10 horror movies from the '80s that were well ahead of their time

Horror movies of the 1980s are some of the best and most influential of the 20th century, and many of them are responsible for creating new niches within the genre. Blending the frightening aspects with drama, social commentary, and psychological thriller elements sets these films apart from their competition and distinguishes them from other works of horror. The 1980s were a particularly strong decade for horror because there was significant social and political upheaval happening around the world, which lends itself to being represented through art.

Though many of the most influential scary movies are well-remembered, there are plenty of underrated 1980s horror movies worth checking out. More often than not, terrifying and boundary-pushing works are misunderstood when they're first released, but later critical reception reveals them to be ahead of their times in terms of thematic storytelling or visual style. Overtly graphic or violent horror films aren't necessarily the most creative, but when new ways of experiencing horror are shown on screen, it's impossible not to take note.

1. The Shining (1980)
2. The Thing (1982)
3. The Fly (1986)
4. Hellraiser (1987)
5. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
6. The Entity (1982)
7. Possession (1981)
8. The Evil Dead (1981)
9. Poltergeist (1982)
10. The Witches Of Eastwick (1987)