10 Best Sci-Fi Horror Movies From The '80s
6. Return Of The Living Dead
No one can contest the influence George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead has had, not just on horror but on cinema. Not only did it ignite the zombie genre, it proved that indie directors could make a smash hit.
Having said that, the films have some dodgy special effects and amateur make up. Return of the Living Dead may not have been as influential on the zombie genre but there is no question it has VASTLY superior special effects. Using animatronic puppets, effect artist, Tony Gardner, devised some of the most realistic zombies ever seen in any medium.
Return of the Living Dead also makes the daring decision to discard the rule that zombies can be killed with a headshot. This makes the film more tense since the characters (as well as the audience) have no clue how to stop the undead.
Even though Romero's work embraced comedy, his films were clearly dramas above all else. Return of the Living Dead balances comedy and horror so effortlessly, you can't tell whether you're meant to be laughing hysterically or screaming in terror.