The 1980s are known for producing some truly great horror films,with even the most bizarre of the bunch being worthy of the audience’s time. The ’80s saw many filmmakers taking big risks with horror narratives, and some wound up producing influential movies and fictional killers that would positively shake up the landscape of the genre in the following years. However, released alongside the straightforward and archetypal horror films of the decade were strange, one-of-a-kind movies that, on paper, appear too absurd to commit time to.
Yet, audiences would be remiss to skip out on these bizarre horror movies. Seen across a variety of genres during this time,the ’80s produced some truly innovative and imaginative narratives in film.The strangely unique stories seen in movies likeVampandBrain Damageshould be given a chance by audiences, as they are an appreciated contrast to the more formulaic stories told in the classic monster movies andslasher films of the ’80s, and above all else, are incredibly entertaining.
C.H.U.D.
Cast
C.H.U.D. is a 1984 horror film directed by Douglas Cheek that delves into the mystery of missing homeless people in New York City. The film follows a photographer and a police captain who uncover a government cover-up involving mutated creatures, known as Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers, living beneath the city. Starring John Heard and Daniel Stern, C.H.U.D. combines elements of horror and social commentary.
Though the majority of horror films are known for exploring dark and sensitive subject matter, others aim to solely be a source of entertainment, includingC.H.U.D.The film’s name is an abbreviation for “Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers,“and its plot revolves around the investigative efforts surrounding a series of strange murders in the city.
C.H.U.D.never dives too deep into the environmental commentary set up by its bizarre premise, but the movie does offer audiences a fun time.The movie is an inspired mash-up of great monster movies of the ’70s and early ’80s,though it’s never quite as thrilling as the films it emulates. Still, the main investigative group is fun to follow along with, and, visually, the wonderfully gross underground creatures covered in slime still hold up well.
The Lair of the White Worm
The Lair of the White Worm is a 1988 British horror film directed by Ken Russell. Based on Bram Stoker’s 1911 novel, it follows archaeologist Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi) who discovers the skull of a large snake, leading to a series of bizarre and deadly events. Starring Amanda Donohoe and Hugh Grant, the film combines elements of folklore, mythology, and gothic horror.
As a director, Ken Russell’s work is both fascinating and controversial.Many of the director’s movies are adaptations of existing novels or biographies, including the late ’80s filmThe Lair of the White Worm. The film is loosely based on the eponymous horror novel by Bram Stoker.
The author’s novel hasn’t had the best reputation over the years, and neither has Russell’s movie, yet the latter has developed a cult following due to its refreshing and bizarre spin on Stoker’s original story.The Lair of the White Wormfollows an archaeologist (Peter Capaldi) after the snake-like skull he discovers is stolen by the priestess Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe).The movie’s fun performances and its strange mix of eroticism and campiness, only partially intentional, are something worth watching.
Night of the Comet
Night of the Comet, released in 1984, follows two teenage sisters in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles after a comet wipes out most of humanity. They navigate a landscape of red dust and zombie-like mutants, eventually joining forces with a truck driver to combat a malevolent scientific group.
There’s a lot of fun to be had withNight of the Comet.While it’s far from being considered one ofthe best zombie movies of all time, the sci-fi comedy film’s unique origin story sets it apart from other movies in the horror subgenre. The effects of an unusual comet inNight of the Cometturn its victims into either dust or frightening zombies, leaving the film’s small group of survivors alone in their fight against the living dead.
The best part about watchingNight of the Comet, and why it’s a necessary addition to any horror watchlist, is following along with the group of inept teenage survivors as they humorously attempt to fight off zombies,as well as antidote-seeking doctors with sinister motives.
The Stuff
The Stuff is a satirical horror film directed by Larry Cohen. Released in 1985, the movie revolves around a mysterious, addictive dessert that becomes a nationwide craze. As corporate greed drives its promotion, an industrial spy, played by Michael Moriarty, discovers the deadly consequences of its consumption. The film explores themes of consumerism and corporate control, presenting a darkly humorous critique of the food industry.
Written as a satire about consumerism and greedy corporations,The Stuffisn’t nearly as terrifying as it could have been.The film is about a mysterious, dessert-like substance that begins taking over the lives of the American population. What starts as an addictive treat eventually becomes a threat to one’s safety as the substance takes full control over those who consume it, turning them into zombies.
Though the bizarre aspects of the film diminish its serious messaging,it’s this silliness that makesThe Stuffa great addition to anyone’s watchlist.Acheesy horror movie to watch with friends,The Stuffis packed with silly scenarios that keep audiences laughing in between the brief moments where the interwoven social commentary is given time to breathe and be processed with great consideration.
Motel Hell
Motel Hell is a 1980 horror film directed by Kevin Connor, featuring farmer Vincent Smith and his sister Ida, who run a motel and farm where they kidnap travelers, fatten them up, and harvest their bodies for their renowned smoked meats.
In spite of its unsettling premise,Motel Hellis quite humorous and produced a well-balanced film that contains equal parts horror and comedy.The film follows the brother and sister duo of Vincent (Rory Calhoun) and Ida Smith (Nancy Parsons),who operate an attached motel to their farm, and are well-known for their successful sausage business.
