Throwback Horror Movies That Are So Good, They’re Almost Too Good for Your Netflix Queue
Hey, horror fanatics! Johnny Spoiler here from Binge-Watchers Podcast, and I’ve got a treat for you—no, not the kind that’ll give you nightmares (okay, maybe just a little bit), but the kind of forgotten gems that’ll make you wonder how they didn’t take over your childhood nightmares. We're diving deep into the archives of horror, into that place where VHS tapes go to die, just to uncover the weirdest, wildest, and most underrated films that you probably missed while you were busy watching Saw for the 700th time. (But hey, we all have our vices.)
Ready to be terrified and perplexed by the audacity of these films? Let’s get started.
1. "The Midnight Hour" (1985)
Oh yes, this one’s a classic—if you grew up in a parallel universe where ABC didn’t cancel it after the first airing. The Midnight Hour isn’t your standard horror flick; it’s a musical. Yep, you heard me right. Imagine Grease if everyone turned into zombies halfway through. It’s a strange blend of teen angst, spooky supernatural happenings, and music numbers that will leave you wondering why more horror movies don’t include spontaneous musical numbers (really, why?). A mix of horror and comedy that would make Tim Burton blush. Watch it if you’re feeling nostalgic for the days when horror wasn’t trying to be ultra-gritty but was instead, well, fun.
2. "The Legend of Hell House" (1973)
Alright, look. I know what you’re thinking: “Johnny, didn’t you already talk about haunted house movies?” Yeah, well, not this one. The Legend of Hell House is like the sophisticated cousin of House on Haunted Hill. It’s based on a Richard Matheson novel, so expect some smart writing and a little less "jump-scare-for-the-sake-of-it" nonsense. This movie takes haunted houses seriously, and it’s so unsettling in its quiet, psychological way that by the end of it, you’re not sure whether the house is haunted, or you are. Basically, it’s the horror movie for people who think The Haunting (1963) isn’t slow enough. Get it together, people, and give it a watch.
3. "The Church" (1989)
This Italian gem is a fever dream wrapped in a riddle inside a nightmare. Directed by Michele Soavi, it’s set in an old church where things go horribly wrong, and it’s essentially the Exorcist but with better haircuts and wilder plot twists. The movie is gorgeously shot, and the demons don’t just scare you—they play with your mind. It’s a real visual feast, if you’re into that sort of thing—if you're not, well, too bad. By the time the third act rolls around, the movie is basically a drug-induced horror version of a David Lynch fever dream, and honestly, I’m here for it. Give it a try if you want your brain to hurt and your faith in humanity to dwindle just a little.
4. "The Burning" (1981)
For those of you who still think Friday the 13th is the pinnacle of slasher cinema, let me introduce you to The Burning. It’s essentially Friday the 13th if it was actually, you know, good. This flick has one of the best (and most terrifying) slasher villains of all time: Cropsey. Who is Cropsey, you ask? He’s a vengeful killer with a severe case of sunburn and a sharp pair of hedge clippers. Seriously, this film is everything Friday the 13th was, minus the dated slasher tropes and plus a dash of grotesque, creepy-as-hell character work. If you haven’t seen it yet, stop what you’re doing and rectify this mistake immediately.
5. "House" (1986)
Not to be confused with the TV show House (although wouldn’t that be something?), House is a mind-bending trip through a haunted house that’s so absurd, it’s impossible to not love it. The plot? A Vietnam vet goes to his deceased aunt’s house, and oh, surprise! The house is possessed, and there are monsters, demons, and, of course, his own twisted memories. It’s one of those films that feels like a fever dream you might have after eating half a pizza and binge-watching too many horror flicks. The best part? It somehow manages to balance comedy with genuine terror, and if you’ve ever wanted a haunted house movie that feels like it was made in a fevered panic, this is your jam.
