Written by Drew Deitch | Updated
The 1980s brought about an incredible revolution in special effects, giving rise to a wave of monster-filled films that dominated the decade. Classics like John Carpenter The thing And David Cronenberg The fly They have embedded themselves in cinema history forever.
However, there are plenty of films from that era that deserve a little more shine than they get today. Some of these movies may be right up your crooked little alley. They sure make this patient very happy.
Devil’s Night (1980)
Who doesn’t like a Bigfoot movie? Well, if you can’t stand Sasquatch ripping people apart and doing other nasty things, Devil’s Night It may be too much for you. But the rest of us weirdos will find plenty to enjoy in this sleazy little piece of Grindhouse fare.
Although you’ll have to go through a fair number of boring characters in the camping scenes, it’s worth it for an ape-man who looks like the lead singer of Metallica and some bloody, unforgettable kills that will make you think twice about taking another outing In the forest.
Creatures (1986)
The 1980s unleashed armies of young terrors thanks to the success of… Gremlinsand Creatures He is the best of the bunch. Although many people prefer the brighter, wackier sequel (which I watch every Easter), Creatures It deserves a lot of appreciation in itself.
The story of intergalactic piranha-like fish besieging a family farm is the best kind of homage to classic 1950s sci-fi films. Invaders from Mars. Add to the mix two shape-shifting bounty hunters tearing through the small town, and you have one of the most endearing and effective little gems of the entire decade.
The clan (1987)
It’s time to incorporate some much-welcome mad science into the mix The clana wonderful story about a doctor who discovered the genetic experiments his mother conducted using his own DNA. Yes, it’s the old “My brother is a mutant in the basement” story.
With the help of famous actors like Rod Steiger and Kim Hunter, The clan It stands out from a lot of other B movies thanks to a strong script and some truly wild moments. I promise you’ll never look at watermelon the same way again.
Ghouls and ghouls 2 (1985 and 1987)
Yes, the other one Gremlins The cheating privilege shows up here too, but both Ghoulies and Ghouls 2 They deserve to be seen as more than just derivative imitations.
the first Ghoulies It’s a charming little black magic lark with some really standout moments like the stunning resurrection of a corpse. The ghouls themselves are always fun but don’t get as much focus in the original game. So, if you want more ghouls in your Ghoulies Movie – who doesn’t? – Ghoulies 2 highlights small monsters in a traveling carnival and adds giant Ghoulies at the end! Let’s see Citizen Kane pull it off!
Crocodile (1980)
Like a lot Gremlins led to Creatures and Ghoulies, Jaws This led to a whole wave of animal attack films in the late 1970s that continued into the 1980s, and Crocodile Arguably the best of the bunch.
With crisp direction by Lewis Teague, a smart script by the acclaimed John Sayles, and a strong performance by Robert Forster, Alligator is sharp, funny, and doesn’t skimp on the quality of the giant alligator. If you want to see a huge crocodile chew up a bunch of rich people, you’ve just found your new favorite movie.
Razorback (1984)
Talk about Jaws-Monster movies inspired, Razorback Gives Highlander Director Russell Mulcahy, a huge warthog and all the Australian outback to play in.
Razorback It may not be the best story ever told, but its visual flair and stunning production design make it truly stand out in the subgenre of animal attack films. It’s like the best killer pig music video you could hope for.
The second bird (1989)
Look, let’s stop criticizing right now: The second bird We can never hope to match David Cronenberg’s once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece. and The second bird He knows that. Director Chris Wallace – the effects genius behind the first film and Gremlins (Can you tell I love Gremlins?) – I decided the sequel should be more of an old-school monster movie, and it’s quite delightful on that level.
You can still get a lot of rudeness The second birdAnd some unrealistic blood effects. The story is simple but poignant and does not deserve to be buried just because it is a good movie next to a great movie.
Nest (1988)
What about some other mistakes that make you brilliant? Based on a From Hell Paperback By Gregory A. Douglas, Nest It transforms everyone’s least favorite creepy crawler – the cockroach – into a carnivorous series of distinctive creature carnage. This is a bad movie about carnivorous cockroaches. Not for the sensitive!
At the end of its operation period, Nest He makes a mutant cockroach The thing With a whimsical and unforgettable monster. This wouldn’t be considered great cinema, but it’s certainly a fun time for fans of the era.
The third howled (1987)
Howling It is a classic that stands alone to this day. The second howl It is a disaster that certainly has its strange charm, however The third howledalso known as Howl III: marsupialsis the only film in the series that is truly a highlight.
