10 Best 80s Slasher Movies, According to Rotten Tomatoes

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As a die-hard fan of horror movies, I’ve seen my fair share of masked figures and gruesome murders. But none have left me quite as intrigued as the enigmatic figure from Dario Argento’s masterpiece. This chilling tale, set against the backdrop of theater arts, is a haunting exploration of one woman’s descent into madness. The masked man seems to know her intimately, yet his motives remain shrouded in mystery, much like the foggy streets of Venice where this terrifying drama unfolds.

Since Mario Bava’s groundbreaking film “A Bay of Blood” terrified audiences worldwide, slasher movies have been a profitable venture. Before this, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” laid the groundwork, but it was the giallo genre that truly established the key elements. The 1980s, in particular, are regarded as the golden era for the horror subgenre due to the introduction of several iconic fictional killers like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, Chucky, and many others.

When we think of the best ‘80s slasher movies, pictures like Friday the 13th and Child’s Play immediately come to mind. But even though these films were wildly popular, they weren’t the best, according to critics. A few other films capture the best of the subgenre while crafting compelling tales and delivering solid scares. They range from the trashy to the stylish, but fans can expect high-level entertainment no matter what side of the room the blood falls on.

The following are the best ‘80s slasher offerings, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

10 The Prowler (1981)

75%

Known primarily for directing Chuck Norris films such as “Missing in Action” and “Invasion U.S.A.”, Director Joseph Zito, however, also presented us with “The Prowler” in the early ’80s – a movie that, while linked to the military, showcases a mentally disturbed veteran instead of the usual heroic one. The narrative centers around a series of murders targeting college students in a California coastal town during a graduation celebration, with the killer being a World War II vet.

Horror from an Unexpected Party

The Prowler stands out as a significant work within its genre, offering an analysis of psychological trauma and impressive performances by the cast. Many Rotten Tomatoes-approved critics admired the director’s audacity for portraying a World War II veteran as a villain, a character trait rarely explored in films during that era. What sets this movie apart is its distinctive approach to the killer, who dons an unusual costume – army gear. This eerie figure, meant to protect us, subtly hints at the possibility of those we trust being the ones to inflict harm.

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9 The Burning (1981)

77%

In the movie “The Burning,” a group of teenagers unwisely decide to play a risky prank on the camp caretaker, Cropsy (Lou David). This seemingly harmless act takes a sinister turn, as it leaves Cropsy with grievous burns. Years pass, and the disfigured and vengeful Cropsy returns, armed with his shears, seeking retribution on those who wronged him.

Better Than Friday the 13th

Originally, critics were critical of The Burning for its resemblance to Friday the 13th, but nowadays, many reviewers appreciate it as a superior movie. Under the direction of Tony Maylam, this film offers a complex and intricate pattern of pursuits and killings, creating an intense horror experience that combines fear with the value of respecting others.

Influence for this gruesome prank-turned-disaster story can undeniably be traced back to Sean S. Cunningham’s film. However, it was Tony Maylam who brought the beautiful cinematography, ingenious kill scenes, and daringly bold set designs to life.

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8 Strange Behavior (1980)

80%

Mysterious Actions: This storyline revolves around a cluster of adolescents in a quaint town, who inexplicably develop an urge to take lives. Each murder is committed by a distinct teenager, leaving the authorities puzzled due to the lack of discernible motive. However, they eventually uncover a significant lead: the murders are all connected to peculiar studies being carried out at a nearby educational institution.

There Is a Good Reason for the Strange Behavior

Prior to the 1980s, the slasher genre predominantly explored ordinary and sometimes supernatural themes. However, Strange Behavior stood out as one of the initial films to interweave sci-fi aspects with brutal violence, which was highly praised by critics. The teen characters appear unusually skilled for a life of violence, but it is later revealed that they might not be acting voluntarily. But what other revelations lie ahead?

Stream it on Midnight Pulp or Troma Now!

7 Tenebrae (1982)

81%

The film “Tenebrae” is a gruesome, disturbing production, infused with an Italian artistic touch. As American author Peter Neal (Anthony Franciosa) promotes his newest murder mystery novel in Rome, he finds that the killings depicted in his books are being reenacted in real life. Countless individuals meet their demise, and with the police failing to make headway, Neal decides to conduct his own investigation, aided by his assistant.

Tackling Toxic Fandom

Drawing upon the intimidating threats director Dario Argento faced from overzealous admirers, the movie Tenebrae proves to be incredibly chilling. Many critics viewed it as a more mature and authentic counterpart to American slasher films, and they were spot on. Delving into the profound rifts that fiction can spark in fan communities, its haunting power stems from both the grisly crimes depicted and the protagonist’s desperate attempts to cope. The film’s examination of themes such as duality and deviant sexuality adds depth, making this gripping, suspenseful giallo film a classic that remains relevant today.

