TOP TEN MODERN HORROR MOVIE MANIACS
Every great era of horror cinema is populated with nightmarish characters that both terrify and captivate and channel our collective fears. While we are afraid of these figures we are also paradoxically enamored by them. Some have claimed that the television series BREAKING BAD illuminated society's love of a good villain. To hell with that. When audiences wanted to see Boris Karloff's Monster and Bela Lugosi's Dracula again and again was the moment society decided there's nothing better than a great film badguy.
The hero/villain dynamic has existed long before cinema in literature and storytelling. Beowulf battling Grendel, Gilgamesh versus Humbaba, Perseus and Medusa, God and the Devil. I guess you could say humanity has always had a fascination with evil and monstrous figures. Even today in modern mythologies such as comic books there are many great and fascinating villains. But these characters are balanced by an equal force for good. It stands to reason that audiences would be drawn to compelling villains in film as well.
What makes many of the villains and monsters of horror cinema unique is that many of these characters do not possess an equal opposing force. Yes, there is always a protagonist and a force for good in these movies but rarely are they as compelling or as interesting/memorable as the villain. Take Jason Voorhees for example. How many protagonists from the Friday the 13th series can you name? That's what I thought 😉 We don't watch Friday the 13th to see the protagonists. We watch Friday the 13th to see Jason shock and terrify and see some amazing gore effects. And as amazing as Jamie Lee Curtis is in the Halloween franchise, I don't go to those movies to see Laurie Strode.
Maybe this has always been the case. Maybe we don't really like Batman but we read Batman for the villains. Maybe we don't read Spider-Man for the hero but rather for his compelling cast of rogues. I doubt it but it's interesting to think about. Maybe there are people who go to A Nightmare on Elm Street to see Nancy instead of Freddy... Yeah, right. I could barely type that without smirking. There are exceptions, yes, but the real reason we go to these movies is to see the villains and the monsters.
For me personally it comes down to a love of monsters. When I was a kid my first love was dinosaurs, my favorite being the Tyrannosaurus Rex (blood and flesh hanging from his jaws with a tricerotops corpse under its foot). That translated to a love of dragons and subsequently kaiju like King Kong, Godzilla, and the rest of the giant monster cast. Then to smaller monsters like the Creature From the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein's Monster, and Dracula. And as I got older my love of monsters naturally turned toward more modern figures like Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger.
I also watch horror films because it's like a rollercoaster ride of
excitement. And the villains are the source of that
terror and excitement. If the characters aren't scary than they're less
likely to be enjoyed, most times becoming boring or lame. I don't watch
horror films for the Laurie Strodes (however essential such characters
are). There is no Halloween franchise unless Michael Myers is there and
scary as hell. Same goes for A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the
13th. So let's celebrate the horror icons we love for scaring the crap
out of us!
So, for this list there are only a few criteria I set in place. First off these characters must belong to modern horror cinema or embody more modern thinking and esthetics. Second, these characters must be monsters or be analogous to a classic monster archetype. Third, these characters must have at least three films to their credit, possessing a degree of iconography whether it be pop culture juggernauts or cult classic notoriety. But, you know what, this is ultimately my list and I'll make it how I want!
So, for this list there are only a few criteria I set in place. First off these characters must belong to modern horror cinema or embody more modern thinking and esthetics. Second, these characters must be monsters or be analogous to a classic monster archetype. Third, these characters must have at least three films to their credit, possessing a degree of iconography whether it be pop culture juggernauts or cult classic notoriety. But, you know what, this is ultimately my list and I'll make it how I want!
So without further blah blah blah...
Enjoy!
THE BONUSES
#14
XENOMORPH
Films: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Alien Vs Predator (2004), Alien Vs Predator: Requiem (2007), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017)
So, it is debatable whether the Xenomorph is a horror figure or a sci-fi figure. The Xenomorph probably belongs on a different list but I had to acknowledge them, hence the bonus status.
Like Jaws "In Space!" the original Alien film introduced one of the most unique and iconic film monsters of all time. H.R. Giger's inspired designs were like nothing else the world had seen before and remain just as intriguing today. Part of why the Xenomorphs endure is also due to the variety of xenomorphs, their adaptability, and the changing dynamics of the films. The first film was a slower paced horror film. The second film was a fast paced action film. The third film was a brutal prison film and so on. This changing of styles has kept the narrative fresh and interesting. The warrior alien, the dog-alien, the queen alien, and so on: the variety of xenomorphs keeps them exciting too for we never know just what we're going to see. Monstrous, frightening, and unlike anything else out there, the xenomorphs are among horror cinema's greatest creations.
#13
PREDATOR
Films: Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Alien Vs Predator (2004), Alien Vs Predator: Requiem (2007), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018)
Again, it is debatable whether this is a horror character or an action/sci-fi figure. But I couldn't leave him off, even if he probably belongs on a different list along with the Xenomorph.
