10 ’80s Horror Movies with Amazing Practical Effects, And Two of Them Won Oscars

As a movie buff, I’ve always appreciated the raw power and immersive quality that practical effects bring to the table. No matter how sophisticated CGI becomes, there’s just something undeniably captivating about watching an intricately crafted set piece, fashioned by skilled hands, rather than a computer processor.

Practical effects have a tangible presence that draws you into the story, making you feel like you’re right in the midst of the action. They’ve got a timeless appeal that just doesn’t seem to fade away like digital effects might over time.

Take, for instance, the 1997 blockbuster Anaconda. The practical effects snake, despite being somewhat comical to some, still holds up today – it’s tangible and believable. But as soon as CGI takes over, like when the snake curls around Owen Wilson or glares menacingly at him before lunging for a final strike, you can almost hear the magic draining away. The convincing nature of practical effects simply outlasts their digital counterparts in this case.

As a devoted movie buff with a special fondness for horror, I must say that no genre showcases practical effects more brilliantly than this chilling domain. It’s here where visionary artists like Rick Baker and Tom Savini truly shine, using their craft to create monstrosities or death scenes so authentic and startling, they leave audiences gasping for breath.

However, it’s essential to note that not all movies relying heavily on practical effects are created equally in terms of visual brilliance. In the ’80s, these ten horror masterpieces stand out as the cream of the crop when it comes to visual creativity:

1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
2. The Thing (1982)
3. Poltergeist (1982)
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
5. The Fly (1986)
6. Critters (1986)
7. Near Dark (1987)
8. Hellraiser (1987)
9. Monster Squad (1987)
10. Innerspace (1987) – While not strictly a horror film, this sci-fi adventure deserves recognition for its groundbreaking practical effects.

10) A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master

A large number of the films in the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series are brimming with imaginative visuals. Since Freddy Krueger doesn’t belong to our reality, when one of his victims encounters him, they find themselves within his realm. And, in this realm, he devises some rather eccentric methods for eliminating them.

The first movie brilliantly utilized a revolving room, while the third one featured needle punctures on arms and a Freddy TV, but it’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master” that stands out in terms of special effects. A memorable scene involves Alice being pulled into a gigantic theater screen, and the use of light and blue-tinted colors there is fantastic. However, the most striking display of a distorted creation occurs when Debbie Stevens is transformed into something akin to a cockroach and then squashed at a roach motel. Granted, there’s an underwhelming karate scene, but this was due to budget constraints, so we can overlook it.

9) Hellraiser

Bob Keen, along with his team, created numerous legendary horrifying creatures for Clive Barker’s Hellraiser series, with the Cenobites being the most notable ones.

The four main characters in the movie, known as Cenobites – Pinhead, Butterball, Chatterer, and the Female Cenobite – are each uniquely impressive with their makeup. Each character has a distinct identity. The film doesn’t just feature these characters though; it also introduces other terrifying creatures like the winged, skeletal dragon that appears at the end, and the frightening Engineer who emits deep groans. One particularly memorable scene involves Uncle Frank’s skeleton reassembling itself with a gooey substance, culminating in an incredibly loud scream.

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Stream Hellraiser on Hoopla.

8) Gremlins

One of the standout films from the ’80s that masterfully blended genres, “Gremlins” is a movie built around three crucial elements. The first is establishing a small-town ambiance reminiscent of Mayberry, only to subsequently destroy it. Second, it requires a cast capable of portraying characters convincingly living in such a peaceful town. Lastly, it depends on the menacing creatures that invade the Mayberry-like settlement.

Each of the three aspects was perfectly secured. As for the third element, the Gremlins (and Mogwais) crafted by Chris Walas and Rick Baker were simply outstanding. With their pointed teeth and wickedly dark humor, they’re exceptional animatronic miniature beasts.

The three components were all secured nicely. In terms of that third point, the Gremlins (and Mogwais) created by Chris Walas and Rick Baker couldn’t be any better. Their sharp teeth and darkly humorous nature make them fantastic animatronic miniature monsters.

Lastly: All three components were properly fastened. When it comes to that third detail, the Gremlins (and Mogwais) designed by Chris Walas and Rick Baker couldn’t be any better. Their sharp teeth and sinister humor make them extraordinary animatronic miniature monsters.

7) Evil Dead II

As a die-hard film fan, I must confess that the initial saga film was a spectacular showcase of special effects. Yet, it’s undeniable that its modest budget has left it looking somewhat dated over the years. On the other hand, Evil Dead II is like a wild rollercoaster ride through a twisted cartoon universe, reminiscent of Looney Tunes, but with an even darker and more outrageous sense of humor.