6. "Phantasm II" (1988)
Okay, listen. If you haven’t seen Phantasm II, just stop reading this and go watch it. The first Phantasm is a legendary mind-melter, but Phantasm II takes everything about the original and turns it into a full-blown acid trip in space. Yes, space. It’s a horror movie that features killer spheres, a creepy tall man, and enough weird twists to make even David Lynch say, “Okay, maybe that’s too weird.” It’s weird, it’s fun, and it doesn’t give a single you-know-what about logic. It’s like someone had a really bad day at a costume shop and then wrote a screenplay on a napkin. It’s beautiful.
7. "Society" (1989)
Want to know what it feels like to lose your mind while watching a movie? Watch Society. It’s an all-American tale of class, privilege, and absolutely bizarre body horror. The premise? A rich kid discovers that his family is part of a cult-like society that eats poor people. Yep, you read that right. There’s a literal family orgy sequence, so fair warning, you might feel a little nauseous, but trust me, it’s a must-see for any horror enthusiast. If you’re a fan of grotesque satire mixed with body horror, this one’s for you. Just don’t eat anything too heavy before you watch.
8. "The Baby" (1973)
Ever wondered what would happen if a family decided to raise a grown man as a literal baby? Well, look no further than The Baby. This movie takes family dysfunction to a whole new level. A grown man with the mental capacity of an infant is treated like a baby by his deranged family, and the bizarre psychological horror ensues. This isn’t your typical “creepy family” movie. It’s off-the-wall weird and has one of the most jaw-dropping, “What the heck just happened?” endings. It’s a seriously disturbing deep dive into the darker side of family relationships—minus any of the heartwarming stuff, obviously.
9. "Street Trash" (1987)
Looking for a trashy, over-the-top horror movie that combines gore, dark humor, and absurdity? Street Trash is the answer to your prayers. In a rundown neighborhood, a case of tainted liquor turns people into sludgy, melting corpses, and let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold. This film is pure exploitation cinema at its finest, complete with cringe-worthy gore effects, strange characters, and a plot that barely holds together (but who cares?). If you can stomach the grotesque fun, this one's an absolute cult classic for fans of offbeat horror that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
10. "Troll 2" (1990)
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Troll 2 is not a good movie. But it is an epic disaster. This so-bad-it’s-good masterpiece has earned a cult following, and for a good reason—it’s packed with bizarre dialogue, wooden acting, and absurd plot choices that make no sense. The plot involves a family traveling to a small town (which, shocker, is inhabited by evil goblins who turn people into plants and feed them to their other goblin friends). The best part? There’s absolutely zero trolls in this movie. This is the kind of film that’s guaranteed to have you laughing, cringing, and maybe even questioning your life choices. And, yeah, it’s got some truly unintentionally hilarious scenes. Definitely a must-watch if you’re in the mood for pure camp.
11. "Dead & Buried" (1981)
A small, isolated town is rocked by a series of grisly murders, and what follows is one of the most underrated horror movies of the '80s. Dead & Buried is a perfect mix of creepy atmosphere, excellent special effects, and an unsettling mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. The film’s twist will leave you shaking your head in disbelief—it’s that good. It’s got a lot of what makes classic horror tick, but it also has its own unique vibe that separates it from the pack. If you love The Twilight Zone, you’ll be all over this.
12. "Sleepaway Camp" (1983)
Okay, now we’re getting into the truly unsettling territory. Sleepaway Camp is a slasher movie set at a summer camp, where the body count starts rising and the killer is, well, surprisingly unhinged. But what really makes this movie stand out is the insane twist ending, which has become infamous in horror circles. Seriously, if you haven’t seen it, stop everything, watch it, and then come back to thank me. It’s a blast, but in the weirdest, most confusing way possible. Trust me, you’ll be talking about that final scene for days.
13. "The Changeling" (1980)
This isn’t a “cliché haunted house” movie. The Changeling is a haunting psychological drama that takes its time to creep under your skin. George C. Scott delivers a brilliant performance as a widowed composer who moves into a spooky mansion, only to discover that it’s harboring a dark secret. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the eerie moments are effectively unsettling, especially the one involving a bouncing ball. It’s a slow burn that’ll haunt you long after the credits roll—definitely for fans of classic ghost stories with a somber, emotional core.