One of the classic horror/action films from the 1930's is The Most Dangerous Game. Predator is basically The Most Dangerous Game combined with a monster movie. You have a brilliant action movie with some of cinema's great action heroes that becomes a monster movie halfway through. The Predator is smart, cunning, technologically advanced, physically superior, and scary as hell! Standing over 7' feet tall, the strange dreadlock-like hair, and the mandibles make the Predator unforgettable. The xenomorphs have the ferocious animalistic quality while the Predators have far more intelligence and resources at their disposal. I love the mandibles and the Predator's physical appearance, a mesh of tribal esthetics and technology. But I also love the array of weapons and armor: the mask, the claws, the plasma cannon, the razor disk, the whip, the camouflage, and everything else. As great as the Xenomorphs are, truthfully I am a diehard Predator fan at heart and root for the Predators every time.
#12
Films: Re-Animator (1985), Bride of Re-Animator (1989), and Beyond Re-Animator (2003)
A modern day Victor Frankenstein or necromancer of a sort, there is no other character quite like Dr. Herbert West. What really endears the character of Herbert West to me is the incredible performance by actor Jeffrey Combs. Combs imbues Herbert with a wild mania, one-track mind, and twisted sense of humor that you can't help but like the guy. He's technically not the antagonist of the films nor the character doing all of the killing, but he is the catalyst that sends everything and everyone on a downward spiral of blood and body parts. Herbert West is a wonderful horror movie character worthy of iconography. But he technically doesn't fit the monster requirement for the list, although he does fulfill the "mad scientist" archetype. I... should really save him for a different list. That's why he's a bonus here.
#11
XENOMORPH
Films: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Alien Vs Predator (2004), Alien Vs Predator: Requiem (2007), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017)
So, it is debatable whether the Xenomorph is a horror figure or a sci-fi figure. The Xenomorph probably belongs on a different list but I had to acknowledge them, hence the bonus status.
Like Jaws "In Space!" the original Alien film introduced one of the most unique and iconic film monsters of all time. H.R. Giger's inspired designs were like nothing else the world had seen before and remain just as intriguing today. Part of why the Xenomorphs endure is also due to the variety of xenomorphs, their adaptability, and the changing dynamics of the films. The first film was a slower paced horror film. The second film was a fast paced action film. The third film was a brutal prison film and so on. This changing of styles has kept the narrative fresh and interesting. The warrior alien, the dog-alien, the queen alien, and so on: the variety of xenomorphs keeps them exciting too for we never know just what we're going to see. Monstrous, frightening, and unlike anything else out there, the xenomorphs are among horror cinema's greatest creations.
#13
PREDATOR
Films: Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Alien Vs Predator (2004), Alien Vs Predator: Requiem (2007), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018)
Again, it is debatable whether this is a horror character or an action/sci-fi figure. But I couldn't leave him off, even if he probably belongs on a different list along with the Xenomorph.
One of the classic horror/action films from the 1930's is The Most Dangerous Game. Predator is basically The Most Dangerous Game combined with a monster movie. You have a brilliant action movie with some of cinema's great action heroes that becomes a monster movie halfway through. The Predator is smart, cunning, technologically advanced, physically superior, and scary as hell! Standing over 7' feet tall, the strange dreadlock-like hair, and the mandibles make the Predator unforgettable. The xenomorphs have the ferocious animalistic quality while the Predators have far more intelligence and resources at their disposal. I love the mandibles and the Predator's physical appearance, a mesh of tribal esthetics and technology. But I also love the array of weapons and armor: the mask, the claws, the plasma cannon, the razor disk, the whip, the camouflage, and everything else. As great as the Xenomorphs are, truthfully I am a diehard Predator fan at heart and root for the Predators every time.
#12
DR. HERBERT WEST
A modern day Victor Frankenstein or necromancer of a sort, there is no other character quite like Dr. Herbert West. What really endears the character of Herbert West to me is the incredible performance by actor Jeffrey Combs. Combs imbues Herbert with a wild mania, one-track mind, and twisted sense of humor that you can't help but like the guy. He's technically not the antagonist of the films nor the character doing all of the killing, but he is the catalyst that sends everything and everyone on a downward spiral of blood and body parts. Herbert West is a wonderful horror movie character worthy of iconography. But he technically doesn't fit the monster requirement for the list, although he does fulfill the "mad scientist" archetype. I... should really save him for a different list. That's why he's a bonus here.
#11
NORMAN BATES
Films: Psycho (1960), Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), Bates Motel (1987 television film), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Psycho (1998), Bates Motel (2013-2017 television series)
Films: Psycho (1960), Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), Bates Motel (1987 television film), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Psycho (1998), Bates Motel (2013-2017 television series)
A
modern day Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Norman Bates is the template for so
many horror figures in cinema including Leatherface, Michael Myers, Dr.
