The 1980s were a thing of beauty when it came to horror and slasher films. It’s really the decade that started it all. Some are really good, but sadly most are not. Well, there not good by “good movie” standards. But for people who love a bad flick, a bad flick that is so bad it fantastic, there are plenty. Here a few of both, the good one you must see and the bad one you need to see!
Halloween II
Taking place mere-moments after the first movie ended, this squeal takes the story further as we learn the truth of about Laurie and Michael Myers: Dr. Loomis and Sheriff Brackett are again searching the dark streets for Michael Myers but meanwhile Laurie Strode is taken to the Haddenfield Hospital where she is still not safe. Michael, being shot by Dr. Loomis six times, is also still looming in the shadows hunting for her yet this time, there is a reason why he is after her. Not as good as the first one, obviously, but it does have it good moments and fun.
The Thing
John Carpenter shows us that “Man is The Warmest Place to Hide”: A twelve-man research team stationed in Antarctica finds an alien being that has fallen from the sky and has been buried for over 100,000 years. Great effects, scary, confusing and has awesome cast that include Kurt Russell and Keith David.
Prom Night
Four Hamilton High School seniors have been hiding the truth of what happened to ten-year-old Robin Hammond for six long years. But someone saw what they did and is preparing for revenge: a prom night killing spree. Hooded, masked, and wielding an axe, he’ll stalk his prey in the dark, empty halls, striking when his victims are alone. And just as the spotlight falls upon the newly crowned king and queen, the killer will show everyone what his favorite game to play is. Giving Jamie Lee Curtis more cred in her scream queen repute.
The Gate
Three young children accidentally release a horde of nasty, pint-sized demons from a hole in a suburban backyard. What follows is a classic battle between good and evil as the three kids struggle to overcome a nightmarish hell that is literally taking over the Earth. Fun, with some nice effects and some decent scares.
Sleepaway Camp
Welcome to Camp Arawak, where teenage boys and girls learn to experience the joys of nature, as well as each other. But when these happy campers begin to die in a series of horrible ‘accidents’, they discover that someone – or something – has turned their summer of fun into a vacation to dismember. Has a dark secret returned from the camp’s past… or will an unspeakable horror end the season forever? One of the most infamous horror films from the 80s, all due to the one scene. You know the one!
The Fog
Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins and Janet Leigh. What a cast! Another on of John Carpenter’s flicks, and personal favorite: A Northern California fishing community, built 100 years ago over an old leper colony, is the target of revenge by a killer fog containing zombies rising from the sea to take revenge for their deaths.
A Nightmare on Elm St. maybe A Nightmare on Elm St. 3: The Dream Warriors
The third Nightmare continues Freddy’s story with the sole survivor of the first movie, Nancy Thompson. Nancy has just accepted a position as a research scientist at a psychiatric institution near the fated house on Elm Street and is working with a group of children who all share nightmares of Freddy. She discovers that one of the children (Kristen) has a special gift, which may help them destroy Freddy forever. Just another Freddy film, but it’s one of the better ones in his series.
The Howling
Severely shaken after a near-fatal encounter with a serial killer, TV newscaster Karen White takes some much needed time off. Hoping to conquer her inner demons, she heads for “The Colony,” a secluded retreat where her new neighbors are just a tad too eager to make her feel at home. Also, there seems to be a bizarre link between her would-be attacker and this supposedly safe haven. And when, after nights of being tormented by savage shrieks and unearthly cries, Karen ventures into the forest to find answers, she makes a terrifying discovery. Now she must fight not only for her life, but also for her very soul. A great werewolf flick with amazing effects, directed by the great Joe Dante and with wonderful cast lead by Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee and Robert Picardo.
Friday the 13th part VII: The New Blood
So many Jason flicks it’s hard to pick one out that a “good”, other than the first, and that one doesn’t even have Jason in it. So we went with part 7, mostly due to its ridiculousness and humor that makes it awesome. One of this season’s happy campers at Crystal Lake has brought along a deadly secret. Tina Shepherd can see the future and levitate objects. Her doctor knows just how dangerous telekinesis can be, but now it’s too late. Tina has accidentally unchained Jason from his watery grave, and the bloodbath is underway. Tina has telekinesis, yea, like you do, so it’s basically Jason vs. Carrie. It’s also the best-looking Jason of all the flicks.
Well for some awesome 1980s goodness these are the best suggestions we came up with. Some are great and some are pretty bad, but all will give you some sort of scare or joy this Halloween season! So I hope your enjoyed the movie we suggested and you have a great Halloween this week. And in the words of Elvira, “Unpleasant Dreams”.