Forgotten 1980s Creature Feature Thrillers That You Should Totally Stream
By Drew Dietsch | Published
The 1980s brought a dramatic change in special effects, leading to the rise of monster movies that dominated the decade. Classics like John Carpenter Something and David Cronenberg A fly they have etched themselves in film history forever.
However, there are plenty of flicks from the era that deserve more of the spotlight than they get today. And some of those movies might just be right up your twisted little side. They really make this tradition very happy.
Night of the Demon (1980)
Who doesn’t love a Bigfoot movie? Well, if you can’t abort a Sasquatch tearing people to pieces and doing other unpleasant things, Night of the Demon it may pass to you. But all of us weirdos will find plenty to enjoy in this loose little slice of grindhouse fare.
Although you’ll have to cut through a good portion of the boring characters in the camping scenes, it’s all worth it for a monkey that looks like Metallica’s lead singer and an unforgettable carnage that will make you think twice about another hike. forests.
The critics (1986)
The ’80s unleashed a small army of horrors due to the success of the The Gremlinsagain The critics it is the best of all. Although many people prefer the bright and small sequence (which I watch every Easter), The critics it deserves more appreciation in its own right.
The story of intergalactic piranha-like furballs besieging a family farm plays like the best kind of homage to ’50s sci-fi classics Invaders from Mars. Add to the mix two bounty hunters traipsing through a small town and you have one of the most endearing and effective mini gems of the entire decade.
Relatives (1987)
It’s time to get the most accepted mad science in the mix Relativesa mysterious story about a doctor who discovers the genetic research her mother was doing on her DNA. Yes, it’s the old saying, “my brother is an underground revolution”.
With the help of famous actors like Rod Steiger and Kim Hunter, Relatives rises above many other B-movies due to a strong script and some truly wild moments. I promise you will never look at a watermelon the same way again.
Ghoulies and Ghoulies 2 (1985 & 1987)
Yes, another one The Gremlins A ripoff franchise appears here, but both The Ghoulies again Ghoulies 2 it should be viewed as more than just a derivative.
First of all The Ghoulies it’s dark magic that looks sinister with some standout moments like the amazing resurrection. The ghoulies themselves are always fun but not as focused on the original. So, if you want more ghoulies in your life The Ghoulies movie – who doesn’t? – Ghoulies 2 gives the little beasts the spotlight in the traveling show and adds giant Ghoulies at the end! Let’s see Citizen Kane pull THAT off!
Crocodile (1980)
Much like him The Gremlins lead to The critics again The Ghoulies, Jaws led to animal attacks in movies in the late 1970s that continued into the ’80s, and Crocodile it is undoubtedly the best of all.
With clear direction by Lewis Teague, a clever script by John Sayles, and a strong lead performance by Robert Forster, The Alligator is sharp, funny, and doesn’t skimp on the gator’s charm. If you’ve ever wanted to see a giant crocodile take down a bunch of rich people, you just found your new favorite movie.
The Razorback (1984)
Talking about it Jaws– inspired monster movies, The Razorback he gives Highlander director Russell Mulcahy is a big pig and the whole of Australia in which to play.
The Razorback it may not be the best story ever told, but its visual artistry and stunning production design make it a true standout in the subgenre of animal attack movies. It’s like the best music video about a killer pig you can trust.
The fly II (1989)
Look, let’s end the criticism right out of the gate: The fly II I can’t hope to match David Cronenberg’s once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece. Again The fly II you know that. Director Chris Walas – the effects genius behind the first film as well The Gremlins (can you tell I like Gremlins?) – decided that the sequel should be more of an old-school monster movie, and it’s completely entertaining on that level.
You’ll still get plenty of goopy gross in The fly IIand other false positives. The story is simple but effective and doesn’t deserve to be buried just because it’s a good movie standing next to a great one.
The nest (1988)
What about other bugs that make you cringe? Based on a Paperback from hell by Gregory A. Douglas, The nest it turns everyone’s least favorite reptile – the cockroach – into a mass of deadly beasts. This is a bad movie about meat-eating cockroaches. Not squeamish!
At the end of its term of operation, The nest he does a mutant cockroach riff on Something with a monster as kooky as it is unforgettable. This won’t go down as great cinema, but it’s undeniably a fun time for fans of the era.
