Billy Oduory looks at a selection of vampire movies from the 1980s that you might have missed…
From the hipster vampires in The Lost Boys with Jason Patric and Corey Haim to the fake vampires of Vampire’s Kiss with Nicolas Cage, the best vampire films of the 1980s were never short of an interesting twist. Known as the decade that popularized slasher films, the 80s saw vampires, werewolves, demons, and even aliens become mainstays in supernatural horror films. The revolution of CGI in the decade also raised the standards for horror films, leading to improved visual effects that saw some of the best portrayals of these bloodsucking monsters come to life on the big screen.
However, with the saturation of choices in the genre for viewers to choose from, not all great vampire films released in the decade received mainstream success. Many great films that didn’t hit blockbuster status at the time have slowly gained a cult following over the years, as fans now appreciate the creativity of their innovative storylines and eccentric performances. From the eye-catching visuals of The Keep to the gory tales of The Monster Squad, here is a look at a selection of 80s vampire movies that any classic horror fan will enjoy….
The Keep (1983)
Set in Nazi-occupied Romania during WWII, The Keep follows a group of Nazi soldiers who take refuge in an uninhabited ancient citadel known as The Keep while on a mission to secure the important Dinu Pass against the Soviets. While seeking to loot the citadel, the soldiers unwittingly awaken an ancient evil within the keep’s walls, they find themselves facing a supernatural force beyond their comprehension, leading to a desperate battle for survival against the forces of darkness.
Boasting a visually stunning aesthetic and a haunting score by Tangerine Dream, The Keep is one of Sony’s best films from the decade. However, it received a lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike upon its release despite featuring a mesmerizing blend of horror and historical drama. Its ambitious scope and atmospheric storytelling have still paid off over time as the film has earned a cult following with continually increasing positive reviews over the years.
The Lair of the White Worm (1988)
The Lair of the White Worm unfolds in a quaint English village where an archaeology student’s discovery of an ancient skull leads to a series of bizarre and horrifying events. As the locals uncover the sinister secrets of a legendary serpent-like creature, they find themselves drawn into a deadly confrontation with an ancient evil that threatens to consume them all. They must, therefore, defeat the legendary serpent god’s priestess who happens to be a beloved resident of their town, before taking down the monster that threatens the town’s survival.
Directed by Ken Russell, The Lair of the White Worm invokes a taste of British folklore, and uses the aspect of human sacrifice to replace the lore of typical blood-sucking vampires. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t a commercial success despite its eccentric characters, surreal imagery, and gothic atmosphere. However, its eclectic mix of horror, humor, and eroticism offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience that has since earned it a cult following among fans of unconventional horror.
Waxwork (1988)
A group of college students visits a mysterious wax museum and finds themselves drawn into a series of macabre exhibits that come to life. As they confront a variety of iconic monsters and villains, including Dracula, they realize that they must unravel the museum’s dark secrets before they become permanent additions to its gruesome collection.
Featuring Anthony Hickox’s directorial debut, Waxwork has all the gore and thrill of a typical 80s horror film, but with an innovative storyline. It also features timeless performances by Zach Galligan, Michelle Johnson, and Deborah Foreman that bring life and a taste of laughter to the film’s dark premise. However, despite its inventive premise and stylish direction, Waxwork received mixed reviews and wasn’t a commercial success, but its imaginative plot and clever blend of horror and comedy have since earned it a huge silent fan base.
Near Dark (1987)
After a wild night out, Caleb Colton, a cowboy, wakes up to discover that he has been turned into a vampire by the drifter he spent the night with. Fortunately, the drifter, Mae, comes to his rescue, helping him navigate the difficulties of his new reality including feeding since Caleb doesn’t want to become a cold-blooded killer. However, things turn sour when members of the nomadic group of vampires that Mae belongs to turn against Caleb, and now he must save himself, his new-found love, and his family from the bloodthirsty monsters.
Near Dark has gained popularity over the years as more contemporary horror fans appreciate Kathryn Bigelow’s intricate writing. Its ensemble cast including classic horror stars like Lance Henriksen and Bill Paxton, have also drawn the film a large loyal following over the years. It offers a refreshing departure from traditional vampire tropes, presenting its bloodthirsty protagonists as complex and human-like characters rather than supernatural monsters which is why it resonates with many fans.
