10 Horror Movies From The '80s That Are Just As Iconic As They Are Bone-Chillng

Let's get you back to your horror roots.

10. Child's Play (1988)

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This classic horror movie was directed by Tom Holland (no, not that Tom Holland), and was the start to several sequels and a reboot.

9. A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

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Freddy Krueger brings the '80s horror genre into full swing. This movie was directed by Wes Craven and, due to its box office success, led to multiple sequels.

8. Hellraiser (1987)

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This skin crawling horror movie was directed by Clive Barker. Though this movie has lost some popularity over time, it has reemerged in a popular horror game called Dead by Daylight.

7. Gremlins (1984)

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Hard to believe this movie came out almost 40 years ago. This cult classic was directed by none other than Joe Dante, who later would create a childhood classic, Small Soldiers.

6. Evil Dead (1981)

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Evil Dead was directed by Sam Raimi, and what a spectacular horror film of the '80s it was. Not only was it so successful that it spawned two additional movies, but it also lead to a popular TV show and several video games. Not to mention it came with one of the greatest actors to ever live, Bruce Campbell.

5. Alien (1979)

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Okay, this movie technically came out in the '70s, but it's so good it deserves a spot on this list. This masterpiece was directed by Ridley Scott and had Sigourney Weaver as our main outer space hero.

4. The Shining (1980)

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This next film came from a famous story written by the master of horror himself, Stephen King. The movie adaptation was directed by Stanley Kubrick and unfortunately is King's most unloved movie. Either way, Jack Nicholson gave one murder of a performance.

3. Friday the 13th (1980)

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Jason Voorhees brings the slasher genre to life with this terrifying movie. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, this movie spawned a franchise that is still overwhelmingly popular to this day with sequels, references, and game adaptations.

2. Halloween (1978)

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Michael Myers (The Shape) comes into number two as one of the most iconic and terrifying horror franchises. Directed by the amazing John Carpenter, this movie has been one of the top three most recognizable horror films in recent history. Be on the lookout for the next installment of the movie coming out this year.

1. The Thing (1982)

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This movie was also made by the legend John Carpenter. With some of the most terrifying body horror ever and spine chilling suspense, this film is sure to keep new viewers on the edge of their seat.