If you loved the chilling suspense and eerie atmosphere of The Initiation (1984), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that capture the same thrilling essence, blending horror, mystery, and psychological tension. Whether you're a fan of '80s slashers or modern thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Terror Train (1980)
Description: A slasher set on a moving train, where a killer in disguise picks off passengers one by one, creating a claustrophobic and suspenseful environment.
Fact: Features an early role for Jamie Lee Curtis, known as the 'scream queen' of horror.


The Burning (1981)
Description: A summer camp slasher with a disfigured killer seeking revenge, known for its tense atmosphere and creative kills.
Fact: Features early work from Hollywood figures like Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein, who produced the film.


Graduation Day (1981)
Description: A slasher movie set in a high school, where a masked killer targets students and faculty, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and fear.
Fact: Features a memorable chase scene through the school's bleachers, adding to its tense atmosphere.


Happy Birthday to Me (1981)
Description: A psychological slasher with a twisty narrative, focusing on a series of brutal murders linked to a group of wealthy prep school students.
Fact: Known for its inventive and gruesome death scenes, including one involving a shish kebab.


Hell Night (1981)
Description: A horror film combining elements of slasher and haunted house genres, following a group of college students spending the night in a supposedly cursed mansion.
Fact: One of the early films to blend supernatural elements with the slasher formula, predating many similar movies.


My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Description: A holiday-themed slasher with a miner-themed killer, focusing on a small town's dark secrets and a series of brutal murders.
Fact: Notorious for its graphic violence, which led to heavy censorship upon its original release.


The Prowler (1981)
Description: A slasher film with a World War II veteran as the killer, featuring elaborate and gory death scenes set against a small-town backdrop.
Fact: The special effects were done by Tom Savini, a legend in horror makeup effects.


The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
Description: A slasher film with a focus on a group of young women being targeted by a mysterious killer, blending horror with elements of suspense and dark humor.
Fact: Originally written as a feminist satire of slasher films, it was directed by a woman, which was rare for the genre at the time.


Curtains (1983)
Description: A horror film that blends psychological terror with slasher elements, centered around a group of actresses auditioning for a role in a secluded mansion.
Fact: The film's production was troubled, leading to extensive reshoots and a delayed release.


April Fool's Day (1986)
Description: A horror mystery that plays with the audience's expectations, featuring a group of friends isolated in a remote location where they start dying one by one.
Fact: The film's twist ending was highly controversial and led to debates among fans about its execution.
