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Was 1981 The Best Year For Horror Movies Ever?

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2025

Horror was hot in the ’80s. Slashers, possessions, werewolves, ghosts, demons—you name it, the ’80s had it! 1981 was the year we saw two iconic killers get a sequel, the beginning of the slasher trend, and not one but four werewolf movies. As we wait for new horror films to be released, I thought it would be the perfect time to take a look back at these classic horror films. These are just some of the horror movies turning 40 this year.

Scanners (1981)

There are 4 billion people on earth. 237 are scanners. They have the most terrifying powers created… and they are winning. Their thoughts can kill. David Cronenberg’s literally mind-blowing sci-fi horror film about people who can read minds, transmit brain waves and kill by concentrating on their victims.

In the film, “scanners” are people with telekinetic and telepathic abilities that can cause an enormous amount of pain and damage to their victims. ConSec, a source for weapons and security systems wants to use “scanners” for their own diabolical plan.

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Scanners is a must-see 80’s film mainly for its jaw-dropping head exploding scene. Scanners is Cronenberg’s journey into the workings of the human mind. After 40 years Scanners is still as shocking and thought-provoking as it was in 1981.

The Howling (1981)

1981 was the year of the werewolf movie with Full Moon High, Wolfen, and American Werewolf in London all being released within the same year. But the first to kick off the year of the werewolf was Joe Dante’s The Howling.

Breaking away from traditional werewolf movies, The Howling finds television news reporter Karen White (Dee Wallace), traumatized after a deadly encounter with serial killer Eddie Quist. In order to help cope with her trauma, Karen is sent to a remote retreat called The Colony, where the residents may not be entirely human.

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This werewolf classic combines just the right amount of horror and tongue-in-cheek humor along with some impressive werewolf transformation effects. Originally not a success, it has become a classic in its own right.

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Back in 1981, no holiday was safe, as the holiday slasher trend was just emerging with films like Halloween, Friday the 13^th, and Terror Train dominating the box office. Valentine’s Day was no exception.

Set in a small mining town, My Bloody Valentine centers around a town haunted by the legend of Harry Warden, a miner who is dead set on killing anyone who celebrates Valentine’s Day. As that day approaches, hearts in boxes arrive and bodies begin to pile up. The real mystery is, has Harry Warden returned, or has someone picked up where he left off?

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A lean and mean slasher that goes straight for the heart, My Bloody Valentine doesn’t skip out on the gore and disturbing imagery. The filmmakers used an actual mine which gave the film another element of fear. In the end, My Bloody Valentine is a bloodcurdling thrill ride that keeps you guessing right up until the end.

The Funhouse (1981)

Funhouses can make you laugh and scream. They can be weird and obscure. And no one does weird and obscure better than Tobe Hooper. After successes with Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Salem’s Lot, Tobe Hooper returned to the slasher genre with his 1981 underrated slasher gem, The Funhouse; a dark, violent film that goes on a wild journey into the world of the macabre.

Taking place at a traveling carnival, two couples decide to spend the night in a funhouse. Once locked in for the night, they witness a murder committed by a deformed carnival worker wearing a Frankenstein mask. With no way of escape, the foursome must fight for their lives as they are picked off one by one.

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The Funhouse stacks up with other slashers such as Texas Chainsaw and Halloween, its clever and fun with unnerving sequences that lead up to a brutal final act. It doesn’t get much better than this disturbing early 80’s slasher.

Friday the 13^th part II (1981)

The Friday the 13^th franchise dominated the 80’s. Coming off the heels of the original, Part II has a new set of counselors being picked off by a mysterious killer. But (spoiler alert) with Mrs. Voorhees dead who is killing the new counselors at Crystal Lake?

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This entry saw the proper introduction of Jason after only appearing in a dream sequence at the end of the original. No explanation is given on how Jason is alive, as he was known to have drowned as boy, but do we need an explanation? This is a Friday the 13^th movie after all. We have some iconic kills, baghead Jason, and a strong and resourceful final girl, what more could you want from a Friday the 13^th film?

The Burning (1981)

After the release of the original Friday the 13^th there was a slew of imitators but The Burning is no imitator. After a prank gone wrong, a summer caretaker is horribly burned and left for dead. Years later, he returns seeking revenge on the ones who wronged him.

