Goregirl’s TOP 10 Favourite Horror Films From 1982

In case you aren’t following along, each week, I am posting my top 10 favourite horror films for each year of the 1980’s. I have already posted 1980 and 1981 and this week I take on 1982. Graceland is open to the public, Andy Kaufman is voted off of Saturday Night Live, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney do a duet, and the first US execution by lethal injection is carried out in Texas…welcome to 1982!

#10 POLTERGEIST
Directed By: Tobe Hooper

Poltergeist is a fun, high-energy ghost story of the family-friendly variety. Well-acted, top-notch effects, a few thrills and chills and perfectly timed humour make for an entertaining ride. There are however some pretty hokey and over-sentimental moments I could have lived without. Poltergeist is a just a bit too sweet and PG for my taste but it’s still a fun flick.

#9 CREEPSHOW
Directed By: George A. Romero

Creepshow is a collection of five stories, and like any collection of this ilk, some entries are better than others. It is a pretty cool looking film and I think Romero does a great job of capturing the look and feel of old time horror comics. Its quirky, tongue-in-cheek vibe makes it too fun to be scary but it works just fine on that level. The performances across the board are all good, the sets, lighting and effects are excellent, so even the lesser segments aren’t so bad. I don’t enjoy this one as much as I did back in the day, but it has some great moments and the segment They’re Creeping Up On You is kick ass!

#8 THE LAST HORROR FILM
Directed By: David Winters

The Last Horror Film is a sleazy, graphic and violent slasher starring the incomparable Joe Spinell of Maniac fame. It has commendable performances, violent and messy death and loads of nudity. What more could you possibly want from a slasher? Gory, good stuff.

#7 Q: THE WINGED SERPENT
Directed By: Larry Cohen

Q: The Winged Serpent is campy fun, full of twists and turns, laughs, a big old flying monster, boobs and a bit of gore. Don’t expect to be scared, this is pure clever campiness. The only minor disappointment is you only get quick brief glimpses of Q up to the finale, but personally I think the finale is well-worth waiting for.

#6 PIECES
Directed By: Juan Piquer Simón

A completely insane story, terrible dialog, iffy acting, but lots and lot’s of unintentional laughs and gore with a bit of nudity thrown in for good measure. Watch for Lynda Day George’s “bastard” scene. I have to rewind it and watch it at least 3 times every time I view Pieces! So bad it is GREAT!! To read my review click here.

#5 THE NEW YORK RIPPER
Directed By: Lucio Fulci

The New York Ripper is another banner entry into the sleazy, graphic and violent slasher category! I still snicker when I hear the killer talking like Donald Duck but DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! This movie ranks high amoung straight-up slashers and has naked screaming women dying brutal bloody and gory deaths. This really is a must see for fans of 80’s slashers!!

#4 BASKET CASE
Directed By: Frank Henenlotter

A fun and bizarre flick with impressive effects and gore. The titular Basket Case is Duane’s grotesque Siamese brother Belial who was separated from him when they were 12 years old. Now he resides in a basket and he is hungry for revenge! A great sleazy New York backdrop and one of the most unique and crazy films to come out of the 80’s. Awesome! To read guest contributor Scott Shoyer’s (AustinChef’s) review click here.

#3 THE LIVING DEAD GIRL
Directed By: Jean Rollin

Catherine is the films living dead girl who wants nothing more than to rest in peace. Her childhood friend is bringing her victims to feed on and refuses to let her die (or re-die). The Living Dead Girl is sexy, gory and has a great atmosphere. I won’t deny there are a few ridiculous moments here and there, but that is all part of its charm. There is lot’s of nudity and while I wouldn’t say this is an all out gorefest, what’s there is graphic and memorable. A great looking film I never get sick of re-watching.

#2 TENEBRE
Directed By: Dario Argento

Tenebre is a well-filmed, suspenseful and gory horror-thriller complimented by a score composed by ex-Goblin members Morante, Pignatelli and Simonetti. I’ve seen this film multiple times and even though I know how it all turns out, the finale is never any less thrilling. Tenebre is a rock solid horror film and one of my all time favourite Giallo’s. To read my review click here.

#1 THE THING
Directed By: John Carpenter

Perfect performances, amazing intensity and some of the most impressive effects ever created put The Thing in a class all its own. A complete lack of romance an overwhelming sense of isolation and enough paranoia and terror for two movies. It’s a mother-fucking classic ya’ll!

Here are the rest of the films that made the shortlist: Habit, Swamp Thing, Manhattan Baby, The Slumber Party Massacre, Alone in the Dark, The Sender