Director · Emmett Alston
imdb · 4.9/10
· Patricia Rosalis

New Year’s Evil (1980): A Slasher That Rings in the New Year with Terror

movie

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with terror in New Year’s Evil (1980), a chilling slasher where midnight brings murder.

New years Evil cover movie

New Year’s Eve is usually a time for celebration, but New Year’s Evil (1980) flips the script, delivering a slasher movie brimming with holiday tension and gory thrills. Directed by Emmett Alston, the film blends New Year's festivities with a menacing, clock-driven narrative that keeps viewers on edge.

The Plot

The story revolves around Diane "Blaze" Sullivan, a Los Angeles TV host presenting a live New Year’s Eve punk rock countdown. During the broadcast, a mysterious caller who identifies himself as “Evil” promises to kill someone at the stroke of midnight in each time zone, with Diane as his final target. As the night unfolds, the killer’s promises are horrifyingly fulfilled, creating a countdown viewers won’t soon forget.

Why It’s Memorable

  • Holiday Horror: New Year’s Evil cleverly uses the ticking clock of New Year’s Eve to amplify suspense. Each approaching midnight delivers not celebration but dread.
  • Punk Rock Edge: The film’s soundtrack and aesthetics embrace the rebellious punk rock culture of the late ’70s and early ’80s, giving it a unique vibe within the slasher genre.
  • Unconventional Killer: Unlike many masked slashers, the villain in New Year’s Evil is disturbingly human, using charisma and deceit to carry out his twisted mission.

While New Year’s Evil may not have reached the cult status of Halloween or Friday the 13th, it’s a chilling, offbeat addition to the holiday horror subgenre. It’s the perfect watch for those who want their New Year’s celebrations with a side of blood-curdling suspense.

FAQ

What is the New Year’s Evil (1980) movie about?

New Year’s Evil (1980) is a slasher film centered around a punk rock show host being terrorized by a mysterious caller who promises to kill someone at each stroke of midnight across different time zones.


Who is in the cast of New Year’s Evil (1980)?

The New Year’s Evil (1980) cast includes Roz Kelly, Kip Niven, and Chris Wallace. Their performances bring suspense and grit to this cult-favorite holiday horror film.


Is there a trailer for New Year’s Evil (1980)?

Yes, the New Year’s Evil (1980) trailer is available on YouTube. It teases the movie’s unique mix of New Year’s festivities and chilling suspense.


What is the song featured in New Year’s Evil (1980)?

The movie features the titular song “New Year’s Evil” performed by Shadow. The punk rock vibe of the song perfectly sets the tone for this holiday-themed slasher.


Where can I watch New Year’s Evil (1980)?

New Year’s Evil (1980) is available on streaming platforms like Prime Video. Sign up for a 30-day free trial through our link or explore other services like Tubi and Shudder for availability.


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