By Drew Dietsch | Published
The 1980s saw an incredible revolution in special effects, leading to the rise of monster-laden films that dominated the decade. Classics like John Carpenter thing and David Cronenberg’s The Fly have been forever etched in film history.
However, there are many flicks from that era that deserve a little more shine than they get today. And some of these movies might be right up your twisted little alley. They certainly make this sick person very, very happy.
Devil’s Night (1980)
Who doesn’t love the movie Bigfoot? Well, if you can’t beat Sasquatch people to pieces and do other disgusting things, Devil’s Night It may be too much for you. But the rest of us weirdos will find a lot to enjoy in this cheap little slice of grindhouse fare.
Although you’ll have to wade through your fair share of boring characters in camping scenes, it’s worth it for a guy who looks like the lead singer of Metallica and some unforgettable bloody murders that will make you want to add another twist. Will make you think twice. The forest
The critics (1986)
Thanks to the success of the 80s, the small terrorist armies were lost. Gremlinsand The critics is the best of the group. While many prefer the bright and slick sequels (which I watch every Easter), The critics Deserves a lot of praise in its own right.
The story of intergalactic piranha-like furballs besieging a family farm plays like the perfect homage to classic ’50s sci-fi. Invaders from Mars. Throw into the mix two shape-shifting bounty hunters tearing up a small town and you have one of the cutest and most effective little gems of the entire decade.
Kindred (1987)
Now it’s time to mix it up with some very welcome mad science. Kindredis a fascinating story about a doctor who discovers his mother’s genetic experiments with her DNA. Yes, this is a ‘my brother is a basement mutant’ story.
With the help of famous actors like Rod Steiger and Kim Hunter, Kindred Rises above many other B-movies thanks to a solid script and some truly wild moments. I promise you’ll never look at watermelon the same way again.
Gholi and Gholi 2 (1985 and 1987).
Yes, the second one Gremlins The ripoff franchise is also showing up here, but both The ghouls And Ghouli 2 Only derivatives are worth seeing as more than knockoffs.
The first The ghouls There’s a charming dirty bit of black magic with some really standout moments like an incredible corpse resurrection. The ghouls themselves are always entertaining but don’t really pay much attention. So, if you want to have more pills inside you. The ghouls Film – and who doesn’t? – Ghoulies 2 makes teenage animals the center of attention in a traveling carnival and even adds a giant Ghoulies at the end! Let’s see how Citizen Kane ends it!
The crocodile (1980)
Like it very much. Gremlins led by The critics And The ghouls, Jaws The late 70s led to a wave of animal attack films that continued into the 80s, and The crocodile Undoubtedly the best of the bunch.
With crisp direction from Lewis Teague, a clever script from the acclaimed John Sayles, and a rock-solid lead performance from Robert Forster, Alligator is fast, funny, and doesn’t diminish the goodness of the giant gator. If you’ve ever wanted to see a giant alligator take on a bunch of rich people, you just found your new favorite movie.
Razor back (1984)
Speaking of Jaws– Inspiring monster movies, Razor back gives Highlander Director Russell Mulcahy a huge boar and the entire Australian outback to play in.
Razor back Maybe not the best story ever told, but its visual flair and incredible production design make it a true standout in the subgenre of animal attack movies. It’s about the best music video about a killer pig you could hope for.
Fly II (1989)
Look, let’s just cut the criticism right out of the gate: Fly II One could never hope to match David Cronenberg’s lifetime masterpiece. And Fly II Knows that director Chris Wallace – the talent behind the first film and the effects Gremlins (Can you tell I love Gremlins?) – decided the sequel should be more of an old-school monster movie, and it’s perfectly happy on that level.
You’ll still get plenty of gossip. Fly IIand some surreal gore effects. The story is simple but effective and doesn’t deserve to be buried just because it stands next to a great movie.
The nest (1988)
How about some other bugs to make you barf? Based on one Paperback from Hell By Gregory A. Douglas, The nest Turns everyone’s least favorite creepy crawly – the cockroach – into a carnivorous cascade of creature-feature carnage. It’s a dirty movie about a flesh-eating cockroach. Not for scumbags!
By the end of its running time, The nest A mutant cockroach is riffing. thing With a monster that is as funny as it is unforgettable. It won’t go down as great cinema, but it’s undeniably a fun time for fans of the era.
Shouting III (1987)
to scream A classic that still stands on its own today. Screaming II A disaster that certainly has its quirky charms, but Shouting IIIAlso known as Howling III: Marsupialsis one film in the franchise that is a truly bonkers standout.
