We are making our way to the mid-80s and where there seems to have been a shift. The shift was moving away from 1970s style if filmmaking and giving the 1980s its look, which really becomes fully realized in about 1987.
1984 has some really strong horror films, not a ton, but strong films. 1985 the 80s will kick production back into high gear. This year. 1984, is another case of me only seeing a handful, 11 by my last count. But it seems that I’ve seen the cream of the crop.
I think about 1984 and I know everyone will go right for A Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th the Final Chapter. But, I will say there are some really decent movies to come out of 1984. Full disclosure, A Nightmare on Elm Street is my all-time favorite horror film and Friday the 13th the Final Chapter is arguably one of the best Friday the 13th films ever made.
So, what else came out in 1984 the can make this list?
10. Firestarter (1984)
I had seen Firestarter as a kid and remember thinking it was a good one. I revisited it on Peacock right before the remake dropped. I honestly don’t know which is worse, 2022, the 2022 movie is worse. But the 1984 movie is extremely uneven and boring. That is pretty much it, it is boring.
9. The Mutilator (1984)
It took me 38 years to see the Mutilator. It will likely take me another 38 years to watch it again. This is one of the most forgettable slashers I’ve ever seen. If not for Firestarter being dreadfully boring, this would have been number 10. For those die hard slasher fans, this is for you. But, remember, I am not a fan of My Bloody Valentine or the Prowler.
8. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
A classic Christmas movie with a slasher twist. Punish! I don’t really have too much to say, there really isn’t much too this movie and I think the only reason it is remembered so highly, it is a Christmas slasher, but man, like the Mutilator it would be forgettable.
7. C.H.U.D. (1984)
We never got the full CHUD, which sucks. This movie is severely underrated and needs a second or third look from most. It isn’t shot well and doesn’t look great. But, there is a fun story here with some really interesting characters and creature creations.
6. Night of the Comet (1984)
What an awesomely fun and different film from the 1980s. It’s the end of the world and there are very few people left. The streets are empty, so what do you do? If you missed Night of the Comet, it is probably movie you need to check out…soon!
5. Terror in the Aisles (1984)
I know this is a documentary, but it is awesome and I really think it is a movie that got me in to so many older horror films that are featured. It is hosted by Donald Pleasence and Nancy Allen in a movie theater. I love it so much and you know, it covers the first 62 years of horror. Maybe we can get another like this to cover 1984 – 2022.
4. Children of the Corn (1984)
Creepy religious kids in a farming community. Need I say more? I think Children of the Corn is kind of underrated and no one talks about it. Sure it may be a bit dated, but it is still worthy of an occasional watch. It is the best of, 10 movies, or is it 11. I can never remember. I did a ranking of these in 2019, I am curious to know when another attempt will come out.
3. Friday the 13th The Final Chapter (1984)
This is one of the best Friday the 13th films ever made. Directed by Joseph Zito, he also directed the Prowler and for me that is its issue. This one has some of the greatest kills and even bunch of teenagers. I will just say, this one feels like a task to get through at times. It has pacing issues and between kills, it just doesn’t do much for me. Jason Lives is the best Friday the 13th.
2. Gremlins (1984)
Two Christmas horror films in one list. Wow! Gremlins is the best Christmas themed horror film. It is fun, little green monsters and some iconic scenes, Mrs. Peltzer vs Gremlins comes to mind. Such a fun and at times terrifying film.
1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
This is my favorite horror film of all-time. This is also a film that just doesn’t need anything more to say about it. It changed horror forever. I look at horror at times and this seems like the split, before Elm Street and after, yeah it had that much of an effect on horror.
Next up is 1985 and once I’ve done 1989, it is back to 1 list per decade. I am debating on doing a Top 50 of the 1980s, of course it’d be my choice of which movies make the cut from these top 10 lists. So, coming up 1985-1989, 1990s, 2000, 2010s and 2020s. Yeah, I know we are 3 years deep into the 2020s, but I’ve seen close to 60 different films from the current decade. I’ll also do a year in review, maybe a Top 20 or 25 in December of 2022 films. Depends on if you’d want to see more of my stupid opinions.
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