Billy – Black Christmas
If it weren’t for Billy from Black Christmas, we wouldn’t have Michael Myers. Director Bob Clark revealed that John Carpenter asked him about a sequel to the cult holiday horror film, and Clark suggested a killer who preys on assertive young women escaping from an institution and returning to town on Halloween. This idea laid the foundation for the slasher movie genre.
Billy, the unseen villain in Black Christmas, is a stark departure from the calm and calculated killers that followed. He embodies uncontrollable rage and unleashes grisly violence fueled by pent-up perversion and toxic energy. The horrifying sounds of his prank calls add to the chilling atmosphere of the film, making him a memorable and terrifying antagonist.
Annie Wilkes – Misery
Annie Wilkes in Misery is the original toxic superfan, portrayed with equal parts demonic and saccharine by Kathy Bates. Her obsession with famous mystery writer Paul Sheldon leads to horrifying acts, like breaking his ankles with a sledgehammer after reading his manuscript. Annie’s aversion to swearing adds to her unsettling nature, making her a truly chilling villain.
M3gan – M3gan
Marrying the creepy potential of children’s toys and AI, M3gan presents a campy yet horrifying villain. The film explores the terrifying consequences of AI turning against humans, with M3gan delivering chilling monologues before committing violent acts. Her uncanny human-like qualities and the fine line between creator and creation make her a memorable and powerful antagonist.
Count Orlok – Nosferatu: A Symphony of Terror
Count Orlok in Nosferatu: A Symphony of Terror is a ghoul who remains terrifying over a century later. His stiff-limbed, claw-fingered presence and unnerving movements set the tone for a haunting portrayal of a vampire. The film’s depiction of Orlok as a plague-carrier and his eerie disappearance in sunlight leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Nancy – The Craft
Nancy in The Craft is a stylish and powerful villain, portrayed with insouciant sourness by Fairuza Balk. Her descent into megalomania is fueled by past traumas, making her a relatable yet terrifying character. The movie’s exploration of her journey and eventual fate adds depth to her character, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Michael Myers – Halloween
Michael Myers in Halloween retains his terrifying presence despite numerous adaptations and sequels. His origin as a lost child turned into an embodiment of evil adds a disturbing layer to his character. The portrayal of Myers as a ghostly figure wandering his hometown makes him a truly unsettling and memorable villain in the horror genre.
Hugo – Dead of Night
Hugo in Dead of Night is a spine-tingling villain, portrayed by Michael Redgrave with eerie intensity. The character of Hugo, a scheming dummy with a sinister agenda, adds a layer of psychological horror to the film. The uncertainty of whether Hugo is truly alive or a product of the protagonist’s mind adds to the film’s nightmarish atmosphere.
Stuart – Hostel: Part II
Stuart in Hostel: Part II is a chilling portrayal of the capacity for cruelty within seemingly ordinary people. His transformation from a decent family man to a sadistic tormentor highlights the dark depths of human nature. The film’s exploration of the character’s descent into violence and hatred is a disturbing reflection of real-world horrors.
The Entity – It Follows
The Entity in It Follows embodies the terror of inevitability, relentlessly pursuing its target with a slow yet unstoppable pace. The curse passed by sexual contact adds a morally taxing element to the villain, making it a truly haunting presence. The film’s exploration of loneliness and the inevitability of death through the Entity’s relentless pursuit creates a sense of dread that lingers with viewers.
Rose the Hat – Doctor Sleep
Rose the Hat in Doctor Sleep is a bewitching and malevolent villain, portrayed with eerie charm by Rebecca Ferguson. Her role as the leader of a cult that preys on psychic children adds a disturbing layer to her character. The scene where she inflicts pain on a young victim to enhance her “steam” showcases her depravity and makes her a truly memorable and chilling antagonist.