If you loved the campy horror fun of Zombie Nightmare (1987), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same mix of undead mayhem, low-budget charm, and over-the-top action. Whether you're a fan of cheesy practical effects or nostalgic '80s horror, these picks will keep you entertained.

Night of the Comet (1984)
Description: A post-apocalyptic tale with a quirky, lighthearted tone, following survivors of a comet that turns most of humanity into zombies or dust.
Fact: The film was inspired by the idea of 'Valley Girls' surviving the end of the world. It was shot on a shoestring budget but became a cult favorite.


The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Description: A cult classic that blends horror and comedy, featuring reanimated corpses with a punk aesthetic and dark humor.
Fact: The film introduced the concept of zombies craving brains, which became a pop culture staple. It was originally intended to be a sequel to 'Night of the Living Dead' but diverged into its own unique story.


The Stuff (1985)
Description: A satirical horror film about a mysterious, addictive dessert that turns consumers into mindless zombies, critiquing consumer culture.
Fact: The titular 'Stuff' was made from a mixture of yogurt, cottage cheese, and marshmallow cream. The film was marketed with the tagline 'Are you eating it, or is it eating you?'


The Toxic Avenger (1984)
Description: A wildly over-the-top horror-comedy about a mutated hero fighting crime, filled with gore, absurd humor, and social commentary.
Fact: The film was initially a flop but gained a massive following through midnight screenings and home video, spawning a franchise. It was Troma Entertainment's first major hit.


Chopping Mall (1986)
Description: A low-budget horror flick with killer robots and a group of teens fighting for survival, embodying the cheesy yet entertaining vibe of 80s horror.
Fact: Originally titled 'Killbots,' the film was shot in just 17 days. The mall used for filming is the same one featured in 'Commando.'


Night of the Creeps (1986)
Description: Mixes sci-fi and horror with a campy tone, involving alien parasites that turn people into zombies, set against a college backdrop.
Fact: The film pays homage to 1950s B-movies and features multiple endings depending on the version watched. Director Fred Dekker named many characters after famous horror directors.


Bad Taste (1987)
Description: A splatterfest with aliens invading a small town, featuring excessive gore, DIY special effects, and a chaotic, energetic style.
Fact: Peter Jackson made the film over four years using homemade props and effects. It was initially banned in several countries due to its extreme violence.


Dead Heat (1988)
Description: A unique blend of action, horror, and comedy where cops battle reanimated criminals, featuring over-the-top gore and witty banter.
Fact: The film is notable for its creative zombie makeup effects, including a scene where a zombie is literally blown apart and reassembles itself.


Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Description: A campy horror-comedy featuring alien clowns who terrorize a small town, combining absurd visuals with a playful, eerie tone.
Fact: The film was inspired by a nightmare about a clown attacking the director. The klowns' weapons include popcorn guns and cotton candy cocoons.


Street Trash (1987)
Description: A grungy, exploitation-style horror film about homeless people melting after drinking toxic alcohol, filled with grotesque effects and dark humor.
Fact: The film's melting effects were achieved using a combination of latex, condoms, and food coloring. It was shot in an actual abandoned factory.
