The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1983

1983 is a year that while not as strong as 1982, is still a solid year for the genre. For there are some genuine classics, including two that rank among the best work from one of the genre's greatest directors: David Cronenberg.

Honorable Mentions:
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Christine
A Blade in the Dark

10. Angst- This disturbing but slow Austrian, arthouse horror flick, will appeal to horror fans who are both open minded and prefer their genre material to be more on the more graphic side of things. It also features some very innovative camerawork.

9. Olivia- From director Ulli (The Boogeyman) Lommel comes this complex mix of drama, romance, and psychological horror. The suspense in certain scenes will have you fists clenched while you watch them. It also features some very strong acting especially from the absolutely gorgeous Suzanna Love, whose performance has pathos and is both innocent and sexy. While, there are exploitation elements, it might not be movie you think it is. In fact, there is a feminist undertone to it, as well as a well done romance. Highly underrated and not seen by nearly enough people, the excellent Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome is hopefully changing that.

8. Psycho II- Making a sequel to Psycho, a film rightfully thought of as one of the greatest horror films ever made as well as one Alfred Hitchcock's very best, is no easy feat. Yet, Richard (Patrick) Franklin does a damn good job with this enthralling flick. It's very well acted, especially by Anthony Perkins, has some bloody violence, and a very well done climax. The ending always leaves me a little torn on how much I actually like it. But, it's a damn good movie no matter how you cut it (pun intended).

7. The Deadly Spawn- This sci-fi/ horror flick accomplishes a lot despite its low budget. The monsters look fucking awesome, and there is some graphic and bloody gore. It's a lot of fun and way better than a bunch of flicks who just rip-off Alien. Plus, the ending is truly fucking awesome!

6. The Hunger- Tony (True Romance) Scott's bloodsucker movie is super stylish, beautiful, and sexy. In fact, I would go as far as saying that it is the sexiest mainstream/ big studio vampire movie ever made. The make-up FX by Dick Smith is excellent, especially when it comes to the old age make-up on David Bowie. The much talked about lesbian love scenes between Catherine Denevue and Susan Sarandon are hot and add to the proactive feel of this cult favorite.

5. Sleepaway Camp- This infamous, classic slasher is one of the best of the over-saturated sub-genre. The movie is alternately fun, mean spirited, and sleazy. It is also really easy to like, as it is filled with memorable characters and equally memorable lines. Plus, it has one of the greatest endings in all of cinema, not just horror.

4. The Dead Zone- It comes as no shock to anyone with a knowledge of horror and film that one of the greatest Stephen King adaptations ever made comes from David Cronenberg. This quiet, yet powerful and emotional mix of drama and horror works on multiple levels, far surpassing some of the more empty headed King flicks of its time. The mostly restrained and sympathetic performance by Christopher Walken ranks among his best work. Meanwhile, Martin Sheen's character is truly one of the best villains in King films. One that has become frighteningly timely, as a certain reality TV star became president of the United States in real life...

3. Cujo- Right off the bat, I have to tell you guys, that this is quite possibly my favorite Stephen King movie (the book's my favorite King novel). Even though, I am a tried and true dog lover, I still love this movie. The flick has a slow build that leads into one of the most absolutely nerve-shredding movies ever made. The dog attacks are jarring, and the acting, especially from Dee Wallace Stone (who gives her finest performance), are excellent. I firmly believe that all of this amounts to the scariest King movie ever made.

2. 10 to Midnight- This mix of psycho thriller, slasher horror, and cop action flick is the closest 80s Charles Bronson ever came to appearing in a genre film. Regardless, there are enough elements to count it as a genre film, including some really good suspense. The acting is also solid, with a creepy villain (inspired by a mix of real serial killers) and a badass hero in Bronson's character. The movie is pure Cannon film-making at its best, being violent, bloody, sleazy, and simply put, pure, high quality exploitation cinema. And, the ending is the very definition of fucking awesome!

1. Videodrome- One of David Cronenberg's absolute best films (which in, of itself, is saying A LOT!), this sci-fi/ horror classic was light years ahead of what others were doing at the time and. honestly, remains so. The movie is smart, complex, horrific, and very provocative. It is a profound work of art, whose messages become clearer with each viewing. These include the themes of sex and violence in entertainment, reality vs. video, the ever growing world of TV and movies, and much more. In short, this thought provoking masterpiece is truly 1983's best horror film.




