Top 50 Most Popular Horror Movie Characters Of All Time

"The Shining" is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made, featuring some of cinema’s most chilling scenes. Central to its lasting impact is Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance as Jack Torrance, which takes the story to extraordinary heights.

After experiencing this classic, many will agree that Nicholson’s Jack endures what might be the worst case of cabin fever ever depicted on screen.

Stanley Kubrick’s direction skillfully explores how an ordinary man—when subjected to intense pressure and isolation—can unravel into a terrifying figure.

Yet, it’s important to recognize that Jack Torrance was already vulnerable, shaped by a troubled past that made him susceptible to the Overlook Hotel’s malevolent forces.

Initially, Torrance comes across as reserved and composed, but as the story unfolds, his behavior grows increasingly unpredictable and unhinged.

The sinister entities of the hotel exploit Torrance’s fragile psyche and his son’s psychic gifts, steadily growing in power and menace as winter descends.

The film’s legendary "Here’s Johnny" moment stands as one of horror’s most iconic and imitated scenes of all time.

Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking film Psycho is widely credited with revolutionizing cinema and transforming the landscape of the horror genre.

Within the movie, viewers are introduced to Norman Bates, the unassuming proprietor of the seemingly ordinary Bates Motel.

Beneath his quiet exterior, Bates' severe psychological issues lead him to disturbing acts, such as spying on guests—a mere hint at the terror to come. He soon emerges as a chilling figure, notably stabbing a guest in the shower and disguising himself as his late mother.

While Norman Bates is infamous for his violent actions, his calm and introverted demeanor suggest a depth that goes beyond his unsettling behavior. His inner demons are carefully hidden from those around him, making his menace all the more haunting.

Anthony Perkins’ memorable portrayal of Norman Bates remains iconic, as does the legendary shower scene that has transcended generations.

Additionally, Freddie Highmore brings a compelling new dimension to the character in the acclaimed TV series Bates Motel, earning praise for his interpretation as well.

To begin, it's important to note that Carrie White is not inherently evil. She is portrayed as a quiet and introverted teenage girl, continually tormented by cruel classmates, unsympathetic teachers, and her domineering mother.

These relentless abuses push Carrie further into isolation, eventually propelling her down a tragic path marked by revenge and chaos.

"Carrie" remains one of the most remarkable film adaptations of a Stephen King novel. In this compelling horror classic, the character typically cast as the villain is, in fact, seen as the hero.

Witnessing the mistreatment Carrie endures from nearly everyone around her evokes sympathy, making you root for her. Her status as a shy, marginalized outcast frequently leaves others perceiving her as powerless and defenseless.

Her desire to remain unnoticed at school is likely a result of her strict religious upbringing and the consistent abuse she suffers at home, particularly from her mother.

Sissy Spacek's unforgettable performance brings depth and relatability to Carrie White, ensuring that this iconic horror character remains as compelling and relevant today as she was in Brian De Palma's 1976 film masterpiece.

Michael Myers stands as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in slasher cinema, credited with shaping the genre through his chilling debut in the 1978 classic, Halloween.

His indomitable and seemingly immortal presence overshadows any weapon or opposition, marking him as a relentless force of terror.

From his first terrifying encounter with Laurie Strode, it becomes clear she may never escape his haunting pursuit, which transforms into a lifelong nightmare.

What separates Michael from others is his unyielding determination—he relentlessly pursues his goals, never stopping until he gets what he wants.

His silence, slow methodical movement, and unpredictable violence only heighten his menace. Michael Myers is the reason Halloween remains a timeless, revisited classic in the world of horror cinema.

Freddy Krueger stands apart from most horror villains thanks to his talkative personality and relentless career terrorizing his victims in their dreams. His penchant for taunting victims has made him unforgettable among horror icons.

He first appeared on the big screen in 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street, instantly becoming a favorite among horror fans who reveled in his unique blend of horror and dark humor.

With his burned face, bladed glove, torn sweater, and signature fedora, Freddy's image is as haunting as his actions. He is both witty and cruel, making jokes as he pursues his terrified targets.

What truly makes Freddy terrifying is his ability to hunt and kill within nightmares, making escape feel impossible. His unpredictability and lack of empathy set him apart, as he revels in both rage and twisted delight during his killings.

