Totally rad: the weirdest horror movies the 80s had to offer
The 80s was a wild time for horror, pushing boundaries and embracing the bizarre. So buckle up and prepare for a gnarly trip through some of the strangest and most unforgettable flicks from the decade of excess.



The 1980s was a decade of big hair, neon colors, and some seriously twisted horror movies. It was an era where filmmakers weren't afraid to get weird, blending gore, humor, and the utterly surreal into unforgettable cinematic nightmares.
From low-budget splatterfests to Cronenbergian body horror, the weirdest horror movies of the 80s were united by their commitment to pushing the envelope. They challenged audiences, defied expectations, and left a lasting impact on the genre.
Take Evil Dead, for instance, a film that practically invented the term 'splatter-comedy' with its over-the-top gore and manic energy. Or Basket Case, a low-budget gem about a young man carrying his deformed, murderous brother around in a basket. And who could forget Re-Animator, a gleefully grotesque take on the Frankenstein story with enough glowing green serum to make you question reality?
These films weren't just about scares; they were about creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere, often with a healthy dose of dark humor. They embraced practical effects, resulting in some truly memorable and stomach-churning visuals. The 80s was a time when horror could be funny, gross, and thought-provoking, all at the same time. So, if you're looking for something beyond the typical jump scares and predictable plots, dive into the weirdest horror movies the 80s had to offer. You won't be disappointed... or maybe you will be. Either way, you definitely won't be bored.
14. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Chuck Russell's A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is a standout sequel in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. It introduces the concept of the 'Dream Warriors,' a group of teenagers in a psychiatric ward who learn to fight back against Freddy Krueger in their dreams. The film features some inventive and memorable dream sequences, as well as a strong ensemble cast. While not as weird as other movies in this list, it maintains a creative approach to horror fantasy.

13. Fright Night (1985)
Tom Holland's Fright Night is a fun and clever horror film that pays homage to classic vampire movies while also adding its own unique twist. A teenager who is obsessed with horror movies comes to believe that his new neighbor is a vampire. He enlists the help of a washed-up horror movie host to stop the creature. The film features a charming cast, some genuinely creepy moments, and a loving tribute to the genre.

12. House (1985)
Steve Miner's House is a horror-comedy that blends scares with surprisingly heartfelt moments. A horror novelist moves into his deceased aunt's house, only to find himself haunted by demons and repressed memories. The film features some creative creature designs and a good balance of humor and scares. House is a solid entry in the '80s horror genre that offers more than just cheap thrills.

11. Chopping Mall (1986)
Jim Wynorski's Chopping Mall is a campy and ridiculous horror film about killer security robots who go on a rampage in a shopping mall after hours. A group of teenagers who are partying late in the mall find themselves hunted by the malfunctioning robots. The film is filled with cheesy dialogue, over-the-top gore, and some surprisingly effective practical effects. Chopping Mall is a fun and silly watch for fans of '80s B-movies.

10. TerrorVision (1986)
Ted Nicolaou's TerrorVision is a goofy and fun horror-comedy about a family whose new satellite dish picks up a monster from another planet. The creature enters their home through the television, leading to chaos and mayhem. The film is filled with colorful characters, silly special effects, and a lighthearted tone that makes it a enjoyable watch for fans of cheesy '80s horror.

9. Blood Diner (1987)
Jackie Kong's Blood Diner is a truly bizarre and outrageous horror-comedy that has to be seen to be believed. Two cannibalistic brothers, who own a vegetarian diner, are tasked with resurrecting an ancient Egyptian goddess by collecting body parts from young women. The film is filled with incredibly cheesy special effects, absurd situations, and over-the-top performances. Blood Diner is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate truly weird and offbeat cinema, it's a must-see.

8. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is a wild and over-the-top sequel that embraces the darkly comic potential of the original. While the first film was a terrifying exercise in suspense, the sequel is a gleefully gory and absurd ride. Dennis Hopper delivers a memorable performance as Lefty Enright, a vengeful uncle determined to take down Leatherface and his cannibalistic family. The film's special effects are incredibly gruesome, and its overall tone is one of gleeful insanity.

7. Basket Case (1982)
Frank Henenlotter's Basket Case is a low-budget cult classic that's as endearing as it is grotesque. The film tells the story of Duane Bradley, a young man who carries his deformed conjoined twin brother, Belial, around in a basket. Together, they seek revenge on the doctors who separated them. The film's special effects are endearingly cheesy, and its darkly comic tone makes it a surprisingly entertaining watch. The relationship between Duane and Belial is surprisingly touching, adding a layer of emotional depth to the film's bizarre premise.

6. The Stuff (1985)
Larry Cohen's The Stuff is a satirical horror film that's as funny as it is bizarre. The titular 'Stuff' is a sweet, addictive substance that's being marketed as a revolutionary new dessert. However, it soon becomes clear that 'The Stuff' is actually a living organism that turns people into mindless zombies. The film is a clever commentary on consumerism, advertising, and the dangers of blindly following trends. It´s filled with memorable scenes and quotable lines.

5. The Evil Dead (1981)
Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead is a low-budget masterpiece of horror filmmaking. Shot with incredible energy and inventiveness, the film tells the story of a group of college students who accidentally unleash demonic forces in a remote cabin. The film's shaky camera work, gruesome special effects, and relentless pace create a truly terrifying and unforgettable experience. Bruce Campbell's performance as Ash Williams is legendary, and the film's sheer audacity makes it a cult classic.

4. Hellraiser (1987)
Clive Barker's Hellraiser is a dark and imaginative exploration of pain, pleasure, and the boundaries of human experience. The Cenobites, led by the iconic Pinhead, are genuinely terrifying figures, and the film's practical effects are both gruesome and strangely beautiful. The story, which involves a man resurrected through blood and a puzzle box that opens a gateway to another dimension, is both disturbing and captivating. Hellraiser isn't just a horror movie; it's a work of art that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

3. Society (1989)
Brian Yuzna's Society is a late-'80s body horror satire that takes aim at the ultra-rich with a truly bizarre and unsettling premise. A teenager begins to suspect that his wealthy, upper-class family and their friends are part of a grotesque secret society engaged in... well, let's just say things get very, very weird. The film's climax is a masterclass in surreal and disturbing imagery, with special effects that are both impressive and deeply unsettling. Society is a cult classic that manages to be both funny and deeply disturbing, leaving you questioning the true nature of the world around you.

2. Re-Animator (1985)
Stuart Gordon's Re-Animator is a glorious blend of H.P. Lovecraftian horror and dark, campy comedy. Jeffrey Combs is absolutely iconic as Herbert West, the medical student with a glowing green serum that can bring the dead back to life... with predictably gruesome results. The film's over-the-top gore, combined with its satirical take on scientific hubris, makes it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The special effects are wonderfully gruesome, and the performances are all perfectly pitched to the film's darkly comic tone. It's a wildly entertaining ride from start to finish, solidifying its place as a cult classic.

1. Videodrome (1983)
David Cronenberg's Videodrome isn't just weird; it's a prescient plunge into the anxieties of media consumption and its potential to warp reality. James Woods delivers a captivating performance as Max Renn, a sleazy television programmer searching for increasingly shocking content. He stumbles upon 'Videodrome,' a broadcast that seems to inflict physical and psychological mutations on its viewers. The practical effects are disturbingly effective, blurring the line between the body horror and psychological thriller genres. Videodrome stands as a chilling commentary on our desensitization to violence and the dangers of losing ourselves in the screen. A true masterpiece of unsettling cinema!
