10 Forgotten Creature Features from the ’80s You Must Watch

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In the 1980s, the creature feature genre reached its peak, powered by a surge in popularity following the success of films like Jaws and Alien from the 50s and 70s monster movie boom. This era also saw the emergence of body horror trends, lending an unusual and fascinating twist to these monster movies.

In the 1980s, when CGI was not yet prevalent, filmmakers relied on practical effects and animatronics, resulting in some of the most extraordinary and unforgettable movie monsters ever captured on screen.

From the ’80s emerged some of the most iconic and well-recognized monster movies ever made, such as The Thing, The Fly, Aliens, and Gremlins. However, this article highlights those that were overlooked or relegated to discount bins and late-night television slots. These 10 forgotten creature features from the ’80s may have flown under the mainstream radar or been overshadowed by more popular films.

10
‘The Kindred’ (1987)

In “The Kindred”, a young man uncovers an unexpected, monstrous sibling born from their mother prior to her demise. Needless to say, this family get-together wasn’t what he anticipated. Consequently, he and his scientific peers find themselves pursued by the beast, gradually falling victim to its gruesome attacks one after another.

A Fun but Flawed Throwback

With a unique mix of science fiction and horror, “The Kindred” delivers outstanding practical effects that are downright gooey and a creative creature design sure to captivate hardcore fans of the genre. Although its storyline is somewhat disjointed, its cheesy appeal and wild monster sequences make it an entertaining, albeit imperfect, homage to classic B-movies.

9
‘The Being’ (1983)

Following a string of mysterious vanishings and grisly killings, a local investigator in a quaint town uncovers a horrifying monstrosity – spawned from polluted waste – that has been lurking around. Since the government refuses to acknowledge its existence, it’s up to him to eliminate this lethal beast for good.

There Is an Audience for Everything

At first, the movie received harsh criticism from critics upon its debut, as they pointed out its awkward imitation of the “Alien” film, featuring stiff performances, subpar special effects, and a confusing narrative. However, over time, it has developed a modest fanbase who appreciate its clumsy take on the monster movie genre for its comedic value.

8
‘The Nest’ (1988)

In a quaint New England village, the local peace officer is unexpectedly partnered with his former flame and a bug control specialist as they band together to combat a swarm of colossal, carnivorous cockroaches causing chaos within their community.

While It Certainly Has Legs, ‘The Nest’ Lacks the Staying Power of Its Cockroach Stars

Regarding films featuring killer insects, The Nest doesn’t rank among the most dreadful ones. It delivers in all aspects, offering an ample dose of thrilling action, disgusting special effects, and destruction to keep things engaging. Although it might not be as enduring as the insects it’s modeled after, it’s a great choice for viewers seeking a late-night dose of B-movie horror fun to share with friends and a generous helping of popcorn.

7
‘Dark Age’ (1987)

In the Australian Northern Territory, a park ranger finds himself pursuing a colossal crocodile that has claimed the life of a young Indigenous boy. Partnered with an influential Aboriginal elder intent on preserving the animal, the ranger discovers the native people’s profound spiritual bond with this reptilian creature.

Who Is the Real Villain?

Initially, I thought “Dark Age” was just another entertaining film from Australia about a terrifying beast, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a thought-provoking exploration of environmental and cultural challenges. By the end, I found myself pondering, who among us is truly the monster in this story.

6
‘Cellar Dweller’ (1988)

In the writing of Don Mancini, the storyline of Cellar Dweller centers on a monstrous creature that is accidentally conjured from the drawings of a comic book artist’s sketchbook and brought to life in the physical realm.

The Movie’s Special Effects Were Praised

Working with a modest budget of approximately $850,000, the special effects are impressively impactful, considering the limited resources. The creature, in particular, is both imaginative and genuinely terrifying, crafted using practical techniques that remain effective even by today’s standards. Furthermore, smart makeup, lighting, and camera angles collaborate effectively to produce a chilling horror film that deserves more acclaim than it currently receives.

