Pumpkinhead (1988)

Before the story of vengeful mothers hiring killers to ax the competition for the benefit of their would-be cheerleading daughters, we had the tale of Pumpkinhead to lull our desire for a revenge-filled flick. Pumpkinhead is a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning your anger into a business arrangement with a monster.

Plot summary for Pumpkinhead:
When inner-city bikers head into the country for a nice, relaxing time, trouble is not far behind. They accidentally kill the son of local storekeeper Ed Harley (played by Lance Henriksen). Enraged and aching for revenge, the storekeeper enlists the help of a witch and unleashes a terrible demon called Pumpkinhead. Things go awry and the storekeeper realizes he has made a mistake. He sets out on a mission to stop the demon and save the very kids who killed his son.

Memorable scene from Pumpkinhead:
The city kids are huddled in the cabin, wondering what happened to their friend. Their discussion comes to a standstill as we hear the sound of someone or something at the window. It’s Pumpkinhead, and he’s dragged the girl’s face across the window pane. He then slams her head and body through the window, killing her in a way most movie monsters can only dream about.

Memorable quote from Pumpkinhead:
“Nothin’ can call it off, but I’m gonna send it back to whatever the Hell it come from!”

Why we love Pumpkinhead:
Pumpkinhead takes the fine art of revenge to a whole new level. We love the terror unleashed by an angry father almost as much as the inevitable horrors that ensue.

Frightening Fact:
Pumpkinhead was originally going to be called “Vengeance: The Demon.” Horror make-up master Stan Winston directed Pumpkinhead.