5 best horror movies of the 1980s

As a child of the ’80s, I can confidently say that the decade was a golden age for horror movies, and these three films are among my favorites. Monster Squad, with its blend of classic monsters and humor, took me back to the days when staying up past my bedtime to watch scary movies was an adventure.

The 1980s is frequently cherished due to numerous factors, including music, fashion, and, not least, horror films. Many exceptional, even iconic, horror movies made their debut in this era, and they continue to hold up well today.

1980s horror films are cherished by many for a variety of reasons, such as their ability to evoke fear through terrifying content or their campy attempts at being scary. Here, we’ll examine five top-notch horror movies from that decade, each offering spine-tingling stories featuring creatures like vampires, ghosts, and even sentient cars.

Let’s begin!

The Lost Boys

Kicking off my list is a timeless gem from 1987 – Joel Schumacher’s “The Lost Boys”. I’m talking about the movie that starred Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, and Dianne Wiest. This one might just be one of the best, yet underrated vampire horror films ever made.

After Lucy (Wiest)’s divorce, she and her children Michael (Patric) and Sam (Haim) relocate to the infamous town of Santa Carla, known as “The World’s Murder Capital,” to reside with her father. However, unbeknownst to them, a series of disappearances are being orchestrated by a band of vampires, with David (Sutherland) at their helm.

Following Michael’s transformation into a half-vampire, it falls upon him, Sam, and the Frog brothers (Feldman and Jamison Newlander) to find a solution to rescue him. Although the movie is often associated with Tim Cappello’s live rendition of “I Still Believe” while playing a saxophone in tights, the ensemble cast delivers an unusual, spooky, and enjoyable vampire flick that captures the essence of ’80s nostalgia.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on this captivating flick. It doesn’t rely excessively on violence or explicit content to make its impact; instead, it maintains an R rating, which speaks volumes about its intensity. Even after all these years, the film continues to send shivers down viewers’ spines – particularly when we catch our first glimpse of the vampires’ chilling true forms. And let me tell you, the haunting melody of The Doors’ “People Are Strange” during the opening credits adds an extra layer of eeriness that perfectly sets the tone for this timeless classic.

Monster Squad

In addition, in 1987, the movie “Monster Squad,” rated PG-13, was also introduced. This film, featuring Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Duncan Regehr, Tom Noonan, and Ryan Lambert, is often seen as a symbol of the ’80s.

As a self-proclaimed cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in both classic and contemporary films, I find it intriguing to compare this new release with the beloved ’80s adventure film, The Goonies. While the suburban setting is once again our backdrop, this time around it seems more like a breeding ground for horror rather than treasure-hunting adolescents. The characters in this movie are five friends who are so enamored with horror movies and their monstrous subjects that it feels as if their conversations revolve solely around these themes. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, and I can’t wait to see how they weave together an engaging storyline that will surely leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

By a stroke of good fortune, it turns out that this group is the only ones capable of halting a troupe of iconic horror figures including the Mummy, the Wolfman, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Frankenstein’s Monster under the command of Dracula (Regehr). Through the discovery of Van Helsing’s diary, they find out that the monsters are in town seeking an amulet. This sets off a series of events filled with excitement, humor, and turmoil.

This film is packed with explosions, swearing, and bonding. For those who prefer horror without an abundance of violence, gore, sex, or adult situations, it’s a perfect match.)

As a lifelong fan of horror films, I can attest that some monster movies offer an underrated treasure trove of fun and excitement without resorting to traumatic or horrific imagery. Growing up, my friends and I would huddle together in the darkened living room, our hearts pounding with anticipation as we watched these films. We loved the adrenaline rush that came from the suspenseful build-up, the thrill of rooting for the hero, and the satisfaction of seeing the monster vanquished. But what I appreciated most was how these movies could tap into our collective fears and imagination without crossing the line into graphic violence or disturbing content. It’s a skill that not all filmmakers possess, but when done well, it can create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

Fright Night

We’re not referring to the 2011 remake (which is definitely worth a watch), but rather the original “Fright Night” from 1983. This movie starred Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall, and Amanda Bearse. And yes, it does involve vampires, but in a way that’s truly captivating.

