Best Horror Films of 1987
- HaHa Horrors
- Jun 6
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 20
1987 was the year horror found its wild rhythm—balancing monsters, mayhem, and just enough heart to make it all stick.As the genre continued evolving, filmmakers embraced bold practical effects, blended horror with coming-of-age stories, and leaned into outrageous, often surreal creativity. Whether tackling demons, vampires, or dream logic, horror in 1987 was confident, chaotic, and often unforgettable.
The Horror Landscape in 1987
Monster Kids Take Over
From misfit squads to babysitting teens, 1987 horror leaned into youth-driven stories where kids faced real monsters—and sometimes became them.
Throwbacks with Attitude
Classic horror creatures—vampires, werewolves, ghosts—returned, but with modern edge, rock soundtracks, and stylized flair.
Balancing Heart and Horror
Many films this year wove emotional stories into their horror—using friendship, grief, love, and identity to add resonance beneath the blood and guts.
Top 10 Horror Films of 1987
Hellraiser
Runtime: 1hr 34min
Clive Barker’s twisted debut introduced the Cenobites, turning sadomasochism, desire, and pain into elegant, gruesome horror.
Hellraiser (1987), the feature directorial debut of Clive Barker—based on his novella The Hellbound Heart—is a groundbreaking blend of supernatural horror, dark fantasy, and visceral body horror. The film follows the Cotton family, who unwittingly unleash the Cenobites—sadomasochistic beings from another dimension—after Frank Cotton opens a mysterious puzzle box known as the Lament Configuration. When Frank escapes their grasp in a grotesque, skinless form, he manipulates his former lover Julia into luring victims to help him regenerate. As the Cenobites, led by the now-iconic Pinhead, return to reclaim Frank, the film explores themes of desire, pain, and forbidden pleasure. With its disturbing imagery, inventive effects, and transgressive tone, Hellraiser redefined horror in the late ’80s and birthed a legendary franchise.
The Lost Boys
Runtime: 1hr 38min
A slick, stylish vampire tale blending MTV aesthetics with brotherly bonds and beach-town danger.
The Lost Boys (1987), directed by Joel Schumacher, is a stylish and genre-defining blend of vampire horror, teen rebellion, and MTV-era cool. The film follows brothers Michael and Sam Emerson, who move with their mother to the seaside town of Santa Carla—only to discover it’s plagued by a gang of charismatic, leather-clad vampires. When Michael is seduced into their world, it’s up to Sam and his quirky friends, the self-proclaimed Frog Brothers, to save him and battle the undead. With its iconic cast (including Kiefer Sutherland as vampire leader David), pulsing soundtrack, and striking visual flair, The Lost Boys modernized vampire mythology for a new generation, fusing scares, humor, and rock ’n’ roll attitude into one of the most beloved cult horror films of the 1980s.
Evil Dead II
Runtime: 1hr 25min
Sam Raimi’s horror-comedy classic; equal parts gorefest, slapstick, and technical marvel.
Evil Dead II (1987), directed by Sam Raimi, is a wildly inventive horror-comedy that elevated its cult predecessor into a genre landmark. A loose remake and sequel to The Evil Dead, the film follows hapless everyman Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) as he battles demonic forces unleashed by the Necronomicon in a remote, cursed cabin. With Ash’s descent into madness punctuated by manic slapstick, geysers of blood, and gleefully grotesque practical effects, Evil Dead IIblends over-the-top horror with Three Stooges–style physical comedy. Campbell’s iconic, chainsaw-wielding performance and Raimi’s hyperkinetic direction helped define the film’s enduring appeal—cementing it as one of the most influential and beloved horror-comedies of all time.
The Monster Squad
Runtime: 1hr 22min
A cult favorite where kids take on Dracula, the Wolfman, and more in a Universal-inspired adventure.
The Monster Squad (1987), directed by Fred Dekker and co-written with Shane Black, is a beloved cult horror-comedy that celebrates—and reinvents—classic movie monsters. The film centers on a group of monster-obsessed kids who discover that Count Dracula, along with Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolfman, the Gillman, and the Mummy, have descended upon their town in search of an ancient amulet that could plunge the world into darkness. Armed with homemade weapons, monster knowledge, and youthful courage, the “Monster Squad” must stop them. Blending heartfelt coming-of-age adventure with tongue-in-cheek humor, clever writing, and terrific practical effects, The Monster Squadpays loving homage to Universal’s golden age monsters while delivering a fun, fast-paced ride that resonates with fans of both horror and ‘80s nostalgia.
Prince of Darkness
Runtime: 1hr 42min
John Carpenter’s eerie mix of science and supernatural theology, blending apocalyptic dread with atmospheric scares.
