The eighties is a 10 widely associated with superb revulsion motion picture and TV shows , many of which deserve to be revisited now and then . Many repugnance video shows during the ' 80s fall into the anthology data formatting , which take into account for the existence of more hair - raising stories to be told within each time of year . Horror anthology seriesalso work well with the bingeing model . Audiences do n’t have to invest a slap-up part of their tending and clip to drawn out stories . alternatively , viewers can easily tune up into any episodes they favor without having miss authoritative details .

However , not every ' 80s horror TV show is an anthology . Shows likeBeetlejuiceandWerewolfhave entertaining premises that behave out over a fistful of seasons and are easy to engorge . A perk of going back and overgorge these series from the ' 80s is seeing several influential repulsion writers , directors , and player get creative in fictional world they are n’t noted for , including Tim Burton directing an episode ofAlfred Hitchcock Presents .

The 1980s were full of improbably underrated repugnance cult classic that deserve far more realization for their trailblazing and influential nature .

jeffrey-combs-as-herbert-west-from-re-animator-and-nastassja-kinski-as-irena-gallier-from-cat-people

10Freddy’s Nightmares (1988-1990)

2 Seasons, 44 Episodes

Cast

Freddy ’s Nightmares is an anthology horror series hosted by Freddy Krueger , have standalone episodes rivet on the residents of Springwood as they encounter supernatural events or come down dupe to ghastly destiny .

As a spin - off series to thepopular horror dealership , A Nightmare on Elm Street , Freddy ’s Nightmarescontinued the titulary orca ’s attacks . Yet , even though the anthology series is advert after the ill-famed antagonist , he does n’t appear as the independent orca in every episode . In fact , Freddy only acts as the resister in eight of the series ' sequence . Freddy ’s main line of work is to host the seriesand provide comment in bumper segment . In line withthe comical character Freddy becameas the cinema franchise progressed , his comment is meant to get laughs out of the audience .

Differing from the formatting of most anthology series , Freddy ’s Nightmaresincludes two stories in every episode , with the 2nd level involve a supporting reference from the first part . Because there ’s a Modern group of reference in every sequence , the method acting of killing by Freddy and other antagonists vary and keep audience gift in what their next moves are run low to be .

Tales From the Darkside title screen with red writing on black and white background

9Beetlejuice (1989-1991)

4 Seasons, 94 Episodes

Your Rating

Your commentary has not been keep

After the success ofTim Burton’sBeetlejuice , the director helped create an invigorate serial base on the characters in the motion-picture show . There are some slight changes to the character ’s personality , let in the comically mismatch friendly relationship between Lydia and Betelgeuse . The amount of humor in the revivify version ofBeetlejuiceincreased as the series aired on both Fox and ABC ’s schedules purpose toward young audiences .

Stephen Ouimette get by to do a groovy job capturing the already cartoonish feature of Betelgeuse

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

Still , there is stack of quirky mental imagery to mimic the scarier parts of the live - action at law motion-picture show . Additionally , Michael Keaton is invaluable as the nominal character in the celluloid , and it can be difficult for anyone else to mistreat into his shoes and take on the tacky , troublesome personality . However , Stephen Ouimette manages to do a great chore capturing the already cartoonish characteristic of Betelgeuse with his skill as a spokesperson actor .

8The Hitchhiker (1983-1991)

6 Seasons, 85 Episodes

Containing a heavier eerie tone compared to other shows list , The Hitchhikeris an anthology series host by the deep eponymous character . The hitchhiker set about and close out every episode by introducing the episode ’s featured fiber who are about to have a frightening supernatural experience . ThoughThe Hitchhikeris categorize as a horror serial , there is also more to the television show that expands it beyond the singular writing style .

Mystery and crime prospect are abundant inThe Hitchhiker , which pulls audience into every episode ’s unique storyline . Additionally , The Hitchhikeroriginally aired on HBO before motivate to USA internet . Therefore , the anthology series contains a enough amount of unfiltered sexual images and gore in early seasons , but it was eventually toned down as the serial continued . The Hitchhikeris a alone mystery tale that is deserving revisiting for horror fans who enjoy unpack the suspense themselves .

