The 1980s were a golden era for horror films, with iconic directors like John Carpenter and Wes Craven creating slasher classics that have stood the test of time. These filmmakers brought a level of creativity and innovation to the genre that led to the creation of cult classics that are still beloved by fans today. While many ’80s horror films are well-known and celebrated, there are also a number of underrated gems from the decade that deserve more recognition for their imaginative storytelling and offbeat humor.
One such underrated film is „Society“ (1989), directed by Brian Yuzna. This satirical black comedy follows a suburban rich kid who begins to suspect that his wealthy family may be involved in sinister activities behind closed doors. The film is a twisted blend of Rosemary’s Baby and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, with surreal performances and a plot that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. „Society“ is a prime example of the bizarre and creative storytelling that emerged from the ’80s horror scene.
Another hidden gem from the ’80s is „Vamp“ (1986), directed by Richard Wenk. This vampire camp classic injects humor into the classic vampire tale, as a group of privileged kids find themselves entangled with dark forces at a New York strip club. The film is most memorable for its casting of supermodel Grace Jones as the lead vampire, bringing a unique and captivating energy to the film. „Vamp“ is a delirious and energetic ride full of glittery and gory set pieces, off-beat dialogue, and meta-referential jokes that have gained it a cult following over the years.
Wes Craven, known for his work on the Nightmare on Elm Street series, also dabbled in more obscure horror with „Deadly Blessing“ (1981). This farm-set thriller follows a couple menaced by a hyper-conservative religious order, blending slasher conventions with dream sequences and strange, violent occurrences. The film is a departure from Craven’s more well-known works, showcasing his versatility as a director and his willingness to explore different themes and styles within the horror genre.
„Brain Damage“ (1988), directed by Frank Henenlotter, is another standout film from the ’80s that pushes the boundaries of horror. This creature feature follows a clean-cut man who becomes addicted to the secretions of a small, ancient alien, leading to psychedelic abandon and cannibalistic urges. The film is a wild and inventive ride, with a memorable villain and a sense of dark humor that sets it apart from more traditional horror fare.
„Christmas Evil“ (1980) is a holiday-themed horror film that takes a unique and unsettling approach to the Christmas horror subgenre. The film follows a factory toy painter who becomes convinced he is Santa Claus and embarks on a tragic Christmas rampage to bring joy to good children and punish the bad ones. The tone of the film is disconcertingly grave, injecting a sense of unease and oddity that has made it a cult classic over the years.
Ken Russell’s „The Lair of the White Worm“ (1988) is an underseen gem that blends eroticism, horror, and insectile creatures in a tale of ancient evil threatening a Highlands town. The film features great performances and a unique blend of medieval mayhem and modern sensibilities, creating a rich and off-kilter atmosphere that sets it apart from more traditional horror films.
„Tetsuo: The Iron Man“ (1989), directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, is a Japanese cyberpunk horror film that explores themes of transformation and body horror in a dystopian setting. The film follows a salaryman who becomes a man-machine hybrid after a freak accident, delving into the punishing rigidity of Japan’s work culture and layering in nuanced sexual anxieties. „Tetsuo: The Iron Man“ is a scrappy and singular gem that has influenced a generation of filmmakers with its bursting creativity and attention to detail.
„Vampire’s Kiss“ (1989), directed by Robert Bierman, stars Nicolas Cage in a dark comedy about a literary agent who believes he is turning into a vampire. The film is a showcase for Cage’s over-the-top performance, inspired by German Expressionist filmmakers, as he navigates a nervous breakdown and increasingly bizarre behavior. „Vampire’s Kiss“ is eerie, bleak, and despondent in tone, setting a unique balance between character and film that makes it a standout in the horror genre.
Finally, „Lady Terminator“ (1988) is an Indonesian fantasy action film that riffs on „The Terminator“ franchise in a mystical and ribald way. The film follows an anthropology student who becomes possessed by an ancient sex goddess in the form of a snake, wreaking havoc on unsuspecting men. „Lady Terminator“ is a bizarre and fascinating blend of body horror, sex comedy, and blockbuster action that epitomizes the bizarro ’80s horror cinema.
Overall, the 1980s were a decade of creative and innovative horror filmmaking, with directors pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating unique and memorable films that have stood the test of time. These underrated gems from the ’80s showcase the weirdness, creativity, and lasting impact of the horror genre, offering a glimpse into the diverse and imaginative world of ’80s horror cinema.
