10 Bizarre ’80s Horror Movies That Should Make It Onto Your Watchlist
The 1980s are known for producing some truly great horror films, with even the most bizarre of the bunch being worthy of the audience’s time. The ’80s saw many filmmakers taking big risks with horror narratives, and some wound up producing influential movies and fictional killers that would positively shake up the landscape of the genre in the following years. However, released alongside the straightforward and archetypal horror films of the decade were strange, one-of-a-kind movies that, on paper, appear too absurd to commit time to.
Yet, audiences would be remiss to skip out on these bizarre horror movies. Seen across a variety of genres during this time, the ’80s produced some truly innovative and imaginative narratives in film. The strangely unique stories seen in movies like Vamp and Brain Damage should be given a chance by audiences, as they are an appreciated contrast to the more formulaic stories told in the classic monster movies and slasher films of the ’80s, and above all else, are incredibly entertaining.
10
C.H.U.D. (1984)
Directed by Douglas Cheek
- Release Date
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August 31, 1984
- Runtime
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88 minutes
- Director
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Douglas Cheek
- Writers
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Shepard Abbott, Parnell Hall, Christopher Curry, Daniel Stern
Though the majority of horror films are known for exploring dark and sensitive subject matter, others aim to solely be a source of entertainment, including C.H.U.D. The film’s name is an abbreviation for “Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers,” and its plot revolves around the investigative efforts surrounding a series of strange murders in the city.
C.H.U.D. never dives too deep into the environmental commentary set up by its bizarre premise, but the movie does offer audiences a fun time. The movie is an inspired mash-up of great monster movies of the ’70s and early ’80s, though it’s never quite as thrilling as the films it emulates. Still, the main investigative group is fun to follow along with, and, visually, the wonderfully gross underground creatures covered in slime still hold up well.
9
The Lair Of The White Worm (1988)
Directed by Ken Russell
As a director, Ken Russell’s work is both fascinating and controversial. Many of the director’s movies are adaptations of existing novels or biographies, including the late ’80s film The Lair of the White Worm. The film is loosely based on the eponymous horror novel by Bram Stoker.
The author’s novel hasn’t had the best reputation over the years, and neither has Russell’s movie, yet the latter has developed a cult following due to its refreshing and bizarre spin on Stoker’s original story. The Lair of the White Worm follows an archaeologist (Peter Capaldi) after the snake-like skull he discovers is stolen by the priestess Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe). The movie’s fun performances and its strange mix of eroticism and campiness, only partially intentional, are something worth watching.
8
Night Of The Comet (1984)
Directed by Thom Eberhardt
- Release Date
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November 16, 1984
- Runtime
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95 minutes
- Director
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Thom Eberhardt
- Writers
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Thom Eberhardt
- Producers
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Andrew Lane, Michael Rosenblatt, Thomas Coleman
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Catherine Mary Stewart
Hector
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-
There’s a lot of fun to be had with Night of the Comet. While it’s far from being considered one of the best zombie movies of all time, the sci-fi comedy film’s unique origin story sets it apart from other movies in the horror subgenre. The effects of an unusual comet in Night of the Comet turn its victims into either dust or frightening zombies, leaving the film’s small group of survivors alone in their fight against the living dead.
The best part about watching Night of the Comet, and why it’s a necessary addition to any horror watchlist, is following along with the group of inept teenage survivors as they humorously attempt to fight off zombies, as well as antidote-seeking doctors with sinister motives.
7
The Stuff (1985)
Directed by Larry Cohen
Written as a satire about consumerism and greedy corporations, The Stuff isn’t nearly as terrifying as it could have been. The film is about a mysterious, dessert-like substance that begins taking over the lives of the American population. What starts as an addictive treat eventually becomes a threat to one’s safety as the substance takes full control over those who consume it, turning them into zombies.
Though the bizarre aspects of the film diminish its serious messaging, it’s this silliness that makes The Stuff a great addition to anyone’s watchlist. A cheesy horror movie to watch with friends, The Stuff is packed with silly scenarios that keep audiences laughing in between the brief moments where the interwoven social commentary is given time to breathe and be processed with great consideration.
6
Motel Hell (1980)
Directed by Kevin Connor
- Release Date
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October 18, 1980
- Runtime
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102 Minutes
- Director
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Kevin Connor
- Writers
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Steven-Charles Jaffe, Robert Jaffe
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Rory Calhoun
Vincent Smith
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Paul Linke
Sheriff Bruce Smith
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-
In spite of its unsettling premise, Motel Hell is quite humorous and produced a well-balanced film that contains equal parts horror and comedy. The film follows the brother and sister duo of Vincent (Rory Calhoun) and Ida Smith (Nancy Parsons), who operate an attached motel to their farm, and are well-known for their successful sausage business.
