Offering a massive catalog of horror classics, Tubi has become the go-to platform for many fans of the genre. The free, ad-supported, streaming behemoth has almost every type of terror, from b-grade silliness to modern scare-inducing Hollywood hits. However, for hardcore fans of horror, there will always be one era of movies that is held in high regard.
A truly exciting era for horror, the 1980s saw the rise of some of the biggest names in the genre, both in terms of actors and directors, and gave us some of the best practical effects. Horror comedies, gritty slashers, gore in abundance, and metaphysical nightmares the likes of Videodrome, there is really no shortage of great films from the era. These ’80s horror movies available via Tubi exemplify the era at its best, and are certainly worth checking out or revisiting.
10 Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Loosely based on the real-life serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole, Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer, follows Henry and Otis as they begin their killing spree, making their way from killing sex workers to home invasions. The movie, largely free of plot, focuses on the exploits of the duo and includes prolonged scenes of brutality as Henry and Otis become more and more comfortable with their wicked ways.
Horror as Realistic as it Gets
While it took years to make its debut on home video, releasing in January 1990, Henry Portrait of A Serial Killer was shown as early as 1986 at festivals, much to the shock of audiences. It became infamous for its realistic brutality; the movie was originally rated X before switching to an NC-17.
That said, out of many ‘extreme’ movies of the ’80s, there is an undeniable appreciation from fans and critics alike for how the movie was revolutionary for the horror genre and its influence. If you have not seen Henry Portrait of A Serial Killer, be prepared for an intense experience that puts you in the front row to some terrifyingly real true-crime-inspired horror.
9 Demons (1985)
Several strangers receive an invitation to the opening night of a new theater, the Metropol, where a horror movie is set to be shown. However, shortly after the movie begins, chaos breaks out in the theater as its patrons start turning into violent demons and attacking others. Finding they are sealed in, the survivors begin a desperate fight against the demons while trying to find a way out.
An Ancient Evil Terrorizes a Movie Theater
If you are looking for fun with an excess of gore and action, then Lamberto Bava’s Demons is a must-watch. The Italian horror film is wonderfully over-the-top, with the demons similar to deadites from Evil Dead with their willingness to ‘play with their food.’
Demons has one of the greatest final sequences in all of ’80s horror, merging camp, action, and terror in an unforgettable way. The movie spawned a sequel, Demons 2, and a ‘spiritual sequel’ in the wonderfully grim The Church (1989), which is also on Tubi.
8 The Slumber Party Massacre II (1987)
Following Courtney Bates, the final girl from the original movie, who is now a high school senior struggling with the trauma of past events. To try to cheer herself up, Courtney invites her friends to a condo for her birthday weekend, along with her crush, Matt. However, Courtney is soon plagued by dreams of a supernatural killer, who has taken the form of a trash talking rockabilly who murders his victims with an electric guitar with a drill on the end.
Just When You Thought it Was Safe to Have a Slumber Party
While the first Slumber Party Massacre (1982) offers a unique perspective (written by Rita Mae Brown and directed by Amy Holden Jones and intended as a satire on the slasher genre, it’s certainly worth viewers’ time), the sequel offers its own thrills for fans of campy 80s b-horror.
A killer with a guitar that has an attached drill at the end will be enough for many to check this one out, but its camp appeal really lies in the dialogue and exaggeration of teenage culture. Utterly silly and over-the-top in all the right ways, The Slumber Party Massacre II is the perfect movie to watch with a group of friends.
7 Basket Case (1982)
Duane Bradley arrives in New York City carrying with him only a stack of cash and a large wicker basket, leading many to ask the movie’s tagline “What’s in the Basket?” Duane is awkward, but he slowly manages to make friends, all the while arguing with a creature in the basket who is set on getting revenge for past experiments that made him. Amidst a killing spree of various New York doctors, Duane tries to grapple with his actions and his devotion to a monster he has known since birth.
What’s in the Basket?
What is great about Basket Case, and much of director Frank Hennenlotters’ works, is how much they capture the seedy side of New York’s 42nd Street. The background of drug addicts, sex workers, and various deviants is perfectly suited to a gritty, gory, low-budget dark comedy like Basket Case. The creature design is ghastly, the acting over-the-top in the best sense, and the kills are chaotic and blood-soaked. The movie saw enough success to warrant two sequels, much more campy in tone, both of which are also on Tubi.
6 The Beyond (1981)
Liza inherits an old hotel in Louisiana, unaware of an ancient cure on the land being built over one of the Seven Gates of Hell. As she attempts to renovate the home, mysterious events start happening to those around her, and she soon learns that she has evoked an all-powerful evil. With her friends, she tries to figure out a way to close the gates, but it may already be too late.
