Horror movies of the 1980s often walk the fine line between genuine terror and unintended hilarity. Whether you love or hate these joyfully bad horrors, their devoted cult following remains, with many people claiming that the 80s produced a treasure trove of films that, despite their flaws, captivated audiences. From goblins to cheesy robot creations, here are 19 “so bad they’re good” horror movies of the ’80s, each offering a unique mix of horror, humor, and sheer absurdity.
Sleepaway Camp
Heading off to a summer camp where a masked killer lurks can only mean one thing: a mix of scares and unintentional comedy. Sleepaway Camp is known for its shocking twist ending, awkward dialogue, and peculiar character choices, all of which contribute to its lasting charm among horror fans, or indeed any teens of the 1980s.
Troll 2
Despite its misleading title, Troll 2 features goblins rather than trolls, a bizarre decision that puzzles viewers from the get-go. The bewilderment continues, with laughably poor acting, a nonsensical plot, and a bizarre script that continues to entertain audiences looking for an absurdly enjoyable experience.
Chopping Mall
In a typically 80s premise, one night in a shopping mall turns deadly when security robots go on a rampage. Chopping Mall combines cheesy special effects with a campy premise, creating an entertainingly bad movie and a memorable watch.
Maximum Overdrive
In a premise that seems eerily relatable to modern concerns, chaos ensues when machines rebel against humans in Maximum Overdrive. But rather than the sophisticated AI robots you might expect, Stephen King’s directorial debut features killer trucks and a group of survivors fighting for their lives.
Night of the Demons
Throwing a Halloween party in a haunted house is usually a recipe for disaster, and this blunder sets the stage for Night of the Demons. Blending supernatural horror and campy dialogue, this film is nonetheless a memorable ride, with makeup effects and quirky characters cementing its place as a cult classic.
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2
Best known for the infamous “Garbage Day” scene, Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 follows Ricky Caldwell on a murderous spree. Despite the poor acting and rehashed plot, the unintentional humor and over-the-top scenes make it a beloved entry in bad horror cinema.
Slumber Party Massacre
A feminist twist on the slasher flick, Slumber Party Massacre offers more than just scares. Unintentional humor, low-budget effects, and campy dialogue create an enjoyable watch, with its unique perspective adding an interesting layer to the typical slasher formula.
The Stuff
Imagine a delicious dessert that turns people into rage-filled, flesh-eating zombies. The Stuff explores this bizarre premise with a blend of horror and satire, offering cheesy special effects and offbeat humor to make it stand out in the realm of bad ’80s horror movies.
Basket Case
Carrying a deformed, homicidal twin in a basket is just one odd element of Basket Case’s plot. The outlandish premise, low-budget effects, and campy tone create an unforgettable viewing experience with a unique charm that has earned it a loyal fan base over the years.
The Toxic Avenger
Chaos and hilarity aren’t far behind when a nerdy janitor transforms into a monstrous hero. The Toxic Avenger is quintessential Troma, known for over-the-top violence, absurd humor, and low-budget charm. It is a must-watch for fans of bad horror movies that embrace their ridiculousness.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Alien clowns invading Earth with circus-themed weapons is as wonderfully bizarre as it sounds. Killer Klowns from Outer Space combines horror and comedy in a delightfully odd way. The campy special effects and outlandish premise make it a fun, memorable ride for fans of ’80s horror.
The Blob
A gelatinous alien consumes everything in its path in this remake of the 1958 classic. As you’d expect from this premise, cheesy dialogue and over-the-top special effects ensure The Blob reboot lives rent-free in the minds of 80’s horror nerds.
Evil Dead II
Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead II is a hybrid of horror, comedy, and over-the-top gore that will make you laugh long before you feel startled. Bruce Campbell’s iconic performance as Ash Williams adds to the film’s charm, solidifying its status as a cult classic in horror cinema.
Re-Animator
Following mad scientist Herbert West as he brings the dead back to life, Re-Animator mixes a campy tone with outrageous gore and dark humor.
Maniac Cop
In Maniac Cop, a vengeful, undead police officer stalks the streets of New York. Low-budget effects and an absurd premise create an entertainingly bad experience, while Bruce Campbell’s presence adds to its cult appeal.
Return of the Living Dead
Combining punk rock, zombies, and dark humor, Return of the Living Dead offers a unique twist on the zombie genre. The campy tone and memorable characters make it a favorite among fans of ’80s horror, seamlessly blending comedy with gore to ensure a fun viewing experience.
Pieces
In Pieces, a chainsaw-wielding maniac terrorizes a college campus in this example of over-the-top gore, unintentionally hilarious dialogue, and poor acting. But despite its “so bad it’s good” reputation, Pieces has garnered a dedicated following.
Deadly Friend
When a young inventor’s robot creation goes haywire, horror and panic are the likely outcome. Directed by Wes Craven, Deadly Friend blends sci-fi and horror with a campy twist. Cheesy special effects and unintentionally funny moments make it an entertainingly bad experience.
Street Trash
Both outrageous and uncategorizable, Street Trash explores the aftermath of toxic alcohol wreaking havoc on the homeless community. Body horror and dark humor create a unique viewing experience, with outrageous special effects making it a cult classic in bad ’80s horror movies.