What are your favorite horror movies of 1983? Let me know in the comments section below. And, be sure to see the years that I have already ranked movies in by following the links below:

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1980
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1981
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1982

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Shudder: July 2020 Highlights for US

SHUDDER ORIGINAL/EXCLUSIVE MOVIES

METAMORPHOSIS (premieres Thursday, July 2)

In this fresh spin on a demonic possession story, Joong-Su, an exorcist, must face a demon he tragically failed to defeat in the past when it targets his brother’s family next. The demon assumes the form of different family members to sow confusion and distrust, destroying the unit from within. With his loved ones in peril, Joong-Su must face the demon again, at the risk of his own life.  Starring Bae Sung-Woo, Sung Dong-Il and Jang Young-Nam. Directed by Hong-Seon Kim. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK) Trailer: https://youtu.be/zdF-FC8VJI0 

THE BEACH HOUSE (premieres Thursday, July 9)

Escaping to a family's beach house to reconnect, Emily and Randall find their off-season trip interrupted by Mitch and Jane, an older couple acquainted with Randall’s estranged father. Unexpected bonds form as the couples let loose and enjoy the isolation, but it all takes an ominous turn as increasingly strange environmental phenomena begin to warp their peaceful evening. As the effects of an infection become evident, Emily struggles to make sense of the contagion before it’s too late. Starring Liana Liberato, Noah Le Gros, Jake Weber and Maryanne Nagel, directed by Jeffrey A. Brown. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK) 

LAKE OF DEATH (premieres Thursday, July 16)

A year after her twin brother died a mysterious death, Lillian and her friends head to the old family cabin to say their goodbyes. But soon after they arrive, eerie and gruesome events begin to occur. As the lines between reality and Lillian's nightmares blur, she must fight both an external and internal struggle to stay alive. Is a horrific local legend becoming reality, or is the real enemy among them?

Director Nini Bull Robsahm (Amnesia) took inspiration from Norway’s popular 1942 novel (and later film adaptation) of the same name (De dødes tjern), credited with sparking the country’s interest in horror. Robsahm shot Lake of Death on stunning 35mm and brought on Academy Award-winner Bob Murawski (Army of Darkness, Drag Me to Hell, The Hurt Locker) to edit. Starring Iben Akerlie, Jacob Andersen Schøyen, Jonathan Harboe, Sophia Lie and Elias Mun. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)  

IMPETIGORE (premieres Thursday, July 23)

(Sundance 2020 Official Selection) After surviving a murder attempt in the city, Maya, a down-on-her-luck young woman, learns that she may inherit a house in her ancestral village. With her friend Dini, Maya returns to the village of her birth, unaware that the community there has been trying to locate and kill her to remove the curse that has plagued the village for years. As she begins to discover the complicated reality about her past, Maya finds herself in a fight for her life. Starring Tara Basro, Ario Bayu, Marissa Anita, Christine Hakim, Asmara Abigail, directed by Joko Anwar (Satan’s Slaves, another Shudder Original). A SHUDDER ORIGINAL (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK) 

International Trailer: https://youtu.be/UH6vCL0Z0iM 

IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS (premieres Thursday, July 30)

Tracking major theatrical releases, obscure titles and straight-to-video gems, this four-plus-hour documentary explores ‘80s horror films year-by-year. Topics include groundbreaking practical effects; the home-video revolution; poster art and project marketing; creative and budgetary challenges; sound design and musical scores; the 3-D resurgence; heroes and villains; sex, nudity and “the final girl” controversy; and the pop culture context that fueled the genre. Filled with countless clips and entertaining moments, In Search of Darkness is a nostalgia trip through a game-changing decade, as told by both experts and the icons who influenced the modern landscape of genre cinema.

Featuring Tom Atkins, Doug Bradley, Joe Bob Briggs, Darcy the Mail Girl, Lori Cardille, John Carpenter, Nick Castle, Larry Cohen, Jeffrey Combs,  Barbara Crampton, Sean S. Cunningham, Joe Dante, Keith David, Katie Featherston, Mick Garris, Michael Gingold, Stuart Gordon, Andre Gower, Spencer Hickman,  Kane Hodder, Tom Holland, Graham Humphreys, James A. Janisse, Lloyd Kaufman, Eric Kurland , Heather Langenkamp, Don Mancini, Harry Manfredini, Kelli Maroney, Robbi Morgan, Bill Moseley, Greg Nicotero, Phil Nobile Jr., Cassandra Peterson, Mike Redman, James Rolfe, Ken Sagoes, Ben Scrivens, Mark Shostrom,  Corey Taylor, Cecil Trachenburg, Ryan Turek, Caroline Williams, Alex Winter, Heather Wixson, Tom Woodruff Jr., and Brian Yuzna,. Directed by David A. Weiner. A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/T_kgOn4ymmQ 

NEW MOVIES FOR JULY

July 1

THE BURNING (Director: Tony Maylam)