Prince of Darkness (1987), directed by John Carpenter, is a moody, unsettling blend of cosmic horror and apocalyptic science fiction. The story follows a group of scientists and a priest who investigate a mysterious cylinder of swirling green liquid discovered beneath an abandoned Los Angeles church. As they study it, they uncover a terrifying truth: the substance is the essence of pure evil—Satan’s very essence—and it is beginning to awaken. Strange phenomena, possession, and horrifying visions ensue as reality itself starts to unravel. With its brooding atmosphere, minimalist score (by Carpenter and Alan Howarth), and chilling exploration of the unknown, Prince of Darkness stands as one of Carpenter’s most underrated works—a cerebral, dread-soaked experience that taps into deep existential fears.
Near Dark
Runtime: 1hr 34min
Kathryn Bigelow’s moody, Western-infused vampire film with romance, nihilism, and killer visuals.
Near Dark (1987), directed by Kathryn Bigelow, is a gritty, genre-defying vampire film that blends western, noir, and horror elements into a haunting, character-driven tale. The story follows Caleb, a young man from rural Oklahoma who is bitten by a drifter named Mae and reluctantly drawn into her nomadic “family” of vampires. As Caleb struggles with his new condition and loyalty to his human family, he witnesses the brutal, predatory lifestyle of his new companions—led by the menacing Jesse Hooker (Lance Henriksen) and the sadistic Severen (Bill Paxton). Eschewing gothic tropes for a dusty, modern Americana setting, Near Dark is celebrated for its atmospheric cinematography, emotionally complex characters, and raw, violent take on vampire lore—earning a lasting place among the most original and stylish horror films of the 1980s.
Stage Fright (Deliria)
Runtime: 1hr 30min
A stylish Italian slasher set in a theater, with a killer wearing an owl mask and a flair for the dramatic.
Stage Fright (1987), directed by Michele Soavi, is a stylish Italian slasher (or giallo-slasher hybrid) that delivers suspense, gore, and visual flair. The film follows a troupe of actors rehearsing a musical about a mass murderer in a locked theater—unaware that a real escaped killer, donning a massive owl mask, is stalking them. As the cast is trapped inside overnight, the line between performance and real-life horror dissolves in a blood-soaked game of cat and mouse. Known for its striking cinematography, inventive set pieces, and atmospheric score by Simon Boswell, Stage Frightelevates familiar slasher tropes with operatic tension and Soavi’s keen eye for mood and style, earning it cult status among fans of European horror.
Dolls
Runtime: 1hr 18min
A creepy fairy tale about killer toys, directed by Stuart Gordon and brimming with practical charm.
Dolls (1987), directed by Stuart Gordon, is a dark fairy tale–infused horror film that blends eerie atmosphere with grisly fun. The story follows a group of strangers—including a young girl named Judy and her neglectful parents—who take refuge in an isolated mansion during a storm. The house is owned by an elderly couple who craft lifelike dolls—but these toys are far from innocent. When the guests reveal their selfish and cruel natures, the dolls come to life and exact brutal justice. Combining creepy stop-motion effects with a wicked sense of humor and moralistic undertones, Dolls plays like a twisted bedtime story—offering a stylish and highly entertaining entry in the wave of supernatural horror that defined late ’80s genre cinema.
Opera
Runtime: 1hr 47min
Dario Argento’s visually stunning giallo full of ravens, blades, and surreal paranoia.
Opera (1987), directed by Dario Argento, is a visually dazzling and intensely brutal giallo that showcases the Italian master of horror at his most operatic—both literally and stylistically. The film centers on a young opera singer, Betty, who lands the lead role in a production of Macbeth—a performance long believed to be cursed. Soon, she finds herself stalked by a sadistic killer who forces her to witness his murders by taping needles under her eyes to prevent her from closing them. Filled with elaborate tracking shots, surreal dream sequences, and over-the-top set pieces—including Argento’s famous "ravens in the opera house" scene—Opera is a technical tour de force. With its mix of shocking violence, haunting visuals, and an unsettling score, it remains one of Argento’s last great triumphs and a standout of late-period giallo cinema.
Bad Taste
Runtime: 1hr 31min
Peter Jackson’s outrageously gory alien invasion debut, showing early signs of his genre-mashing genius.
Bad Taste (1987), the feature debut of Peter Jackson, is a deliriously gory, gleefully anarchic sci-fi horror-comedy that became an instant cult classic. Shot over four years on weekends with friends and a shoestring budget, the film follows a group of government operatives investigating a small New Zealand town overtaken by grotesque alien invaders—who are harvesting humans for their intergalactic fast-food chain. What ensues is a riot of slapstick carnage, absurd one-liners, and inventive practical effects, all delivered with manic energy. Brimming with DIY charm and outrageous creativity, Bad Taste introduced Jackson’s fearless filmmaking style and love of splatter, paving the way for his later cult horror hits and eventual mainstream success.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
The Video Dead
Runtime: 1hr 30min
A bizarre, low-budget zombie movie where TV screens literally spew the undead.
