A few decades have been as decisive as the 1980s when it comes to horror, with the building blocks of the past falling into place to shape the genre we know today. The heyday of slasher films, and also the time when bizarre and surreal themes could still be found in mainstream films, these were the glory days of the genre.

Great men of the era such as Night of fear as well as Lost Boyschasing otherworldly villains in Hellraiser as well as A Nightmare on Elm Streetand new twists on old classics such as poltergeist are part of what made it such an important time. However, there are many underrated hidden gems lurking in the vaults that may be lesser known but nonetheless worth checking out.

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‘Gothic’ (1986)

The night when Mary Shelley conceived an idea Frankenstein remains one of the most famous in literary history and has been the subject of numerous films, television series and short stories over the years. Here, the director Ken Russell draws on the surreal, manic energy for which it is known to this day, evoking Shelley’s nightmarish realization as she comes to realize that we are all giving life to our own monsters.

Thanks to an A+ cast and a really wild script, Gothic combines historical rumors and scandals with a knockout performance by the most underrated Natasha Richardson. While the story is filled with horror and meaning, the fast-paced escalation that Russell excels at is ultimately what drives the film’s haunting nature. Gothic available to watch on Tubi.

‘Vamp’ (1986)

This horror comedy revolves around two friends who plan to visit a strip club, only to discover that the dancers are vampires. When one of them turns into a vampire against his will, and the other refuses to harm his friend, this essentially gross B-movie begins to take on surprising life.

And to this day, Vamp remains the most famous dance scene with an incredible Grace Jonesand it’s true that any movie is worth watching for that alone. In addition, there are a number of funny and even touching moments that can be found over time. hidden gem of the vampire canon.Vamp available to watch on Tubi.

“Howling V: Rebirth” (1989)

howl one of the directors Joe Dante’s early meta-masterpieces, but the sequels are notoriously bad, even among the already dubious horror sequels of the 80s and 90s. However, as soon as it came to the fifth entry, the creators decided to try something new, going along the path Agatha Christie very influential And then there was nothing inviting a large cast to an isolated castle and killing them one by one.

To be clear, this is definitely a low-budget sequel from the long life of sequels, so if you’re looking for high art, this movie might not be for you. However, the unique premise and interesting cast make this a lot of fun and well worth seeking out for werewolf fans who otherwise run the gamut. Howling V: Rebirth available to watch on Tubi.

“Prince of Darkness” (1987)

When a Catholic priest invites a physics professor and some of his students to help investigate a mysterious cylinder filled with green liquid, the mood is initially bright. However, tensions erupt when it becomes clear that something is wrong with this object and even threatens the world. Clearly holding onto evil incarnate, these science-based minds are forced to resist the limitations of their field before it’s too late.

Though it’s easy among the best works of director John Carpenter, Prince of Darkness remains something of a cult film. However, by merging questions of the spiritual nature of technology with overarching theological concerns, it is certainly one of the decade’s underrated greats and worth checking out. Prince of Darkness available on Shudder.

‘Celia’ (1989)

Celia is devastated by the death of her beloved grandmother and haunted by dark dreams. The paranoia of the time, combined with some horrific cases of bullying, lead Celia to take drastic measures to protect herself from threats, both real and imagined.

It’s not every day that a horror movie is compared to classic films like 400 strokesbut Celia it’s just good. Combining the existential horror of the Red Scare of the 1950s with the fantastical imagination of a child, this film creates an atmosphere rarely compared to cinema. Celia available on Shudder.

‘Pumpkinhead’ (1988)

When he was a boy, Ed’s father refused to open the door to give shelter to a stranger lost in the woods, and the man was killed by a terrifying figure known as Pumpkinhead. Years later, when his own son is injured, Ed calls on Pumpkinhead to take revenge on those who have harmed his family.

First film directed by a special effects master Stan Winston, Pumpkinhead it’s a gothic mini-masterpiece that pairs a local connoisseur with a father who will stop at nothing to protect his son. Weird, haunting and surprising, this is one of the best horror films of the 80s. A reboot is said to be in the works, so now is a good time to see what all the fuss is about. Pumpkinhead can be rented on YouTube.

“Company of Wolves” (1984)

Starting in modern times, teenage Rosalyn dreams that she lives in a fairy forest where her parents are killed by a wolf and she goes to live with her grandmother. Gifted with a symbolic red shawl, she is warned never to stray from her path. The aggressive actions of a local boy and an attack by a wolf coincide, causing Rosaleen to mature prematurely.

According to the script written Jordan Carter and underrated pioneer of fantasy horror Angela Carterthis film was inspired by what is by far Carter’s most famous work, a collection of short stories called Blood Chamber. Capturing the unearthly horror of ancient folklore through a modern lens, this film is a must-see for werewolf fans. company of wolves available on Tubi.

“Life Force” (1985)

The crew of the space shuttle Churchill find a mysterious spaceship filled with strange humanoid bats and three unearthly-beautiful figures in suspended animation. The crew falls silent and a rescue mission begins, but it is clear that everyone on the Churchill is dead and the space shuttle is missing. That’s how, guys, space vampires hit the ground.

Sci-fi vampires are an underrated subgenreand few of them are as well done and interesting as life force. Director: famous creator of horror films. Tobe Hoopera knack for terrifying undertones coupled with an amazing sense of futuristic style that has propelled him into what is now a well-known realm as a filmmaker. life force available to watch on Pluto TV and Tubi.

‘Opera’ (1987)

opera star Macbeth injured and replaced by her stunt double who is targeted by the killer, who traps her and forces her to watch him commit murders, opening her eyes. Leaving as quickly as he appears, it has a gaslighting effect on our main character as she tries to figure out what’s even going on and who the killer might be.

director Dario Argento best known for his work in the Giallo world with classics such as Suspiriaas well as Opera definitely qualifies as a record in that subgenre. However, this is one of the entries in his portfolio that is often overlooked, which is a shame because it really isn’t true. With a fast-paced plot and commentary on his lead role’s traumatic childhood, the film is oddly eloquent and even reassuring at times, yet absolutely reads the creative community for dirt. Opera Available to watch on Tubi and Vudu.

“Next of Kin” (1982)

Linda inherited the estate, which her family used for a long time as a nursing home after the death of her estranged mother. Almost immediately, people begin to die, which she initially tries to ignore due to their high risk. However, as she begins to reveal her mother’s childhood diaries, it becomes clear that there has always been something wrong with this place.

Immediate relatives is a truly wild ride that combines the spooky story of a haunted house with something that, by the end of the movie, turns into a thriller that borders on horror. One of those movies that you have to see to believe is one that will surprise you every step of the way. Immediate relatives available to watch on Tubi.