When an ill-advised prank misfires, summer camp caretaker Cropsy is committed to hospital with hideous burns. Released after five years, hospital officials warn him not to blame the young campers who caused his disfigurement. But no sooner is Cropsy back on the streets than he’s headed back to camp with a rusty pair of shears in hand, determined to exact his bloody revenge. Starring Brian Matthews, Leah Ayres, Brian Backer, Jason Alexander.  (Also available on Shudder Canada)

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (Director: Dan O’Bannon)

Two employees of a medical supply company accidentally release a toxic gas that raises up the dead. Soon the area is overrun with flesh-eating residents of the local cemetery who are hungry… for human brains. Starring Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, Thom Mathews, Miguel Nunez, Brian Peck and Linnea Quigley.  (Also available on Shudder Canada)

SLEEPAWAY CAMP (Director: Robert Hiltzik)

SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS (Director: Michael A. Simpson)

SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND (Director: Michael A. Simpson)

Bad campers meet brutal ends in this cult favorite ‘80s slasher series. In the first film, slightly traumatized and painfully shy Angela Baker is sent away to summer camp with her cousin. Not long after Angela's arrival, things start to go horribly wrong for anyone with ill intentions. Who's the secret killer? And what's behind their murderous motivation? Things start out campy but get nastier and nastier until the shocking (and problematic) ending. In the sequel, the grisly murders that terrorized Camp Arawak six years earlier have become beloved ghost stories around Camp Rolling Hills. But as the campers uncover the truth behind the murders, their carefree days at summer camp come to a violent end. And in the series’ third chapter set at a camp for troubled youths, the psychotic killer that has roamed the woods and been the topic of many ghost stories is still lurking about. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

July 2

METAMORPHOSIS (see above for details)

July 6

JERUZALEM (Directors: The PAZ Brothers)

In this award-winning supernatural horror, two American girls on vacation follow a mysterious and handsome anthropology student on a trip to Jerusalem. The party is cut short when the trio are caught in the middle of a biblical apocalypse. Trapped between the ancient walls of the holy city, the three travelers must survive long enough to find a way out as the fury of hell is unleashed upon them. Starring Yael Grobglas, Yon Tumarkin, Danielle Jadelyn. 

July 9

THE BEACH HOUSE (see above for details)

July 13

MANIAC COP (Director: William Lustig)

MANIAC COP 2 (Director: William Lustig)

MANIAC COP III: BADGE OF SILENCE (Director: William Lustig)

Two New York policemen (Tom Atkins, Bruce Campbell) and a policewoman (Laurene Landon) search for a killer in uniform who should be dead. In the sequel, the "Maniac Cop" is back from the dead and stalking the streets of New York once more. And in part three, when footage is doctored to place blame for a hostage’s death on a comatose officer, the “Maniac Cop” takes it upon himself to exact revenge upon those responsible for smearing her name. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

July 16

LAKE OF DEATH (see above for details)

July 20

NINA FOREVER (Directors: Ben & Chris Blaine)

Holly wants to prove she’s not some prude, but when she starts dating the brooding Rob, she’s not expecting a three-way relationship with a rotting corpse. Though the dead-ish Nina’s blood can be washed out of the sheets, the couple have to go to greater lengths to give her soul peace—if that’s even possible. Starring Cian Barry, Abigail Hardingham, Fiona O'Shaughnessy.

THE POOL (Director: Ping Lumpraploeng)

In this simple yet surprising film, a young couple find themselves trapped in a 20’-deep swimming pool with no way out—and that’s only the beginning of their problems. Starring Theeradej Wongpuapan, Ratnamon Ratchiratham. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK). 

July 23

IMPETIGORE (see above for details)

July 27

PATRICK (Director: Richard Franklin)

A comatose patient uses telekinesis to kill in this terrifying Australian horror classic. Lying quietly in his hospital bed, one might mistake Patrick for a hopeless case. But Patrick’s more than meets the eye, and when he becomes fixated on his nurse, he starts using his powers to stop anyone who tries to come between them. Starring Susan Penhaligon, Robert Helpmann, Rod Mullinar. (Also available on Shudder Canada).

TURKEY SHOOT (Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith)

In a dystopian future, a group of prisoners become targets in a state-sponsored hunting game called a “turkey shoot,” where they’ll be preyed upon by evil gun-toting government officials. If the prisoners survive, they’ll be set free. But the prisoners don’t want to take that chance, and soon the totalitarian rulers find themselves with targets on their backs. One of Ozploitation horror king Brian Trenchard-Smith’s greatest films. Starring Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, Michael Craig. (Also available on Shudder Canada).

