The 1980s was a golden era for horror cinema, a decade that saw this genre pushing boundaries and introducing some of the most iconic and terrifying characters in film history. In this list, we'll show you 15 horror films that represent the best features of well-done horror films. Take your seat and let's get started!
Fright Night is a top-notch horror movie that delivers a fantastic experience in atmosphere, performance, score, and even makeup. The scene with the house surrounded by fog is so iconic that it became a symbol of Halloween. | © Columbia Pictures
Near Dark is acclaimed as one of the best horror films about vampires that shows vampires as a pack of drifters who fool around in a blacked-out RV and prey on the dregs of society. This great depiction makes vampires seem even more powerful and menacing, as they have nothing to lose. | © De Laurentiis Entertainment Group
Opera is a great find for all fans of old-time horror movies. The film of oppression is in every aspect of this movie, from camera angles to special effects and narrative that pay homage to a giant of the genre. | © Orion Releasing
Gremlins is a very entertaining film with strong vibes of comic-book horror. It was the "first scary movie" for many of us, so you can consider watching it for nostalgic purposes. Gremlins isn't industry-changing, but it can give you some laughs, scares, and entertainment. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Poltergeist expands the horror genre and goes for a typical suburban neighborhood instead of some isolated location. Spielberg directed most of this film, so he made the atmosphere fit well with the story and amazing music. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Re-Animator is one of few horror movies from the 80s that still hold up to these days. The story is also very captivating, and the effects are made in a practical way, so they look amazing. | © Empire International Pictures
Maniac Cop is an almost completely incredible horror that turns into an interesting detective story as the plot unfolds. Despite that, the story is quite straightforward to keep up with. | © 20th Century Studios
An American Werewolf in London is widely considered the #1 horror comedy of all time. It mixes humor and horror and has so many tonal heights and drops that you will immediately forget about any flaws. | © Universal Pictures
Creepshow has a unique anthology format, offering a variety of chilling stories with great animation and storytelling. The collaboration between Stephen King and George A. Romero brings together top-tier writing and direction, creating perfect dark humor scenes. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Hellraiser is one of the most entertaining horror movies from the 80s. Even having a low budget, the film is groundbreaking, and the stars leave a lasting impression. | © Entertainment Film Distributors
30 years after its release, The Fly's special effects are still amazing and the story is entertaining. The story is not just a dumb horror-creature movie, but an intelligent science fiction tale with both leading actors doing an excellent job. | © 20th Century Studios
A Nightmare on Elm Street is centered around the theme of dreams versus reality, which is what makes the film frightening. It's not just about a burnt man chasing you, but also the idea that your fears are fueling his power, which makes it even more terrifying and strikes an even deeper fear. | © New Line Cinema
Aliens is a very slow-paced horror with the maximum amount of claustrophobia possible. The second installment in the series evolves the original horror movie setting a standard that has not yet been matched. | © 20th Century Studios
The Thing is a simple story with iconic monsters that can't go down in horror movie history. The film has a streamlined plot, effective music, and a steady pace from John Carpenter. | © Universal Pictures
The Shining is one of the great and loneliest-feeling horror movies ever; every character feels trapped in a desolate isolation. It doesn't have aliens or weird creatures, but it's still creepy and gore.
Did we forget a movie you can't believe didn't make the list? Let us know in the comments! | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The 1980s was a golden era for horror cinema, a decade that saw this genre pushing boundaries and introducing some of the most iconic and terrifying characters in film history. In this guide, we'll show you 15 horror films that represent the best features of well-done horror films. Take your seat and let's get started!
