10 Underseen ’80s Horror Movies Better Than Friday the 13th

The 1980s were a very important time for horror movies, both in Hollywood and globally. While several famous franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Child’s Play, and Friday the 13th began during this decade, many one-off horror films didn’t achieve widespread popularity.

The original Friday the 13th wasn’t a particularly strong film, and much of the fondness for the series comes from remembering the straightforward horror movies of the 1980s. Interestingly, many other slasher films from that era were actually better, but they’ve largely been forgotten by horror fans today.

Pumpkinhead Is A Tragic Horror Delight

Stan Winston, a special and visual effects master known for films like Jurassic Park, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Predator, also directed a film about a father struggling with the devastating loss of his son. As the father grieves, he finds himself caught in an increasingly terrifying and painful situation.

With stunning practical effects, a truly creepy atmosphere, and heartfelt performances, Pumpkinhead could have become a horror classic. Sadly, it never quite received the attention it deserved. It’s a fantastic, spooky story and a film every horror fan should see.

Phenomena Is A Bizarre Epic From A Horror Master

Dario Argento, the director behind the classic 1977 horror film Suspiria, is a hugely important figure in the history of horror. He’s made many influential Italian horror films and become well-known within the genre. But one of his best films, 1985’s Phenomena, doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

This movie centers on a young girl who can strangely talk to insects. She’s navigating the difficulties of a new boarding school when a series of mysterious murders begin, all while a peculiar scientist and his monkey are involved. Phenomena is packed with twists and turns, and features a truly unforgettable scene: a monkey using a razor to fend off a killer. If that doesn’t pique your interest, nothing will!

Brain Damage Is A Low-Fi Creature Feature

Frank Henenlotter, known for his low-budget, cult classic films, created Brain Damage in 1988, and it’s been a favorite among fans ever since. The movie centers on Brian, a young man who becomes addicted to a strange creature living inside his brain. It’s a bizarre, messy, and surprisingly disturbing film.

Similar to Henenlotter’s classic Basket Case, Brain Damage is remarkably effective despite its low budget. The film’s creative creature design, well-developed characters, engaging relationships, and impressive special effects combine to make it a truly inspiring movie that continues to stand the test of time.

Spookies Is A Hilariously Messy Nightmare

The 1986 horror film Spookies had three different directors and is famously divisive among fans. While many consider it a frustrating mess with a confusing story and unlikeable characters, others appreciate its uniquely chaotic and charmingly assembled nature.

Lots of horror movies from the 1980s are overlooked because they aren’t polished, so it’s frustrating when fans aren’t willing to give a unique, funny, and surprisingly touching film like Spookies a chance. It’s not a hidden gem, but it’s a solid and enjoyable spooky movie.

The Return of the Living Dead Is An All-Time Great Zombie Flick

George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Day of the Dead are considered classics of the zombie genre. While those films are arguably the best, there are many other great zombie movies—including Dan O’Bannon’s 1985 film, The Return of the Living Dead—that almost reach that level of quality.

With The Return of the Living Dead, director Dan O’Bannon took the zombie genre to new heights. The film starts when a group of people accidentally unleash a top-secret military project, bringing the recently deceased back to life. What follows is a darkly funny and relentlessly bleak zombie movie, packed with impressive special effects and memorable characters. Despite not always getting the recognition it deserves, The Return of the Living Dead is a true classic of the genre.

The Blob Is A Gooey Terror

In the town of Haven, California, a strange, gelatinous creature descends, threatening to consume everything in its path. Director Chuck Russell’s The Blob is a thrilling and iconic horror film, celebrated for its creative use of slime, gore, and suspense as the townspeople fight for survival.

Despite being a surprisingly unsettling horror movie from the 1980s, The Blob strongly echoes the style of director John Carpenter, particularly his film The Thing – which is high praise. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to cover your feet and hide, and it deserved to be as well-regarded as classics like The Thing, Tremors, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Is A Forgotten Follow-Up To A Masterpiece

Tobe Hooper’s original 1974 film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, remains one of the most disturbing and unsettling horror movies ever created, and its unique brand of rural terror has never been equaled. But twelve years later, in 1986, Hooper himself came back to direct The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.

Though very different from the first film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 successfully captures the original’s energy while being funnier, less graphic, and more visually ambitious. It’s a rare sequel that manages to both honor its roots and introduce fresh ideas, and it deserves to be appreciated for taking such a creative risk.

Critters 2 Is The Ultimate Gremlins Knock-Off

Joe Dante’s Gremlins is a landmark horror film that inspired a wave of copycats. While many movies tried to recreate its success, most didn’t come close. However, the Critters franchise was a notable exception and stood out from the rest.

While the original Critters is a decent movie and better than many of the films trying to copy Gremlins, its sequel, Critters 2 from 1988, is much more intense and shocking. With amazing creature effects, genuinely scary moments, and a playful tone, Critters 2 is the perfect horror movie for fans of Gremlins.

The New York Ripper Is A Sleazy Epic

Lucio Fulci, like fellow Italian director Dario Argento, was a hugely important figure in 20th-century horror filmmaking. He became known for his gritty and shocking films, including classics like The Beyond and Zombie Flesh Eaters. Many consider his 1982 film, The New York Ripper, to be one of his most overlooked achievements.

This movie centers on a detective and a professor who team up to catch a serial killer terrorizing New York City. It’s a delightfully over-the-top, violent horror film packed with fantastic scenes that many Friday the 13th movies aspire to achieve. The New York Ripper is a true gem of the genre and deserves to be recognized as a classic.

From Beyond Is A Love Letter To Cosmic Horror

Director Stuart Gordon’s From Beyond feels like something straight out of an H.P. Lovecraft story, and it’s one of those 80s horror films that actually improves with repeated viewings. It’s a true gem of the genre, boasting impressive special effects, stunning makeup, and some of the most genuinely frightening writing of the time.

As a huge fan of 80s horror, I always feel like when people talk about the classics, they jump straight to Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and the Halloween series. But honestly, those movies don’t even compare to how truly weird and disturbing From Beyond is. It’s got creatures bursting through from other dimensions, some seriously strange psychological stuff going on, and a cast of characters you won’t forget. For me, From Beyond really captures everything that made 80s horror so great.

2025-11-01 18:15