14. "Maniac Cop" (1988)
From the twisted mind of William Lustig, Maniac Cop is the horror-action mashup you never knew you needed. The story follows a rogue cop who’s out to kill innocent people, and the ensuing chaos and gore are like Die Hard meets Friday the 13th. It’s full of cheesy action scenes, campy one-liners, and the kind of bloodshed that would make a slasher film look tame. Think of it as the horror movie you’d watch after a long night of drinking and regret. It’s a guilty pleasure through and through—so grab your popcorn and enjoy the absurdity.
15. "The Pit" (1981)
Want to watch a horror film where the plot doesn’t make sense but somehow works anyway? Enter The Pit. This one’s a true oddity, following a lonely boy who discovers a pit filled with vicious, carnivorous creatures and begins feeding them people. The film is an odd mix of unsettling and hilarious, with bizarre characters, an equally strange premise, and one of the most uncomfortable and unintentionally funny moments involving a grown man and a child. The pacing’s weird, the acting’s cringey, but you’ll get hooked just by how utterly bizarre it is.
16. "Deadly Friend" (1986)
Wes Craven gave us Nightmare on Elm Street, but did you know he also made Deadly Friend? This one blends sci-fi, romance, and horror in a completely insane package. The plot revolves around a teenage boy who uses his robot-turned-friend to revive a murdered girl. Yeah, you’re already hooked, right? The film is completely bonkers, with a mix of laughable special effects and scenes that are either terrifying or hysterically ridiculous. It’s like Frankenstein meets Short Circuit—but with a whole lot more head-exploding action.
17. "The Last House on the Left" (1972)
A true exploitation classic, The Last House on the Left is not for the faint of heart. Wes Craven’s first feature film is brutally disturbing, following the story of two girls who are kidnapped, assaulted, and left for dead by a group of criminals—only for their parents to get their own brutal revenge. It’s not a film that holds back on shock value or violence, and it's one that will leave you feeling a little too uncomfortable. This film is rough, raw, and rawer than raw, but it paved the way for many of the revenge films that followed in its wake.
18. "Deathdream" (1974)
Directed by Bob Clark, Deathdream takes the “zombie soldier” trope and turns it on its head. The film follows a Vietnam veteran who comes back from the dead to terrorize his family. The premise sounds simple, but the film is surprisingly emotional, exploring themes of grief, war trauma, and what it means to lose someone you love—then have them come back, very wrong. It's a haunting exploration of the psychological horror of war, and it doesn’t get nearly enough love for the atmosphere and social commentary it serves.
19. "Basket Case" (1982)
If you’re into the weird, the bizarre, and the insanely campy, then Basket Case is an absolute must-watch. The story follows a man who carries around a basket with his deformed, mutated brother inside it. Yup. I know, you’re already sold. It’s a grindhouse treasure, packed with grotesque body horror, a ridiculous premise, and dialogue that’s so bad it becomes good. It’s like Re-Animator but with more weirdness and far fewer coherent plotlines. Embrace the chaos, my friends, and let the madness unfold.
20. "Witchboard" (1986)
If you like Ouija boards and ridiculous supernatural horrors, then Witchboard is your guilty pleasure. The film follows a group of friends who summon a malevolent spirit while using a Ouija board, and surprise! Things go south quickly. It's got all the clichés of '80s horror—terrible acting, over-the-top special effects, and ridiculous jump scares—but somehow, it all comes together in an unintentionally hilarious way. Think of it as the perfect mix of supernatural horror and laugh-out-loud moments. Witchboard might not be the next The Exorcist, but it’s a fun, nostalgic watch for fans of campy horror.
And there you have it—20 forgotten, underrated, and, let’s be honest, utterly ridiculous horror movies that will have you questioning your taste in cinema. So go ahead, throw on one of these and prepare to be amazed, horrified, and probably a little confused. But hey, that’s what we love about them, right? Stay spooky, stay weird, and keep those obscure VHS tapes alive.
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