The 1980s were a big time for horror cinema. The decade produced a number of bloody slashers, genre-benders, and video nasties, and the fact that many of them are so beloved has been a significant factor in the wave of ’80s nostalgia that has swept pop culture in recent years. Have entered.
And with Halloween approaching, horror fans will likely be breaking out these classics this season, because these are some of the best horror pictures from the ’80s.
10. The Evil Dead (1981)
When a group of friends go to an isolated cabin, they find a copy of the Necronomicon and accidentally summon a demon who kills them one by one and possesses him.
Despite its low-budget acting and effects, the film from director Sam Raimi was one of the most gory and visually distinctive horror films of its time. with the evil Dead Receiving rave reviews from author Stephen King, its popularity led to an iconic franchise and some great careers for those involved.
9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
In one of the most revolutionary films of the slasher genre, the spirit of a murdered serial killer hunts the children of Springwood inside their dreams with his bladed fingers, spilling their blood into the real world.
Such a unique premise from director Wes Craven delivered some inventive scares that broke new ground for horror cinema, with Freddy Krueger becoming one of the most iconic villains ever to haunt audiences’ dreams.
8. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
While backpacking with a friend in the moors of England, a young man is bitten by a werewolf who curses him to become one himself at the next full moon.
With its Oscar-winning makeup effects, especially in its iconic transformation scene, An American Werewolf in London Became a smash hit whose blend of humor and horror opened the door for more horror comedies to shine in theaters.
7. Evil Dead II (1987)
Although Ash survived his first night with the Deadites, in this remake/sequel he has to fight these evil creatures again as he is stranded in the forest and on his own.
As Ash becomes an action hero with his chainsaw arm and boomstick, this beloved film reestablished the Evil Dead franchise as a comedic splash with its extreme gore, scares, and jokes.
6. The Dead Zone (1983)
In this adaptation of Stephen King’s classic, schoolteacher Johnny Smith awakens from a five-year coma to find that he has gained the ability to see the future of everyone he touches.
As Smith receives such terrifying forebodings, he struggles to live a normal life again with his newfound fame and the loss of his true love, making his journey a haunting and poignant story that blends the real and the supernatural. Balances. And let’s be fair. Christopher Walken proved that he was born to play the lead role in this film.
5. The Fly (1986)
When a scientist tests his new teleportation device on himself, his DNA fuses with that of an ordinary house fly, turning him into a giant fly-hybrid, who slowly eats away his brain.
With its excellent lead cast (Jeff Goldblum has never been better) and bizarre makeup effects, director David Cronenberg’s reboot captures the true horror and tragedy of Seth Brundle’s story of a science experiment gone wrong.
4. Poltergeist (1982)
“They’re Here…” Directed by Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg, the film follows the Freeling family as they are plagued by intrusive spirits in their new home, including a possessed clown doll, a giant tree monster, and several Others appear as horrifying monsters.
A mixture of science and superstition, poltergeist A wonderful and terrifying ghost story that captures the hearts of the audience, pulls them towards the light and doesn’t let go.
3. The Thing (1982)
Halloween Director John Carpenter brings a new vision of alien horror with this cult classic. When a group of researchers encounter a shape-shifting alien in Antarctica, they are all filled with fear and disbelief as the titular creature lurks among them, and threatens to assimilate them all.
With its well-crafted scares and some high-class practical effects that still feel realistic forty years later. talk Transformed from a spectacular flop to a beloved masterpiece that fans continue to debate and deconstruct.
2. Aliens (1986)
After her first traumatic encounter with the Xenomorphs, science fiction heroine Ellen Ripley awakens from cryostasis and joins the Colonial Marines on a mission to save the people of a colony besieged by these killer aliens.
James Cameron’s sequel takes the franchise into action-packed territory with this terrifying and explosive display of science-fiction warfare that never ceases to thrill its audience.
1. The Shining (1980)
When an alcoholic writer becomes caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, he, his wife, and their psychotic child become haunted by the many spirits that inhabit this mountain resort.
Although it may have been widely criticized by audiences and Stephen King himself, Stanley Kubrick’s film has garnered much praise in the years since its release. With its brilliant setup, beautiful cinematography, and Jack Nicholson’s stellar performance, this film will continue to surprise and terrify audiences forever… and forever… and forever.