As a gaming enthusiast with a penchant for horror flicks, I’d say I’m not unlike the kid from “Monster Squad.” You know, the one named Charley (Ragsdale)? Just like him, I can spot the unusual, and it turns out my neighbor Jerry (Sarandon) is no exception. He’s your typical vampire straight out of a classic horror movie – charming and alluring when he wants to be, but also capable of turning into a bloodthirsty monster in the blink of an eye. The transformation from attractive charmer to disgusting fiend is truly chilling!

In this movie, the main character Charley is reaching out to the vampire hunter Peter Vincent (McDowall), as it’s crucial that they find a means to eliminate Jerry since there’s no room for error. This film isn’t like Twilight, it’s more intense, earning an R-rating due to its graphic violence, but there were moments when a laugh or two was appropriate.

Christine

Oh, our collection is starting to look quite intriguing since we’re veering off the path of supernatural beings towards something unique. Imagine if you found out that your vehicle isn’t just a means of transport, but it’s actually sentient and capable of lethal actions. What would be your response in such a bizarre scenario?

As someone who grew up in the ’80s and had a deep appreciation for Stephen King’s work, I can confidently say that while “Transformers” and “Maximum Overdrive” are indeed intriguing tales of homicidal vehicles, they are not quite the same as “Christine.” Released in 1983, “Christine” is a unique gem that tells the story of Arnie, a character I could easily relate to as a fellow ’80s kid who was often bullied and lived under the watchful eye of strict parents. The turning point for Arnie comes when he stumbles upon Christine, a car with a notorious past, which becomes the solution to his problems in an unexpected way. Having watched “Christine” myself, I can attest to its captivating storyline and how it skillfully blends horror, drama, and coming-of-age themes, making it a must-watch for any Stephen King fan or ’80s nostalgia enthusiast.

In no time at all, Arnie comes to understand that this isn’t your average 1958 Plymouth Fury. Alongside him, it transforms him in a negative way, and while it helps solve his problems (or makes them even more complicated), this film directed by John Carpenter is an R-rated masterpiece that doesn’t fail to deliver on the chills.

From a diehard fan like me, it’s not your typical slasher flick or haunted house horror, but trust me, it definitely earns a place in our must-watch list.

The Shining

To round things off, there’s nothing like immersing myself in the chilling world of “The Shining,” a horror classic inspired by Stephen King’s novel. With its gory scenes, intense violence, and spine-tingling scares, it’s a timeless masterpiece that still sparks debates about that mind-bending final scene even after all these years.

In 1980, the movie “The Shining” was unveiled, with Jack Nicholson taking center stage as Jack Torrance. Jack, accompanied by his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and their son Danny (Danny Lloyd), find themselves in a chilling predicament when Jack accepts the job of winter caretaker at the isolated and undeniably spooky Overlook Hotel. By “haunted”, we’re referring to the hotel being inhabited by supernatural entities or spirits.

It appears that, unless everything we’re about to discuss is merely a figment of someone’s imagination (which seems highly unlikely), we’re dealing with spectral children who met a gruesome end, a female ghost without clothing who terrorizes Room 237, and numerous other spirits whose deaths likely occurred on the premises. What Jack might not be aware of is that while he engages with some of these entities, so does his son, who, much like Dick Hallorann (Scatman Crothers), the hotel’s head chef, possesses psychic abilities.

Prepare yourself to peer through your fingers, startle at sudden shifts, and discover the chilling fate of a family trapped within a densely haunted locale with no means of escape. This movie carries an R rating due to its abundance of intense, unsettling scenes containing graphic violence.

What are some of your favorite horror movies of the 1980s?

2024-08-18 20:25