Stream it on Shudder or AMC+

6 Sleepaway Camp (1983)

81%

In Sleepaway Camp, a passionate young girl named Angela, skillfully portrayed by Felissa Rose, is compelled to reside with her demanding aunt following a tragic accident that claims her parents’ lives. Many years pass, and her aunt eventually sends her to Camp Arawak. Upon her arrival, a series of peculiar murders unfold. Could she be the perpetrator? Uncovering her motive will prove intriguing, as the answers are not always what they appear to be.

A Near-Flawless Horror Film with a Wild Ending

Without a doubt, one of the most terrifying horror films from the ’80s was “Sleepaway Camp“. It’s filled with gruesome killings, such as someone being killed by an arrow to the neck, or having bees released onto their head. The movie’s essence is perfectly captured by Rotten Tomatoes critics who describe it as “a typical teen slasher film enhanced by occasional instances of oddities reminiscent of John Waters.” Beyond its eerie scenes, the movie delves into issues common among teens (particularly shyness and sexuality) and concludes with a shocking ending that will leave you bewildered in any horror movie you’ve ever seen.

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5 Dressed to Kill (1980)

83%

The movie “Dressed to Kill” drew comparisons between Brian De Palma and Alfred Hitchcock, but he has since veered significantly from Hitchcock’s suspenseful style. In this erotic thriller, chaos ensues when a prostitute accidentally witnesses the murder of a housewife. As police investigate, they discover a blonde woman with a morbid fascination for homicide, who takes pleasure in slashing throats with a razor.

The Best of De Palma?

Bleak, morose, and bizarre, this murder mayhem with no ounce of pity or logic. But if you’re both in a Halloween and erotic sort of mood, feast on it. De Palma invokes every slasher cliché in the book, only to subvert all of them in arch Coen-ian fashion. Interestingly, he was nominated for a Razzie for Worst Director. However, critics didn’t feel he was bad. The RT critics consensus states that the film “stylishly encapsulates writer-director Brian De Palma’s signature strengths.”

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4 The Stepfather (1989)

89%

The film titled The Stepfather features Terry O’Quinn as a cunning serial killer who marries a widow following the murder of his previous family and assuming a new identity. As he exhibits increasingly violent behavior, his stepdaughter grows wary and concocts strategies to put an end to his reign of terror.

Horror in a Domestic Setting

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: This ’80s slasher flick offers an engaging watch, subtly exploring the chilling tension within dysfunctional families – a topic rarely touched upon in horror films of the time. Star Terry O’Quinn plays a character so detached, while Jill Schoelen portrays her stepdaughter as intrigued, inquisitive, and courageous, all at once. Though it didn’t set the box office on fire, most critics were captivated. Despite differing opinions, there was a consensus that this film stood out in an ’80s era saturated with teen slasher flicks, offering a refreshing take on the genre.

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3 Opera (1987)

90%

In the world of Opera, theater actress Betty (Cristina Marsillach) experiences a transformation as she lands the starring role in an innovative adaptation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth. However, a mysterious figure starts eliminating individuals close to her, yet spares her life. Given his familiarity with her, she embarks on a search for answers and tries to prevent the police from getting involved – who is this individual and what are his intentions?

The Best of Dario Argento

Without a doubt, one of Dario Argento’s masterpieces is this chilling film, which showcases a woman’s psychological breakdown against the setting of theater arts. Argento skillfully blends elements from “Phantom of the Opera,” yet he surpasses expectations with his innovative camera work, eerie gothic settings, and imaginative murder scenes. In essence, the Rotten Tomatoes critics succinctly captured its essence by saying that the filmmaker “reaches his bloodily decadent peaks in this production.

Stream it on Shudder or AMC+

2 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

94%

The storyline of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” revolves around a band of teenagers from the Midwest, who are being hunted down by a vengeful dream-stalking killer named Freddy Krueger (played by Robert Englund). This maniacal figure has the power to slay people in their dreams, as payback for his own death by fire at the hands of their parents years prior. Notably, this film was one of the first productions by New Line Cinema and showcases a young Johnny Depp in one of his early acting roles.

The Ultimate ‘80s Slasher Film

As a cinephile delving into the realm of terror, I can confidently assert that “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is undeniably Wes Craven’s magnum opus. The film’s unique concept, paired with the chilling visage of Freddy Krueger, continues to haunt my dreams to this very day.

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1 Evil Dead Trap (1988)

100%

In the horror movie titled “Evil Dead Trap“, the storyline takes an unanticipated twist for TV host Nami Tsuchiya (Minako Omo) when she invites her viewers to submit home videos. One of the clips she receives is of a gruesome nature, filmed at an abandoned military base. Intrigued, she decides to explore the site with her camera crew. Upon their arrival, they begin to be systematically killed in gruesome manners until only Nami survives.

A High Point in Japanese Cinema

Few unbiased critics dislike Evil Dead Trap, and it’s clear why that’s the case. Many praises focus on the film’s exceptional cinematography and special effects, which were considered superior to anything else in the late 1980s. This is a point most viewers will concur with once the end credits begin to roll. This horror movie, filled with supernatural elements and a slasher theme, takes despair to unprecedented heights, resulting in quite the strange spectacle.

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2024-10-30 01:32