I have already done a best 80's horror movies list, with all the usual suspects I am sure you would have already watched, so what about some underrated 80's horror movies?
Well, here are 8 I would recommend. A few of them do have cult followings, and are hardly obscure or anything, but I would still label them as underrated horror movies of the 80's.
The Keep (1983)
A visually stunning supernatural horror with a slow burn vibe. It’s got atmosphere in spades and a weirdly hypnotic story about ancient evil in a WWII bunker. It's rated far lower than I think it should be, but I also sort of get it, it won't be for everyone. But I'm a fan.
Near Dark (1987)
A vampire film that feels more like a gritty western crossed with a love story. It’s got mood, tension, and some badass vampire outlaws. If you're into vampires and want to watch another vampire movie after the brilliant Sinners, try this one.
The Hidden (1987)
Alien body-snatcher meets cop thriller. It’s fast-paced, fun, and features a great pairing of cops chasing an invisible, violent parasite. A great mix of sci-fi and horror with some 80s action flair.
The Stuff (1985)
A darkly funny and satirical horror about a weird dessert that’s literally addictive and alive. It’s a smart commentary on consumerism wrapped in some body horror. Quirky and genuinely creepy.
Chopping Mall (1986)
Killer security robots in a mall? Yes, please. This one’s campy, gory, and perfect for fans of cheesy yet inventive ’80s slasher fare. Robots + teens = chaos and laughs.
The Beyond (1981)
Lucio Fulci’s flawed but underrated film featuring surreal gore and dream logic. If you like your horror drenched in atmosphere, bizarre imagery, and unapologetic brutality, this is an underappreciated feast for your eyeballs.
Trick or Treat (1986)
A perfect mix of heavy metal culture and supernatural horror, with a killer soundtrack and a revenge ghost story. It’s fun, weird, and packed with ’80s energy.
House (1985)
Equal parts horror and quirky comedy, this one’s about a haunted house with a ton of personality. It’s weird, inventive, and emotionally surprising, a true genre mashup that deserves a bigger audience.
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