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At first glance, The Burning looks like a Friday the 13^th rip-off with a similar plot: a camp being terrorized by a vengeful killer. The Burning is more suspenseful, atmospheric, and vicious. The Burning is slasher perfection with its ruthless and savage kills including the film’s infamous raft scene done by special effects genius Tom Savini. Often overlooked, The Burning is a smart and effective slasher that is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Considered one of the greatest werewolf movies of all time, An American Werewolf in London, tells the story of two American backpackers who are viciously attacked by a werewolf. Leaving one dead and the other doomed to become one himself.

There’s no doubt that An American Werewolf in London is one of the most iconic werewolf movies of all time. Ranking right up there with Lon Chaney’s Wolfman and Joe Dante’s The Howling.

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The film revitalized the werewolf genre with its ground-breaking werewolf transformations created by Rick Baker and features some of the best werewolf attacks captured on screen. After 40 years, the film is still beloved for its off the wall humor and special effects while also paving the way for other genre films like Ginger Snaps and Dog Soldiers.

Evil Dead (1981)

One of the crazier, and more creative films to come out of 1981 was Sam Rami’s The Evil Dead.

Sam Rami’s debut film, The Evil Dead focuses on five friends vacationing in an isolated cabin. After they arrive, they find an audiotape along with a book called the Necronomicon (Book of the Dead) that unleashes unspeakable evil.

Undoubtedly one of the scariest films of all-time, The Evil Dead is a relentless film involving demonic possession, a gratuitous rape scene involving a tree, beheadings, mutilations, gore – what doesn’t this movie have?

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This low-budget masterpiece shows us what you can do with an innovative idea, very little cash, and some ingenuity.

Halloween II (1981)

After Halloween was released in 1978 it would be another three years before we would see Michael Myers slash his way through Haddonfield. Picking up minutes after the original, Halloween II has final girl Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) rushed to the hospital after her encounter with Michael Myers.

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Replacing the suspense with gore, Halloween II is still undeniably scary. Memorable kill sequences involving a needle to the eye, a stabbing in the back with a scalpel while being raised off the ground and boiled to death in a hydrotherapy tub. Halloween II also introduced a story element that would carry on through the rest of the franchise until 2018’s Halloween that Laurie is Michael’s sister.

Ghost Story (1981)

After a year of werewolves, demons, and slashers it was a nice change of pace when Ghost Story was released in 1981.

Based on the Peter Straub novel, Ghost Story revolves around four old friends, who meet every year to tell ghost stories. When one of their sons mysteriously dies before his wedding, a ghostly apparition of a woman appears. The four old friends have to piece together one final story but unraveling this ghost story may be the scariest of them all.

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Rounded out with a legendary cast, Ghost Story is a beautiful and frightening tale wrapped with mystery and romance. Evoking atmosphere and mood, Ghost Story is a love letter to gothic horror that still haunts after all these years.

Other horror films released in 1981:

Graduation Day

The Prowler

Happy Birthday to Me

Madhouse

Road Games

[This article is from our archives]

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Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show Ends 36 Year Run

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Piper St. James

The Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Orlando has closed its doors after 36 years of entertainment. But not permanently.

The long running show that combines horror, comedy, and interactive demonstrations is next in line for a makeover at the Florida theme park. Besides the E.T. Adventure, The Horror Make-Up Show is the only other remaining attractions at Universal Orlando from its opening day.

A Brief History of the Make-Up Show

The idea for the show originated from an attraction at Universal Hollywood called The Land of A Thousand Faces. Land ran from 1975-1979. The twenty minute show entertained an audience of up to 1,700 visitors in an open air venue. The show taught the audience about movie makeup. Additionally, two volunteers were chosen to be transformed into the Frankenstein monster and his bride.

Despite the show’s popularity, The Land of A Thousand Faces was closed to make room for a new experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.

An Era of Gods and Monsters

Lon Chaney

Explained with movie clips, Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show explains the humble beginnings of makeup and special effects in horror movies. Starting with the classic Universal monsters such as Frankenstein’s Monster, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Phantom of the Opera, this era heavily features the work of Lon Chaney.

Lon Chaney’s contribution to the world of horror makeup greatly impacted the industry for decades to come. Many of his creations were the results of self experimentation. In fact, his extreme dedication to his craft earned him the nickname “The Man of 1,000 Faces”.

While we do know how he did some of his makeup effects, Chaney took many of these secrets with him to the grave when he died in 1930.

