5 ’80s Horror Movies That Still Terrify Me Today

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The 1980s stands out as the pinnacle decade for horror movies, an opinion I firmly stand by. However, the ’70s produced two films that I believe are the scariest ever made: “The Exorcist” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” But what about the terrifying flicks from the next decade that match their impact? Some might argue for “The Shining,” but even when I watched it for the first time on a television in a Florida hotel room at the age of nine, I didn’t find it particularly scary.

Movies that once gave me a scare as a child, such as Gremlins, were not considered because they no longer do so. However, Phoebe Cates’ sad tale about her dislike for Christmas in Gremlins still gives me chills. For this discussion, we’re focusing on films that maintain the same level of impact they had (or would have) when I was a child, if I had seen them at that time.

Maniac (& Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer)

Similar to the captivating atmosphere of “Friday the 13th”, “Maniac” immerses you in the story. It’s as if you’re right there with the counselors as they explore Camp Crystal Lake. However, while both films are engaging, “Friday the 13th” has a somewhat studio-made feel, particularly when contrasted with “Maniac”. A more accurate comparison might be “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer”, as it shares a similar raw and intense narrative style.

In the movie “Friday the 13th,” you’re following a band of well-intentioned teens as they struggle in vain to endure a terrifying, violent night. On the other hand, films like “Maniac” and “Henry” place you in the role of the perpetrator responsible for that same horrific night. Spending such an extended period in their company can be quite disquieting. It may be this unease that leads me to opt for revisiting “Friday the 13th” over these other films each time.

Watch “Maniac” on Tubi and Pluto TV, or catch “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” on Tubi as well as Prime Video.

The Evil Dead

I enjoy watching horror movies set in remote locations with only a few characters, making it seem like you’re stuck along with them. A prime example of this is the iconic ‘The Evil Dead,’ often referred to as the best movie about a cabin in the woods.

Without a doubt, I’ve watched “The Evil Dead” and its follow-up more times than necessary, making them less impactful compared to my initial viewings on my multi-purpose school laptop, which also served as my portable DVD player. Yet, the vivid recollection of that first viewing, especially the inaugural one, remains etched in my mind, rekindling a sense of nostalgia each time I replay it. Moreover, the chilling scene where Cheryl correctly guesses every card despite being turned away still sends shivers down my spine.

My Bloody Valentine (& Silent Night, Deadly Night)

I classify films like “My Bloody Valentine” and “Silent Night, Deadly Night” together. They’re both horror movies set during holidays and enjoy slightly less popularity compared to classics such as “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Friday the 13th,” and “Halloween.

What is it about these three movies mentioned earlier that doesn’t bother me, while some other films do? For instance, the graphic violence in the uncut version of “My Bloody Valentine” makes my skin crawl, particularly a scene involving a chin and an eye. On the other hand, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” has its share of gruesome practical effects, but what bothers me most is the overall tone of the film. Additionally, I find it unsettling that we follow the antagonist more than the protagonist in this movie, and that leaves a lasting impression on me.

Stream My Bloody Valentine on Kanopy.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

The very first time I saw “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”, I had no clue about the plot or its tone. There were whispers that it might be a comedy, but I couldn’t quite grasp how they would manage that.

The film “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” was virtually crafted to become a cult classic. It boasts an extraordinarily strange tone among mainstream movies, maintaining its effectiveness as both a horror and a darkly humorous piece. Two scenes, in particular, leave a lasting impression on me (funnily enough, I’ve watched this more times than the initial film).

The first noteworthy scene occurs near the start, on the highway, where it meticulously builds tension and culminates with a head being split almost exactly in half. The second standout moment is arguably one of the greatest jump scares in cinematic history, following closely behind “The Exorcist III”. This occurs when we first encounter Leatherface within the protagonist Stretch’s radio station.

Stream The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 on Tubi and Pluto TV.

The Serpent and the Rainbow

I find movies where the main character is constantly on edge to be particularly haunting, and Wes Craven’s “The Serpent and the Rainbow” certainly fits that bill. Bill Pullman’s character, Dr. Dennis Alan, encounters forces he can neither comprehend nor the viewers do, which adds an eerie sense of mystery to the storyline. This ambiguous enemy is effectively employed in this film.

Discussing villains, Zakes Mokae played an exceptionally chilling role (and one that was undeniably joyful in his wickedness). However, what truly terrifies me to my core is the thought of being entombed alive, and this fear is deeply exemplified in the movie “The Serpent and the Rainbow“.

Stream The Serpent and the Rainbow on Prime Video.

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2025-05-04 23:11