Hannibal Lecter, and more. He's the oldest character on this list and I
debated whether or not he could even be included in a "modern" horror
icons list. Ultimately he saw the most prominence of his career in the
1980's alongside most of the others on this list... so I'll allow it!
Norman Bates takes the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde concept and modernizes it
into something frighteningly real. At first there is an innocence to
Norman, a regular sensibility that you almost like. But there is always
an undercurrent of creepiness to him. That undercurrent is what makes
him so frightening to me. He's almost normal, he's almost a good person,
but then, with but a look, you can see a darkness lying just beneath
the surface. Without Norman Bates the horror genre wouldn't have some of
its scariest figures nor would the genre be what it is today.
THE TOP TEN
#10 THE TOP TEN
BLADE
Films: Puppet Master (1989), Puppet Master II (1990), Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1991), Puppet Master 4 (1993), Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter (1994), Curse of the Puppet Master (1998), Retro Puppet Master (1999), Puppet Master: The Legacy (2003), Puppet Master Vs. Demonic Toys (2004), Puppet Master: Axis of Evil (2010), Puppet Master X: Axis Rising (2012), Puppet Master: Axis Termination (2017), Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018), Blade: The Iron Cross (2020)
The Puppet Master films were among the gateway drugs of horror movies for me. I remember being in middle school and watching these movies and just being enthralled by them. I saw the first three on the USA network so the blood and gore was cut out. But even so, it was the interesting and imaginative puppets that I cared about. When Puppet Master 4 & 5 premiered on HBO I begged my grandma to record both for me (my grandparents had HBO, my immediate family did not) and she did! Of all of the puppets, Blade, was the marionette that really struck a cord with me. At first my eyes were drawn to the others because Blade is a rather simplistic design. But it is in that simplicity that he becomes the most terrifying of them all. His noir attire and skeletal white countenance resonates more than any of the other puppets, in my opinion. My first piece of horror memorabilia I ever purchased was a to scale replica figure of Blade.
Films: Puppet Master (1989), Puppet Master II (1990), Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1991), Puppet Master 4 (1993), Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter (1994), Curse of the Puppet Master (1998), Retro Puppet Master (1999), Puppet Master: The Legacy (2003), Puppet Master Vs. Demonic Toys (2004), Puppet Master: Axis of Evil (2010), Puppet Master X: Axis Rising (2012), Puppet Master: Axis Termination (2017), Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018), Blade: The Iron Cross (2020)
The Puppet Master films were among the gateway drugs of horror movies for me. I remember being in middle school and watching these movies and just being enthralled by them. I saw the first three on the USA network so the blood and gore was cut out. But even so, it was the interesting and imaginative puppets that I cared about. When Puppet Master 4 & 5 premiered on HBO I begged my grandma to record both for me (my grandparents had HBO, my immediate family did not) and she did! Of all of the puppets, Blade, was the marionette that really struck a cord with me. At first my eyes were drawn to the others because Blade is a rather simplistic design. But it is in that simplicity that he becomes the most terrifying of them all. His noir attire and skeletal white countenance resonates more than any of the other puppets, in my opinion. My first piece of horror memorabilia I ever purchased was a to scale replica figure of Blade.
#9
CHUCKY
Films: Child's Play (1988), Child's Play 2 (1990), Child's Play 3 (1991), Bride of Chucky (1998), Seed of Chucky (2004), Curse of Chucky (2013), Cult of Chucky (2017), Child's Play (2019), Chucky (2020 television series)
There is a whole subgenre of "Scary Doll" horror films (still thriving today thanks to the terrifying Annabelle!) and Chucky is without a doubt the undisputed king of this subgenre! I remember being a kid of five or six and seeing trailers for Child's Play on television and having nightmares. I avoided Chucky films for a long time because I feared them. When I finally worked up the courage to watch them I discovered not only were they scary but they were fun too! And Chucky, while being an evil and unrepentant bastard, is devilishly charismatic. Like Freddy Krueger in that way, Chucky goes from frightening to a snappy quip that makes you kinda love the guy. And at the forefront of it all is the incredible voice of Brad Dourif. Without Dourif Chucky wouldn't be the icon he is.
Films: Child's Play (1988), Child's Play 2 (1990), Child's Play 3 (1991), Bride of Chucky (1998), Seed of Chucky (2004), Curse of Chucky (2013), Cult of Chucky (2017), Child's Play (2019), Chucky (2020 television series)
There is a whole subgenre of "Scary Doll" horror films (still thriving today thanks to the terrifying Annabelle!) and Chucky is without a doubt the undisputed king of this subgenre! I remember being a kid of five or six and seeing trailers for Child's Play on television and having nightmares. I avoided Chucky films for a long time because I feared them. When I finally worked up the courage to watch them I discovered not only were they scary but they were fun too! And Chucky, while being an evil and unrepentant bastard, is devilishly charismatic. Like Freddy Krueger in that way, Chucky goes from frightening to a snappy quip that makes you kinda love the guy. And at the forefront of it all is the incredible voice of Brad Dourif. Without Dourif Chucky wouldn't be the icon he is.
