughout the film. It was also one of the first films in the horror genre to incorporate VFX into the film, which is yet another reason why this film is so influential. Between the iconic horror movie villain Pinhead, and the perfectly gruesome make-up, this is an 80s classic you won’t want to miss.
3. The Shining (1980)
Many would have thought that Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining would be tainted by Stephen Kings public hatred of the film. Regardless, The Shining is one of the most recognized horror films of the 1980s, warranting spoofs from shows like The Simpsons and the line “here’s Johnny!” being known world wide.
The Shining takes place at the Overlook Hotel where Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, becomes increasingly tempted to murder his family while they are living at the secluded hotel as caretakers for the winter. Kubrick's brilliant cinematography brings a feeling of impending doom to each and every shot, and Nicholson perfectly captures the deteriorating state of mind of his onscreen counterpart. This haunted-hotel classic shakes viewers to the bone every time they watch it, and is a must when talking about influential 80s horror.
2. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter proved that not only was he a pioneer of late 70s horror, but he could change the genre yet again in the 80s with his creature-feature, The Thing. A remake of the 1951 film The Thing From Another World, this 1982 slow burn horror film is one that is criminally underrated. Between the incredible practical effects and captivating leading man Kurt Russell, this film couldn't miss.
Set in a research station in Antarctica, researchers are plagued with an alien threat that can take human shape. As the film goes on, the sanity of the men begin to crumble as they question who they can trust. Each frame captures the isolation and desperation of the men, proving that Carpenter is the master of horror.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven changed the game that was teen slasher films with A Nightmare on Elm Street. Craven took the teen slasher mold we all know and love, predictable films with masked killers and a “final girl”, and brought horror back into the mainstream. Freddy Krueger, one of the most legendary horror villains of all time, murders the teens of a suburban town in the one place they are helpless -- their dreams (or should I say, nightmares). This disfigured midnight mangler inspired one of the most lucrative horror franchises ever, and delivers stunning imagery in each and every film. Unlike most horror movie franchises, most of the Krueger-inspired films are truly terrifying, which sets this film apart from the rest.
Between the gruesome deaths of the local teens, there is stunning imagery throughout the film, and scares are delivered through practical effects. This allows A Nightmare on Elm Street to remain as scary today as it was in 1984, as the acting and effects create a truly unique movie. Craven redefined the genre and made everyone -- adults and children -- afraid of going to sleep.
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