As an incoming freshman, I can imagine that I'm going to go out a lot, be it to a party or simply the Coughy Haus — and this is probably the same case for most other freshmen. But what about those days where we want to indulge in junk food and be confined to the comfort of our dorms with our friends? Nothing combines so perfectly to this scenario than some classic 80's slasher flicks to keep the night going. Everyone has heard of Michael Myers and Jason, chasing around a bunch of teenagers to get their bloody revenge, but what about all the other movies that made "80's slasher movies" a thing? I've compiled a list of ten movies that will keep your night going, and I've tried to keep them as college related as possible.
1. Bloody Birthday (1981)
So it turns out that if you give birth to kids during a solar eclipse, they turn into serial killers; at least that's the case with Debbie, Curtis, and Steven. These ten year olds don't need to wear a mask to do their dirty deeds. Instead they use their pathological lying skills and manipulation in order to keep themselves clear of any blame from the murders that begin to emerge in their town.
2. Final Exam (1981)
It's the last day of final exams at Lanier College. More than half of the students and professors have left for vacation, but the stragglers are left behind, flying through tests, pulling pranks, and... trying not to get murdered? Find out who is hiding beneath the shadows, all while looking at what college was like during the 80's (when college students used names like "brain-o" instead of "nerd").
3. The Funhouse (1981)
"Fun" is such an understatement to describe this carnival. It's not your typical cotton candy and giggles. If you don't like clowns and other revolting monsters, then this is the movie for you. Follow these four teenagers as they go on this hell of a ride into the funhouse. Pay to get in, pray to get out.
4. The Dorm that Dripped Blood (1982)
"When the kidding stops... the killing starts". Staying on campus over Christmas break already seems like a terrible idea, but a group of teenagers decide to stay and clean out their dorms, which are due for demolition. They'll soon find that they have an unexpected visitor with them, and his pranks are to die for.
5. The House on Sorority Row (1983)
Here we have yet another case of a prank gone terribly wrong. Seven sorority sisters decide to pull a prank on their elderly sorority mother, Mrs. Slater, and end up killing her on the spot. While trying to get rid of the body, the girls encounter something far worse. Someone similar to Mrs. Slater is getting their revenge on the girls — but Mrs. Slater is dead... who could it be? What you'll find out is no joke.
6. Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Here you have your teenagers in the woods with a crazy killer out to get them. However, Sleepaway Camp is no ordinary slasher film. The more the movie unravels, the more in shock you will be, and Angela is the cherry on top. You'll do anything but sleep with Sleepaway Camp.
7. Splatter University (1984)
Troma Entertainment is an independent film production company that has been known for creating the most vulgar and bizarre movies. Splatter University is another one of their great works. A patient from a mental institution is on the loose, and these college students are in for a crazy time.
8. Chopping Mall (1986)
"Where shopping costs you an arm and a leg". Park Plaza Mall's new security isn't exactly looking out for the better of the people. This new security consists of three robots with tranquilizer guns and lazers. One bad thunderstorm leaves the couples in this mall in a real doozy when lightning causes the robots to go mad. Is humanity any challenge against technology?
9. Killer Party (1986)
Wow, sorority sisters in the 80's really loved to pull pranks. As a result, a group of college students end up in an abandoned house, unknowingly intruding on someone, or something. They'll realize that they are unwelcome in the house soon enough, but will they be able to make it out?
10. Cutting Class (1989)
Brad Pitt was in a slasher film? Oh yeah, and it was his first major role, too. A new student who just came out of a mental hospital becomes jealous of Dwight (Brad Pitt, shocker), and strange things begin to happen to students at this school. There is far more to the story than just a bad romance, though.
That concludes my list of movies. I hope I've gotten you one step closer to having some killer dorm nights.
