20 80s Horror Movies That Would Be Too Scary Today
20 spine-chilling films that haunted the people from the 80s and continue to terrify.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 6 min read
Relive the era of terror as we delve into iconic horror films that defined the 80s. These movies continue to haunt our dreams, from spine-chilling slashers to mind-bending supernatural thrillers. See this nostalgic journey through the decade that gave us some of the most terrifying monsters and unforgettable scares.
1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
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The teenager’s nightmare happened. A demon-like killer stalks teenagers in their dreams. Another new breed of horror icon blossomed, with surreal images mixed with terrific suspense that redefined the slasher genre. His name, Freddy Krueger, is considered a symbol of fear.
2. The Thing (1982)
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A group of scientists in Antarctica battle a shape-shifting alien in this chilling tale of paranoia and body horror. This film took practical effects to new heights, creating a sense of dread and uncertainty long after the credits roll. Its claustrophobic setting and tense atmosphere make it a masterclass in suspense.
3. The Shining (1980)
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A family’s winter retreat to a secluded hotel becomes madness when the father succumbs to supernatural forces. This psychological horror masterpiece, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a haunting exploration of isolation, domestic violence, and the fragility of the human mind. Its iconic imagery and unsettling atmosphere have made it a timeless classic.
4. Friday the 13th (1980)
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A few camp counselors fall victim to their masked killer, which turned into a very profitable franchise of slasher movies. This film popularized the summer camp settings and the unstoppable killer trope used in horror movies. With its simple premise and legendary villain, Jason Voorhees, it has become a cult movie.
5. Poltergeist (1982)
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A family’s suburban home becomes a portal into the supernatural, whereby evil spirits possess it and terrorize their young daughter. The mix of supernatural horror and family drama in this made this scary story warm. The imagery of the clown doll, among other images such as the otherworldly tree, has placed it among the favorite horror movies ever.
6. The Evil Dead (1981)
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A night soaked with blood and gore was the result of a group of friends who went on vacation in a remote cabin and unleashed an evil force. This low-budget horror movie, written and directed by Sam Raimi, changed the face of the genre, grossly exaggerating violence with dark humor and cameras. The chainsaw hand and the possessed tree made this film a cult classic.
7. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
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Once hiking across England, the two American backpackers are being attacked by a werewolf; one of them turns out to be the beast himself. Combined with horror and comedy, it had that fantastic transformation scene – things couldn’t get better. It’s the perfect mixture of humor and horror that blended so well together. With groundbreaking special effects at the time, this is a classic.
8. Hellraiser (1987)
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A puzzle box unleashes a group of sadistic demons, known as Cenobites, into our world. This film introduced a new kind of horror, focusing on pain, pleasure, and the exploration of extreme body horror. Its iconic villain, Pinhead, and disturbing imagery make it a cult classic.
9. The Fly (1986)
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A brilliant scientist’s teleportation experiment goes wrong, transforming him into a monstrous insect-human hybrid. Directed by the master of body horror, David Cronenberg, it becomes an eerie, thought-provoking contemplation of identity, science, and human fate. Because of these and Cronenberg’s particular style, its practical effects make it an immortal classic.
10. Child’s Play (1988)
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A possessed doll terrorizes a young boy and his family, becoming a new horror icon. The film brought an original take to the subgenre haunted object, combining innocence with pure evil. Its iconic villain, Chucky, went on to turn into one of the iconic faces in horror.
11. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
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A couple of losers inadvertently release a gang of dancing corpses, which takes them through a night of blood and black humor. The movie mixes zombie terror with dark comedy and a punk rock soundtrack, creating something unique and unforgettable. Its over-the-top violence and iconic catchphrase, “Braiiiiins,” have cemented its cult classic status.
12. Near Dark (1987)
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A young man is turned into a vampire and joins a nomadic pack of bloodthirsty monsters at large at night. Combining vampire mythology with the aesthetic of a road movie. Near Dark creates something very special, stylish, and horrifying. It has cult status due to its moodily captured atmosphere, the strength in its performances, and for offering a fresh approach to vampire lore.
13. The Lost Boys (1987)
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Two brothers move to a small town and befriend a pack of young vampires who are part of a secret society. This film combined elements of horror with comedy and a coming-of-age story, something unique and entertaining. The iconic soundtrack, memorable characters, and perfect blend of horror and humor have made it a cult classic.
14. Critters (1986)
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Alien creatures come to Earth and wreak havoc on a small town. This film combines science fiction horror with comedy and a creature feature aesthetic, making it fun. Its cute yet deadly creatures and over-the-top violence have earned it cult classic status.
15. The Gate (1987)
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A young boy discovers, in his backyard, a gate to Hell that unleashes demonic forces—melding childlike imagination with supernatural horror. This film generated a unique and terrifying experience. The imaginative creatures, the dark atmosphere, and the point of view of a child make this film a cult classic.
16. Fright Night (1985)
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A teenager believes his neighbor is a vampire and asks a washed-up horror movie actor to help him save his life. This film combines horror elements with comedy and a meta-cinematic approach to make it fun. The witty dialogue, memorable characters, and blending of horror and humor have made it a cult classic.
17. The Howling (1981)
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A werewolf attacks a TV news reporter and becomes part of a pack of lycanthropes. This film combines werewolf mythology with a horror-comedy aesthetic, making it funny and entertaining. Thanks to its practical effects and dark humor, it has become a cult classic with an iconic transformation scene.
18. Videodrome (1983)
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The owner of a cable television station becomes obsessed with a mysterious signal that distorts reality. For the first time, this film mixed body horror with media and technology critique-things that would subsequently become a staple for fans of the genre. The surreal images, the plot that keeps twisting and turning, and some of Cronenberg’s touches have made it a cult classic.
19. Scanners (1981)
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People with psychic abilities fight for control of a powerful telekinetic weapon. It was a mix of science fiction with some elements of horror and corporate power, which made the movie so unique and something to reflect upon. From the iconic head explosion scene alone, coupled with the signature style of Cronenberg, this film achieved cult status.
20. Possession (1981)
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A couple’s marriage deteriorates as the wife becomes possessed by a demonic force. This film combined psychological horror with body horror and a surreal aesthetic, creating a disturbing and unforgettable experience. Its intense performances, shocking imagery, and experimental filmmaking have made it a cult classic.