However, a disturbing discovery by the town’s sheriff shines a light on the siblings' twisted methods of food prep. Though it was made with the intention of being a serious horror film,Motel Hellis viewed as a solid satire of films likeThe Texas Chain Saw Massacre.The growing popularity of satire in the horror genre in the years since the ’80s has greatly favoredMotel Hell, turning it into a must-see film.
Chopping Mall
Chopping Mall is a 1986 science fiction horror film directed by Jim Wynorski. Set in a shopping mall, the story follows a group of teenagers who become trapped inside overnight and must survive against a fleet of malfunctioning security robots. The film stars Kelli Maroney and Tony O’Dell, blending elements of horror and satire within a commercial retail setting.
Encapsulating the end of the decade’s mall culture and increasing fear of technology in a frightening tale isChopping Mall.The film revolves around a group of teenagers who are trapped in a mall overnight as they fight to survive against an army of security robots programmed to kill.
Just as othercheesy horror movies likeChopping Malldo, the film presents a chilling premise with a comedic tone.The brutal manner of death throughout the film is humorously executed, and even during the movie’s most intense sequences, audiences are prompted to laugh. In terms of its special effects,Chopping Mallhasn’t aged all too well, but its playful blend of horror and humor makes it necessary viewing for those who have yet to indulge in its gory fun.
The changes Brian Yuzna made toSociety’s original premise elevate the film from a traditional slasher story to something far more disturbing and grotesque.The film follows Beverly Hills teenager Bill Whitney as he begins to grow suspicious of the behavior exhibited by his parents and their wealthy friends.Society’s social commentary and themes of paranoia are the focus of the first bit of the film before it dives into a wildly absurd direction.
At this turning point in the film, an unsettling amount of surreal special effects are utilized to pull off an indescribable sequence of events.Seen now asan influential film of the body horror subgenre,Society’s visuals are disgusting and its plot perplexing, but it’s a movie worthy of being watched by anyone fascinated by ’80s weirdness.
Vamp
Vamp is a 1986 horror-comedy film directed by Richard Wenk. The story centers on two college students, Keith and AJ, who enter a seedy nightclub seeking a stripper for a fraternity event, only to discover that the club is run by vampires. Featuring Grace Jones as the enigmatic vampire queen, the film blends elements of horror and dark humor as the protagonists fight to survive the night.
The setup ofVampis utilized in numerous horror films, where a group of friends find themselves in a dangerous situation after initially setting out to have fun.In the horror comedy, three college students stumble into an unfamiliar town where they hope to hire a dancer from a strip club. However, their fun adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival as they discover the town they’re in is full of vampires.
Grace Jones is a highlight in the film, though she’s often overlooked when discussinggreat female vampires in movies and TV shows.The model’s striking features and captivating performance alone makeVampa worthy addition to a watchlist, but the remainder of the film is just as entertaining, with its campy and colorful twist on a vampire tale.
Brain Damage
Brain Damage is a cult horror film directed by Frank Henenlotter, centering on Brian, a young man who becomes parasitically bonded to a symbiotic creature named Aylmer. The film’s narrative explores addiction and dependence as Aylmer provides Brian with euphoric experiences in exchange for committing gruesome acts. Released in 1988, Brain Damage is noted for its unique blend of horror and dark comedy, reflecting Henenlotter’s distinctive style.
Initially receiving mixed critical reviews before attaining a cult following,Brain Damagedoesn’t let up on its weird premise.Rick Hearst, in his acting debut, leads the film as Brian, a man who comes across a parasite known as Aylmer. The two make a deal where Aylmer will continue to provide Brian with an addictive fluid that produces euphoric hallucinations so long as he allows Aylmer to indulge in his cannibalistic desires.
Upon their first meeting, it’s easy to predict where Brian and Aylmer will end up, butBrain Damage’s general absurdity keeps audiences engaged regardless. The film’s ability to transition between the heavy exploration of addiction and the silliness of Aylmer appears effortless. Voiced by John Zacherle, Aylmer is surprisingly charismatic despite his sinister behavior, and he’s unlike anything else in ’80s horror films.
Videodrome
Videodrome (1983) is a science fiction horror film directed by David Cronenberg. The movie stars James Woods as Max Renn, a television executive who stumbles upon a broadcast signal featuring extreme violence and torture. His obsession with uncovering the source leads him into a disturbing and hallucinatory journey, highlighting the destructive potential of media and technology. Debbie Harry also stars as Nicki Brand, a radio personality entangled in the narrative.
As the face of the body horror genre,David Cronenberg’s filmsare widely celebrated for coupling psychological and technological themes with equally disturbing and fascinating depictions of body transformations and mutilations. Though the bizarre nature and grotesque imagery within Cronenberg’s work isn’t for everyone, certain films likeVideodromeshould still be given a chance by audiences.
Videodromecenters around Max Renn (James Woods), the president of a small TV station, who, in a desperate attempt to gain more viewers, comes across a broadcast channel dedicated to airing graphic depictions of torture and sex. In addition to its unforgettable imagery, Woods' performance, and the film’s stunning special effects,Videodromeprovides audiences with an insightful narrative that analyzes the growing fascination with sensationalized media, particularly when it comes to sex and violence.
