It was probably about '88 or '89 for me as well. My parents never really worried about me and horror films. I could always rent whatever I wanted when I was a kid, and my mom was always cool about getting me and my friends into theaters.
I have to disagree with Grindcallus, I'm a huge fan of The Fog (not the remake). As far as I'm concerned, the worst Carpenter film has to be Ghosts of Mars. I also have to agree with Grindcallus on Amityville 2, it's far superior to the first one.
Glad to see you're finding the classics, nightofthelivingfred. I used to date this one girl, and every time I mentioned a film, she'd just stare at me blankly...at first this didn't really bother me, as I own quite an extensive collection. But, one night, around Christmas, I mentioned how we should watch Gremlins. She asked me what it was about.
Suffice to say, I've learned not to assume that everyone has seen the films I've seen. What is common to us may never be mentioned in other social circles.
Anyway, nightofthelivingfred, good hunting and I hope this site proves to be a treasure trove for some of the more understated classics.