Freddy Krueger is the embodiment of nightmares come to life—a figure who inspires fear whether we’re sound asleep or wide awake. For that reason, he remains a horror icon who haunts the dreams of audiences everywhere.

Intelligence, charm, and charisma are qualities that typically make someone irresistible. Yet, Hannibal Lecter, the unforgettable antagonist of The Silence of the Lambs and its spinoffs, wields these very traits to unsettle and disturb audiences like few others.

Although Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling impresses with her sharp mind, it is Anthony Hopkins—an Oscar winner for his role—who truly dominates the screen. Through his mesmerizing performance, Hopkins solidifies Hannibal Lecter's place as a cinematic icon.

Hannibal Lecter is one of the most instantly recognizable figures in horror, notorious for drawing his sinister power from cannibalism. This chilling detail has only heightened his infamy.

Even those who shy away from horror films often know about Lecter and his unsettling habits, a testament to his massive impact on popular culture.

While Hannibal’s penchant for cooking and eating his victims is deeply disturbing, Hopkins’s captivating portrayal seduces viewers into wanting to delve deeper into the character’s psyche and unravel how he thinks.

Few horror villains have a Hollywood legacy as enduring as the legendary Count Dracula. His ominous presence has become synonymous with the genre itself, captivating audiences for decades.

Dracula’s most iconic cinematic representation arrived in 1931, when acting legend Bela Lugosi starred in Universal’s classic "Dracula." The film garnered critical acclaim and set the gold standard for vampire portrayals on screen.

This groundbreaking movie not only shaped Dracula's look and mannerisms for generations but also inspired a wave of mainstream films eager to capture its haunting success.

Over the years, Count Dracula has graced hundreds of films, portrayed by a host of distinguished actors. Yet, Bela Lugosi’s commanding performance remains the most recognized and influential, forever enshrining him as cinema’s quintessential bloodsucker.

Pazuzu, the primary antagonist in both The Exorcist novel and film franchise, presents a chilling fusion of animalistic and human traits. This unnatural hybrid made his appearance exceptionally terrifying on screen, especially for audiences of the 1970s.

In the legendary 1973 film, Pazuzu possesses young Regan MacNeil, unleashing terror that became a defining moment in horror cinema and left viewers unsettled for generations.

One particularly disturbing detail is hearing Regan refer to her possessor as "Captain Howdy," adding an unnerving innocence to the nightmare unfolding in her home.

Regan's possession quickly strips away any sympathy one might feel for her, as she transforms into a vessel of torment and chaos, haunting everyone around her.

Although Pazuzu may not be the most talked-about villain in modern pop culture, his legacy as a pivotal figure in horror history endures to this day.

Over the years, few Stephen King novels have been adapted seamlessly for the big screen.

Yet, "Misery" stands out as a film that seems perfectly crafted for adaptation. This tense, claustrophobic horror film delivers a clear message to writers everywhere: beware of meeting your most passionate fans.

The movie owes much of its chilling impact to Kathy Bates' unforgettable portrayal of Annie Wilkes, a character whose obsession with her favorite author leads her to break his legs and keep him captive.

Bates' remarkable performance launched a distinguished career in film and television, and deservedly so.

Through Annie Wilkes, the film explores the thin line between devotion and obsession, and even challenges the boundaries that exist between storytellers and their audience.

Brilliantly portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis, Laurie Strode stands as one of the most iconic characters in the Halloween franchise and secures her place as the second most popular character from the series on our list.

Laurie's character is intelligent, reserved, and introverted, yet she demonstrates a keen sense of awareness, recognizing that a sinister presence is stalking her from the shadows.

Though she may not seek the spotlight, Laurie's thoughtful and cautious nature enables her to summon extraordinary courage when it matters most.

Her survival instincts come to the forefront as she confronts Michael Myers, one of horror cinema's most relentless villains.

It's genuinely impressive to see how Laurie continues to survive and outwit Michael Myers, not just in the original Halloween film but throughout its many sequels.

Sigourney Weaver delivers a powerful performance as Ellen Ripley, showcasing formidable courage and resilience in Ridley Scott's 1979 classic, "Alien." Ripley quickly became one of horror cinema's most iconic heroes, holding her own against terrifying alien threats.

