This post was inspired by a recent late-night scroll on Amazon Prime. You know that section, “Movies We Think You’ll Like”? Well, turns out Amazon knows me frighteningly well, because it suggested The Prowler. I hit play, and honestly? It delivered everything I want from a forgotten slasher: atmosphere, gore, and a villain who can really haunt your nightmares.
Watching it had me wanting to dig up other slashers from the golden boom of the 80s — the ones that slipped under the radar, overshadowed by the big franchises but still worth a scream-filled evening. And because I can’t resist making things more fun (or more atmospheric), I’ve paired each of these forgotten gems with an equally iconic 1980s product. Think of it as a killer double feature: horror and nostalgia.
The Prowler (1981)
A WWII-era tragedy comes back to haunt a small town as a masked soldier stalks fresh victims. It’s gory, stylish, and features one of the most menacing slasher looks of the decade.
’80s Pairing: Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles — because that heavy-booted killer really knew how to stomp.
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
A Canadian cult classic set in a mining town, where a killer in full gear wreaks havoc on Valentine’s Day. It’s moody, gritty, and way more fun than it has any right to be.
’80s Pairing: Whitman’s Sampler Box of Chocolates — perfect for Valentine’s Day, though hopefully yours won’t come with a severed heart inside.
The House on Sorority Row (1983)
College girls cover up a prank gone wrong and find themselves picked off one by one. Stylish, suspenseful, and dripping with ’80s flair.
’80s Pairing: Aqua Net Extra Super Hold — because you’ll need your hair to look flawless while you’re running from the killer.
Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
A group of teenage girls, a suburban sleepover, and a killer with a power drill. It’s campy, clever, and cheekily aware of its own tropes.
’80s Pairing: Domino’s Pizza (Avoid the Noid!) — the ultimate late-night slasher party fuel.
Terror Train (1980)
Jamie Lee Curtis trades Halloween for New Year’s Eve in this masked-killer-on-a-train thriller. There are costumes, confetti, and more than a little claustrophobic dread.
’80s Pairing: Polaroid Instant Camera — because every great costume party deserves a snapshot before the bloodbath starts.
Happy Birthday to Me (1981)
Rich prep school kids start dying in increasingly elaborate ways (there’s a shish kebab scene you’ll never forget). It’s melodramatic, twisty, and very, very ’80s.
’80s Pairing: Swatch Watch — bright, colorful, and perfect for counting down the bodies.
Intruder (1989)
Set overnight in a grocery store, this slasher has creative kills and a young Sam Raimi cameo. It’s late-era boom but feels like a lost treasure.
’80s Pairing: Blockbuster Video Card — because nothing says movie night nostalgia quite like it.
Final Cut
The slasher boom left behind more than just masked icons and endless sequels — it also produced a treasure trove of forgotten gems. These films may not have spawned franchises, but they deliver plenty of atmosphere, blood, and twisted creativity. Queue one up for your next retro movie night, crack open a can of Tab, and scream like it’s 1983.
Bonus Snacks for Your Slasher Marathon
Snacks are half the fun of a slasher marathon. Here are two retro classics you can whip up today — straight from the glory days of VHS and Aqua Net.
Sweet Treat: DIY Jell-O Pudding Pops
Remember these? The icy, creamy pudding bars that ruled every kid’s freezer in the ’80s before vanishing into snack history. Good news — they’re ridiculously easy to recreate.
Ingredients:
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pudding mix (chocolate and vanilla swirl for maximum nostalgia)
2 cups cold milk
2 tbsp sugar
Popsicle molds (or paper cups + sticks)
Directions:
Whisk the pudding mix, milk, and sugar until smooth. Pour into molds, swirl flavors if desired, and freeze for at least 5 hours. Pop them out and enjoy the ultimate horror marathon cool-down.
Savory Bite: Sloppy Joe Dip
Messy, meaty, and straight out of the Manwich era. Think of it as the heart of every ’80s weeknight dinner, reimagined for movie night.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 can Manwich Original Sloppy Joe sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese
Chips or baguette slices for dipping
Directions:
Brown beef, drain, and stir in Manwich sauce. Add cream cheese and melt into the mix. Transfer to a dish, top with cheddar, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until bubbly. Serve hot, preferably while yelling “Don’t go in there!” at the screen.