7Darkroom (1981-1982)

7 Episodes

The short - lived anthology seriesDarkroomfeatured up to three segments in each instalment , which attend early performance of actor who ’d go on to have noted careers , including Billy Crystal , June Lockhart , and David Carradine . Like any other anthology series , Darkroom ’s taradiddle were unrelated to one another , but the inclusion body of multiple segments in each instalment sustain audiences ' attending and avoided the jeopardy of sealed segments persist longer than need to meet the hr - foresighted runtime .

away from the memorable performance and becharm brusk tales , Darkroomis also praised for its chilling chess opening chronological sequence . Narrated byDarkroom ’s host James Coburn , the statute title sequence at the beginning of each instalment did a great task of making consultation feel trapped within the write up on their CRT screen . Coburn uttered phrase like " You function , but there ’s no escape " as images of an enclosed room were shown on the screen , truly immersing audience into the series ' fictional world .

6Werewolf (1987-1988)

2 Seasons, 29 Episodes

air on Fox in the recent ' 80s , Werewolffollows a college student named Eric Cord ( John J. York ) on his journey to break the curse that ’s turned him into the titular animal . Werewolfbears some resemblance to other TV series likeThe FugitiveandThe Incredible Hulk . Each series places its independent character in a cat - and - computer mouse setup . However , Werewolf ’s meet stone soundtrack and appealing protagonist had a stronger connecter with audiences .

Eric has his military mission sic powerfully in his mind , but he never becomes blinded by his pursuit and does his best to keep unacquainted lives out of his mess . Werewolfdoes include distinctive supernatural trope in its story , include Eric ’s weakness as a lycanthrope being silver bullets , but unique lore was sum in the series as well . Rather than the full moon actuate Eric to change over into a werewolf , it was the pentangle on his hand — slightly differentiatingWerewolffrom the already existing supernatural film and video show .

5Tales From The Darkside (1983-1988)

story From the Darkside is an anthology horror series make by George A. Romero , exhibit individual short stories with plot of land twists . It explores themes of repugnance , scientific discipline fiction , and fantasy , on occasion incorporating black comedy or lighter element , offer a diverse reach of cool down narratives .

Therefore , narrative from the Darksidecovered a wide range of distinctive horror creatures and elements in its years on air . Due to the serial publication ' popularity with audiences , a whirl - off celluloid was made , befittingly namedTales from the Darkside : The Movie . McDowell and Romero write each of the film ’s segment and though it was n’t as much of a hit with critics , Tales from the Darkside : The Moviedid well at the box office .

Director George A. Romero created the classic anthology series Tales From The Darkside . Some of its most shivery episodes are still very shuddery today .

Characters from the ’80s horror shows Tales from the Darkside and Werewolf are edited in front of a TV screen.

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

4Hammer House Of Horror (1980)

1 Season, 13 Episodes

Hammer House of Horror is a British tv set series from 1980 produced by Hammer Films . The anthology consist of thirteen standalone episodes , each delving into various horror theme let in witchcraft , haunted houses , and werewolves . The serial features British histrion such as Peter Cushing and Denholm Elliott , charm a unique blend of psychological terror and supernatural constituent that Hammer Films is renowned for .

DespiteHammer House of Horrorairing for a unretentive amount of time compared to other repugnance television receiver prove from the ten , the anthology serial still managed to bundle a adequate amount of content in its minimal episodes . Each episode had a runtime of nearly an hour and focused on different horror elements , including serial killers , werewolves , and devil - worshiping . The form inHammer House of Horror ’s storytelling means every character of revulsion rooter is insure to line up something they love .

Theepisodes ofHammer House of Horrorare long but are easy to get through as it ’s often unsufferable to attend awayfrom the projection screen . One episode in particular , " The House that leech to Death , " is regarded by numerous critic as the series ' define episode . " The House that hemorrhage to last " perfectly fascinate the master gimmick and shocking ikon get wind all throughoutHammer House of Horror .

Freddy Krueger is holding up a picture of himself.

3The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1985-1989)

4 Seasons, 76 Episodes

As a film maker , Alfred Hitchcock ’s specialty was crafting expert levels of suspense and mystery . Among his drawn-out filmography , Hitchcock regain the time to produce and produce the ' 50s anthology seriesAlfred Hitchcock Presents . The TV serial featured a intermixture of stories that highlight the director ’s best skills as a filmmaker . Starting in 1985 , NBC premiere an update version of the ' 50s serial publication , most commonly refer to asThe New Alfred Hitchcock Presents .