#8
THE TALL MAN
Films: Phantasm (1979), Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998), Phantasm V: Ravager (2016)
The grim reaper? The ferry man, Charon? An alien from another world? The Devil himself? You can watch all five Phantasm films again and again and still not quite know who or what exactly the Tall Man is. He is one of the most enigmatic and strange characters in horror cinema. And that's exactly what makes him so interesting. That and the unique performance by the late great Angus Scrimm. Standing at a towering 6'4", the Tall Man can mess with your mind, making you wonder what's real and what's not. Like the film's title suggests, you never quite know where reality ends and phantasmagoria begins. The mystery surrounding the Phantasm story is what makes the franchise so compelling, for every little bit we learn about the Tall Man and his machinations reveals so much more that we don't know. I have this feeling that if one day another film comes along and explains everything, the series will lose much of the intrigue that makes it so special.
Films: Phantasm (1979), Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998), Phantasm V: Ravager (2016)
The grim reaper? The ferry man, Charon? An alien from another world? The Devil himself? You can watch all five Phantasm films again and again and still not quite know who or what exactly the Tall Man is. He is one of the most enigmatic and strange characters in horror cinema. And that's exactly what makes him so interesting. That and the unique performance by the late great Angus Scrimm. Standing at a towering 6'4", the Tall Man can mess with your mind, making you wonder what's real and what's not. Like the film's title suggests, you never quite know where reality ends and phantasmagoria begins. The mystery surrounding the Phantasm story is what makes the franchise so compelling, for every little bit we learn about the Tall Man and his machinations reveals so much more that we don't know. I have this feeling that if one day another film comes along and explains everything, the series will lose much of the intrigue that makes it so special.
#7
CANDYMAN
Films: Candyman (1992), Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), Candyman (2020)
"Be my victim." Bernard Rose, Clive Barker, and Tony Todd somehow managed to create an American Gothic fairy tale figure in the middle of an urban ghetto. An urban legend, yes, but that description doesn't quite capture the scope of the character. Candyman has a mystique and eloquence that's closer in character to Dracula or the Phantom of the Opera juxtaposed against the industrialized high-rise apartments of Cabrini Green. There's a twisted allure and gentility to him that sets him apart from his contemporaries. But what really makes this character and idea work so well is the incomparable Tony Todd and his blood curdling performance. His imposing stature at 6'5" and chilling voice coupled with his ragged long-coat and hook create an unforgettable character. Had Candyman been released at the onset of the 80's there'd no doubt be seven to ten Candyman films. The 90's proved less fruitful in terms of franchises beyond three films (with a few exceptions). Anyway, Candyman is one of the greatest horror icons of the modern horror age.
Films: Candyman (1992), Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), Candyman (2020)
"Be my victim." Bernard Rose, Clive Barker, and Tony Todd somehow managed to create an American Gothic fairy tale figure in the middle of an urban ghetto. An urban legend, yes, but that description doesn't quite capture the scope of the character. Candyman has a mystique and eloquence that's closer in character to Dracula or the Phantom of the Opera juxtaposed against the industrialized high-rise apartments of Cabrini Green. There's a twisted allure and gentility to him that sets him apart from his contemporaries. But what really makes this character and idea work so well is the incomparable Tony Todd and his blood curdling performance. His imposing stature at 6'5" and chilling voice coupled with his ragged long-coat and hook create an unforgettable character. Had Candyman been released at the onset of the 80's there'd no doubt be seven to ten Candyman films. The 90's proved less fruitful in terms of franchises beyond three films (with a few exceptions). Anyway, Candyman is one of the greatest horror icons of the modern horror age.
#6
PUMPKINHEAD
Films: Pumpkinhead (1988), Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994), Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes (2006), Pumpkinhead: Blood Feud (2007)
The demon called Vengeance, Pumpkinhead is one of the demons of sin, called upon when someone seeks vengeance on another. If you're the one summoning him you get your revenge but, as Pumpkinhead finishes his task, you yourself are physically changed and transformed into the next host body for the demon. Nothing good can come from summoning a demon... except for an entertaining movie that is. I am a monster fan and Pumpkinhead, to me, is one of the best monsters to come from this modern horror era. The design of his character evokes images of elongated limbs and misshapen bodies. Weather goes crazy when he's around and the noise as he approaches sounds like rattlesnakes. Monster actor and special effects artist Tom Woodruff Jr. brings Pumpkinhead to life and it is easily one of the best practical effects realizations of a monster ever. A classic "man in a suit" technique like they used to use in the kaiju films of yore. Pumpkinhead is one of those character I long to see return to the big screen for a legit sequel.
