John Kenneth Muir is back! This time, the author of the acclaimed Horror Films of the 1970s turns his attention to 300 films from the 1980s. From horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser to obscurities like The Children and The Boogens, Muir is our informative guide.
Muir introduces the scope of the decade’s horrors, and offers a history that draws parallels between current events and the nightmares unfolding on cinema screens. Each of the 300 films is discussed with detailed credits, a brief synopsis, a critical commentary, and where applicable, notes on the film’s legacy beyond the 80s. Also included is the author’s ranking of the 15 best horror films of the 80s.

John Kenneth Muir is an American literary critic and award-winning author. As of 2022, he has written 30 reference books in the fields of film and television, with a particular focus on the horror and science fiction genres.

John Kenneth Muir
Format: softcover (7 x 10 in 2 vols.)
Pages: 843
Bibliographic Info: 156 photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2012 [2007]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7298-7
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5501-0
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vii
Preface      1

PART I: DON’TWORRY, BE HAPPY (OR, BE AFRAID … BE VERY AFRAID…)
AN INTRODUCTION TO HORROR FILMS OF THE 1980S      5
PART II: A HISTORY OF THE DEAD TEENAGER DECADE      16
PART III: THE FILMS (BY YEAR OF RELEASE)       55

Conclusion      773
Appendices      777
Notes      811
Bibliography      813
Index      817

“writing is clear, with a personal but expert tone…useful information and enjoyable commentary…recommended”—Booklist; “fans of the horror genre are sure to find something to scream about. Muir again plunges into the dark…appropriate to the so-called era of greed, he has this time added more of everything: films, background, appendices, and critical analyses…ample, witty, well-versed entries…highly recommended”—Library Journal; “have no fear. Muir reveals all…readable and entertaining…this tremendous tome of terror is the quintessential concordance to the films of the dead teenager decade…Muir opts for comprehensiveness…Muir’s genius lies in his giving context to the films. Muir has carved out a niche for himself with this kind of reference work…recommended”—Choice; “comprehensive…insightful”—C&RL News; “one of the finest horror reference books I’ve ever read”—City Slab; “he did it again…Muir is back and better than ever”—NVF Magazine; “readers will be pleased by the attention to detail that is lavished on each of the 325 films included…a far more thorough approach to the material and his dedication creates a definitive reference book…recommend”—Horrortalk.com.