While the monstrous xenomorphs evoke dread, Ripley's grit and quick thinking flip the tables, making even the aliens fear her tenacity and resolve. Her presence commands the screen and elevates the tension throughout the film.

Ripley is known for her unwavering determination, fierce independence, and a rare ability to balance assertiveness with genuine empathy for her crew. She speaks with purpose, choosing her words wisely to communicate only what is necessary.

Although she prefers caution over recklessness, Ripley does not hesitate to take bold action when survival is on the line. Her pragmatic approach and willingness to confront danger head-on have made her a lasting inspiration in the world of horror.

Inspired by the real-life stories of exorcists Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring set a new standard for supernatural horror with its chilling atmosphere and expertly crafted storytelling. The film's success ignited a franchise that has spawned several acclaimed sequels.

Although the series continually impresses with its vivid portrayal of terror, its heart lies in the compelling characters of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Portrayed masterfully by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the duo bring depth and authenticity to the roles.

Both Farmiga and Wilson reportedly met the actual Lorraine Warren, striving to create the most faithful portrayals possible of the famed paranormal investigators.

Lorraine's empathetic, nurturing nature is the perfect counterpart to Ed's calm rationality. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, drawing viewers deeper into each chilling story.

With the Warrens at the center of the action, audiences often take comfort in their presence—even as the horrors escalate. Still not convinced of their impact? Just ask any of The Conjuring franchise’s other protagonists!

Portrayed with remarkable depth and authenticity by Jodie Foster, Clarice Starling stands out as one of the most iconic characters in horror and thriller cinema. Her performance brings a unique blend of vulnerability and strength to the role, making Clarice both relatable and unforgettable.

Initially introduced as an underdog, Clarice navigates the complexities of the male-dominated FBI while still a student. She is determined and diligent, striving to excel in her demanding role despite the many challenges she faces.

Although she may appear reserved and unassuming at first, Starling soon demonstrates exceptional bravery and intelligence, especially after her encounters with the enigmatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter. His "guidance" helps reveal her true capabilities as a hero.

Struggling with personal trust issues, particularly with men, Clarice is forced to confront her own past in order to extract vital information from Lecter. All the while, she tirelessly works to solve her very first major case.

Jordan Peele's groundbreaking film Get Out is notable for its richly developed characters, all of whom contribute meaningfully to the movie's sharp critique of systemic racism in America.

At the heart of the story is Chris Washington, who emerges as the film's most compelling figure. His journey brings the film's themes to life in a deeply personal and unforgettable way.

Portrayed with remarkable nuance by Daniel Kaluuya, Chris is portrayed as personable, intelligent, and quick-witted. He navigates social situations with ease, making connections with those he meets.

As a photographer, Chris's heightened awareness and keen observation skills distinguish him from others. This attentiveness proves crucial as he unravels the sinister reality around him and fights to escape.

Chris's single tear has become an iconic image in modern horror cinema, capturing the fear and agony at the film's core.

"It Follows" is a highly acclaimed horror film centered around a deadly curse that is transmitted from one victim to another through sexual contact. This unique premise sets the stage for an ever-present, relentless threat that no character can easily escape.

The Entity, often referred to simply as 'It,' can appear as anyone—a trusted friend, a stranger, or even a loved one. Its pace ranges from slow and deliberate to startlingly quick, shifting depending on how desperately it needs to reach its victim.

Once someone is marked by this supernatural force, their only choices are to pass the curse onto another unsuspecting person or spend their life in constant fear and flight from this shape-shifting stalker, which will stop at nothing to claim another soul.

While the film's chilling storyline creates an atmosphere of unending dread, it also prompts viewers to reconsider the consequences of casual encounters—reminding us that impulsive decisions can sometimes have terrifying consequences, captured here in a supernatural metaphor.

In the world of "It Follows," no matter your perspective on pleasure or relationships, it's wise to remember: a lurking, mysterious evil may be waiting for a single misstep that ends up bringing it straight to your door.

The Menu is a wonderfully eccentric horror-comedy that offers a sharp critique of exorbitant consumer culture.

The film explores class divides and highlights the superficiality of the wealthy, skillfully exposing the commercialization of art in all its forms.

