The '80s were a great time for horror flicks, weren't they? With series like Halloween, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street all getting their hooks into the collective meat of viewers everywhere, business was good for the slasher genre.
It was so good in fact, the genre saw a massive boom throughout the decade. But not every film was as iconic, have a look at these ten forgotten flicks.
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
When people think of My Bloody Valentine, they tend to think more about the cheesy 3D remake. How soon they forget that Harry Warden first appeared in this Canadian original. The film is criminally underrated, with a more traditional slasher vibe and no hokey 3D required. With scares, surprises, and enough blood-splatter to go around, Harry's guaranteed to steal more than a few hearts.
Prom Night (1980)
Jamie Lee Curtis has always been a legendary scream queen, but certain modern audiences forget that she had a few more horror hits outside of the Halloween series. One of the better-known films on this list would have to be Prom Night, a high school slasher flick that favors the simple but effective.
A masked stalker, a group of teens, and a sharp hatchet, what more do you need for an 80s scream fest?
Terror Train (1980)
A slasher picking off college students on a train? Sure, why not? If you know this movie at all, you know it for two things. First, you'll know it features Jamie Lee Curtis, once again in a scream queen role. Second, you'll know it features the one and only David Copperfield as the movie's magician doing what he does best. It's not exactly the most iconic movie on our list, but the concept of the film is at least worth a watch.
The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
The title might look misleading, but consider the following before making any judgments. This version is definitely more of a traditional slasher flick by having the Phantom be a masked madman with an array of weapons, a sizable victims list with plenty of gore, and even calling on the talents of Robert Englund to be the man behind the mask. Eat your heart out, Lon Chaney.
Clownhouse (1989)
The only thing scarier than a house full of evil clowns is what went on behind the scenes in this flick directed by Jeepers Creepers creator, Victor Salva. Though there's not much in the way of guts and gore, but this is still one unsettling film.
The plot is simple yet sinister, a group of escaped inmates steals a trio of clown costumes and stalks three brothers who are home alone. 100% nightmare fuel.
Blood Harvest (1987)
Tiny Tim is an evil clown, that's all anyone really needs to know about this movie before diving in. While it's premise is a tad cliche and the slasher elements take more than a few things from Friday the 13th, it's somewhat self-aware and that makes it watchable.
What sells the film is seeing such a friendly persona like Tiny Tim go absolutely insane. It's more than a bit jarring.
The Burning (1981)
Along with the previously mentioned Friday the 13th, The Burning was one of the films that helped ignite the slasher craze of the 80s. Although the film was overlooked by the bucketfuls when it first released, it's become somewhat of a cult classic. It's a standard summer camp slasher flick with a deformed serial killer wanting revenge, but one that's seriously underestimated.
The Prowler (1981)
A slasher clad in military fatigues might seem a little clunky, but The Prowler is an early slasher film that had a lot of dedication from its crew and cast.
With some surprisingly incredible directing, impressive gore effects by Tom Savini, and a distinct flavor for a film of its genre, it's highly underrated even to this day.
The House on Sorority Row (1982)
Killer clown fans will more than likely have forgotten The House on Sorority Row, but its status as a forgotten flick isn't because it's bad, but because of the title. College slashers were a dime a dozen with films like The Dorm That Dripped With Blood, Final Exam, and The Sorority House Massacre. This one, however, featured death by Jack-in-the-box, a seriously creepy clown character, and more than enough carnage.
The Funhouse (1981)
From the mind of Texas Chainsaw Massacre director, Tobe Hooper comes The Funhouse. Easily the most underrated and underappreciated film on our list, this trip to the carnival is anything but fun and games. With a colorful and creative setting, a cast of wild characters, and one seriously overlooked monster, The Funhouse is a flick that deserves a second chance. Don't be afraid to throw it on next Halloween.