1988: The Unbelievably Epic Year of Horror Movies

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Written by Timothy Rawles

February 14, 2025

Those of us who remember the late 80s know how epic it was in terms of horror movies. The genre had gained a momentum thanks to movies like Friday the 13th, The Evil Dead, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Not only were franchise movies getting first-runs in theaters, there was also the home video market which offered its own brand of entertainment; Troma was a big part of that movement.

Theatrically, 1988 offered up some so-so sequels to popular licenses, but had some independant originals that have since become cult classics; 1988 even had a remake that many believe surpassed the original from 30 years before. It was also the start of the Chucky series.

Below are some of our favorites from 1988. The good news is they are now so old, many home media companies are remastering them for the ages. Even though that’s a great advancement, it still doesn’t beat the feeling of lining up at the ticket booth, buying your ticket (or having your parents do it), spending your money on fresh popcorn and a soda, then making your way to the theater where the floors were sticky and you had to side-step your way to your favorite spot through chain smokers.

If you’re interested in any of these titles, check out Just Watch to find out where you can watch them.

Bad Dreams

Bad Dreams

The Blob (remake)

The Blob (remake)

Brain Damage

Brain Damage

Cellar Dweller

Cellar Dweller

Child’s Play

Child’s Play

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

Fright Night Part 2

Fright Night Part 2

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

Hellbound: Hellraiser II

Hellbound: Hellraiser II

Killer Klowns From Outer Space

Killer Klowns From Outer Space

The Lair of the White Worm

The Lair of the White Worm

Maniac Cop

Maniac Cop

Monkey Shines

Monkey Shines

Night of the Demons

Night of the Demons

Phantasm II

Phantasm II

Pumpkin Head

Pumpkin Head

Rabid Grannies

Rabid Grannies

Return of the Living Dead Part II

Return of the Living Dead Part II

The Serpent and the Rainbow

The Serpent and the Rainbow

Watchers

Watchers

Waxwork

Waxwork

Zombi 3

Zombi 3
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Timothy Rawles has been a horror fan ever since his dad bought a used hearse and drove the family to the old Orange County, California, drive-in on weekends. For more than 30 years, he has fueled that passion through horror magazines, novels, and dark rides. A journalist for over 25 years, Timothy has covered a wide range of social issues, but horror has always remained his true passion. Through iHorror, he now shares that love of the genre with fans around the world.

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