The Iconic '80s Movie Connection You Never Noticed In AHS: 1984

Plenty of "American Horror Story" fans consider "American Horror Story: 1984" to be the horror anthology's best season yet. It's well loved for a myriad of reasons: the stunning production design, the ties to previous seasons, the storylines that keep viewers on their toes. Yet another contributor to the success of "AHS: 1984" is that it's a fun ode to the '80s. Not only does the cast have era-appropriate outfits and plenty of love for jazzercise, but the show also pulls from iconic '80s slasher films like "Friday the 13th" and "Sleepaway Camp."

While the horror movie references are more obvious, "AHS: 1984" was also influenced by an iconic dark comedy — specifically when it comes to one of the main characters. At first glance, Montana Duke (Billie Lourd) may seem like a typical '80s mean girl sexpot. As the season progresses, however, we learn that she has a lot more up her sleeve, including several ties to an '80s antagonist.

The cult classic "Heathers" is yet another gem from the '80s with ties to "AHS: 1984." The oft-quoted dark comedy features high schooler Veronica (Winona Ryder), who's part of a popular clique of girls. The other three members of the group all happen to share the same first name: Heather. When group leader Heather Chandler (Kim Walker) is accidentally poisoned, Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty) takes her place as queen bee. Aside from Montana and Heather Duke sharing last names, they also have similar personality traits.

At the start of "AHS: 1984," Montana appears to be an opinionated and sometimes pushy person, but we eventually learn that she has a much worse side. It turns out she's been secretly plotting with serial killer Richard Ramirez to murder one of her campmates out of revenge for her brother's death. Similarly, Heather Duke originally seems to merely be a follower in the group, but once she's made leader of the pack she turns out to be quite capable of cruelty. Her pent-up jealousy causes her to hold little remorse for those who get in her way, and she's not afraid to say what's on her mind.

While Montana and Heather Duke had completely different storylines, their similar character traits cemented them as '80s-inspired icons.