While its symbolism is compelling, it is Ralph Fiennes’ captivating performance as Julian Slowik that gives the narrative its cutting edge.

In the film, Fiennes portrays a renowned celebrity chef admired by elite diners, who has grown disillusioned and lost passion for his craft.

Julian Slowik, shaped by the very world he now rejects, emerges as a chilling modern horror villain—methodically shattering the pride and complacency of his guests until they are consumed only by the instinct to survive.

This masterfully crafted character comes alive through Fiennes’ commanding presence, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Count Orlok stands as one of the most iconic monsters in the annals of classic horror. Often mistakenly referred to as "Nosferatu," Orlok is a ruthless, merciless vampire who delights in wreaking havoc by unleashing deadly plagues across Europe.

The character was masterfully brought to life by German actor Max Schreck in the silent-era masterpiece Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. Orlok draws clear inspiration from Bram Stoker's legendary Count Dracula.

Orlok is a reclusive figure, haunting a dilapidated Romanian castle. He appears to draw strength from the terror he spreads, causing relentless outbreaks of plague that condemn villages to suffering, death, and ghastly transformations for generations.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon is seen as both a monster and an inevitable threat because he represents a proto-human—an evolutionary anomaly isolated from his land-dwelling ancestors.

Despite the Gill-man's formidable strength and deep connection to his watery environment, he stands out as one of the least malevolent monsters ever portrayed on film. His presence disturbs the balance of the dominant species, yet his actions are far from truly evil.

This notion is supported by the fact that the Creature never attempts to attack villages or actively seeks violence. Instead, he is mostly portrayed as defensive, responding only when provoked by humans.

Over the years, this iconic figure's legacy has grown, leading to a reimagined version decades later in the acclaimed film, The Shape of Water.

The Armitage Family serves as the main antagonists in the 2017 horror/thriller film Get Out, regarded as one of the most innovative and critically acclaimed horror movies of the 21st century.

The film takes the familiar anxiety of meeting a partner's family for the first time and amplifies it into a chilling, racially charged psychological nightmare, exploring how quickly such a situation can spiral out of control.

Early in the film, viewers are introduced to the Armitage Family. Unknown to the protagonist, they are secretly members of a sinister cult known as the Order of the Coagula.

The Armitages lure in unsuspecting victims, selling and transferring the consciousness of wealthy clients into the bodies of young African Americans. Their methods are as horrifying and inhuman as any classic horror villain featured on our list.

The original Alien movie introduced audiences to the terrifying Xenomorph, a deadly alien predator that emerges from human hosts in a gruesome life cycle.

This highly intelligent creature nearly destroyed an entire spaceship crew, using its cunning and adaptability to outwit almost everyone on board before it was finally ejected into space. Its relentless nature made survival nearly impossible for the main characters, who struggled desperately to outsmart it.

Xenomorphs have continued to haunt protagonists across various sequels and spinoffs since the first film, maintaining their fearsome reputation as one of horror cinema’s ultimate threats.

Despite the varying quality of these later movies, the Xenomorph remains a figure of nightmare—a creature so menacing that encountering it, whether on an alien planet or here on Earth, is something none of us would ever wish for.

The iconic killer from the long-running Friday the 13th series is instantly recognizable, all thanks to his deformed face which is hidden behind a hockey mask.

Also, he wields a deadly machete to slaughter people to get revenge for how he has been treated in his life and, of course, for the murder of his beloved mother at the end of the first installment.

What is especially scary about this large and silent killer is that he appears out of nowhere to plague and torture his victims.

And, if that wasn't enough to stir you, make peace with the fact that Jason has superhuman strength and pain resistance, which makes it nearly impossible for him to be killed.

Voorhees may not even have been the central villain in the original film, but his legacy is strong enough to ensure that the franchise carries on.

The villain in The Texas Chain-Saw Massacre franchise is not only impossible to forget but he is also the most startling one of the lot.

Inspired by real-life figure Ed Gein, Leatherface is known for wearing masks made of human skin and wielding a chainsaw, with the help of which he attacks his victims.

While we have often seen terrifying horror movie characters stalking and playing games with their targets, Leatherface pretty much ups the ante with his gruesome appearance alone.