A straight comedy set in Australia, Shouting III features a most unique riff on the lycanthrope – inspired by the extinct thylacine or Tasmanian wolf – and uses it to such ludicrous effect that it has to be seen to be believed. If you want sheer sarcasm for your viewing pleasure, Shouting III will provide.
Of unknown origin (1983)
Peter Weller endeared himself to us all as Alex Murphy. Robo-Copbut Of unknown origin It’s one of its serious gems that deserves more attention. It’s basically a riff. Jaws or Moby Dickbut Weller is going toe-to-toe with a pesky rat in his swamp house.
It sounds ridiculous, but Weller’s performance is thrilling as his battle against the insects descends into madness. Coupled with the skillful and stylish direction of George P. Cosmetos – who also directed Peter Weller in Leviathan, which you should also see, I love that weird film. Of unknown origin One of the true underrated horror gems of the 1980s.
Slugs (1988)
did you finish The nest A little early and want to make it a weird Crowley double feature? Then you have to make time. Slugs. Another off-the-wall bloodbath is courtesy of those slimy garden worries, and meat-slicing heights. Slugs Will make any sick person smile.
Note especially for Slugs The director is Joan Piquer-Simon, best known for his notorious gonzo slasher pieces, who brings the same level of intense insanity to this fun little skincrawler.
Pumpkin head (1988)
Pumpkin head It may have enough notoriety at the moment that it feels like an understatement to call it a gem, but it’s the only film in the franchise worth your time, it seems. Pumpkin head There aren’t as many in horror circles as they used to be, and that’s not a good thing.
Because Pumpkin headboth the film and the monster, enter and frighten with the power of the best dark fairy tales. Beautiful photography and a simple story make for the kind of horror story we should all celebrate at least once every year when the spooky season rolls around.
Spookies (1986)
Spookies A great example of how movies are made is to watch a movie. very clearly, Spookies It was originally a movie during production where a group of party people go to a haunted house and take out a bunch of monsters. After that, another bunch of footage was shot with a creepy zombie man and stuck trying to make a full movie.
so, Spookies A mess but you can also learn while enjoying the entertaining variety of creative monsters. From the Grim Reaper to a spider demon to some slime-eaters who seem to fart… yes, actually farts.
How can you not get a kick out of it? Spookies?
home (1985)
Let’s keep things fun and weird homeBehind the 1985 Spook-A-Blast cult classic People Friday the 13th. You have a haunted house where almost anything seems to happen, from possessed swordfish to zombie soldiers. home!
Really, the story here isn’t going to blow your mind, but William Catt (The Greatest American Hero) Sam Raimi gets and makes a silly accent. home A real pleasure. Add in some cartoonish but still weird effects, and this is another easy watch for those looking for more laughs in their horror.
Extra (1982)
Extra It involves a father who is kidnapped and returns years later to transform his son and bring him into his new alien existence. Along the way, you’ll see one of the craziest aliens ever in the movies, a birthing scene that makes the alien’s chest swell, a hypno clown, a toy soldier that comes to life, and more. Extra Probably the nuttiest Alien movie ever made in the 80s.
The Seventh Curse (1986)
This entire list is nothing but incredible Hong Kong-style films produced in the 1980s. As the mind melts. Boxer’s Omen or Ghost Saturdays There are definitely fluxes to hunt down, but if you want a great jumping off point, look no further. The Seventh Curse.
The story involves a cursed man who must return to the forest to fight an evil sorcerer and his cult. Think of it as Indiana Jones, but a lot crazier with kung fu skeletons and other fantastic beasts that will forever be etched into your movie-watching memory. The Seventh Curse Will open you up to a whole new world of WTF.
Society (1989)
To wrap this up, I have to go out on what I would argue is the most impressive, twisted, who-let-them-make-this creature feature of the 1980s: Society. From director Brian Yuzna, one of the brains behind another ’80s must-see. Reactivator And from beyond, Society tells the story of a rich young boy who begins to doubt his family and the aristocratic world they seem to live in.
Society Goes to insane levels of shocking effects that have become legendary in horror movie circles. If you reach the end. Societyyou’ll be treated to some of the most stomach-turning, funniest, and creative creature effects born in the 1980s. If you really want to dive into the deep end of the demented movie pool, Society is to be seen.
Let us know your monster movie gems in the comments and what you thought of my picks.