The ' 80s version include a colorized version of Hitchcock as a host . There is a commixture of original stories and remaking of the original stories . Like the first serial , The New Alfred Hitchcock Presentsincluded other directors taking on various episodes , including Tim Burton and Burt Reynolds . Aside from the neatly crafted stories in the anthology serial , a large part of the delight in tune up in is seeing the bit of node stars . noted names featured in the ' 80s version include Robert Carradine , Joaquin Phoenix , and Lindsay Wagner .

2Monsters (1988-1991)

3 Seasons, 72 Episodes

monster is a horror anthology series that aired from 1988 to 1991 , featuring standalone episode centered around different terrorise puppet and supernatural happening . Each instalment bring out a unequalled set of characters who encounter various monsters , ranging from mythical beings to scientific experiments travel awry , supply a mix of horror , suspense , and dark humor .

FromTales from the Darksideproducer Richard P. Rubinstein cameMonsters , an anthology series center on on the titular creature . Though Rubinstein was happy to see thatTales from the Darksideearned positive reviews from critics , he was discouraged that little was say about the special upshot in the series . As a answer to his emotions , Rubinstein createdMonsters . Unlike most horror boob tube shows , Monsterswasn’t consumed with the end of scaring audiences every episode .

Instead , the stories and sport creature inMonstersvaried from scary and monstrous to fun and entertaining . The main focus ofMonsterswas on the special effects of the creatures . Dick Smith , a make-up outcome artist who had previously worked on films likeThe GodfatherandThe exorciser , acted as the special effects adviser onMonsters . It ’s worth going back and witnessing the creative team ’s campaign to create detailed and memorable characters .

Headshot Of Robert Englund In The Los Angeles premiere of ‘Natty Knocks’

Freddy’s Nightmares is an anthology horror series hosted by Freddy Krueger, featuring standalone episodes centered on the residents of Springwood as they encounter supernatural events or fall victim to gruesome fates.

1Tales From The Crypt (1989-1996)

7 Seasons, 93 Episodes

taradiddle from the Crypt , released in 1989 , have the Crypt Keeper as the host , guiding viewers through chilling and entertaining stories inspired by classic E.C. Comics . The anthology embrace minatory narratives , include a perturb Santa and a pair ’s deadly matrimonial vow , blending revulsion with sour humor .

Tales from the Cryptincluded a big amount of expressed language and images that were n’t common in other horror television establish at the clock time

HBO’sTales from the Cryptis star - studdedand isbased on the EC Comicsseries of the same name . narration from the Crypttells a lot of the same stories as the funny or other popular EC Comics from that era . Because it aired on HBO , Tales from the Cryptincluded a with child amount of explicit language and image that were n’t common in other horror TV shows at the sentence .

Cast Placeholder Image

Thoughthe single news report in each sequence were gripping and suspenseful , as leaven by other great horror anthology of the ' 80s , the quality of the series ' boniface is just as important . The Cryptkeeper acts as the host ofTales from the Cryptand is wonderfully sound by John Kassir . Kassir ’s performance as the Cryptkeeper was mostly humorous , render audiences with a literal jape before dive into the darker comedy elements in the rest of the episode .

Beetlejuice

A hitchhiker looks back at the camera and holds his thumb out.

Darkroom-1981-james-coburn

John J. York crouches behind a wooden rail and holds a gun up in the air.

tales from the darkside

Tales From the Darkside is an anthology horror series created by George A. Romero, presenting individual short stories with plot twists. It explores themes of horror, science fiction, and fantasy, occasionally incorporating black comedy or lighter elements, offering a diverse range of chilling narratives.

Hammer House Of Horror (1980)

Hammer House of Horror is a British television series from 1980 produced by Hammer Films. The anthology consists of thirteen standalone episodes, each delving into various horror themes including witchcraft, haunted houses, and werewolves. The series features British actors such as Peter Cushing and Denholm Elliott, capturing a unique blend of psychological terror and supernatural elements that Hammer Films is renowned for.

Alfred Hitchcock sits behind a wired barrier in The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Two werewolves with glowing red eyes hold their arms out in front of them.

03116014_poster_w780.jpg

Tales from the Crypt, released in 1989, features the Crypt Keeper as the host, guiding viewers through chilling and entertaining stories inspired by classic E.C. Comics. The anthology encompasses sinister narratives, including a deranged Santa and a couple’s deadly marital vow, blending horror with dark humor.