The Most Important Horror Movies of 1985

The year 1985 was a significant year for horror movies, with a number of influential films released that have since become classics in the genre. From supernatural thrillers to slasher movies, these films explored a wide range of themes and styles, and continue to captivate and terrify audiences today. In this article, we'll take a look at the most important horror movies of 1985.

Day of the Dead

Directed by horror icon George A. Romero, "Day of the Dead" is the third film in his "Dead" series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, the film follows a small group of survivors who are holed up in a military bunker and attempting to find a solution to the zombie outbreak.

Although not as well-received as Romero's previous two films in the series, "Day of the Dead" is still considered a classic of the zombie genre, known for its intense gore and its portrayal of the tensions that arise among the survivors. The film's influence can be seen in numerous zombie movies and TV shows that have followed in its wake.

Re-Animator

Based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, "Re-Animator" is a horror-comedy about a medical student who develops a serum that can reanimate dead tissue. However, his experiments go horribly wrong, leading to a series of grotesque and violent events.

"Re-Animator" is known for its over-the-top gore and its tongue-in-cheek tone. The film has become a cult classic and helped establish director Stuart Gordon as a major figure in the horror genre.

Fright Night

Directed by Tom Holland, "Fright Night" is a horror-comedy about a teenager who discovers that his neighbor is a vampire. The film features a blend of humor and scares, as well as memorable performances by Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowall.

"Fright Night" was a box office success and has since become a cult classic, known for its clever twists on vampire mythology and its mix of horror and humor. The film has influenced numerous vampire movies and TV shows that have followed in its wake.

The Return of the Living Dead

Directed by Dan O'Bannon, "The Return of the Living Dead" is a horror-comedy that takes a more irreverent approach to the zombie genre. The film follows a group of employees at a medical supply warehouse who accidentally release a gas that reanimates the dead.

"The Return of the Living Dead" is known for its clever writing, over-the-top gore, and punk rock soundtrack. The film has become a cult classic and helped establish O'Bannon as a major figure in the horror genre.

In conclusion, the horror movies of 1985 continued to push the boundaries of the genre, exploring new themes and styles while still delivering the scares that audiences craved. "Day of the Dead," "Re-Animator," "Fright Night," and "The Return of the Living Dead" are all classics that have had a lasting impact on the horror movies that followed. These films continue to be celebrated by horror fans today and stand as important entries in the history of horror cinema.