Horror in the '80s: What a Time to Be Alive

The 1980s were a golden era for horror movies. A new wave of directors like Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and George A. Romero were reinvigorating the genre with their own unique visions. The results? We got to see some of the most iconic films in the history of horror—as if we just hit the jackpot on NationalCasino. 

From the ground-breaking slasher film "Nightmare on Elm Street" to the zombie classic "Dawn of the Dead" to the cult favorite "The Evil Dead," the 1980s were a great time to be a horror fan. Some of these movies were so influential that they even inspired games.

1. The Shining

The Shining is a classic horror movie that has terrified audiences for decades. Its impact can be seen in subsequent horror movies that have borrowed from its style and story. The Shining is a timeless classic that will continue to scare people for years to come.

2. The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys is a classic 1980s horror movie that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film's unique blend of horror, comedy, and teen angst has resonated with audiences for decades, and it remains one of the most iconic movies of its era. The Lost Boys also helped to launch the careers of its young stars, including Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Haim. The movie's popularity has only grown in recent years, thanks in part to its cult following among Generation X and Millennial audiences.

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street

Since its release in 1984, A Nightmare on Elm Street has continued to be one of the most popular and iconic horror films of all time. The success of the film led to a franchise that includes seven sequels, a TV series, novels, comic books, and more. It also popularized the use of a single, unstoppable killer who could not be killed by conventional means. The movie's title and main character, Freddy Krueger, have become synonymous with the horror genre. The signature scene, in which Freddy's glove emerges from the bed and drags a victim into the dream world, has been spoofed, imitated, and referenced countless times.

4. Friday the 13th

While the Friday the 13th movies are primarily known as horror films, they also have a significant following among fans of the slasher genre. The movies are often credited with popularizing the "killer in the woods" subgenre, and the franchise's iconic villain, Jason Voorhees, has become one of the most recognizable horror movie characters of all time. The Friday the 13th movies have had a significant impact on popular culture, and have been referenced in numerous films, television shows, books, and video games. The franchise has also inspired a number of imitators and rip-offs, further solidifying its place in the horror movie pantheon.

5. Poltergeist

The movie Poltergeist is about a family who moves into a new house and starts to experience paranormal activity. The family soon realizes that their house is haunted and that they need to find a way to get rid of the ghost. The movie was a huge hit when it came out and it is still considered to be one of the best horror movies ever made. Poltergeist has had a huge impact on popular culture and it is often cited as one of the most influential horror movies of all time.

6. Cujo

Cujo, a 1983 horror film based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, tells the story of a mother and her young son who are terrorized by a rabid dog. The film was directed by Lewis Teague and starred Dee Wallace, Daniel Hugh-Kelly, and Danny Pintauro. The film's impact is still felt today, as it is often cited as one of the most influential horror films of the 1980s. It has also been credited with popularizing the "killer animal" subgenre of horror.