10 Best Scary 80s Movies To Watch Before Halloween

The 1980s was a golden era for horror films, bringing us a mix of slasher flicks, supernatural scares, and psychological thrillers that still haunt our dreams today. If you’re looking to set the mood for Halloween, here are 10 of the best scary movies from the 80s

1. The Shining (1980)

Synopsis: When Jack Torrance takes a winter job as the caretaker of the eerie Overlook Hotel, he has no idea what’s in store. As sinister forces close in, he spirals into a terrifying madness that threatens his family.

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

2. Poltergeist (1982)

Synopsis: The Freeling family’s peaceful suburban home is about to become the playground for a host of restless spirits. When their youngest daughter goes missing, they realize this haunting isn’t just a bad dream.

Cast: JoBeth Williams, Heather O’Rourke, Craig T. Nelson

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Synopsis: Sweet dreams turn into a nightmare when Freddy Krueger, a burnt-faced, razor-gloved villain, hunts teens in their sleep. Will they survive until morning?

Cast: Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, Johnny Depp

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

4. The Thing (1982)

Synopsis: A team of researchers in Antarctica stumbles upon a creature that can mimic anything it touches. As paranoia sets in, the real question becomes: who’s still human?

Cast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

5. Friday the 13th (1980)

Synopsis: The counselors at Camp Crystal Lake are in for a surprise when a killer starts picking them off one by one. Camping has never been so dangerous!

Cast: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%

6. Hellraiser (1987)

Synopsis: When Frank opens a portal to hell, he’s introduced to a world of unimaginable pleasure and pain—thanks to some sadistic demons called Cenobites.

Cast: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%

7. The Fly (1986)

Synopsis: Scientist Seth Brundle’s experiment in teleportation turns into a nightmare when he begins to transform into a grotesque human-fly hybrid. Get ready for some gooey horror!

Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

8. Child’s Play (1988)

Synopsis: Who knew a Good Guy doll could be so bad? Little Andy discovers that his new toy, Chucky, is possessed by a dead serial killer, and things get bloody fast.

Cast: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

9. Pet Sematary (1989)

Synopsis: Sometimes dead is better, but that doesn’t stop this family from using an ancient cemetery to bring loved ones back—with terrifying results.

Cast: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Fred Gwynne

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58%

10. They Live (1988)

Synopsis: Discovering that aliens are brainwashing humanity with hidden messages, a drifter dons special sunglasses to see the truth. He’s here to kick BLEEP and chew bubblegum—and he’s all out of bubblegum.

Cast: Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%