Goregirl’s TOP 10 Favourite Horror Films From 1984

OUCH! 1984 really sucked hard!! I had seen only 24 horror films from the year and I failed 9 of them! Half of what was left I gave just a pass (2.5/5). When I say this is my list of favourite films from 1984 I’m using the term “favourite” very VERY loosely.

#10 RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR
Directed By: Bruno Mattei

Rats: Night of Terror is not a good film. I was a sucker for post-apocalyptic flicks when I was a kid and pretty much liked them all in varying degrees. The ending of this film is ridiculous beyond belief and the acting and dialog doesn’t do it any favors. But is does have a few gore moments and lots of plump furry rats. Eek! Barely passable (but still a bit better than C.H.U.D.).

#9 FIRESTARTER
Directed By: Mark L. Lester

Firestarter has a great conspiracy, paranoia vibe but drags badly in sections and some of the action scenes are disappointing. The story is decent, but isn’t as well developed, as it should be. On the plus side, there is lot’s of shit catching on fire and the final blaze is a stone cold groove. Some decent performances and effects with a memorable moment here and there. Meh.

#8 DREAMSCAPE
Directed By: Joseph Ruben

I really liked Dreamscape when I was a kid but found it pretty mediocre on re-watch. The chemistry between Dennis Quaid and Kate Capshaw is terrible and there is more Indiana Jones type action than sci-fi and horror. Still, Max Von Sydow is great and some of the dream sequences look pretty good for the time and of course there is snakeman. It’s okay.

#7 CHILDREN OF THE CORN
Directed By: Fritz Kiersch

Children Of The Corn definitely has its problems, most notably a hokey ending I just can’t forgive. It does have its creepy moments, great sets and effective music. The early scene where the kids are killing their parents in the cafe is fantastic. Great casting of the Malachai and Isaac characters too, they really do steal the show. It has its moments.

#6 SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
Directed By: Charles E. Sellier Jr.

Silent Night, Deadly Night is a cheap, silly slasher with a killer Santa. The story is ridiculous the acting is patchy but it’s got gore and nudity. This Santa doesn’t give a rat’s ass about whether you’ve been naughty or nice. It’s bad but I always enjoy watching this one around the yuletide season.

#5 THE COMPANY OF WOLVES
Directed By: Neil Jordan

The Company Of Wolves is a unique twist on the Little Red Riding Hood story. It is essentially a girl’s journey into womanhood, but with wolves. It is an intelligent, dreamy and richly symbolic fairly tale, just don’t come here for blood and gore (but there are some pretty neat variations on werewolves!).

#4 RAZORBACK
Directed By: Russell Mulcahy

Razorback is an Australian film about a giant, hairy, vicious killer pig. It is surprisingly tense, smart and well filmed for a flick with this premise. One of my favourite killer animal flicks ever!

#3 GREMLINS
Directed By: Joe Dante

Gremlins has great characters, clever writing and impressive effects. Gizmo is cute as hell and when the mogwai turn into Gremlins they are a crapload of fun! Although this film has a happy-go-lucky vibe there is definitely some darkness and people actually do die. It is definitely horror-lite and family-friendly but nonetheless it is extremely entertaining.

#2 THE TOXIC AVENGER
Directed By: Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman

The Toxic Avenger is cheap, cheesy, campy fun like only the good folks over at Troma can provide. Over the top gore, nudity, cheesy one-liners, politically incorrect humour and Toxie! Bad taste never tasted so damn good!!

#1 A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
Directed By: Wes Craven

Top notch effects, likeable characters, creative kills, a creepy and original story and one of the most memorable villains of all time made A Nightmare On Elm Street an easy choice for the number one spot.

Here are the rest of the films that made the shortlist: Bloodbath At The House of Death, Innocent Prey, C.H.U.D., Godzilla, Night Of The Comet