Even though we never truly know what evil is lurking behind closed doors, what we do, however, know is that we must not let our van break down in the Texas wilderness.

The fact that humanity has a primal fear of the ocean has got a lot to do with the presence of the Great White Shark in it.

And, Steven Spielberg was able to capture the terror of both the creature and the endless blue in the most thrilling way possible in his summer blockbuster Jaws.

While the motion picture showed an oversized shark tormenting the inhabitants and tourists of a New England community, it actually went on to terrorize hundreds and thousands of viewers in the cinemas, who later started fearing heading out to beaches as well.

The Great White Shark from Jaws is one of those "characters" that has the power to scare you by leaving things to your vivid imagination.

So, according to us, the iconic creature certainly does deserve a spot on our list.

The protagonists in John Carpenter's 1982 movie The Thing get the shock of their lives when they stumble upon the eponymous "Thing"; a parasitic extraterrestrial life-form that does not only have the power to reproduce but also imitate other organisms.

Needless to say, the horrible-looking alien needs to make sure that it survives by hook or by crook, and that is precisely what makes it even more dangerous.

It is not surprising then that the characters start to fear it even more as they continue to make sense of how exactly it functions.

The Thing is one of the most beloved films about creatures, but not every horror movie fan is too fond of the creature shown in it.

This is primarily because it is too scary and gross to look at.

Horror movie fans would be familiar with the fact that The Conjuring universe has several demonic entities and ghosts; each of which stands a chance to make it to our story.

However, we must give the nod to Annabelle, who is, undoubtedly, the most unsettling movie doll to have hit the cinemas, besides Chucky.

Even though she is only seen staring creepily at people and her surroundings from inside her protective glass case, her appearance is more than enough to give you countless nightmares.

Arguably the most sought-after doll in the world of horror today, Annabelle was able to make an impression despite having been seen for only a second in The Conjuring.

That said, she has now gone on to headline a successful spinoff series and will probably be making her comeback soon again.

This doll is definitely the toy you wouldn't want your kid to take home.

We have often seen see that filmmakers across the globe have tried to humanize the trademark serial killer by casting a light on their traumatic past.

However, what sets The Black Phone's antagonist apart is that he is deprived of a classic tragic story and, thus, his humanity.

That is perhaps why the Grabber is so scary and tough to relate to. Portrayed ably by Ethan Hawke, the Grabber can be seen wearing a scary mask and is someone who cannot be reasoned with.

However, what makes him appalling is that he comes across as your everyday man who uses common tools to kidnap children and trap them in his basement.

More importantly, the angry and evil serial killer is seen residing in the suburbs undetected. Needless to mention, the Grabber is someone we could cross paths with on the streets without ever realizing that there's a wolf in sheep's clothes, and that is precisely what makes him incredulously scary.

The enormously popular villain of the horror satire Scream series, Ghostface is characterized by his signature Halloween mask and his affinity for playing games with his victims before killing them.

The twist of the franchise is that Ghostface isn't a single villain. In fact, the Scream movies are so exciting to watch purely because they keep the viewers guessing who the dreaded antagonist might be this time around.

The formulaic features depict a deranged individual (sometimes two) donning the infamous costume and perpetuating the process of killing young and naive individuals.

Even though Ghostface's appearance may not be traditionally unsettling, his violent demeanor and phone voice are enough to send chills down your spine.

Watching the dreadful Pennywise scare kids out of their wits in the It film series will help you comprehend why a lot of people have a deep-rooted fear of clowns.

This character is known to have haunted quite a few people in their dreams, and there's something about him that sticks with the viewers after they're done watching the It movies.

While his evil grin and white-painted face are horrifying enough, what makes him far more sinister is the fact that he lures kids down into the sewers of Derry, Maine.

And, as we all know, anyone who preys on the young and innocent can surely not be human. Pennywise, whose perceived form is determined by the minds of the victims he tortures, was brought to life amazingly by actor Bill Skarsgård in the 2017 movie and its much-awaited sequel.

Trust filmmaker Richard Donner and his 1976 classic The Omen to finally make us believe that children can be just as creepy as adult villains and that they cannot be blindly trusted in horror movies.

Damien, who is the central antagonist of the Omen series, happens to be the Anti-Christ. Unfortunately for the adults in his life, they discover the fact a bit too late.