Films: Pumpkinhead (1988), Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994), Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes (2006), Pumpkinhead: Blood Feud (2007)
The demon called Vengeance, Pumpkinhead is one of the demons of sin, called upon when someone seeks vengeance on another. If you're the one summoning him you get your revenge but, as Pumpkinhead finishes his task, you yourself are physically changed and transformed into the next host body for the demon. Nothing good can come from summoning a demon... except for an entertaining movie that is. I am a monster fan and Pumpkinhead, to me, is one of the best monsters to come from this modern horror era. The design of his character evokes images of elongated limbs and misshapen bodies. Weather goes crazy when he's around and the noise as he approaches sounds like rattlesnakes. Monster actor and special effects artist Tom Woodruff Jr. brings Pumpkinhead to life and it is easily one of the best practical effects realizations of a monster ever. A classic "man in a suit" technique like they used to use in the kaiju films of yore. Pumpkinhead is one of those character I long to see return to the big screen for a legit sequel.
#5
PINHEAD
Films: Hellraiser (1987), Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988), Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992), Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996), Hellraiser: Inferno (2000), Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002), Hellraiser: Deader (2005), Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005), Hellraiser: Revelations (2011), Hellraiser: Judgement (2018)
"Angels to some. Devils to others." There are so many striking horror figures in existence. The Cenobites are, in my opinion, among the most nightmarish and visually terrifying. Especially the lead cenobite, colloquially named "Pinhead." There is some truly dark imagination in Pinhead's DnA. As the harbingers of pain and suffering, Pinhead and the other cenobites visually embody this concept of "pain and suffering" like no others. I mean, you just hurt by looking at them. And it's not just the visuals but also the mythology and conceptualization of Hell and extra-dimensional realms. They're godlike beings offering forbidden fruit to humanity and the horrors that wait beyond the veil (they're also the inspiration for the manga/anime BERSERK's lead antagonists THE GODHAND). And just as important is the actor who brought this character to life: Doug Bradley. Bradley's voice, supreme demeanor, and candor for what's going to befall you elevate the character from "great concept" to "truly terrifying horror icon." Call me a Hellraiser snob but I won't watch any Hellraiser film without Doug Bradley. Even after seeing these film numerous times, Pinhead still fills me with chills and horrific awe.
Films: Hellraiser (1987), Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988), Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992), Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996), Hellraiser: Inferno (2000), Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002), Hellraiser: Deader (2005), Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005), Hellraiser: Revelations (2011), Hellraiser: Judgement (2018)
"Angels to some. Devils to others." There are so many striking horror figures in existence. The Cenobites are, in my opinion, among the most nightmarish and visually terrifying. Especially the lead cenobite, colloquially named "Pinhead." There is some truly dark imagination in Pinhead's DnA. As the harbingers of pain and suffering, Pinhead and the other cenobites visually embody this concept of "pain and suffering" like no others. I mean, you just hurt by looking at them. And it's not just the visuals but also the mythology and conceptualization of Hell and extra-dimensional realms. They're godlike beings offering forbidden fruit to humanity and the horrors that wait beyond the veil (they're also the inspiration for the manga/anime BERSERK's lead antagonists THE GODHAND). And just as important is the actor who brought this character to life: Doug Bradley. Bradley's voice, supreme demeanor, and candor for what's going to befall you elevate the character from "great concept" to "truly terrifying horror icon." Call me a Hellraiser snob but I won't watch any Hellraiser film without Doug Bradley. Even after seeing these film numerous times, Pinhead still fills me with chills and horrific awe.
#4
LEATHERFACE
Films: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986), Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990), Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013), Leatherface (2017)
Ed Gein was the basis for so many horror cinema figures, most notable among them being Norman Bates, Hannibal Lecter, and Leatherface (shows you just how inhuman Ed Gein was to have inspired so many of cinema's greatest nightmares). The very image of Leatherface, once seen, is something you'll remember for the rest of your life. I remember first seeing the old MEDIA vhs cover of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and having nightmares from the box art. A mask made from human flesh, and sometimes whole human faces, is such an evocative and blood chilling idea, let alone being chased by someone disturbed enough to wear such a mask and the horrors that would befall you should you be captured by them. In addition to Leatherface's mask is his truly large stature painting him as an overwhelming force. This coupled with a brutish single-mindedness, and such inelegant tools to tear and rend flesh as a chainsaw have made Leatherface one of cinema's most fearsome figures. Like the prior character on this list, Leatherface is reinforced by a family of deranged characters working alongside him, almost but never fully stealing the spotlight off him. I love the portrayals by Gunnar Hansen, Bill Johnson, and R.A. Mihailoff. But if I'm being honest, Andrew Bryniarski's performance, to me, is the most terrifying and my favorite.