July 30

IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS (see above for details)

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The 20 Best Horror Movie Endings Ever

An ending can make or break a movie. While, a shitty one could greatly hurt or even kill it, an awesome one can raise it to the next level. Even an OK or mediocre movie is elevated by a great ending. In the case of the horror film, a great ending can deliver that extra shock, scare,twist, or kick in the fucking teeth. Here then, are the best of the best, finales that their respective films on an exceptionally high note. Also, let me make this abundantly clear: these rankings are based solely on the endings, themselves, and NOT the movies as a whole.

WARNING: SPOILERS are all over this since, as we are talking endings. You have been fucking warned.

Honorable Mentions: The Sixth Sense, They Live, Carrie (1976), Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, Halloween (1978), The Thing (1982), Halloween III: Season of the Witch, In the Mouth of Madness, Bride of Frankenstein 

20. Deep Red (1975)- We start off the list with this killer cap-off from Dario Argento's giallo masterpiece. As crazy mom is revealed to be the actual killer, she tries to off our hero (David Hemmings). Only to have her necklace get caught on the elevator leading to an original and exciting decapitation. Throw in a reflection in a pool of blood and the awesome music of Goblin and you have one kick ass sendoff.

19. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)- In my humble opinion, the best take of the Body Snatchers is this 70's classic. The ending has Veronica Carlson's character going to meet-up with Donald Sutherland's character. Only to have him point and scream at her, as he too has been replaced by the aliens. This is a mega-classic scene that is still memorable and chilling all these years later.

18. The House of the Devil (2009)- This slow burn, modern classic ends in a terrifying and chilling manner. As, our lovely heroine (Jocelin Donahue) is scarified to Satan, after she discovers the truth about the couple she works for.

17. Night of the Living Dead (1968)- George A. Romero's masterpiece has our hero (Duane Jones) hide in the cellar, the place he was avoiding all night, and seemingly survives the zombie hordes that very night. Only, to get shot by a zombie hunting posse and tossed in a fire with the other corpses. It's an ironic, bleak, and politically charged ending to one of the greatest horror movies ever made,

16. Rosemary's Baby (1968)- Rosemary (Mia Farrow) enters a room filled with old people who worship Satan, and sees her new born son. Who apparently has some fucked up eyes. And, that is cause he is Satan's kid! Our devil worshiping old geezers praise Lucifer, while our heroine goes from scared to accepting motherhood, in what might be the best ending of that decade.

15. Ready or Not (2019)- More Satan worship, as a rich, evil, family cult fails at killing the gorgeous Samara Weaving. They end up blowing up and splattering everywhere, including on her. She then steps out of the mansion, sits down, and smokes a cigarette in the best ending of the last decade.

14. Don't Look Now (1973)- Donald Sutherland returns to this list, this time as victim. The dude thinks he sees his dead daughter but nope. It's just a hideous lady dwarf, who proceeds to stab him to death in this amazing 70's classic.

13. Black Christmas (1974)- Olivia Hussey's character seems to have survived the night, the killer is dead, and the cops leave. But, the truth is the dude who died ain't the killer. The real killer is still inside the house and in the attic. We see one of the victims, with a plastic bag on her head sitting on a rocking chair. This chilling ending still packs a punch all these years and viewings later.

12. Nekromantik (1988)- Our main character. a now lonely necrophiliac, commits harakari suicide with a knife. His erect dick shoots out blood and cum, in one of the most jaw dropping and shocking finales ever. Jorg Buttergergeit sets himself as the type of genre director who makes endings no else ever fucking would.

11. The Kill List (2011)- This British horror/ crime drama has a cult trick our main character into killing his own wife and child, in an ending that delivers one hell of a punch to the balls. My friends and I were fucking shocked beyond belief after we saw this. It really elevates the movie to near classic level.

10. Nekromantik 2 (1991)- This superior sequel to the arthouse extreme gorefest from Germany comes to us from the same filmmaker Jorg Buttergergeit. The ending, like the rest of the proceedings. is also better. The gorgeous Monika M. (one of the hottest women to ever grace our genre, mind you) is riding her current boyfriend. Then she slices his head off with knife and replaces it with decayed head of the first movie's lead character. After this splattery climax (pun intended), we cut to the doc's office to learn she is knocked up. Yup, no ends their fucking movies like Buttergergeit, nobody!

9. The Wicker Man (1973)- Our hero, played by the original Equalizer, himself Edward Woodward, get well done inside the Wicker Man, which is set ablaze by a cult. Said cult (damn lots of those in this list, huh?) is led by Christopher Lee's character. It's one of the greatest moments in all of horror, quite honestly.