By then, we have already witnessed the young boy sending his enemies plummeting to their deaths with a sinister smile on his face.

Even though his reign of terror and legacy are explored in sequels and remakes, it is the original movie that continues to be as unnerving today as it was when it first hit the screens.

Ashley Joanna "Ash" Williams has gone on to make a name for himself for being a bonafide horror hero who is flawed and, yet, loco enough to be almost as merciless as his adversaries in the globally popular Evil Dead franchise.

After having been the final survivor in the original Evil Dead, he has managed to deal with one malevolent spirit after another in the subsequent movies; thus, establishing himself as a memorable horror character.

While his presence in the Evil Dead movies is undeniable, Ash's most well-known image of late is from the Ash v. Evil Dead television series; a show in which his right arm is notably replaced with a chainsaw.

There is no denying that some dolls are indeed creepy and that there's something about their large and glossy eyes and distinct hairdo that continues to rub people the wrong way.

So, we weren't surprised when the makers of the Child's Play franchise of films used the shared phobia of dolls to offer a crazed murderer trapped in the body of, well, a creepy doll.

Reportedly inspired by Hasbro's My Buddy dolls, Chucky originally debuted as a talking doll, which, to be honest, is creepy as it is.

However, the makers upped the ante when they granted the wicked doll the potential to come to life and murder every adult that crossed his path.

While these movies also have a comedic element to them, that doesn’t make them any less scary; primarily because they thrive on the several jumps scares, and gory sequences to make an impression.

Even though the psychotic Chucky is known to have used a variety of weapons to slay his victims, he seems to be a tad partial to a large butcher knife.

Among the most visually exceptional horror villains of all time, Pinhead happens to be the undisputed leader of a group of bondage enthusiasts/demons known as the Cenobites in the various Hellraiser motion pictures.

Even though Hellraiser is not the most popular horror movie series out there, it certainly has managed to grab eyeballs, all thanks to the regal charm of Pinhead.

The villain thrives on his Dracula-esque nobility, which makes him different from his '80s contemporaries such as Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger.

While the increasingly underwhelming Hellraiser sequels led to a drop in Pinhead's stock, the character got a boost of sorts courtesy of the 2022 Hulu reboot.

In George Romero's seminal 1968 horror film Night of the Living Dead, we are introduced to an enlarging group of flesh-eating, undead ghouls, who seek the living to use as food.

There is no denying the fact that "the walking dead" have supplanted vampires as the most common horror movie antagonists these days.

However, it is imperative to mention that the contemporary idea of what constitutes a zombie was first introduced by Romero in his cult horror feature.

The zombies depicted in the motion picture were the reanimated bodies of the dead that craved human flesh, with a special preference for brains.

Therefore, they could only be eliminated when their head was destroyed.

When author Mary Shelley introduced Frankenstein in her classic horror novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, little did she know that the book will be considered to be the dawn of science fiction shortly.

It's not surprising then that Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his signature creation have been a part of several on-screen adaptations of the acclaimed book.

While motion pictures featuring the two aforementioned characters have been produced ever since the beginning of the 20th century, it is Universal's 1931 feature that remains the most iconic.

Props to Boris Karloff for having defined the look of this spooky monster and for making him one of the most enduring horror characters in popular culture.

Nobody ever thought that a smile could be dangerous until Parker Finn's critically and commercially successful psychological horror feature, Smile, hit the screens in 2022.

In the movie, we notice an unseen supernatural entity taking the form of smiling people, following which they commit suicide.

The events take place in the presence of another individual who is then seen carrying forward the dreadful pattern.

Smile is not about cheap thrills or jump scares but it is primarily about unsettling imagery and the fine line drawn between sanity and insanity.

The film allows its familiar horror tropes to come to the fore to confront the deeply unsettling and, yet, equally critical issue of mental illness.

Its concept and title serve as a metaphor for the people who've been battling trauma with a smile on their faces for the longest time.

Frank is a smartly penned character, who, aside from being Donnie Darko's large, probably imaginary, costumed bunny acquaintance, is also pretty much the buried corner of our very own psyche.