Crying III (1987)
Crying it is a classic that stands alone to this day. Crying II it is a tragedy with its own strange charms, but Crying IIIalso known as Howling III: Marsupialsit’s the only movie in the franchise that really stands out bonkers.
A set of straight comics in Australia, Crying III shows one of the most unique riffs 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 farce to enjoy your viewing, Crying III will deliver.
Of Unknown Origin (1983)
Peter Weller is loved by all of us as Alex Murphy RoboCopbut Of Unknown Origin it is one of his worst assets that needs more attention. Basically the riff is on Jaws or Moby Dickbut as Weller goes toe-to-toe with a mouse that invades his sleazy home.
It sounds weird, but Weller’s performance is thrilling as his battle against the monster spirals into madness. Featuring the skillful and stylish direction of George P. Cosmatos – who also directed Peter Weller in Leviathan, which is also a must watch, I love that weird little movie – Of Unknown Origin is one of the true gems of the 1980s.
Slugs (1988)
You are done The nest a little while ago and want to make it a double crawl feature? Then you have to make time Slugs. Some of the bleeding on the wall comes from those garden worries, and the height of the carnage Slugs will make any icko smile.
This is a special note Slugs is director Juan Piquer Simon, best known for the infamous gonzo slasher Pieces, who brings the same level of extreme madness to this fun little skin flick.
The head of the pumpkin (1988)
The head of the pumpkin it may have enough of a reputation at this point that calling it a gem feels unfair, but considering it’s the last film of its time, it’s starting to look like The head of the pumpkin it’s not as popular in horror circles as it used to be, and that’s not good.
Because The head of the pumpkinboth the movie and the monster, enter and frighten with the power of the best dark tales. Beautiful photography and a simple story make this the kind of horror fiction we should all be celebrating at least once a year when the horror season begins.
Spookies (1986)
Spookies it’s a good example of watching a movie to learn about how movies are made. Very clearly, Spookies was one movie during its early production where a group of party people go to a haunted house and unleash a bunch of monsters. Then another bunch of shots were shot with the scary zombie man and stuck around to try and make a full movie.
So, Spookies it’s a mess but you can learn from it while still enjoying the funny variety of creative monsters. From the Grim Reaper to the spider demon to some of the mud people who seem to keep chugging along… yes, they dream.
How not to get a kick out of it Spookies?
The house (1985)
Let’s keep things fun and weird The house1985’s cult spook-a-blast from Back People Friday the 13th. You have a haunted house where almost anything seems to happen, from possessed swordfish to zombie soldiers, it all happens The house!
Actually, the story here won’t bother you, but William Katt (America’s greatest hero) gets Sam Raimi’s goofy tone and acts The house real happiness. Add some cartoonish but still weird effects, and this is another easy watch for those who want more laughs from their horror.
Xtro (1982)
Xtro it involves a father who is kidnapped and returns years later to change his son and bring him into his new life. Along the way, you’ll see one of the craziest aliens ever seen in the movies, a birth scene that makes the chest-burster from Alien look tame, a hypno-clown, a toy soldier brought to life, and more that make Xtro perhaps the best movie ever produced in the ’80s.
The Seventh Curse (1986)
This entire list was made up of nothing but incredible Hong Kong genre films produced in the 1980s. The brain melts like Boxer’s Omen or Raptors of the spirit flicks to hunt, but if you’re looking for a good place to jump, look no further The Seventh Curse.
The story involves a cursed man who must return to the wild to fight an evil witch and her cult. Think of this as Indiana Jones, but more dangerous, with kung fu skeletons and other cute animals that will be forever etched in your memory of watching the movie. The Seventh Curse it will open up a whole new world of WTF.
Community (1989)
To wrap this up, I must come out with what I would argue is the most powerful, twisted, feature that allowed them to make this creature in the 1980s: Community. From director Brian Yuzna, one of the brains behind some 80s must-sees Do the animation again again From Beyond, Community tells the story of a rich young boy who begins to suspect that his family and the famous world they live in are not what they seem.
Community to the level of crazy effects that have become legendary in horror movie circles. When you get to the end Communityyou will be rewarded with one of the most stomach-turning, beautiful, and creative creature effects ever produced in the 1980s. If you really want to dive deep into the insane movie pool, Community it is the one to watch.
Let us know your monster movie gems in the comments and what you thought of my picks.
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