8. The Vanishing (1988)- This Dutch horror thriller will haunt you for days with its nihilistic ending. Our hero, who has been searching for missing girlfriend, ends up discovering the truth of what happened to her: by being buried alive! This ending is ignored in the shitty American remake which deserves to be buried itself, under a pile of feces.

7. The Mist (2007)- Frank Daranbont's adaptation of Stephen King's novel delivers one of the greatest downbeat endings ever. Confronted with no escape from the nightmarish monsters of the titular mist, Thomas Jane's character is forced to kill the people who escaped the supermarket with him. Among them is his little son, but seconds later the Army comes in killing the monsters, clearing the mist, and bringing with them survivors. If had only waited a teensy bit longer...

6. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)- To end the zombie horde, the army drops a nuclear bomb on the town. As the charred remains of it raises to the sky, it rains, meaning the dead will raise again! But, even if they didn't, it ended with a motherfucking nuclear assault (and, I don't mean the thrash metal band)!

5. Se7en (1995)- As our hero (Brad Pitt) gets a box ("What's in the box?!) with his wife's (Gwenyth Paltrow) decapitated head, he releases his "wrath" on Doe, who "envied" our hero. He does this by blowing Doe's brains out. This completes John Doe's master plan of the seven deadly sins, in this absolutely searing finale.

4. Tenebrae (1982)- In this Dario Argento giallo classic, we learn that our killer faked his death, and he offs the cop investigating the brutal murders. Daria Nicoldi's character decides to go back in the house. The killer (who she had feelings for and hooked up with earlier in the movie) is waiting to off her. But, as she opens the door, a piece of modern art impales the bad guy, as he he bloodily dies in front of her. She lets loose a blood curdling scream that long resonates as the movie ends. It's one of the most unnerving finales in all of Euro-horror!

3. Sleepaway Camp (1983)- We learn that not only is our killer the quite and sweet Angela (Felissa Rose), but that she is actually a he. As, we see that Angela has a knife and a cock! It is the greatest twist (and admit ably shocking) endings in all of horror! Sorry. M. Knight Shyamalan, but this is how it is.

2. Friday the 13th (1980)- Alice (Adrienne King) is on a rowboat thinking all is fine, and with the serene music we do, too. But, nope, it ain't! Little Jason (Ari Lehman) jumps out of the water and drags her down. She wakes up screaming and says that he is still out there. Fuck yeah, he is as a franchise is born. And, regardless, whether you love those movies or not, this still remains a killer ending, even in repeated viewings. It is also, is I say, the greatest jump scare on God's green earth.

1. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)- Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) ends up getting sucked into the middle ages. There he blows a flying deadite's head and gets looked up as the promised one by the people. He isn't happy about this, to say the very least. This ending is so wild and utterly innovative that one cannot help but love it. It took years for it to be resolved by Sam Raimi's very own Army of Darkness, but this is still one of the coolest moments in all of the genre. It had such a huge impact and still gets me pumped all these years and viewings later!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my list. Am I missing any? Let me know in the comment section below. Also, have a good Memorial Day weekend and please stay safe.

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What I Have Learned About Traveling thanx to Horror and Explotation Films

While, horror and explotation films are full of the stuff you expect them to be, what you may not know is the fact that they teach us about travel! Really! Here are some chioce spots that I have learned to either aviod or visit thanx these films:

The Woods/ Camping- So, according to films like Friday the 13th, The Evil Dead, Sleepaway Camp, The Blair Witch Project, and Cabin Fever, we should never go camping or to the woods. Think about it. You might encounter crazy machete wielding women, their unstoppable psycho-hokey mask wearing son , get possessed by demons, a crazy transsexual , an evil old witch, or some foul flesh disease! Not only that but sex is a bad idea, cause even if the chick is smoking hot, you will fucking die! Bummer, man! To make a long story short, don't go to the woods or camp!

Japan- Seemingly Japan suffers a lot of attacks by giant monsters . I mean they fight and thrash the city and probably kill lots of people along the way. But, on the other side, films like The Machine Girl and Yo-Yo Girl Cop (not really an exploitation film but certainly a cult film) prove to me that I need to go there cause there is a shitload of hot chicks . So, i think I will risk the giant monsters and just go check out the hot babes!

Texas- Really, man, this is the last place you want your car to breakdown when heading out with your girl and/ or friends. Cause if this happens to you and your bros, a family of cannibals , including a dude who wears a mask made of human flesh who wields a chainsaw will catch you, kill you, and, possibly, eat you! Fucked up! Unless, of course, your goal in life is to be some chili!

That's it for now! In the future, I will review other travel spots based on what I have learned from watching way to many DVDs!

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