10 Great 1980s Horror Movies That Deserve Sequels

1.Videodrome

1983

Hailing from the creative mind of body-horror maestro David Cronenberg, Videodrome delves into the realm of technology-driven terror. The narrative follows a TV station executive as he unravels a nightmarish conspiracy that blurs the lines between man and machine. With its grotesque imagery and a young James Woods at the helm, Videodrome's initial box office reception belied its eventual cult status.

Flesh gun coming out of a TV in Videodrome - 1983 - Videodrome

Videodrome, directed by David Cronenberg, stands as a seminal work in the realm of technology-driven horror. The film's exploration of the blurred lines between man and machine, coupled with its grotesque imagery, has solidified its place as a cult classic. Despite its initial mixed reception at the box office, Videodrome's thought-provoking themes and James Woods' captivating performance make it a prime candidate for a sequel that further delves into the nightmarish conspiracy it presents.

2.Near Dark

1987

Directed by the acclaimed Kathryn Bigelow, Near Dark merges vampires with Western aesthetics in a moody and atmospheric narrative. The film tracks a young man's journey into a nomadic biker gang of vampires, blending horror, romance, and comedy with finesse. Despite its unique premise and stellar performances, Near Dark never expanded into a full-fledged series.

The vampires standing on a hill in Near Dark - 1987 - Near Dark

Near Dark, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, offers a fresh and unique take on the vampire genre. Combining elements of Western aesthetics with horror, romance, and comedy, the film showcases Bigelow's mastery of blending genres. Despite its positive critical reception and cult following, Near Dark never received the sequel treatment it deserves. A potential sequel could further explore the captivating world of the nomadic vampire biker gang and delve deeper into the complex dynamics between its characters.

3.The Thing

1982

John Carpenter's masterpiece, The Thing, stands as a pinnacle of Antarctic isolation horror. The insidious threat of a shape-shifting entity consuming all in its path captivated audiences, yet the film never saw a direct sequel, leaving unresolved questions about the fate of its characters.

Norris-Thing from The Thing 1982 - 1982 - The Thing

The Thing, directed by John Carpenter, remains a beloved classic in the realm of horror. Its chilling portrayal of an Antarctic research team facing an otherworldly shape-shifting entity continues to captivate audiences. Despite the film's critical acclaim and intense suspense, a direct sequel to The Thing has never materialized, leaving fans with unanswered questions about the fate of its characters. A sequel could delve deeper into the origins and nature of the creature, providing a thrilling continuation of the story set in the desolate Antarctic landscape.

4.Dead & Buried

1981

Banned briefly in the UK for its graphic content, Dead & Buried offers a unique blend of mystery and horror. Following a Sheriff's investigation into a series of gruesome murders, the film uncovers a dark secret that challenges genre conventions. Its visceral storytelling and tense plot dynamics set it apart, despite its lack of a sequel.

The buried head on the poster for Dead and Buried. - 1981 - Dead & Buried

Dead & Buried, directed by Gary Sherman, presents a gripping and unconventional tale of murder and mystery. The film's graphic content briefly led to its ban in the UK, but its unique approach to storytelling and genre conventions make it an intriguing candidate for a sequel. Expanding on the dark secret unveiled in the film and delving deeper into the suspenseful plot dynamics could provide audiences with a thrilling continuation that explores the depths of horror and mystery.

5.The Changeling

1980

A haunting tale of a composer's encounter with the supernatural, The Changeling is a masterclass in ghostly suspense. George C. Scott's portrayal of a grieving protagonist navigating a haunted mansion sets the stage for a chilling narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

John Russell in The Changeling - 1980 - The Changeling

The Changeling, directed by Peter Medak, stands as a haunting masterpiece in the realm of supernatural horror. George C. Scott's compelling performance and the film's atmospheric suspense create an unforgettable experience for audiences. While The Changeling's narrative is self-contained, a sequel could further explore the depths of the haunted mansion and delve into the chilling history that permeates its walls. By expanding on the ghostly suspense and introducing new characters, a sequel has the potential to captivate audiences once again.