Films: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986), Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990), Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013), Leatherface (2017)
Ed Gein was the basis for so many horror cinema figures, most notable among them being Norman Bates, Hannibal Lecter, and Leatherface (shows you just how inhuman Ed Gein was to have inspired so many of cinema's greatest nightmares). The very image of Leatherface, once seen, is something you'll remember for the rest of your life. I remember first seeing the old MEDIA vhs cover of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and having nightmares from the box art. A mask made from human flesh, and sometimes whole human faces, is such an evocative and blood chilling idea, let alone being chased by someone disturbed enough to wear such a mask and the horrors that would befall you should you be captured by them. In addition to Leatherface's mask is his truly large stature painting him as an overwhelming force. This coupled with a brutish single-mindedness, and such inelegant tools to tear and rend flesh as a chainsaw have made Leatherface one of cinema's most fearsome figures. Like the prior character on this list, Leatherface is reinforced by a family of deranged characters working alongside him, almost but never fully stealing the spotlight off him. I love the portrayals by Gunnar Hansen, Bill Johnson, and R.A. Mihailoff. But if I'm being honest, Andrew Bryniarski's performance, to me, is the most terrifying and my favorite.
#3
FREDDY KRUEGER
Films: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 (1985), A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors (1987), A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989), Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991), Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994), Freddy Vs Jason (2003), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
One of the elements that creates a lasting and truly terrifying character is a concept that everyone can relate to. We all fear something. We all have to sleep sometime. We all have to dream. And whatever we fear, no matter how diverse, can potentially manifest in our dreams. This fundamental truth has existed for all of human history across all countries. Wes Craven took this truth and weaponized it in the form of Freddy Krueger. Not only is this a universal concept but the scope of horrors therein are limitless. Anything can happen in our dreams. By this nature Freddy has unlimited resources with which to antagonize us with and this fundamental aspect renders him the most imaginative and diverse boogeyman in all horror history next to the Devil himself. And his terrorizing isn't limited to the dreamscape either as he can be pulled into the real world by his victims and even inhabit our bodies via demonic possession of a sort.
Conceptually nothing is beyond Freddy's razor sharp reach. He can even be funny, seductive, and (in rare cases) sympathetic. Taking the idea one step further even is his grotesque character design, rendering Freddy terrifying without even doing anything. And the final ingredient that makes Freddy arguably the greatest horror cinema icon of all time is the incomparable performance by Robert Englund and the special effects technicians who brilliantly realized the character on screen. Kevin Yagher's effects work on the Nightmare films is as much responsible for Freddy's success as Robert Englund. Freddy Krueger should be held up alongside Dracula and Satan as one of humanity's greatest malevolent figures.
Films: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 (1985), A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors (1987), A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989), Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991), Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994), Freddy Vs Jason (2003), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
One of the elements that creates a lasting and truly terrifying character is a concept that everyone can relate to. We all fear something. We all have to sleep sometime. We all have to dream. And whatever we fear, no matter how diverse, can potentially manifest in our dreams. This fundamental truth has existed for all of human history across all countries. Wes Craven took this truth and weaponized it in the form of Freddy Krueger. Not only is this a universal concept but the scope of horrors therein are limitless. Anything can happen in our dreams. By this nature Freddy has unlimited resources with which to antagonize us with and this fundamental aspect renders him the most imaginative and diverse boogeyman in all horror history next to the Devil himself. And his terrorizing isn't limited to the dreamscape either as he can be pulled into the real world by his victims and even inhabit our bodies via demonic possession of a sort.
Conceptually nothing is beyond Freddy's razor sharp reach. He can even be funny, seductive, and (in rare cases) sympathetic. Taking the idea one step further even is his grotesque character design, rendering Freddy terrifying without even doing anything. And the final ingredient that makes Freddy arguably the greatest horror cinema icon of all time is the incomparable performance by Robert Englund and the special effects technicians who brilliantly realized the character on screen. Kevin Yagher's effects work on the Nightmare films is as much responsible for Freddy's success as Robert Englund. Freddy Krueger should be held up alongside Dracula and Satan as one of humanity's greatest malevolent figures.
#2
JASON VOORHEES
Films: Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part II (1981), Friday the 13th Part III: 3D (1982), Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984), Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985), Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988), Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989), Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993), Jason X (2002), Freddy Vs Jason (2003), Friday the 13th (2009)
I am not going to lie, Jason Voorhees should not be above Freddy Krueger. Examining the data there is no comparison: Freddy hands down has the advantage in spades. So what is it about Jason that makes him such a revered and terrifying figure? What Jason represents has changed over the years. Originally Jason began as an innocent victim himself and the grief of his loss drove his mother to homicidal madness. Then he himself became the instrument of his own vengeance, effectively a feral man-child defending his territory, killing anyone and everyone stepping foot near Crystal Lake. He was like a wolf defending its den, primal and bloodthirsty. Briefly he was the subject of Tommy Jarvis' trauma and the effects that trauma may take on the mind. The memory of Jason through Tommy became a study on the effects of trauma. Then he became an undead super zombie... Yep.