Rick Baker

Another important name in the industry that Horror Make-Up mentions is Rick Baker. Baker created the incredible werewolf transformation in An American Werewolf in London (1981). It was his work in this movie that earned him his first Academy Award for Best Make-up in 1982. This would be the first win for the make-up artist in a long line of achievements.

Perhaps Baker’s second highest achievement was his work in Michael Jackson’s music video Thriller. Baker’s make-up transforms the pop singer into a werewolf among a hoard of zombies. The makeup artist even makes a cameo in the video as one of the undead.

Other movies Baker helped bring to life with his craft include; The Howling, Men in Black, and The Wolfman (2010).

A Blending of Technologies

As seen in An American Werewolf in London, Rick Baker did not only use prosthetics to create horror movie magic. Baker and his team designed the animatronics and “change-o” heads, limbs, and other props to create the groundbreaking transformation from man to werewolf.

The combination of prosthetics placed directly onto the actor in combination with robotics began the blending of technologies used to create the next generation of monsters.

The Horror Make-Up Show continues its education of the genre as technology expanded into the computer era. The final clips shown on screen demonstrates the latest evolution of horror make-up in Universal’s The Mummy (2017).

Computer generated imagery is layered over physical practical effects to create the amazing hieroglyphics covering the character of Ahmanet, played by Sofia Boutella. It is the partnering of these two technologies that the host of the show claims creates the best and most convincing effects in modern day horror.

Moving Forward

Hardcore horror movie fans of the Horror Make-Up Show will be some of the first to say while entertaining, the show is indeed outdated. The names Lon Chaney, Rick Baker, Dick Smith, and Tom Savini certainly deserve to be immortalized in horror history. However, there is so much new blood that should be acknowledged for their contributions to the genre that continues to propel it forward.

Artists such as Damien Leone (Terrifier), Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead), Todd Masters (Final Destination), and Eryn Krueger Mekash (American Horror Story) are all examples that have continued the evolution of visuals in the genre.

Damien Leone, Philip Falcone, and a victim in the make-up chair!

As touched upon in the original Make-Up Show, the best results in movies is when practical effects are blended with computer generated effects. Using just one style versus the other runs the risk of looking “too fake.” Using both techniques can also be more budget friendly and less time consuming for the actor in the make-up chair during the creation process.

The Future of the Horror Make-Up Show

Universal Studios Orlando is expecting to re-open their doors to the new Horror Make-Up Show during the winter of 2026. However, they have not yet announced what changes will be made, or what the future show will look like. The most the theme park has announced is the show will be:

“featuring classic and modern horror properties along with shockingly fun surprises – all while staying true to the comedic and irreverent vibe that guests love.”

What were your favorite moments of Universal Orlando’s original Horror Make-Up Show, and what do you hope they bring to the table when they reopen? Let us know in the comments!

News

Koji Suzuki Built the Well. The Author of ‘Ring’ Trilogy Dies at 68

Published

5 days ago

May 9, 2026

Luna Gray

There is a specific kind of damage Ringu does to you, and it is entirely the phone call’s fault. You get through the whole movie thinking you are watching it from outside, and then Sadako’s voice comes through the receiver, and you realize you were inside it the whole time. Koji Suzuki, who wrote the 1991 novel that started all of this, died May 8 at a hospital in Tokyo. He was 68.

The premise fits on a napkin. There is a cursed videotape, you watch it, a phone call tells you that you have seven days. What Suzuki actually built inside that premise is harder to shake than the premise itself. Sadako is not a slasher villain. She is not hunting you because you wronged her. She is the embodiment of a child who was dropped into a well and has been there ever since, and the curse moving out from her is not really about revenge. It is about the impossibility of forgetting that something terrible happened and nobody came. You cannot outrun a concept like that. You can only try to understand it before the seven days are up.

What He Built

Ring came out in Japan in 1991. Spiral followed in 1995 and immediately went somewhere people who thought they had the series figured out were not expecting, pushing the mythology into science fiction territory that still catches readers off guard. It won the Yoshikawa Eiji Prize for New Writers. Loop completed the trilogy by becoming a meditation on simulation, biology, and what memory actually is, none of which you would expect from a book that started with a videotape.

Suzuki was not a writer who wanted to do the same thing twice. His 1996 collection Dark Water was adapted into a well-regarded Japanese horror film in 2002 and an American remake with Jennifer Connelly in 2005. The story in that collection about the water tank on the roof of the apartment building is one of the most quietly devastating things in his bibliography. The man knew how to use one small wrong detail.

