They Came From Beyond

Exploring the Glorious Cheese of 80s B-Movie Horror

Ah, the 80s. A time of neon legwarmers, synth-heavy power ballads, and… gloriously cheesy B-movie horror They Came From Beyond!

At Flikbak TV, we have a soft spot for these cult classics, They Came From Beyond the ones that may not have won critical acclaim but hold a special place in our hearts (and sometimes induce uncontrollable laughter). So, crank up the electric guitar soundtrack, grab your popcorn (or maybe a cheese-flavored snack?), and prepare for a deep dive into the wonderfully weird world of 80s B-movie horror.

What makes them so “cheese-tastic”?

• Practical effects gone wild: Forget CGI! Embrace the stop-motion monsters, the rubber alien suits, and the pyrotechnics that somehow never quite look real (but are undeniably entertaining). Think exploding heads in “Society” (1989) or the iconic “Graboid butt-blast” from “Tremors” (1990).

• Dialogue that’s “so bad, it’s good”: Not B-movies, but still..Lines like “I’m gonna need a bigger boat” (“Jaws,” 1975) and “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should” (“Jurassic Park,” 1993) may not be Shakespeare, but they’re etched in our memories forever.
• Plots that are anything but predictable: Giant worms emerging from the ground? Killer tomatoes taking over the world? No plot is too outlandish or bizarre for an 80s B-movie. See “Critters” (1986) for furry, carnivorous alien invaders, or “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” (1988) for, well, exactly what the title suggests.

• Memorable characters (even if they’re not always the brightest): From the brave (but clueless) scientists in “The Blob” (1988) to the sassy final girl in “Slumber Party Massacre” (1982), these characters, despite their flaws, leave a lasting impression.

But beyond the cheese, there’s something special about these films.

They remind us of a simpler time, when entertainment wasn’t afraid to be outrageous and have fun. They Came From Beyond offer a sense of nostalgia. Taking us back to childhood sleepovers and late-night movie marathons. They can also be surprisingly insightful, offering social commentary disguised beneath the campy exterior, as seen in films like “They Live” (1988).

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a good laugh and a healthy dose of unintentional entertainment, don’t be afraid to delve into the world of 80s B-movie horror. You might just discover your new favorite cult classic, or gain a new appreciation for the enduring legacy of these films in pop culture.

Want to share your own B-movie memories? Tell us in the comments below! What’s your favorite cheese-tastic horror film from the 80s, and why?

Dive deeper: Check out our reviews of other Cult Classics on Flikbak TV!

Further Reading:

• “The B-Movie: A Very Short Introduction” by Linda Williams https://global.oup.com/academic/product/film-a-very-short-introduction-9780192803535 (explores the history and cultural significance of B-movies)
• “The Art of Horror Movies: An Illustrated History” by Stephen Jones https://amzn.to/3P4pkV4
• “Definitive Guide to Horror Movies: 365 Films to Scare You to Death” by James Marriot and Kim Newman https://amzn.to/3wAEQS4

Get ready to unleash the glorious cheese They Came From Beyond and celebrate the enduring legacy of 80s B-movie horror with Flikbak TV!