There is something legitimately terrifying in all of Jason's manifestations. Personally though, I love his undead super zombie persona the best. In this persona he is truly unstoppable, not unlike a force of nature. When it comes to forces of nature all we can do is either avoid it and get out of its way or try our hardest to survive the storm. In this way he is akin to the shark in JAWS. There's nothing in his head save kill kill kill. In that way, like seeing the shark coming toward you with mouth agape, seeing Jason is seeing death coming for you. In essence Jason becomes the literal embodiment of death. And it is this promise of death that he represents that I find so intriguing and terrifying.
In this persona Jason's design achieves its greatest heights too. I absolutely love Jason's design in FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD. The hockey mask with all its damage becomes even more frightening, showing Jason's bare teeth. Rotting away in the bottom of Crystal Lake has revealed his ribcage, spinal column, kneecaps, and various other bones all over his body. Massively instrumental to Jason's iconic status, and my love for the character, is actor and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder. Kane Hodder is my personal favorite Jason Voorhees actor, imbuing the character with far more personality and menace than any of the previous performances. Hodder's four films are my favorites of the series (along with part 4, The Final Chapter). I was INCREDIBLY disappointed when Hodder was replaced in Freddy Vs Jason (I came into that film as a Jason fan, but was underwhelmed with the actor replacing Hodder and so wowed by Robert Englund that, I came out a Freddy fan). While there are other characters that, on paper and conceptually, should far outshine Jason, there is something about the hockey mask, machete, and single-mindedness that is so incredibly potent.
Films: Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part II (1981), Friday the 13th Part III: 3D (1982), Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984), Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985), Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988), Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989), Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993), Jason X (2002), Freddy Vs Jason (2003), Friday the 13th (2009)
I am not going to lie, Jason Voorhees should not be above Freddy Krueger. Examining the data there is no comparison: Freddy hands down has the advantage in spades. So what is it about Jason that makes him such a revered and terrifying figure? What Jason represents has changed over the years. Originally Jason began as an innocent victim himself and the grief of his loss drove his mother to homicidal madness. Then he himself became the instrument of his own vengeance, effectively a feral man-child defending his territory, killing anyone and everyone stepping foot near Crystal Lake. He was like a wolf defending its den, primal and bloodthirsty. Briefly he was the subject of Tommy Jarvis' trauma and the effects that trauma may take on the mind. The memory of Jason through Tommy became a study on the effects of trauma. Then he became an undead super zombie... Yep.
There is something legitimately terrifying in all of Jason's manifestations. Personally though, I love his undead super zombie persona the best. In this persona he is truly unstoppable, not unlike a force of nature. When it comes to forces of nature all we can do is either avoid it and get out of its way or try our hardest to survive the storm. In this way he is akin to the shark in JAWS. There's nothing in his head save kill kill kill. In that way, like seeing the shark coming toward you with mouth agape, seeing Jason is seeing death coming for you. In essence Jason becomes the literal embodiment of death. And it is this promise of death that he represents that I find so intriguing and terrifying.
In this persona Jason's design achieves its greatest heights too. I absolutely love Jason's design in FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD. The hockey mask with all its damage becomes even more frightening, showing Jason's bare teeth. Rotting away in the bottom of Crystal Lake has revealed his ribcage, spinal column, kneecaps, and various other bones all over his body. Massively instrumental to Jason's iconic status, and my love for the character, is actor and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder. Kane Hodder is my personal favorite Jason Voorhees actor, imbuing the character with far more personality and menace than any of the previous performances. Hodder's four films are my favorites of the series (along with part 4, The Final Chapter). I was INCREDIBLY disappointed when Hodder was replaced in Freddy Vs Jason (I came into that film as a Jason fan, but was underwhelmed with the actor replacing Hodder and so wowed by Robert Englund that, I came out a Freddy fan). While there are other characters that, on paper and conceptually, should far outshine Jason, there is something about the hockey mask, machete, and single-mindedness that is so incredibly potent.
