Creature features have been around since the early days of cinema and have become a staple of horror films. The term creature feature was popularized with TV blocks like Shock and Creature Features that broadcasted older movies like Universal Studios' The Wolf-Man, Dracula, The Mummy, Frankenstein, etc.
These movies featured a paranormal creature(s) that were either discovered and/or resulted from a human being transformed after becoming infected by said creature. They usually aired on Friday or Saturday nights. The '80s was a booming period for horror and produced a plethora of creature features that are today regarded as classics.
The Blob (1988) – 6.5
A remake of the 1958 film of the same name, The Blob followed the same premise of a gelatinous alien substance that dissolved everything and anyone in its path and alarmingly grew in size. Fans were mesmerized by the gruesome special effects that were supplied by Tony Gardner and his team.
However, some felt the remake didn't capture the same charm the original movie did. In an interview with Starlog, director Chuck Russell pondered whether its comedic factor contributed to the film's mediocre reception with critics.
The Howling (1981) – 6.6
Based on the book of the same name, The Howling was one of many werewolf movies released in the 1980s. The move followed TV anchor Karen White (Dee Wallace) visiting a resort known as the "Colony" after a traumatic incident. However, she soon realized it's populated with malicious werewolves.
Viewers were impressed by the film's groundbreaking special effects that were chiefly handled by Rob Bottin, Wallace's and Robert Picard's performances, and humor. The film spawned several sequels that were notoriously subpar compared to the first.
The Re-Animator (1985) – 7.2
Slightly based on H.P. Lovecraft's Herbert West-Reanimator. The movie starred Jeffrey Combs as a medical student named Herbert West who conceived a method to revive corpses.
However, its conception and misuse resulted in an appalling and deadly series of events. Fans dug Combs' disturbing performance, the spine-tingling gore, lifelike effects, and its sufficient mesh of comedy and horror. After its release, the movie developed a cult following. Entertainment Weekly ranked it #32 among its The Top 50 Cult Films. Its success resulted in two sequels where Combs returned to portray West.
Gremlins (1984) – 7.3
According to the Behind the Scenes of Gremlins, Screenwriter Chris Columbus (who also wrote Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Home Alone) was inspired to write Gremlins after hearing eerie, animalistic sounds outside his New York apartment. A film about deceivingly-adorable, fluffy critters who metamorphosized into lizard-like cretins, Gremlins was a hit with audiences.
While they appreciated the horror-comedy medley and script, viewers were big fans of the Gremlins themselves. However, some took issue with the violence in the film. In this regard, according to IndieWire, the film made such a big impression with the MPAA it contributed to the creation of the PG-13 rating.
An American Werewolf in London (1981) – 7.5
Written and directed by John Landis, according to a The Telegraph interview, An American Werewolf in London's premise was based on an experience Landis had while working Kelly's Heroes where he witnessed a gypsy funeral. He noticed the corpse was buried with their feet sticking up. His guide then informed him they did so the body couldn't come back.
While there was some skepticism about Landis producing a horror film as he'd mainly worked on comedies, the movie performed well at the box office and became a fan favorite. Viewers enjoyed the story, setting, and blending of horror and comedy but were mostly astonished by the practical effects which were designed by Rick Baker and his team. The film won an Oscar for Best Makeup in 1982 (when the award was first established).
The Fly (1986) – 7.6
What started as a reboot of a 1958 movie with the same name became one of the most acclaimed horror-sci-fi movies of the '80s. A movie about scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) who slowly turned into a fly-hybrid after a lab accident, The Fly was sublime in all respects.
The Fly delivered in almost every area, be it Cronenberg's directing, the chilling music by Howard Shore, Goldblum's and Geena Davis' performances, the writing, or the special effects by Chris Wallas (who also worked on Gremlins), Stephan Dupuis and their crew. The following March after its release, Wallas and Dupuis won the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hair. Interestingly, Wallas directed it sequel The Fly II.
The Evil Dead (1981) – 7.5
Written and directed by Sam Rami. The Evil Dead follows five college students who, while vacationing at a cabin, find a book that unleashes demonic spirits. The movie was a passion project for Rami who, along with the film's lead Bruce Campbell (and donations), financed the project.
Needless to say, after a prosperous theater run, a sequel was released in 1987. Critics and audiences celebrated the film's special effects, fear factor, humor, and Campbell's charismatic performance.
Predator (1987) – 7.8
During a rescue mission, a US special ops group encounters a dangerous alien who's able to camouflage at will. The film starred legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and had prolific voice actor Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) supplying the title character's voice.
Predator was praised for its directing, bombastic action, special effects, climax, and memorable dialogue. Since its release, three sequels have been produced. Additionally, Predator appeared in two cross-over movies with the creature from the Alien series – Alien vs. Predator and Alien vs. Predator: Requiem.
The Thing (1982) – 8.1
Starring Kurt Russell and directed by John Carpenter, The Thing was a loose remake of The Thing From Another World (1951). The movie released to initially negative reviews attributed to the film's characters, music, and nauseating scenes.
However, The Thing was hailed for its top-notch special effects. The film's original negative jurisdiction was later overturned by its positive video and TV release. In a poll conducted by Rolling Stones, The Thing was ranked the ninth-best horror film of all time.
Aliens (1986) – 8.3
In the sequel to 1979's Alien, Sigourney Weaver returned to play Ripley and fight a horde of aliens. Despite the film's tumultuous production, Aliens was financially and critically well-received.
Viewers were thrilled by the intense action and suspense, spectacular creature effects, the great acting from Weaver and the supporting cast, James Cameron's directing, and the score supplied by James Horner. Some might even argue that Aliens surpassed the original.