Hack or Slash

1980S Episodes

The 1980s was a defining decade for horror, packed with sequels, practical effects, and iconic monsters. This collection highlights the range of horror films released during the era. Curated for our 31 Days of Horror challenge.
Aug. 7, 2025

404: Near Dark (1987)

This week we’re exploring the dusty plains of Near Dark (1987). We explore its take on vampire mythology, evaluate the chemistry between its leads, and assess its parallels with The Lost Boys and Twilight. This episode contai...

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March 27, 2025

383: Society (1989)

This week our patrons have decided we’re diving into the world of Society (1989). We examine its grotesque body horror effects, evaluate its satirical take on class warfare, and assess the impact of its climax. This episode contains spoilers,...

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Oct. 25, 2024

359: Re-Animator (1985)

This week we're resurrecting the horror-comedy cult classic Re-Animator (1985). We dive into its campy take on the Frankenstein trope, analyze the film's gruesome practical effects, and reflect on its legacy in 80s horror cinema. In this episode's...

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Oct. 8, 2024

353: A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)

This week we’re exploring the dreamscapes of A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989). We break down its low body count, critique Freddy Krueger’s one-liners, and debate its place in the franchise. In this episode's b-side, we reminisce...

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Sept. 13, 2024

348: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

This week we’re taking a boat ride to New York City with Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan. We discuss the absurdity of the film's plot, the mishandling of Jason in a city setting, and the film's questionable production choices. In this...

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Oct. 31, 2023

301: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

This week we're getting into the Halloween spirit by dissecting Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989). We scrutinize the growth of its iconic franchise characters, question the merit of its updated mask, and consider its setup for the next...

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Oct. 13, 2023

295: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)

This week we're diving deep into Crystal Lake with Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988). We break down Kane Hodder's inaugural role as Jason, scrutinize the caliber of the film's campy elements, and ponder the possibilities of mixing it up...

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Sept. 22, 2023

290: The Fly (1986)

This week we’re buzzing into the visceral thrills of The Fly (1986). We delve into the symbolism behind its gruesome body horror, consider its contrast to the 1958 original, and dissect the chemistry of its cast. In this episode's b-side, we get...

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Sept. 1, 2023

287: Beetlejuice (1988)

This week we’re diving into the afterlife with Beetlejuice (1988). We lay out the plans for our 2023 Spooky Season festivities, explore the movie's monumental impact on pop culture, and unpack its unique blend of chills and chuckles. In this...

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July 7, 2023

279: Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

This week we're diving into the deep end with Jaws: The Revenge (1987). We dissect the reimagined Brody family history, scrutinize the shark’s peculiar vengeful streak, and put the acting performances under our critical lens. This episode contains...

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June 2, 2023

274: Amityville II: The Possession (1982)

This week we’re exploring the discomfort of Amityville II: The Possession (1982). We delve into its stark contrast with the original film, unpack the dynamics of its central family, and assess the effectiveness of its special effects. This episode...

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March 3, 2023

261: Evil Dead 2 (1987)

This week we prepare for an upcoming theatrical release by checking out Evil Dead 2 (1987). We debate the necessity of its opening, assess the quality of Bruce Campbell’s performance, and examine the franchise’s tonal shift. This episode contains...

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Jan. 13, 2023

254: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

This week we catch up with our old pal Jason by checking out Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. We assess the film’s approach to comedy, scrutinize the quality of decision making in the film, and debate Tommy Jarvis’s worthiness as a franchise...

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Dec. 2, 2022

247: A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

This week we’re joined by a special guest to unpack A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988). We examine the changes in casting, explore the quality of practical effects, and debate the caliber of its ending. This episode contains...

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Oct. 25, 2022

241: The Lost Boys (1987)

This week we check out the second contender of our 2022 Cohost Clash: The Lost Boys (1987). We discuss the impact of teenage vampires, debate the quality of their prosthetics, and announce a giveaway for our listeners. In this episode’s b-side, Kris...

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Oct. 18, 2022

239: The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

This week we welcome Vero to the the team by checking out her comfort horror film: The Return of the Living Dead (1985). We unpack the movie’s origins, delineate the Dead vs Living Dead series, and assess the quality of its effects. In this...

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Sept. 16, 2022

231: Hellraiser (1987)

This week we open the box to check out Hellraiser (1987). We explore Clive Barker’s motivation to direct, unpack the iconic cenobite makeup, and assess the intensity of its gore. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:15. Mentioned in the...

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Sept. 2, 2022

229: Cujo (1983)

This week we kick off our Spooky Preseason with Cujo (1983). We break down the film’s corruption themes, unpack the dog performances, and highlight what’s to come in September. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 25:10. Mentioned in the...

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Aug. 5, 2022

225: The Blob (1958 vs 1988)

This week we break down The Blob (1958) and compare it to its 1988 remake. We explore the differences in each film’s theme, assess the quality of their blob effects, and assess the scale of their destruction. This episode contains spoilers,...

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July 15, 2022

222: Jaws 3-D (1983)

This week we prep for Shark Week by checking out Jaws 3-D (1983). We reflect on the franchise’s tonal change, assess the effectiveness of its 3-D components, and break down the impact of its shark. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:18....

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July 1, 2022

220: Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989)

This week we pack our camping gear and check out Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989). We break down the film’s approach to gore, unpack the fast-tracked production process, and assess the quality of its wigs. This episode contains spoilers,...

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May 20, 2022

214: Pumpkinhead (1988)

This week we commemorate the halfway to Halloween mark by checking out Pumpkinhead (1988). We assess the quality of the creature design, unpack the unexpected tugs at our heartstrings, and reflect on the morality of vengeance. This episode contains...

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May 13, 2022

213: Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

This week we revisit an iconic franchise by checking out Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985). We explore the maturation of Tommy Jarvis, assess the logistics of its setting, and reflect on the chronology of Jason Voorhees. This episode contains...

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April 22, 2022

210: The Howling (1981)

This week we unleash our inner werewolves by checking out The Howling (1981). We assess the quality of its practical effects, break down its approach to lycanthropy, and ponder the Venn diagram between werewolves and sex cults. This episode contains...

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