5
‘Monster Shark’ (1984)

Located on Florida’s coastlines, an unusual tourist destination is under siege by a mysterious marine hybrid – a blend of an octopus and the ancient Dunkleosteus, having somehow escaped from a clandestine military research facility. Two groups, one composed of scientists and another of soldiers, each driven by their individual purposes, race to locate and capture the beast before anyone else.

‘Monster Shark’ Lacks Depth

The Low-Budget Thriller, Monster Shark, clearly shows its budget constraints – it appears and feels rather unprofessional throughout. While a small budget doesn’t always mean a lack of entertainment, this film fails to deliver in other areas. Regrettably, it offers little beyond poor production values, with few captivating storylines or well-rounded characters. Instead, viewers are presented with a superficial plot lacking genuine suspense, thrill, or engaging personalities.

4
‘Creature’ (1986)

In response to a distress call, two teams from rival corporations are dispatched to Saturn’s largest moon to investigate. Upon arrival, they uncover the grisly scene of a research facility crew that was viciously slain. Not long after, they find themselves in a lethal game of hide-and-seek with a formidable alien entity that can take control of its victims.

A Cut Above the Rest

Initially, the film might appear to be just another inexpensive imitation of the classic Alien or The Thing, but it distinguishes itself effectively due to its striking cinematography and William Malone’s excellent direction. Consequently, it delivers a suspenseful, dark, and gothic-influenced space horror that boasts several genuinely terrifying scenes, preventing it from being a complete disappointment.

3
‘Razorback’ (1984)

Nestled in the vast Australian outback, the story of Razorback revolves around a monstrous, bloodthirsty wild boar. Following the disappearance of a journalist, her spouse embarks on an investigation to unravel the mystery behind the beast and its long history of terrorizing the local populace and unsuspecting travelers for years.

Everything Is Great About ‘Razorback’ Except the Creature Itself

Razorback abounds with stunning cinematography, vividly portraying some of Australia’s harsh, untamed landscapes. It skillfully cultivates an unsettling ambiance, generating a sense of fear and intense apprehension. However, this atmosphere often dissipates upon revealing the boar in all its glory. Consequently, the film shines brightest when it employs rapid cuts or shadows, rather than dwelling too long on the questionable and unconvincing creature itself.

2
‘Scared to Death’ (1980)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me tell you about my latest fascination: “Scared to Death.” Set amidst the nation’s biotech unease during its time, this thriller follows my journey as a former cop delving into a series of peculiar murders in the heart of L.A. The plot thickens when I uncover that the murderer is none other than an experimental genetic hybrid creature born from a biotech company’s clandestine project. Joining forces with a brilliant scientist, we embark on a joint mission to halt this monstrous killing spree before it claims more lives.

‘Scared to Death’ Is Dark and Moody

Incorporating aspects from detective noir, sci-fi, and horror genres involving creatures, Scared to Death is an undiscovered treasure brimming with mystery and tension. It skillfully leverages a limited budget by emphasizing gloomy settings, practical effects, and a gradual escalation of suspense that maintains a lingering sense of unease until the creature is fully revealed.

1
‘Alligator’ (1980)

Under the guidance of Lewis Teague, known for his work on “Cujo”, this movie offers a unique twist on alligator films set in urban environments, specifically Chicago in this instance. It’s a humorous spin on the horror genre and is one of the more comedic films listed here. However, be aware that it might not deliver many traditional scary moments.

Alligators Are Probably the Closest Thing to Actual Monsters That Exist Today

Reminiscent of the scenes from Jurassic Park, alligators are part of a select few creatures that endured the demise of the Cretaceous Period. This exclusive group is even more limited by those still alive today. They can attain colossal dimensions and are equipped with razor-sharp teeth and prodigious physical might.

It’s no wonder these terrifying beasts often star in horror films, as the movie Alligator effectively portrays our deep-seated fears while playfully employing horror stereotypes and gags. The blend of terror and humor in Alligator has been praised by critics, earning it a high rating of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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2025-05-19 01:07