He is a member of the Manipulated Dead, whose primary motive is to guide Donnie on his path to rectifying the timeline of the primary universe by returning the jet engine to its accurate universe.

Even though he possesses noble goals, Frank's methods of achieving them not only torment but also go on to corrupt the titular protagonist.

In fact, the terrifying but equally amusing demonic bunny even makes him believe that he can get away with anything and that the world is ending in less than a month.

Evil entities have always been known for masquerading as innocent people, and, unsurprisingly, we have all shared an affinity for this trademark horror movie concept.

That is perhaps why we were all so eager to catch Samara Morgan, the demonic poster child for the Ring series, on the big screen.

Samara may appear shy and quiet at first, but the young girl goes on to shock one and all when her true side comes to the fore with the progress of both the original film and the franchise.

The restless and creepy villainess introduces herself to her victims exactly seven days after they have watched a cursed videotape, which, ultimately, brings them the unwanted gift of death.

Imagine watching a video on your television set and then seeing Samara crawl out of the screen right into your living room. Yeah, that'll be the day!

The devil comes in all shapes and sizes and will do anything to disrupt your home and peace of mind.

That's precisely what happens in the Robert Eggers-helmed folk horror film, The Witch. While one might not expect the antagonist in any mainstream feature to be a huge black goat, trust Eggers to do the unthinkable.

The man gives your traditional horror movie villain a horrifying twist by showcasing a devil-possessed goat, who is hunting a puritanic Christian family.

The horned star of this critically acclaimed motion picture is the assumed mortal form of Satan himself. What's even more startling about this creature is that its real-life trainer went on to assert that he had never seen horns so big on a goat ever before.

When Gordon Douglas released his unique black-and-white science fiction monster film back in 1954, it made a lot of viewers believe that the gigantic irradiated ants shown in it might just be the beginning of what may be the end of humanity.

One of the first "nuclear monster" films, and certainly the first "big bug" feature film to use insects as the monster, Them! managed to scare the viewers to the very core by demonstrating the sheer size of the ants alone.

Not only did the creatures amplify the horror in the movie but they also went on to exemplify the horror maxim that is: bigger is definitely scarier.

Pop-culture LGBTQ heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but rarely have they not been humans. However, the titular villain from 2014's The Babadook has gone on to become an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon, despite having haunted a single mother and her aggressively annoying child in the popular movie.

While the mother and son already seem to be dealing with a children's book that just won't go away and a terrifying phone call, it is the Babadook who makes his presence felt and, in the process, ends up claiming a spot on the list of the memorable and frightening horror villains of the bygone decade.

Widely recognized as one of the most important British feature films of the 1970s, and a defining example of the folk horror genre, The Wicker Man is a highly ambiguous project that manages to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats even today.

However, it is difficult to gauge who the actual villain in this cult film is. We catch a conservative Christian cop stepping into Summerisle and instructing the pagans about what to believe and how to live.

Sure, he is as intrusive as they come, which is perhaps why the villagers lure him there to offer him as a sacrifice to their pagan gods, hoping to receive a bountiful harvest in return.

Needless to mention, while some would argue that the cop is the hero, there certainly is a section of viewers that thinks that the pagans were right in what they did. But then again, who are we to judge what's right or wrong?

After a string of critical and commercial duds in the '00s, horror movie master M. Night Shyamalan roared back into top form with the theatrical release of Split in 2016.

All thanks to one of the most astonishing performances by James McAvoy, the film was able to scare most people in the cinema halls.

The actor plays the terrifying Kevin Wendell Crumb; a seemingly unassuming zoo employee whose mind is home to 23 other alternate personalities.

However, among those personalities, the one that stands out and does, indeed, reigns over all the others is "The Beast"; a superhuman monster who devours human flesh.

While Kevin and his other selves were given another opportunity to return in 2019's Glass, it was not exactly the sating conclusion that most of us were looking forward to.

Esther has managed to captivate the minds of the viewers ever since she was first seen on the big screen in 2009's Orphan.

One of the most interesting horror movie villains to date, she is a 33-year-old woman who masquerades herself as a nine-year-old girl and gets adopted by a couple mourning the unfortunate death of their unborn child.

She may come across as subtle, gentle, and polite, but there is more to her than what meets the eye.