The Hunger (1983)
Miriam Blaylock is a centuries-old vampire who selects lovers from among mortals and turns them into vampires, promising them eternal life. However, this promise fails when her current 200-year-old husband, John, starts aging rapidly. John seeks the help of a gerontologist to save his body from decaying, but Miriam has a darker secret than she lets on and has no plans of letting John find a cure. The innocent gerontologist, therefore, finds herself at the heart of a centuries-old mystery and has to find a way to stop Miriam before she becomes her next victim.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Susan Sarandon, David Bowie, and Catherine Deneuve, The Hunger has all the thrill of a true 80s horror gem although its moderate ratings don’t reflect it. It was another directorial debut, this time for Tony Scott, distinguishing itself with an unconventional narrative and a visually stunning exploration of romance, mortality, and the allure of eternal youth. With its moody cinematography and tense action sequences, the film remains a must-watch, especially for fans of 80s erotic horror.
The Living Dead Girl (1982)
Known as La Morte Vivante in French, The Living Dead Girl is a French erotic horror film directed by Jean Rollin. The saga starts when a toxic spill caused by would-be grave robbers reanimates the corpse of the formerly rich and powerful Catherine Valmont, transforming her into a bloodthirsty creature with a taste for human blood. As Catherine struggles to come to terms with her newfound existence, she goes back to her old home, the Valmont Mansion, where she teams up with her childhood friend Helene, who offers to help her soothe her thirst for blood, leading to a series of gruesome and tragic events.
The Living Dead Girl had limited distribution after its release as it was seen as too explicit and therefore banned in some countries. The extended scenes portraying violence and gore were another issue of concern, but many fans of classic horror have grown to appreciate the intensity of the film and the passionate performances by Francoise Blanchard and Marina Pierro.
The Monster Club (1981)
Featuring a fictionalized version of the British horror author Ronald Chetwynd-Hayes, played by John Carradine, The Monster Club is a British anthology film covering different types of supernatural creatures. It follows the adventures of a horror author who gets invited to the secret titular club by a good vampire called Erasmus in exchange for a small “drink.” Chetwyn is admitted as an honorary member of the club by Erasmus and learns heartwarming stories from the lives of different “monsters” including corpse-eating ghosts called ghouls, a scary creature with a demonic whistle called the Shadmock, and, of course, vampires.
Featuring Vincent Price in the lead role of Erasmus, The Monster Club utilizes a simple setting to bring multiple spooky tales to life. Price’s charming portrayal of Erasmus endears the monsters to viewers making the whole setting feel like a regular bar talk scene rather than a horror film. With its gripping plot and stunning visuals, The Monster Club provides a break for classic fans looking for a more nuanced version of Pierce’s best portrayal of vampires.
Lifeforce (1985)
A joint American and European team of Astronauts come across a derelict spaceship with three alien humanoids and an alien bat-like creature while on a mission to investigate Halley’s Comet. The team decides to bring the creatures with them to London for further research, but they turn out to be alien vampires that could wipe out humanity.
Starring Patrick Stewart, Steve Railsback, and Mathilda May, Liferorce is another 80s horror gem that stands out for its ambitious blend of sci-fi and vampire mythology. Despite its epic storyline and inventive twists, the film was a Box Office bomb in the US when released, with the full extent of its thrill only being appreciated in recent years. It is now a cult classic offering a thrilling and unpredictable intergalactic ride that appeals to both sci-fi and classic horror fans.
Vamp (1986)
While on a mission to hire a stripper as their ticket to enter a frat party, three college boys, Keith, AJ, and Duncan, stumble upon a seedy nightclub inhabited by a coven of vampires. Their choice of stripper, Katrina, is an especially vicious vampire who attacks and turns one of the boys into a Vampire. As they fight to survive the night, they must now confront their own fears and desires in a battle against the forces of darkness.
Vamp has a comedic spin that makes it feel more like a coming-of-age comedy than a typical gore-filled vampire film. Its storyline is further livened by a gripping fun and irreverent spin to its action-packed horror scope. Its genuine moments of suspense and jump scares also make it stand out. With its colorful characters and memorable set pieces, the film remains a highly entertaining homage to 80s dark comedy that has earned a cult following over the years.
The Monster Squad (1987)
The Monster Squad follows a group of misfit kids which bands together to fight a team of classic movie monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman, who threaten to unleash chaos upon their small town. Armed with homemade weapons and boundless courage, they embark on a quest to save their community from the forces of darkness in a heartwarming display of teen camaraderie.
The Monster Squad takes a comedic approach to the tale of the classic vampire tale, delivering a delightful and action-packed adventure that captures the spirit of childhood imagination. With its endearing characters and memorable creature designs, the film remains a beloved cult classic that appeals to audiences of all ages.
SEE ALSO: Essential Vampire Movies To Sink Your Teeth Into
What are your favourite vampire movies of the 1980s? Any other forgotten gems? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Billy Oduory