Essentially, in the sequel, I found myself in possession of a thicker wallet than before – something I didn’t have initially. As the story unfolds, Tom Sullivan continually raises the bar, consistently surpassing his own achievements. Every outlandish invention that Sam Raimi conjured up seems to leap off the screen in a way that feels genuinely believable, even that chuckle-inducing deer head!

Stream Evil Dead II on Prime Video.

6) The Blob

Under the leadership of special effects artist Tony Gardner, a team of 33, including Chet Zar and Bill Sturgeon who were responsible for the mechanical aspects, worked diligently on the 1988 film The Blob. Their efforts ensured that the menacing quality of the iconic pink goo was effectively portrayed, and indeed, it proved to be quite formidable.

The film portrays a chilling moment when Donovan Leitch’s character, Paul Taylor, appears to be the main character but meets a gruesome end. As he frantically calls for help, a sudden drop from the Blob ensues, leading to his tragic demise. Shawnee Smith’s character, Meg Penny, tries to assist him, but upon checking on him, finds his face partially covered by the Blob with an outstretched arm that ultimately rips off, leaving the rest of his body to waste away.

The film features a shocking scene where Donovan Leitch’s character, Paul Taylor, initially seems like the central figure but tragically meets his end due to an encounter with the Blob. In desperation, he makes a frantic call for help. Upon attempting to check on him, Shawnee Smith’s character, Meg Penny, finds his face partially covered by the Blob, with his arm outstretched in a desperate attempt at rescue. However, it’s too late as his arm rips off, and the rest of his body wastes away. This scene is particularly unsettling due to its pacing, who it happens to, and the shocking manner of the character’s death.

5) Killer Klowns from Outer Space

The film “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” a horror comedy that could have and should have spawned a series, is incredibly entertaining. Notably, it’s the only movie fully realized by the Chiodo Brothers, a talented trio of special effects artists who are also known for their work on films like “Critters” and “Team America: World Police.

The movie was crafted by Stephen Chiodo, with both him and Charles responsible for the script, while all three were involved in production. Consequently, they also handled the special effects, creating a chilling animation for the Klowns’ faces that convincingly suggests they could bite an unsuspecting Earthling during their balloon animal performance.

Stream Killer Klowns from Outer Space on Prime Video.

4) Day of the Dead

Most zombie films, whether they’re timeless classics or more recent productions, tend to delve deeper than just mindless gore. For instance, the film Day of the Dead explores how humanity often devours itself during times of crisis, even before the undead have a taste for human flesh.

Speaking from personal experience, much like how “Dawn of the Dead” spotlights Tom Savini’s special effects, this film seems to elevate them to new heights. Some might even argue that it represents his finest work yet. The scene where zombies slowly tear apart a soldier’s throat, causing an ear-piercing scream, is so hauntingly realistic that it leaves an indelible mark, making sleep seem impossible after witnessing it.

Stream Day of the Dead on fuboTV.

3) The Fly

Contrary to its peculiar yet somewhat underestimated successor, David Cronenberg’s The Fly was widely acclaimed by film critics. In fact, it even received the recognition of an Academy Award.

To put it simply, Chris Walas was awarded for his exceptional makeup effects on the movie. Frankly, this recognition couldn’t have been more fitting, given that Seth Brundle’s gradual metamorphosis is a sight truly dreadful to behold, and we are forced to witness quite a lot of it. Moreover, the animatronic “Brundlefly” at the finale was an impressive monster in its own league.

2) An American Werewolf in London

Among the notable werewolf films, “The Howling” and “The Company of Wolves” are exceptional, but “An American Werewolf in London,” released in 1981, stands out as the quintessential werewolf movie. It might very well be considered the definitive werewolf film regardless of its year of release.

Without a doubt, it boasts the most remarkable special effects among werewolf films, meticulously designed by Rick Baker. The transformation sequence is an extended, somewhat agonizing spectacle that showcases astonishing detail. Many subsequent werewolf movies have attempted to replicate this scene and its hairy outcome, yet even entertaining films like “Silver Bullet” fall short in comparison.

Stream An American Werewolf in London on Prime Video.

1) The Thing

At first, “The Thing” was a film by John Carpenter that initially garnered very little appreciation. However, those who criticized it as being grotesque were technically paying it a compliment in their own way. The disturbing creatures that appeared on screen left them feeling uneasy. Kudos to Rob Bottin and the team for their outstanding work.

It’s hard to believe that “The Thing” was not recognized with an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. To this very day, it serves as the most compelling evidence of how diverse materials can be seamlessly combined to depict a human body undergoing extraordinary and haunting transformations. The Norris-Thing, the Blair-Thing, even the dog-Thing – each one is a striking testament to the power of cinematic ingenuity when it comes to bringing nightmares to life.

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2025-09-12 01:22