#1
MICHAEL MYERS
Films: Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988), Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989), Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), Halloween: H20 (1998), Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Halloween (2007), Halloween II (2009), Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2020), Halloween Ends (2021)
Films: Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988), Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989), Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), Halloween: H20 (1998), Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Halloween (2007), Halloween II (2009), Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2020), Halloween Ends (2021)
My first real foray into modern horror was with the Halloween franchise. As a kid I was always enthralled and simultaneously terrified by the horror section in video rental stores (back when those existed). It was still the VHS era back then and seeing the horror movie VHS covers lined up row upon row, shelf after shelf, I couldn't help but stare in wonder at the horrors that lay within the films. One of the images that struck me was the cover of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, a clear full image of Michael's mask. There is something about that mask that is so evocative, intriguing, and terrifying. The semblance of humanity and the invisible turn towards inhumanity all at once are what, to me, makes the mask so disturbing and creepy. Also the above description of the mask perfectly encapsulates Michael Myers character as well.
There are strong parallels between Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, which probably come as no surprise why then they're both ranked so similarly on this list. There's a simplicity to the concept of being stalked by someone and the fear of what they might do. With Jason, if you see him you're dead. There's not a whole lot of thinking going on in Jason's head (and there doesn't need to be as far as I'm concerned). But with Michael Myers there's observing, planning, and ultimately a gauntlet of death set in place for his chosen victims. Watching the films you'll see that there's more intelligence to Michael than at first glance. He also gets in your head, preying on your fears by lingering in the background, acting as a shape you see out of the corner of your eye, or the shadow outside your window. He's not just there to kill you, he's there to terrify you... and then kill you.
There are strong parallels between Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, which probably come as no surprise why then they're both ranked so similarly on this list. There's a simplicity to the concept of being stalked by someone and the fear of what they might do. With Jason, if you see him you're dead. There's not a whole lot of thinking going on in Jason's head (and there doesn't need to be as far as I'm concerned). But with Michael Myers there's observing, planning, and ultimately a gauntlet of death set in place for his chosen victims. Watching the films you'll see that there's more intelligence to Michael than at first glance. He also gets in your head, preying on your fears by lingering in the background, acting as a shape you see out of the corner of your eye, or the shadow outside your window. He's not just there to kill you, he's there to terrify you... and then kill you.
Then of course he has perhaps the greatest horror film soundtrack of all time. One divisive element of Michael's character that I personally love is his connection to Samhain and the druids. His super-human unkillable side being a result of the druidic curse of Thorn I find so fascinating, especially how it ties the mythos directly to the harvest and Halloween season. As you can no doubt guess by now, Halloween films 1 - 6 are my favorites (including Halloween III in which Michael technically doesn't appear in save for a "blink and you'll miss it" cameo). As bonkers as Halloween 5 and 6 are, I actually love them dearly, especially 6 for tying the mythos all together. Michael Myers any other way feels less potent to me (and making him more human seems wrong to me). I wish we had a whole film dedicated to solving Jason's supernatural elements (Jason Goes to Hell is as close as we have at the moment). As such, I'd give anything to see a proper "Halloween 7" following the events of part 6: The Curse of Michael Myers.
Of course it helps a lot that the Halloween franchise was my first "love" of modern horror films.
And there you have it!
These are my personal favorite modern horror icons!
Which are your favorites?
Let us know in the comments below!
and for more top ten lists check out the posts linked below!
Also check out our reviews in the...
THE HORROR MOVIE MASTER LIST
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
And there you have it!
These are my personal favorite modern horror icons!
Which are your favorites?
Let us know in the comments below!
and for more top ten lists check out the posts linked below!
Also check out our reviews in the...
THE HORROR MOVIE MASTER LIST
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
TOP TEN GODZILLA MOVIES
TOP TEN FIGHTING GAME GUYS
TOP TEN FIGHTING GAME GALS
TOP TEN FAVORITE NINJAS (VIDEO GAMES: MALE)
TOP TEN FAVORITE NINJAS (VIDEO GAMES: FEMALE)
TOP TEN KING OF FIGHTERS CHARACTERS
TOP TEN FIGHTING GAME GUYS
TOP TEN FIGHTING GAME GALS
TOP TEN FAVORITE NINJAS (VIDEO GAMES: MALE)
TOP TEN FAVORITE NINJAS (VIDEO GAMES: FEMALE)
TOP TEN KING OF FIGHTERS CHARACTERS
TOP TEN FAVORITE NES GAMES
TOP TEN SNES GAMES
TOP TEN GHOST RIDER VILLAINS
TOP TEN DOCTOR STRANGE VILLAINS
TOP TEN MARVEL SUPERNATURAL HEROES
TOP TEN MARVEL HEROES YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
TOP TEN LEAST FAVORITE HULK STORIES
TOP TEN INCREDIBLE HULK VILLAINS
TOP TEN SNES GAMES
TOP TEN DOCTOR STRANGE VILLAINS
TOP TEN MARVEL SUPERNATURAL HEROES
TOP TEN MARVEL HEROES YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
TOP TEN LEAST FAVORITE HULK STORIES
TOP TEN INCREDIBLE HULK VILLAINS
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