1988 has a long standing reputation as a horror fan favorite, and it is easy to see why. There are a lot of genuine and cult classics contained within it. Most of the movies are of the fun type, but there is some that are intelligent and thought provoking, a few are even both. Also, a lot of masters of the genre, put out some of their finest work. Another thing, and I think this why it appeals to so many fans, it was a great year for franchise horror. This list reflects all of that. In fact, there are so many good movies released this year that, like 1987, I had to do a rather large honorable mention list.
Honorable Mentions:
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Monkey Shines
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Faceless
Pumpkinhead
Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark
10. Hellbound: Hellraiser II- While not as great as the first the one (then again, not many movies are), this is a solid sequel that gets better with time and viewings. It is shockingly gory and gruesome, and also has a high amount of sexuality, especially for a mainstream horror franchise flick. The movie is also highly ambitious for its budget, has some great acting, and is topped with some nightmarish imagery.
9. The Lair of the White Worm- Ken (
The Devils, Altered States) Russell's wild horror movie is sexy, fun, funny, and, at times, sacrilegious. It also has great acting, wild FX, and a really awesome climax. Amanda Donohue is wonderfully vampy and tempting as the villianess, while the gorgeous Catherine Oxenberg makes for a tasty good girl.
8. Night of the Demons- This immensely fun possession flick has everything that makes 80s horror awesome. These things being: gore, babes (scream queen extraordinaire Linnea Quigley, Amelia Kinkade as goth babe turned demoness Angela, this site's first ever
Horror Crush induction
Jill Terashita, and, my personal favorite, Cathy Podewell), nudity (including Podewell, who by showing her ass is one of the few final girls to show skin), great music, takes place on Halloween, demons (well obliviously!), and so much more!
7. Killer Klowns from Outer Space- Creepy (well for those of you with a fear of clowns, anyway), highly imaginative, and thoroughly fun cult classic, it is one of the greatest movies to have evil clowns as the central antagonists (shit it might even be the best one!). The FX are wonderous, wild, and original. This great parody/ tribute to cheesy '50s sci-fi/ horror flicks, is also one of the greatest horror comedies ever made.
6. Phantasm II- While, it isn't the best entry in the franchise (that would, obliviously be the first one), it is the most fun one. And, this is thanks to humor that is actually funny, fun characters, and solid acting. These factors combine with exhilarating action, excellent FX, and some bloody, good gore. The script delivers a solid story, which in terms of horror sequels, is definitely a pleasant surprise. It is, in my very humble opinion,
one of the best horror sequels ever made.
5. Child's Play- This wonderfully imaginative killer doll movie is the first and best in
horror's greatest franchise. The practical FX are truly phenomenal and the strong acting further help to elevate the film's quality. Add in some memorable and quotable quotes, the introduction of one of horror's most beloved villains (Chucky, of course!), and a great climax, and you have a true genre classic.
4. Dead Ringers- David Cronenberg's somber, profoundly chilling, and disturbing classic powerfully mixes psychological horror and drama. The acting by Jeremy Irons is superb, one of the greatest in the entire genre, if we are to be honest. The movie also happens to be visually great. This highly mature classic has a power that stays with you long after it is over, especially thanks to the final shot. Truly one of Cronenberg's best work.
3. They Live- One of his best movie, John Carpenter's classic mix of action, sci-fi, socio-political commentary, and horror only gets better with time and multiple viewings. The scariest thing is that it is even more culturally and politically relevant with the current administration. The movie is also thrilling, smart, and quite funny, with Roddy Piper giving one of the greatest performances by a pro-wrestler ever. And, speaking of which, it is impossible to not mention the awesomeness of the ten minute fight between him and Keith David.
2. Brain Damage- Frank Henelotter is one of my favorite directors, so when I say that this cult classic is his best movie, it is no small praise. This low budget masterpiece is a smart, bloody, and funny allegory for drug addiction. It features great effects, solid acting, and an ingenious plot, on top of being a great looking flick. It's a movie that is head and bloody shoulders ahead of much of its competition.
1. The Blob- Chuck (
A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors) Russell's graphic, fast paced, exhilarating, and super fun flick is one of the greatest remakes ever made. The gooey FX are excellent, the gore is plentiful, the acting is solid, and Shawnee Smith is a total babe (
and a Horror Crush!). This ass kicking sci-fi/ horror flick makes the perfect companion as a triple feature with
The Thing and
Aliens (all of which topped their respective years, as well!).
Sorry, if it has been taking longer between posts for this series, but I have had a lot of work, on top of reviews (of which more are coming) that I do for this site. Anyway, what are your favorite horror movies of 1988? Let me know in the comments section below. And, here are the rest of the lists, so far.
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