A live-action comedy film set in Australia, The third howled He showcases one of the most unique takes on the lycanthrope – inspired by the extinct thylacine or Tasmanian wolf – and uses it to such absurd effect that it has to be seen to be believed. If you want a straight-up farce for your viewing pleasure, The third howled He will deliver.
Of unknown origin (1983)
He endeared Peter Weller to all of us as Alex Murphy Robocopbut Of unknown origin It is one of his darker gems that deserves more attention. It’s basically a riff on Jaws or Moby Dickbut with Wheeler encountering an invading rat in his luxury home.
It may seem ridiculous, but Wheeler’s performance is electrifying as his battle against the blight turns insane. Combined with the skillful and elegant direction of George P. Cosmatos – who also directed Peter Weller in Leviathan, which you should also watch, I love that weird little movie – Of unknown origin is one of the true underrated horror gems of the 80s.
Slugs (1988)
Are you done Nest Been a while and want to make it a creepy double feature? Then you have to make time for Slugs. Another off-the-wall bloodbath comes thanks to those sticky lawn annoyances and flesh-shredding spikes in Slugs It will make any sick smile.
Special note for Slugs It’s director Juan Piquer Simón, best known for the popular gonzo slasher Pieces, who brings the same level of intense madness to this fun little creeper.
Pumpkin head (1988)
Pumpkin head It may have enough notoriety at this point that calling it a gem seems like an underappreciation, but considering it’s the only film in its franchise worth your time, it’s starting to feel like Pumpkin head It’s not as popular in horror circles as it used to be, and that’s not good.
because Pumpkin headthe movie and the monster, enter and terrorize with the power of the best dark fantasy stories. The gorgeous photography and simple story make this the kind of scary story we should all celebrate at least once a year when spooky season rolls around.
Ghosts (1986)
Ghosts This is a great example of watching a movie to learn about how movies are made. very clearly, Ghosts It was a movie during its original production where a group of people go into a scary house and unleash a bunch of monsters. After that, another set of shots were shot with a creepy zombie man and stuck with him to try and make a full movie.
So, Ghosts It’s a mess but you can learn from it while still enjoying an entertaining variety of creative monsters. From the Grim Reaper to the Spider Demon to some of the clay men who seem to keep farting… yes, he actually farts.
How can you not get a kick out of Ghosts?
house (1985)
Let’s keep things fun and outrageous housethe 1985 horror cult classic from the people behind it Friday the 13th. You have a creepy house where almost everything seems to happen, from a possessed swordfish to zombie soldiers, it all happens in… house!
Really, the story here won’t blow your mind, but William Catt (America’s greatest hero) gets Sam Raimi’s silly tone and makes it house A real joy. Add in some cartoonish but still terrible effects, and this is another easy watch for those looking for a few more laughs in their scares.
Extro (1982)
Extro It involves a father who is kidnapped and returns years later to change his son and bring him into his new alien existence. Along the way, you’ll see one of the craziest aliens ever seen on film, a birth scene that makes an alien’s chest look tame, a hypnotizing clown, a toy soldier brought to life, and more that makes… Extro Probably the craziest space movie the 1980s ever made.
Seventh curse (1986)
This entire list could not consist of anything but amazing Hong Kong films made in the 1980s. Brain melting like Boxer omen or Ghost Snatchers They’re definitely clicks to track down, but if you want a great starting point, look no further Seventh curse.
The story involves a cursed man who must return to the wilderness to fight an evil wizard and his cult. Think of this like Indiana Jones, but crazier, with kung fu skeletons and other fantastic monsters that will forever be stuck in your memory when you watch the movie. Seventh curse It will open up a whole new world of WTF.
community (1989)
To wrap this up, I have to talk about what I’ll say is the most modern and twisted creature feature that allowed them to make this creature in the 1980s: community. Directed by Brian Yuzna, one of the minds behind other must-see ’80s films Re-animation and From further away, community It tells the story of a wealthy young boy who begins to suspect that his family and the elite world they live in is not what it seems.
community It goes to the level of shock effects madness that has become legendary in horror film circles. If you reach the end communityyou’ll be rewarded with some of the most surprising, goofy, and creative creature effects ever produced in the 1980s. If you really want to dive into the deep end of the crazy movie collection, community He is the one to watch.
Tell us your monster movie gems in the comments and what you think of my picks.