6.They Live

1988

John Carpenter's They Live blends action and horror in a dystopian narrative of alien control. The film's social commentary and iconic imagery resonate even today, making its lack of a sequel a missed opportunity to further explore its terrifying world.

An alien standing before an OBEY sign in They Live - 1988 - They Live

They Live, directed by John Carpenter, remains a cult classic known for its social commentary and iconic imagery. The film's exploration of alien control and manipulation through subliminal messages continues to resonate with audiences. Despite its lasting impact, They Live never received a sequel, leaving its dystopian world unexplored. A sequel could delve deeper into the resistance movement against the alien overlords, further exposing their hidden agenda and expanding on the themes of social control and rebellion.

7.Opera

1987

A modern take on Phantom of the Opera, Opera weaves a slasher narrative with Giallo horror elements. Set in a theater haunted by a deranged killer, the film delves into themes of obsession and artistic pride with vivid detail, hinting at a potential for further exploration.

Opera 1987 - 1987 - Opera

Opera, directed by Dario Argento, offers a visually stunning and intense experience for horror enthusiasts. Its blend of slasher narrative and Giallo horror elements creates a unique atmosphere of suspense and terror. While Opera's story is self-contained, the film's exploration of obsession and artistic pride could be expanded upon in a sequel. Further delving into the haunting theater and the deranged killer's motives would provide audiences with a thrilling continuation that embraces the film's distinctive style and themes.

8.Possession

1981

Controversial and censored, Possession merges espionage and horror in a nightmarish tale of divorce and supernatural intrigue. The film's blend of genres and psychological horror elements set it apart, despite its censorship hindering any chances of a sequel.

Anna (Isabelle Adjani) and Mark (Sam Neill) walk through the street covered in blood in Possession - 1981 - Possession

Possession, directed by Andrzej Żuławski, stands as a controversial and thought-provoking work of horror. Its blend of espionage, supernatural intrigue, and psychological horror creates a nightmarish narrative that leaves a lasting impact. Despite its critical acclaim, Possession's censorship hindered any opportunity for a sequel. However, a continuation of the story could further explore the unsettling dynamics between the characters and delve deeper into the supernatural elements that drive the plot, providing audiences with a thrilling and mind-bending experience.

9.Night Of The Comet

1984

Night of the Comet offers a unique spin on the post-apocalyptic zombie narrative, infused with neon-colored satire. The film's blend of comedy and horror in the aftermath of a cosmic event presents an untapped potential for a sequel exploring its vibrant world further.

Night of the Comet poster - 1984 - Night Of The Comet

Night of the Comet, directed by Thom Eberhardt, stands out as a cult classic in the post-apocalyptic genre. Its infusion of comedy and horror, along with its neon-colored aesthetic, creates a unique and vibrant world that begs to be further explored. The film's aftermath of a cosmic event that turns most of humanity into dust offers a rich backdrop for a potential sequel. By delving deeper into the surviving characters' struggles and introducing new challenges in the post-apocalyptic landscape, a sequel could offer audiences a fresh and entertaining continuation of the story.

10.The Burning

1981

A hidden gem in the slasher genre, The Burning's intense gore and suspenseful plot set it apart. Despite drawing inspiration from iconic slasher tropes, the film's visceral impact and tension make it a compelling standalone horror experience that could have paved the way for a franchise.

Todd looking scared in The Burning. - 1981 - The Burning

The Burning, directed by Tony Maylam, remains a hidden gem in the slasher genre. While it draws inspiration from iconic tropes, the film's intense gore and suspenseful plot set it apart. The Burning's visceral impact and tension make it a standout horror experience that could have potentially paved the way for a franchise. By exploring the origins and motivations of the film's iconic villain, Cropsy, a sequel could further delve into the slasher's terrifying world, providing audiences with more gruesome thrills and memorable kills.