When we were creating our post of the best movie franchises created in the ‘80s, we realized that there were a ton of horror franchises specifically that began in the ‘80s. It’s no surprise given the general slasher vibes of the decade! That prompted us to go ahead and give these horror franchises their own separate post, right here, right now. As a reminder, to be included, the franchise had to begin in the ‘80s, and has to have at least three movies at the time of this posting. So let’s get on with it – the best ’80s horror movie franchises!
Friday the 13th
The Friday the 13th franchise, born in the early 1980s, left an indelible mark on the horror genre by introducing the iconic character Jason Voorhees. Known for its inventive kills, it helped popularize the slasher subgenre. The formula of a relentless, masked killer stalking teenagers at a remote location became a staple of ’80s horror, influencing countless imitators. Jason’s hockey mask remains one of the most recognizable symbols in horror. As of now, there have been 12 films in the franchise, with a television prequel series currently in development.
Child's Play
Child’s Play brought Chucky, the murderous doll, into the horror pantheon in the late 1980s. This franchise blended supernatural elements with a twisted sense of humor, expanding the possibilities for killer dolls and inanimate objects in horror. Chucky’s one-liners and violent antics defined the character and helped shape the subgenre of killer toys, influencing films like Annabelle and Dead Silence. The original film spawned six sequels, a television series, a remake, comic books, a video game, and tie-in merchandise.
Predator
Predator, released in 1987, combined science fiction and horror in a unique way. The film introduced the alien Predator, an intergalactic hunter, who stalked soldiers in a jungle. This franchise’s mix of action and horror elevated the creature feature subgenre. The Predator’s iconic design and advanced technology have made it a lasting presence in pop culture, inspiring numerous sequels, crossovers, and adaptations.
Poltergeist
Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg’s Poltergeist franchise, starting in 1982, redefined supernatural horror. It focused on the malevolent forces that haunt a suburban family. The franchise’s emphasis on paranormal phenomena within everyday settings influenced later horror films like The Conjuring series. Its portrayal of haunted houses as sites of terror continues to be a hallmark of the genre. The original series featured three films, with a reboot also being released in 2015, with another possible remake also in the works.
The Evil Dead
Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead series, originating in 1981, ushered in a new era of low-budget, DIY horror. The franchise’s unique blend of horror and dark humor set it apart. It inspired a wave of independent filmmakers, demonstrating that creativity and ingenuity could overcome budget limitations. Its impact is evident in modern horror’s embrace of practical effects and inventive storytelling. So far, there have been five films in the franchise, along with a television series, video games, and comic books.
Critters
Critters, released in 1986, brought humor and horror to the realm of extraterrestrial creatures. This franchise showcased small, carnivorous aliens wreaking havoc on Earth. Its blend of campy humor and B-movie aesthetics has influenced a subgenre of creature features. The tiny, destructive aliens left a memorable mark on ’80s horror with five films in the franchise, making a recent comeback with a streaming series.
Hellraiser
Clive Barker’s Hellraiser series, beginning in 1987, delved into the realms of sadomasochism and the supernatural. It introduced the Cenobites, otherworldly beings who embody pleasure and pain. Hellraiser pushed the boundaries of horror with its disturbing imagery and exploration of taboo subjects. Its influence is seen in the persistence of body horror and the fascination with the dark side of desire in the genre. Though not as well-known as some of the other series, there have been 11 films in the franchise, which is quite something!
Return of the Living Dead
The Return of the Living Dead, released in 1985, added a punk rock sensibility to zombie horror. Unlike traditional zombies, these undead could think and talk, adding dark humor to the mix. This franchise played a pivotal role in shaping the zombie subgenre’s evolution, though its first film was really the only one that did well despite four sequels.
Sleepaway Camp
Sleepaway Camp, starting in 1983, embraced the slasher subgenre but added its own unique twist – a shocking and controversial ending that has become legendary in horror lore. This franchise’s bold approach to gender identity and sexuality made it a cult classic. It remains a prime example of how horror can be a platform for social commentary and subversion in storytelling.
What was your favorite ‘80s horror movie franchise? Let us know in the comments!
- Jason Voorhees did not don his iconic hockey mask in the first Friday the 13th film – he didn’t wear it until the third installment.
- The original Good Guy doll used in the Child’s Play film, named Chucky, was a My Buddy doll with its hair and overalls customized for the role.
- Critters is often compared to Gremlins, another iconic ’80s creature feature. In fact, both films were released in 1986 and contributed to the popularity of small, mischievous creatures.
- The concept of zombies eating brains was invented by the Return of the Living Dead series.
- Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator in the original Predator film, but after issues with the costume, he was replaced by Kevin Peter Hall.
- Jason Voorhees did not don his iconic hockey mask in the first Friday the 13th film – he didn’t wear it until the third installment.
- The original Good Guy doll used in the Child’s Play film, named Chucky, was a My Buddy doll with its hair and overalls customized for the role.
- Critters is often compared to Gremlins, another iconic ’80s creature feature. In fact, both films were released in 1986 and contributed to the popularity of small, mischievous creatures.
- The concept of zombies eating brains was invented by the Return of the Living Dead series.
- Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator in the original Predator film, but after issues with the costume, he was replaced by Kevin Peter Hall.