Minutes into Orphan and Orphan: First Kill, we witness Esther using her intelligence to eliminate whoever obstructs her path to achieving her desires.

Fog, scientifically, may mean a visible aerosol consisting of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, but in John Carpenter's cult horror movie, The Fog, it proves to be a true-blue antagonist; thus, making it arguably the most unique "character" to feature on our compilation.

Deemed to be the most underrated natural occurrence, the fog gets its due credit in the motion picture as it is seen carrying a band of bloodthirsty ghost-mariner-pirate-demon-people with it.

Director John Carpenter deserves appreciation for being able to create a setting in which an unusually overcast morning and a strange, glowing fog have been villainized like never before, or ever since.

If you and your friends were young adults during the beginning of the '90s, you may have dared each other to whisper this villain's name in a mirror.

Based on Clive Barker’s story "The Forbidden", Candyman is a cult horror feature that is best remembered for its commentary on race, class, and, of course, its supernatural baddie.

The Candyman appealed to anyone who ever stood in a washroom and whispered his name five times in front of a mirror to check if he really does appear.

While his voice is recognizable enough, he can be distinguished by his tattered cloak and the hook that rests where his hand should ideally be.

However, what makes the Candyman strike a chord with the viewers is the fact that the makers have been thoughtful enough to lend him a tragic backstory.

Make way for the mysterious man in Saw who abducts people who he thinks take their lives for granted.

The prolific killer has a method to his madness, and to ensure that his victims start appreciating the true meaning of life, he compels them to fight to stay alive.

His elaborate death traps, which are a bit too difficult to behold, push his victims to test their level of perseverance and sanity.

When Jigsaw's backstory is revealed, we get to know that he is a terminal cancer patient, who goes to extreme lengths to remind his victims to be grateful for the life that they have, no matter how satisfying or bad.

However, the only problem here is that he allows his madness to take center stage and, thus, believes that torturing people who do not realize the significance of living might just end up making the world a better place.

The series of gruesome tests that he puts his victims through is symbolic of what he perceives as a flaw in each person's character.

Chatterer may be one of the key members of the main villain Pinhead's circle, but he is far more frightening all by himself.

Before having become a Cenobite, he was named Jim and was living a terrible and tragic life. Therefore, now, we catch him enjoying causing pain to others for he seems to have experienced a lot of it himself.

His only means of communication is the incessant clacking of his teeth, which goes on to explain how he must have acquired his name in the first place.

One of the most dreadful Cenobites, Chatterer has a fear-inducing appearance to go with his killing skills. Not only does he lack eyes but his blood-filled mouth, which is held open with wire, makes even come across as even more menacing, and we are only being polite with words here.

A major critical and commercial success upon its theatrical release, Poltergeist introduces us to disembodied spirits that go on to terrorize a hapless family.

These spirits, who are not your usual physical monsters, are led by a dominating force called 'The Beast' that attempts to draw young Carol Ann Freeling into the realm of the dead through the family's TV set.

Ultimately, it is revealed that these restless spirits are angry about the fact that a house has been built atop a burial ground.

While the sequels failed to impress viewers and critics alike, the original Poltergeist movie and its titular spirits continue to force us to revisit them.

When your pursuer is a classified serial assailant or a vengeful spirit, there is at least a chance of survival.

However, what must one do to stay alive when they are being pursued by Death itself? The creators of the renowned Final Destination series have harnessed the aforementioned concept to produce a series of thrilling films, where survival involves more than simply outlasting the others.

We are introduced to several characters in the series who do everything they can to avoid their imminent demise.

However, Death throws all their plans out of the window and ensures that fate unfolds as it's written. Needless to say, the series has shown some truly elaborate and over-the-top death scenes that have gone on to become its one true calling card.

One of the most underrated horror film characters of all time has to be Hellhound - Damien Thorn's pet dog who happens to live at his estate with him.

His name, Hellhound, is a reference to the canine that serves Satan. While facing the cursed kid in The Omen is frightening as it is, we are introduced to his loyal companion, who is sent on various missions to kill people.

Many would argue that being at the will of the dog is scarier than facing the devil in the kid itself.

However, together, they make you believe that you're being cornered by something beyond comprehension and far more powerful than you.

Worse still, it means that your demise is imminent.