What It Became

Hideo Nakata turned Ring into Ringu in 1998 and something got loose. American horror had spent the 1990s being very clever about how clever it was, doing the Scream thing, making sure you knew it knew the rules. J-Horror walked in from a completely different direction and did not know what a knowing wink was. It was slow and sincere and interested in grief and possession and the residue violence leaves in physical spaces long after the people involved are gone.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse, Takashi Shimizu’s The Grudge, Higuchinsky’s Uzumaki: the entire movement traces back to the ground Suzuki’s novel prepared, and Sadako crawling out of that television became one of the most recognizable images in horror’s last fifty years.

Gore Verbinski made The Ring in 2002 and ensured that anyone who had somehow missed the Japanese original was now on board. Two separate horror renaissances on two different continents inside a decade is not a record that gets broken easily.

What He Meant

Horror has a short list of writers who actually changed what the genre thought it was allowed to do. Suzuki is on that list. Every cursed-content story since, every found footage premise, every creepypasta, every haunted stream, every piece of internet horror built on the idea that something terrible is already moving through the medium you are currently inside: all of it lives downstream from what he started. He wrote a novel about a videotape and it turned out to be about something much harder to shake than a videotape.

He received the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel in 2012 for Edge. The Horror Writers Association gave him the Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

Sadako is still in the well.

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This Week in Horror: The Genre Says Goodbye to Jonathan Tiersten

Published

6 days ago

May 8, 2026

Luna Gray

Not the lightest week the genre has had. Jonathan Tiersten is gone. Zach Cregger just showed what he did with Resident Evil. Cape Fear dropped its full trailer, Dev Patel got to stream for free, and a Japanese liminal horror adaptation quietly landed on digital. A lot happened. Here is all of it.

Jonathan Tiersten, 1965-2026

Jonathan Tiersten, who played Ricky Thomas in the 1983 cult slasher Sleepaway Camp, died at 60 at his New Jersey home. The announcement came May 5. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

Sleepaway Camp is one of those films the genre holds in a very specific kind of regard. Low budget, summer camp, standard slasher setup, and then a finale that has been showing up in “best horror endings” conversations for over forty years. Tiersten’s Ricky is the emotional spine of the film.

He is the cousin trying to protect Angela while the camp turns dangerous around them, and he played it with genuine investment in a way that a lot of low budget horror of that era did not bother to require of its performers.

The horror community is not small, and it does not forget the people who were part of something it loves. Sleepaway Camp is one of those films that impacts conversations about gender and autonomy in a way the original creators would have never imagined. Tiersten will always be remembered, not only for his acting, but also for being a part of something so much bigger than himself.

Zach Cregger Shows What He Did with Resident Evil

The trailer for Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is out, and it has his fingerprints all over it.

Cregger directed Barbarian, a film that works in all the ways it probably should not have, and Sony gave him the next major Resident Evil adaptation. The film stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier who arrives in Raccoon City during the outbreak and does not yet know how screwed he really is.

Resident Evil opens September 18 in theaters and IMAX.

The Cape Fear Trailer

Apple TV+ dropped the full Cape Fear trailer on May 7. Ten episodes. Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson as the Bowden attorneys. Javier Bardem as Max Cady, the killer they helped put away who is now out of prison and looking for them specifically. Bardem is also an executive producer on the series, which means the version of Max Cady on screen is one he had a hand in shaping before cameras rolled.

First two episodes June 5 on Apple TV+, then weekly through July 31.

Rabbit Trap Is Free on Pluto TV

Dev Patel’s Welsh folk horror Rabbit Trap is streaming free on Pluto TV until May 31. Written and directed by Bryn Chainey, produced by Elijah Wood’s SpectreVision, the film is set in 1976 and follows a couple who relocate to an isolated cabin in Wales, disturb a fairy ring, and are visited by a mysterious child who does not have good intentions. Rosy McEwen and Jade Croot co-star with Patel. It is free on Pluto TV until May 31.

Exit 8 Hits Digital

Exit 8 is on digital now via Neon. Directed by Genki Kawamura and based on the liminal horror video game by Kotake Create, it world-premiered in the Midnight section at Cannes 2025 to an eight-minute standing ovation. The film follows a man trapped in an endless sterile subway corridor searching for the exit. It holds a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and is the cleanest possible encapsulation of a very specific internet-era dread.