The 1980s were a formative time for horror movies, as the modern slasher began getting attention withFriday the 13th(1980) andA Nightmare On Elm Street(1984). There were also several adaptions of Stephen King’s work during this decade asCujo(1983),Christine(1983),Firestarter(1984), andPet Sematary(1989) all came out within a few years of each other.
Whether fans rewatch an ’80s slasher or the first movie in the popularChild’s Playfranchise, one thing is for sure: many movies from this decade have some unforgettable quotes that are scary, thrilling, and give great context to what’s going on.
Pamela Voorhees Talks About Jason In Friday The 13th (1980)
“You see, Jason was my son, and today is his birthday.”
The famousScreamopening sees Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore) getting a question wrong. She thinks that the villain inFriday the 13this Jason Voorhees, but while Jason is the masked killer in the rest of the franchise, his mom Pamela Voorhees is the killer in the original movie.
Betsy Palmer’s well-known character lets the Camp Crystal Lake counselors know that they’re in trouble as she explains that she is Jason’s mom and she’s out to get revenge. Unlike theworst horror movie villains, Pamela has a motive that makes sense, and this reveal is terrifying as she seems totally unhinged and out for blood.
Jack Types The Same Words Over And Over In The Shining (1980)
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Jack Nicholson’sThe Shiningcharacter Jack Torrance descents into madness, and in one memorable scene, he starts typing the line “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This is such a famous line that fans associate it with the film.
This is a classic proverb that talks about how people need to have balance in their lives, and it works so well inThe Shiningsince Jack thought that staying at the Overlook Hotel would allow him to focus on his writing. Instead, the ghosts in its hallways have been tormenting him. Although someStephen King fans preferMiserytoThe Shining, this quote is so smart and meaningful.
Brett Camber Is Scared Of The Evil Dog In Cujo (1983)
“Something’s wrong with Cujo, mom!”
Cujomight not be considered one of thebest Stephen King adaptations, but the ’80s movie is definitely memorable as the story of a family with an evil dog is not something that audiences would easily forget. Critics didn’t adore this movie, but this line couldn’t be scarier.
Brett Camber (Billy Jacoby) is shocked to learn that his dog is up to no good and screams this statement at his mom. It’s awful imagining how Billy must feel, realizing that he and his family are in a precarious and dangerous situation now, when all Brett wanted was a sweet pet to spend time with.
Chucky Introduces Himself In Child’s Play (1988)
“Hi, I’m Chucky. Wanna play?”
Although the2019Child’s Playreboot is lackluster, fans of the crazed doll love thewell-done TV seriesChucky, and it’s fun to look back on where it all began. In the 1988 movie, Chucky says this iconic line, which shows that he’s bad news yet trying his best to convince kids to play with him so he can start his murder spree.
Chucky has some funny and bold lines in all of the movies in the franchise, but his question about whether someone wants to play with him is the absolute best as he sounds sweet and innocent when, of course, horror fans know that he is anything but. Chucky tries to be charming, though, and it always works.
Jud’s Famous Pet Sematary (1989) Quote
Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne) is an excellent character from thescary 1989 Stephen King moviePet Sematary.As the Creed family learns the horrors of living in their new house, Jud explains that it’s smarter to let go of pets who have passed on.
Jud’s quote is hard to forget but also important as he’s sharing the advice that if humans and animals die and come back to life here, they won’t be anything like they were now. They will be evil. This is a tough pill for the Creeds to swallow, as they’re mourning the tragic loss of their young son Gage (Miko Hughes), but Jud is, of course, right. Nothing good will happen if beloved pets and people are given a second chance at life. Jud is a great contrast to the Creeds as they are understandably emotional but he is intelligent and has been around a long time dealing with the magical pet sematary, so he knows what’s going to happen.
