Top 5 Horror Movies from the 1980s

The 1980s remain one of the most beloved decades, especially for horror movie enthusiasts. This period saw the release of some timeless horror films that continue to captivate audiences with their eerie and sometimes cheesy attempts to induce fear. From vampires and ghosts to sentient cars, here’s a look at five outstanding horror movies from the 1980s.

First on our list is the cult classic from 1987, Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, and Dianne Wiest, it’s one of the best vampire horror films from that era. The story follows Lucy (Wiest) and her two sons, Michael (Patric) and Sam (Haim), who move to Santa Carla, dubbed "The Murder Capital Of The World," to live with her father after a divorce. They soon discover that the city’s string of mysterious disappearances is due to a group of vampires led by David (Sutherland).

As Michael becomes a half-vampire, it’s up to him, Sam, and Sam’s new friends, the Frog brothers (Feldman and Jamison Newlander), to devise a plan to save him. The film is memorable for a live performance of "I Still Believe" by Tim Cappello and features a star-studded cast that delivers a unique, scary, and entertaining experience full of ’80s nostalgia. Despite its R rating, the violence is not overly gratuitous, yet it effectively instills fear, especially when the vampires reveal their true forms. Bonus points for the opening credits featuring a cover of The Doors’ "People Are Strange."

Also released in 1987, Monster Squad is another notable entry. With a PG-13 rating, this film boasts a cast including Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Duncan Regehr, Tom Noonan, and Ryan Lambert. It channels the spirit of the ’80s with its slang, outfits, product placements, and classic suburban setting. Often compared to The Goonies, it follows five friends obsessed with horror movies and monsters. Their knowledge comes in handy as they find themselves the only ones capable of stopping classic monsters like the Mummy, the Wolfman, the Gill Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster, all led by Dracula (Regehr).

Armed with Van Helsing’s diary, they discover that these monsters are in town in search of an amulet, leading to a mix of chaos, comedy, and action. The film excels in providing explosions, cursing, and friendship without excessive violence, making it an enjoyable watch for horror enthusiasts who prefer less intense adult content. It remains an underrated gem that captures the fun and excitement of monster movies.

For a vampire tale with a twist, look no further than the original 1985 Fright Night, starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall, and Amanda Bearse. The story revolves around Charley (Ragsdale), a horror movie fan who discovers that his neighbor Jerry (Sarandon) is a classical vampire. With a mix of attractiveness, seduction, and terrifying transformation, Jerry embodies the quintessential vampire. Charley enlists the help of television show vampire-killer Peter Vincent (McDowall) to confront Jerry, making for a riveting ride. This R-rated film stands out for its mix of horror and occasional humor, earning it a special place in ’80s horror cinema.

Moving away from supernatural creatures, we arrive at 1983’s Christine, based on a novel by Stephen King. Directed by John Carpenter, this film stars Keith Gordon as Arnie, a classic King character—bullied and suppressed by strict parents—who finds solace in a seemingly ordinary 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. It doesn’t take long for Arnie to realize that Christine is no ordinary car. With free will and a knack for violence, Christine changes Arnie for the worse while simultaneously "solving" his problems, often lethally. This R-rated film might deviate from typical gore fests, but it undoubtedly deserves a spot for its unique take on horror.

Lastly, we have The Shining, based on Stephen King’s novel and released in 1980. With Jack Nicholson in the lead role of Jack Torrance, this film serves up all the gore, violence, and scares that still hold up. Jack, his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and their son Danny (Danny Lloyd) take on the role of off-season caretakers of the haunted Overlook Hotel. The hotel houses creepy kid ghosts, a demonic naked ghost lady in Room 237, and countless other spirits. Danny, possessing a psychic ability shared by the hotel’s head chef, Dick Hallorann (Scatman Crothers), also interacts with these spirits. This R-rated film takes viewers on a harrowing journey showcasing what happens when a family is trapped in a haunted location, making it a must-watch for horror aficionados.

Whether you are into vampires, mythical monsters, or haunted hotels, the 1980s delivered some of the best horror movies that continue to chill and entertain. What are some of your favorite horror movies from this iconic decade?

Source: 1428 Elm