20 Greatest Horror Movies Of The 80s
1. The Shining
What can be said about Stanley Kubrick's horror classic The Shining which hasn't already been said? Thousands of pages of criticism have been penned for his adaptation of Stephen King's novel, and it is quite rightly remembered today as one of the greatest horror movies of all time.
Things weren't quite as rosy back in 1980 when The Shining came out, and the reception from critics was mixed (and amazing as it may seem it even picked up two nominations for the Golden Raspberry Awards, including worst director and worst actress for Shelley Duvall). Stephen King also famously detested Kubrick's vision of his novel (although later he would go back on his judgement and referred to it as a personal favourite).
Needless to say they were all dead wrong, and The Shining has since been reappraised as a classic, with Kubrick's masterful sense of atmosphere and pacing - combined with Jack Nicholson's central performance as the increasingly deranged writer - forming a near-perfect film.
It's a film which rewards repeated viewing, each one unlocking more dark secrets of the Overlook Hotel. If you really want to delve into the underbelly of The Shining there's a great documentary, Room 237, which explores the various conspiracy theories around Kubrick's masterpiece.