Some of the best (read: cult) horror movies I think were released in the 1980s. Of course everyone has their own opinions but I think if I sat in a room full of 20 people, we will agree on the majority of selections below. Without further ado, let’s begin (in no particular order):

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

There were 2 things that attributed to the huge success of this movie, one being the theme of nightmares becoming real life (and who hasn’t had a bad nightmare before), and the other being the famous villain/monster Freddy Krueger withe his ‘Finger Knives’.
There were 6 Elm Street movies in the 80s, with another 4 released in the following 20 years to complete the franchise. The last one was in 2010.
Who can forget the immortal words “Freddy’s back!”

Friday the 13th (1980)

This was a scary movie for you people who have been to summer or school camp, with the main theme revolving around the camp Crystal Lake horrors and all the killings/disappearances. I had to look it up myself but was actually quite surprised that there were another 12 installments of the Friday the 13th franchise. I think I have some catching up to do, as I’m sure I’ve only watched half of them.

The Shining (1980)

This film was based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name but there are some differences. The film revolves around the guy who takes on a job as a caretaker at an isolated hotel called the overlook hotel.
The man’s son has psychic abilities and that’s when things become all supernatural, with the man going mad and attempting to murder his wife and son.
There are many great scenes in this movie, easily achieving cult status and have been mimicked in other movies and spoofs.
Once scene as when Danny is riding the tricycle throughout the hotel and you’re just waiting to some it happen. Waiting….

The film was voted one of the top 11 scary is movies of all time.

Children of the Corn (1984)

As you can see, 1984 was a good year for horror films. Here is another based on a Stephen King book and I must admit a bit of a weird plot but it works.
It is a story of children killing their parents to secure the harvest of corn. It’s a bit more than that but in essence that your story.

The Evil dead (1981)

Not one of my favourites but it makes my list due to the cult status and popularity of the movie. It is your cliche movie where college students are on vacation in a cabin in an isolated area. Enter demons spirits, and let blood and guts reign supreme.
I think the cult status derives from the low-budget that the movie had and how they made the most of a good storyline, not to mention a few killings along the way.
There were 2 sequels as well as video games and comics released.

The above are my picks, but I think there are some honourable mentions such as:
The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
The Thing (1982)
Aliens (1986)
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Halloween II (1981)

What are your favorite horror movies of the 80s? Do you agree with my list?

images source: Wikipedia