The Video Dead (1987), directed by Robert Scott, is a quirky, low-budget zombie film that has earned cult status for its offbeat concept and charming DIY aesthetic. The story centers on a cursed television set delivered to an unsuspecting suburban home. When it’s turned on, the TV unleashes undead ghouls from a mysterious horror movie trapped inside the screen—allowing them to stalk and kill in the real world. As the body count rises, a small group of locals must find a way to banish the Video Dead before they overrun the town. With its eerie, fog-drenched atmosphere, inventive creature effects, and endearingly odd tone, The Video Dead offers a fun, unconventional spin on zombie horror and remains a beloved gem among ’80s horror aficionados.
Return to Horror High
Runtime: 1hr 35min
A meta-horror comedy before Scream, riffing on the slasher formula from inside a film set.
Return to Horror High (1987), directed by Bill Froehlich, is a playful, self-referential horror-comedy that pokes fun at slasher tropes while delivering its own bloody thrills. The film is set at Crippen High School, the site of a series of gruesome murders years earlier. Now, a low-budget film crew has returned to shoot a movie about the killings—but life soon imitates art as cast and crew members begin disappearing under mysterious and gory circumstances. With its layered narrative, flashbacks within flashbacks, and sly genre commentary, Return to Horror High keeps viewers guessing about what’s real and what’s staged. Featuring an early role for George Clooney and a tongue-in-cheek tone, the film stands out as one of the more clever and meta-minded slashers of the late ’80s.
Blood Diner
Runtime: 1hr 28min
A gore-soaked, satirical, psychotronic homage to Blood Feast with killer brothers and a resurrected goddess.
Blood Diner (1987), directed by Jackie Kong, is a wild, gleefully tasteless horror-comedy that serves up gore and outrageous humor in equal measure. A loose spiritual successor to Blood Feast (1963), the film follows brothers Michael and George Tutman, who—under the guidance of their uncle’s preserved brain—embark on a gruesome mission to resurrect the ancient goddess Sheetar. Their plan involves running a vegetarian diner as a front while harvesting body parts from unsuspecting victims for a sacrificial feast. Packed with over-the-top kills, splatter effects, absurd set pieces, and satirical jabs at ’80s health fads and gender norms, Blood Diner is an unapologetically gonzo cult classic—perfect for fans of horror with a seriously twisted sense of humor.
Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II
Runtime: 1hr 37min
A supernatural slasher that’s way better (and weirder) than it has any right to be.
Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987), directed by Bruce Pittman, is a stylish and surprisingly inventive supernatural slasher that has earned cult status for its wild mix of ’80s horror tropes and playful subversion. The film centers on the vengeful spirit of Mary Lou Maloney, a 1950s prom queen who was accidentally killed in a prank gone wrong. Decades later, her restless ghost returns to possess shy high schooler Vicki Carpenter—unleashing telekinetic chaos, brutal kills, and eerie dream sequences in the lead-up to a new prom night. With inventive effects, sly humor, and a tone that blends Carrie-style supernatural horror with slasher energy, Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II transcends its status as a sequel in name only and stands on its own as a gleefully entertaining and imaginative ’80s horror gem.
My Demon Lover
Runtime: 1hr 30min
A quirky horror-romance about a man cursed to transform whenever aroused. Yep.
My Demon Lover (1987), directed by Charlie Loventhal, is a quirky horror-romantic comedy that leans into the playful side of supernatural cinema. The film follows Kaz (Scott Valentine), a charming drifter cursed with a peculiar affliction—he transforms into a hideous demon whenever he becomes aroused. Enter Denny (Michele Little), a kind-hearted but unlucky-in-love woman who meets Kaz and is drawn to his roguish charm, unaware of his monstrous secret. As their romance develops, they find themselves entangled in a series of comedic and occasionally creepy misadventures. Blending slapstick humor, romance, and light creature effects, My Demon Lover offers a campy, endearing spin on the "monster boyfriend" trope, making it a cult favorite for fans of offbeat ’80s horror comedies.
Horror Highlights & Trivia
Clive Barker directed Hellraiser himself after disliking previous adaptations of his writing—resulting in one of horror’s most iconic debuts.
The Lost Boys’ sexy, leather-clad vampires redefined the vampire aesthetic for a new generation.
Evil Dead II’s camera work became legendary, influencing generations of filmmakers.
Near Dark and The Lost Boys—released the same year—took vampire lore in two radically different but equally lasting directions.
Where to Watch These Today
Hellraiser: Streaming on Shudder and in multiple restored editions.
The Lost Boys: Available on Philo and in special 4K Blu-rays.
Evil Dead II: On The CW and collector's Blu-ray sets from Lionsgate and Scream Factory.
The Monster Squad: Streaming on Pluto TV; also available in restored Blu-ray form.
Near Dark: Physical media only (due to rights issues), but widely available through collectors’ editions.
Closing Thoughts
1987 was a year where horror stopped whispering and started roaring—with style, guts, and imagination. From slick vampires to tragic demons, killer dolls to possessed schools, the genre was firing on all cylinders. For many fans, this year marks a creative high point—bold, bonkers, and absolutely brimming with horror that’s still beloved decades later.