A Gore-Soaked Nightmare from Italy
In the mood to watch five minutes of a guy slowly getting eaten by tarantulas? How about a woman vomiting out all her innards using real animal guts to give the scene a realistic edge? They did not call Lucio Fulci the Godfather of Gore for nothing, as his movies really pushed the boundaries of practical effects, with damage to eyes always a guarantee in a Fulci production. The movies are violent in excess, but they are always done with such flair that it is hard not to admire.
Beyond the gore, The Beyond is a wonderfully dark journey through evil realms, and its terror exists on such a scale that it embodies the profound cosmic horror of an H.P. Lovecraft literary work. The ending is also iconic, and has been paid homage in other movies. Bleak, violent, and uncomfortable, The Beyond is impressive nonetheless, and perfect for hardened horror fans looking for thrills.
5 Maniac (1980)
Frank Zito is an Italian-American serial killer living in New York City, pushed by past traumatic memories of his mother to carry out violent acts against women. As the killer lines his room with mannequins with the scalps of victims adorning their heads, he sinks deeper into isolation and delusions. A chance meeting with a woman pushes him to try to change. However, with his mind too far gone, this new relationship only pushes his decline and his urge to kill further.
Don’t Go Out Alone Tonight
An absolutely phenomenal performance from Joe Spinell that won him a cult following, Maniac is a deep and disturbing dive into the mind of a deranged killer. Tense and uncomfortable, the movie also features flares of unforgettable violence made by veteran Tom Savini (who also appears in the movie). Maniac has maintained a cult following thanks to its gritty and greasy performance from Joe Spinell and wonderfully constructed moments of extreme violence. In 2012, Elijah Wood stepped into the shoes of a killer when Maniac was remade; a shocking horror movie in its own right.
4 Blood Hook (1986)
A fishing festival is set to kick off in a small northern Wisconsin town, acting as the town’s largest tourist attraction. When a murder occurs in the lead up to the event, the town tries to suppress the info to ensure things still go smoothly. However, once the festival begins and the bodies begin to pile up, it becomes an inescapable fact that there is a killer on the loose.
Fishing for Horror
Blood Hook does suffer from some pacing issues, with an over two-hour runtime being cumbersome for an ’80s slasher. Still, there is a lot to love about this one, from the absurd killing tool of the giant bobbing lure, to its subtle satirization of the genre.
Blood Hook offers a great blend of comedy and horror. To give you an idea of the type of humor one can expect, the movie was directed by John Mallon who was one of the founders of the cult-hit TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000. Tubi has an abundance of weird slashers from the ’80s, and if you dig this one, also check out Blades, about a killer lawnmower.
3 Intruder (1989)
Jennifer and her colleagues, working late at the supermarket, are doing overnight inventory to prepare for a going-out-of-business sale. As the night progresses, and threats are made by a jealous ex, the workers are on edge. However, it is when a series of murders occurs that the night breaks down into utter chaos as the group fights among themselves in paranoia while trying to escape or uncover the killer.
A Solid Slasher
The inclusion of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell in the cast is a pleasant treat here, and one that will bring in fans on name value alone. However, Intruder is a solid by-the-numbers slasher which exemplifies how the premise of a masked killer taps into fundamental fears of the unknown we all have.
There is no campiness here, the kills are not over-the-top, and the characters feel realistic for the era as opposed to gross exaggerations of teen stereotypes. If you just want a solid horror experience from the ’80s, Intruder is a hidden gem.
2 Video Violence (1987)
A couple believes that opening a video rental store in a small town will be their way to connect with the community and give its cinephile owner a means to discuss his passion with others. However, the residents are only interested in ultra-violent horror movies and are apprehensive towards anyone who has not lived in the town for generations. When the owner starts to receive snuff videos and authorities doubt his claims, he launches his own investigation into the videos.
A Standout of Z-Grade Horrors
For those who love horror at its most homespun and brutal, SOV and z-grade quality absurdness, Tubi has become a welcome home to many outsider movies that used to only exist on grainy VHSs circulated among collectors. Video Violence promises in its title, with the film making the most of its shoestring budget with excessive gore and exploitative elements. It is an acquired taste, and goes down like gut rot wine, but it certainly will appease those hardened and obsessed horror fans who feel they have already seen everything.
1 Next of Kin (1982)
Linda Stevens inherits a rural estate after her estranged mother gifts it to her in her will. The estate, used as a retirement home, sees Linda step into the role of caretaker as she decides what to do with the property. However, as she spends more time on the property, ominous things start to happen, including mysterious deaths of its residents. When Linda unearths past journal entries from her mom implying a sinister force on the grounds, she begins to become increasingly paranoid.
An Atmospheric Gem from Australia
While most of our list has been focused on sensational horror, Next of Kinis heavy on atmosphere and mystery. For modern horror fans who love production companies like A24 and Neon and their particular slow-burn stylized take on the horror genre, Next of Kin will be a pleasant surprise. Instead of jump scares and gore, viewers get a slow decline driven by paranoia and the supernatural. Australian horror of the ’80s is often overlooked, but this supernatural thriller exemplifies some of the best that came out of the country.