However, a disturbing discovery by the town’s sheriff shines a light on the siblings’ twisted methods of food prep. Though it was made with the intention of being a serious horror film, Motel Hell is viewed as a solid satire of films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The growing popularity of satire in the horror genre in the years since the ’80s has greatly favored Motel Hell, turning it into a must-see film.
5
Chopping Mall (1986)
Directed by Jim Wynorski
- Release Date
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March 14, 1986
- Runtime
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77 minutes
- Director
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Jim Wynorski
- Writers
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Jim Wynorski, Steve Mitchell
Encapsulating the end of the decade’s mall culture and increasing fear of technology in a frightening tale is Chopping Mall. The film revolves around a group of teenagers who are trapped in a mall overnight as they fight to survive against an army of security robots programmed to kill.
Just as other cheesy horror movies like Chopping Mall do, the film presents a chilling premise with a comedic tone. The brutal manner of death throughout the film is humorously executed, and even during the movie’s most intense sequences, audiences are prompted to laugh. In terms of its special effects, Chopping Mall hasn’t aged all too well, but its playful blend of horror and humor makes it necessary viewing for those who have yet to indulge in its gory fun.
4
Society (1989)
Directed by Brian Yuzna
The changes Brian Yuzna made to Society‘s original premise elevate the film from a traditional slasher story to something far more disturbing and grotesque. The film follows Beverly Hills teenager Bill Whitney as he begins to grow suspicious of the behavior exhibited by his parents and their wealthy friends. Society‘s social commentary and themes of paranoia are the focus of the first bit of the film before it dives into a wildly absurd direction.
At this turning point in the film, an unsettling amount of surreal special effects are utilized to pull off an indescribable sequence of events. Seen now as an influential film of the body horror subgenre, Society‘s visuals are disgusting and its plot perplexing, but it’s a movie worthy of being watched by anyone fascinated by ’80s weirdness.
3
Vamp (1986)
Directed by Richard Wenk
- Release Date
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July 18, 1986
- Runtime
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93 Minutes
- Director
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Richard Wenk
- Writers
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Donald P. Borchers, Richard Wenk, C.W. Cressler
-
-
-
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Dedee Pfeiffer
Allison / Amaretto
The setup of Vamp is utilized in numerous horror films, where a group of friends find themselves in a dangerous situation after initially setting out to have fun. In the horror comedy, three college students stumble into an unfamiliar town where they hope to hire a dancer from a strip club. However, their fun adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival as they discover the town they’re in is full of vampires.
Grace Jones is a highlight in the film, though she’s often overlooked when discussing great female vampires in movies and TV shows. The model’s striking features and captivating performance alone make Vamp a worthy addition to a watchlist, but the remainder of the film is just as entertaining, with its campy and colorful twist on a vampire tale.
2
Brain Damage (1988)
Directed by Frank Henenlotter
- Release Date
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April 22, 1988
- Runtime
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84 Minutes
- Director
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Frank Henenlotter
- Writers
-
Frank Henenlotter
Initially receiving mixed critical reviews before attaining a cult following, Brain Damage doesn’t let up on its weird premise. Rick Hearst, in his acting debut, leads the film as Brian, a man who comes across a parasite known as Aylmer. The two make a deal where Aylmer will continue to provide Brian with an addictive fluid that produces euphoric hallucinations so long as he allows Aylmer to indulge in his cannibalistic desires.
Upon their first meeting, it’s easy to predict where Brian and Aylmer will end up, but Brain Damage‘s general absurdity keeps audiences engaged regardless. The film’s ability to transition between the heavy exploration of addiction and the silliness of Aylmer appears effortless. Voiced by John Zacherle, Aylmer is surprisingly charismatic despite his sinister behavior, and he’s unlike anything else in ’80s horror films.
1
Videodrome (1983)
Directed by David Cronenberg
As the face of the body horror genre, David Cronenberg’s films are widely celebrated for coupling psychological and technological themes with equally disturbing and fascinating depictions of body transformations and mutilations. Though the bizarre nature and grotesque imagery within Cronenberg’s work isn’t for everyone, certain films like Videodrome should still be given a chance by audiences.
Videodrome centers around Max Renn (James Woods), the president of a small TV station, who, in a desperate attempt to gain more viewers, comes across a broadcast channel dedicated to airing graphic depictions of torture and sex. In addition to its unforgettable imagery, Woods’ performance, and the film’s stunning special effects, Videodrome provides audiences with an insightful narrative that analyzes the growing fascination with sensationalized media, particularly when it comes to sex and violence.
