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Top 5 Horror Films of the 1980s: A Spine-Chilling Retrospective | E-Writes Podcast
Welcome to the E-Writes Podcast. In this post, I will discuss my top 5 1980s horror films. In my last post, I spoke about my top 5 horror films from the 2000's. Naturally, I wanted to go out of sequence to keep everyone guessing. It may not always be clear which 1980s horror genre to focus on because there were a few. There were three broad categories, and they each overlapped, bare-knuckling one another.
There's the supernatural thriller, a genre that originated in the 1970s. In addition, there is the Slasher video library, followed by the stalk and slash faction. There were enough 1980s horror films to inspire a decade's worth of sequels. Basically, you can pick any film from this decade and watch it tonight. It was so hard to pick between 1 and 2. I’m such a Wes Craven junkie.
1. The Shining (1980)
Adapted from Stephen King's novel, "The Shining" is a psychological horror masterpiece directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer who takes a winter job as a caretaker at the haunted Overlook Hotel. Jack's descent into madness is accompanied by the hotel's sinister forces, creating a sense of dread and suspense. "The Shining" is a timeless horror classic thanks to iconic scenes such as the twins in the hallway and the unforgettable "Here's Johnny!" moment.
The Shining, Stanley Kubrick, psychological horror, Stephen King
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger, the terrifying child murderer who haunts teenagers in their dreams, was introduced to horror fans by Wes Craven in "A Nightmare on Elm Street". An innovative slasher film that explores the fears of adolescence through surreal imagery and social commentary. Through Freddy's ability to invade the dream world, audiences are forced to question their own nightmares. In terms of '80s horror, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" remains a cornerstone.
A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Krueger, slasher film, Wes Craven
3. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter's horror classic "The Thing" offers suspense and body horror in spades. A group of researchers encounter a shape-shifting alien in the Antarctic who can imitate any living organism. The film’s practical effects, created by Rob Bottin, are both grotesque and fascinating, showcasing transformations that are still shocking today. "The Thing" not only terrifies, but also explores the darker side of human nature with its themes of paranoia and survival.
The Thing, John Carpenter, body horror, alien invasion
4. Hellraiser (1987)
Clive Barker's "Hellraiser" combined the supernatural with the grotesque to introduce audiences to a new world of horror. The plot revolves around a mysterious puzzle box that unleashes the sadomasochistic Cenobites, led by Pinhead. A visceral experience that challenges traditional horror norms, "Hellraiser" explored desire, pain, and the afterlife. The film's unique vision and memorable characters have made it a cult classic.
Hellraiser, Clive Barker, Cenobites, supernatural horror
5. Child’s Play (1988)
Is there anything scarier than a doll that comes to life? Tom Holland's "Child's Play" introduced us to Chucky, an innocent toy possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Before you ask, no it's not Tom Holland from Spiderman. Using a clever blend of horror and dark humor, this film turns the everyday into something terrifying. When Chucky terrorizes Andy and his family, audiences are reminded that not everything that looks cute is safe. In the 1990s, "Child's Play" became a franchise phenomenon, proving that even toys can evoke fear.
Child’s Play, Chucky, horror-comedy, doll horror
Conclusion
In addition to terrorizing audiences, the 1980s produced films that challenged audiences in new and innovative ways. From psychological thrillers to supernatural slashers, these top five films continue to inspire filmmakers to this day. Reminiscing on this era, it's clear that the legacy of '80s horror still resonates, reminding us that our deepest fears often lie beneath the surface.
We'd love to hear from you! Which 80s horror film is your favorite?
Thank you for tuning into the E-Writes Podcast! If you enjoyed this exploration of 1980s horror, don't forget to subscribe for more spine-tingling content and discussions about films that changed our fears. Until next time, keep the lights on!
Links to the movie trailers below.
The Thing
A Nightmare on Elm Street
The Shining
Child’s Play (1988)
Hellraiser (1987)
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