The 1980s were a golden age for horror, a decade where the genre was refined by some of its most iconic masters. John Carpenter, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, Clive Barker, and many others pushed the boundaries of fear, crafting unforgettable films that continue to haunt audiences today. This was also the era of the slasher, with iconic villains like Jason Voorhees from ‘Friday the 13th,’ Freddy Krueger from ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street,’ and Michael Myers from ‘Halloween’ becoming pop culture sensations.
These terrifying figures not only dominated the box office but also helped solidify horror movies as a mainstream force. But with so many brilliant films to choose from, selecting the best horror movies of the 1980s was no easy task. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten films that truly stand the test of time, each offering a unique blend of chills, thrills, and sheer terror.
10. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
You might find yourself lost in the continuity between ‘The Evil Dead’ and ‘Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn,’ but that’s okay. Think of it as a remake, a wild, over-the-top reimagining of the first film. Before the hilarious farce of ‘Army of Darkness,’ ‘Evil Dead 2’ perfected the balance of horror and slapstick. Bruce Campbell returns as Ash Williams, thrust into a nightmare vacation in the woods with his girlfriend, Linda. They unwittingly awaken the Deadites, unleashing a terrifying battle for survival that pushes Ash to his limits. The ending is utterly insane, foreshadowing the shift in setting for ‘Army of Darkness,’ even if the films don’t perfectly align. Despite its oddities, ‘Evil Dead 2’ remains a genre classic. Catch it on Hoopla!
9. Re-Animator (1985)
‘Re-Animator’ takes H.P. Lovecraft’s original story and gives it a shot of humor, a healthy dose of gore, and a whole lot of dead bodies coming back to life. Herbert West, played by the always-brilliant Jeffrey Combs, is his own worst enemy. His reanimation fluid can bring people back from the grave, but not quite as they were before. Herbert drags his unsuspecting roommate, Daniel Cain, into his experiments, which quickly spiral out of control. The real antagonist, however, is Dr. Carl Hill, a university professor with an unhealthy obsession with Daniel’s girlfriend, Megan Halsey. Herbert’s attempt to silence and reanimate Hill backfires, creating a monstrous adversary who wants the power of resurrection for himself – even if he’s just a head. You can find this deliciously twisted film on Cineverse.
8. The Fly (1986)
Director David Cronenberg takes body horror to a new level in ‘The Fly,’ especially for the standards of 1986. Jeff Goldblum stars as Seth Brundle, a brilliant inventor on the cusp of unlocking the secrets of teleportation. The fly in his ointment, so to speak, is the insect that merges with him during a test of his teleportation machine. At first, Seth doesn’t realize the extent of his transformation, believing he has been enhanced. But soon, he begins to mutate into a terrifying human/fly hybrid. His lover, Veronica “Ronnie” Quaife, played by Geena Davis, does her best to stand by him as his humanity fades. However, even their love isn’t enough when Seth’s transformation reaches its final, horrifying stage. Catch ‘The Fly’ on Hulu.
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
While many fans consider ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors’ the best in the series, the original film remains the scariest and most impactful. By the time ‘Dream Warriors’ arrived, Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger had already become a darkly comedic figure. He’d gleefully torment teenagers in their dreams, delivering cheesy puns and gruesome deaths. But Freddy was never more terrifying than in his first appearance. Nancy Thompson, Glen Lantz, Tina Gray, and the rest of the teenagers living on Elm Street are hunted in their dreams by Freddy, even after his death years earlier. He picks them off one by one as they sleep, and death in the dream world translates to real-world death. Freddy is pure nightmare fuel, and the original ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ is a masterpiece of terrifying atmosphere. Find it on Max.
6. Hellraiser (1987)
With a ridiculous number of sequels and a recent reboot, it’s easy to forget just how terrifying the original ‘Hellraiser’ truly was. Clive Barker’s masterful film wisely keeps Pinhead and the Cenobites largely off-screen, making their appearance all the more terrifying. Kirsty Cotton finds herself caught in the middle of Hell’s claim on her uncle, Frank Cotton. He murders his own brother, Larry, with the help of Larry’s wife, Julia. To escape with her life and her soul, Kirsty must make a deal with a devil, and trust is a luxury she can’t afford when dealing with the Cenobites. ‘Hellraiser’ is a chilling exploration of pain, pleasure, and the seductive power of the supernatural. Watch it on Prime Video.
5. The Shining (1980)
Stephen King may have his reservations about director Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of his novel ‘The Shining,’ but as a horror film, it’s a masterpiece. Kubrick’s vision brings the Overlook Hotel to life, transforming it into a sinister entity. Jack Torrance descends into madness, haunted by the ghosts that roam the hotel’s halls. The ghosts are all too real, especially for Jack’s son, Danny, who possesses psychic powers. When Jack’s madness reaches a fever pitch, his wife, Wendy, and Danny must run for their lives as the Overlook tries to claim them. ‘The Shining’ is a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary places. Watch it on Max.
4. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’ was initially dismissed by critics but has become a cult classic, beloved by generations of sci-fi and horror fans. Kurt Russell leads the cast as R.J. MacReady, a helicopter pilot stationed at an arctic research base. The men on assignment unwittingly encounter an alien being with the ability to perfectly mimic any life form. The Thing infects humans and animals, replicating their DNA and spreading fear. MacReady, Childs, Blair, and the rest of the group realize the danger too late. The Thing has already infiltrated their ranks. The suspense is intense, and the grotesque sequences when the monster reveals itself are unforgettable. This film has stood the test of time, earning its place as one of the greatest horror films of the 1980s. Watch it on Prime Video.
3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
This classic, released in 1974, still holds a place on our list because of its influence on the slasher genre and its terrifying impact on audiences. It follows a group of friends who get stranded in Texas and encounter Leatherface, a masked killer wielding a chainsaw. This film is a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere, and it’s considered one of the most disturbing and realistic horror films ever made.
2. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic is considered one of the most influential films in the genre. It follows the story of Michael Myers, a masked killer who terrorizes a small town on Halloween night. It’s a film that helped define the slasher genre, and it remains a must-watch for any horror fan.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
No list of classic horror movies would be complete without The Exorcist. Released in 1973, it tells the story of a young girl who is possessed by a demonic force. The film is a chilling exploration of faith, evil, and the power of possession. It remains one of the most terrifying and influential horror films of all time.
The 1980s were a time of innovation and creativity in horror, and these films are a testament to the enduring power of the genre. So this Halloween, revisit these classics or discover them for the first time. Get ready for a chilling experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.