10 Best Creature Features Of The 1980s

Being the king of special effects, having Stan Winston directing a creature feature should've been a cause for celebration for monster-lovers. Sadly, Pumpkinhead was a financial failure.

In terms of story, this 1988 supernatural flick is pretty straightforward, with the locals of a small town facing off against a towering demon. But this is Stan Winston we're talking about, the makeup maestro behind Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, and Aliens. The plot is flimsy, but nobody cares once the roided-up walking nightmare shows up. 

Throughout Pumpkinhead, it's apparent Winston knows how to shoot the monster so it doesn't just look scary but authentic. Although the fiend's bulky size and spindly design are unsettling, it's the terrific use of lightning, staging, and sound effects that highlights how menacing it is. The genuine terror from the ensemble, especially Lance Henriksen, highlights that threat even further.

Winston should also be commended for effectively using jump scares without resorting to cheap tactics or blaring noises, especially when the sinister foe makes his grand entrance.

Don't let the terrible title deter you - Pumpkinhead is worth seeking out.