Top 10 Horror Villains You Don't Know About
Top 10 Horror Villains You Probably Didn't Know About
Top 10 Scariest Horror Villains of 2023
There's nothing more frightening than the unknown. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Horror Villains You Probably Didn't Know About. For this list, we're looking at the scariest baddies that just don't get the same attention as icons like Jason or Chucky. We're basing our choices on a mix of ominous appearances, cunning plans, and the lengths each antagonist goes to for their plans. We have to dive into some spooky details to talk about these baddies, so a SPOILER ALERT is in order.
#10: Darcy
"Green Room" (2015) When a band discovers a violent neo-Nazi cover-up at a punk venue, they end up clawing for any chance at survival in "Green Room." And while it seems like the bar owner Darcy will defuse the situation, his malicious orders only focus the already frustrated goons. Moreover, his calculated tactics not only split the band up, but also serve to make them scapegoats for his crimes. He's one to let his victims suffer as well, even when he's got the upper hand. However, it's Darcy's uncompromising mentality that's so terrifying, as viewers feel utter dread for the young musicians' situation. Plus, the grounded elements of "Green Room" leave audiences chilled at the simple prospect of running into someone like Darcy in real life.
#9: Mick Taylor
"Wolf Creek" (2005) A couple of friends are stranded out in the Australian wilderness, only to find car help from the resourceful outdoorsman Mick. "Wolf Creek" sees the tourists easily disarmed by his hospitality, before he reveals himself to be a sinister villain. Though it's clear early on that Mick is psychotic, we're scared stiff watching him use his precise and brutal hunting skills to take down our protagonists. His sadistic tendencies are frightening as well, but there's a deeper fear to learning he's been trapping people for some time. And there's something unnerving to how dramatically he changes from cheery to bloodthirsty. Through a sequel and a TV spin-off, Mick's unhinged personality will keep you endlessly gripped.
#8: Leslie Vernon
"Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" (2006) In a world where slashers are real, "Behind the Mask" takes a documentary-style look at up-and-coming horror-icon Leslie Vernon. Despite the tongue-in-cheek play on genre tropes within the movie, it's haunting to see just how innocent and relatable a genuine 'bad guy' can be. It's also eerie to hear Leslie rattle off so casually about how he manipulates his victims' paths and gives them false hope too. Plus, the fact that Vernon studied anatomy, stage magic, and plenty of other tricks leaves him as a constant wild card. It's a testament to Vernon's abilities as well that he's not only terrifying, but still gets steps ahead of the film crew after explaining so much of his technique.
#7: The Children
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"Village of the Damned" (1960) Handfuls of kids are all born on the same day in the town of Midwich, who soon grow to all have the same blonde hair and eyes. While they look creepy enough traveling in packs, the children of "Village of the Damned" are all the more frightening when their eyes glow. Freaky as their mind control powers are in theory, the kids strike terror by making townspeople savagely off themselves. Their intellectual way of talking is unsettling for a child as well, especially as they speak for their group rather than individual needs. Given the remakes and parodies, the children's menacing look is iconic and stands as a benchmark for evil kids in horror.
#6: Officer Matthew Cordell
"Maniac Cop" (1988) Matt Cordell looks like any other policeman, but he turns out to be a deranged lunatic with a badge. "Maniac Cop" finds Cordell wildly abusing his power to lure people in, only to turn them into his next victim. What's scarier is that he'll even attack citizens coming to him for help, using his intense strength and a sword of all things to claim his prey. If that wasn't enough, Cordell's zombie-like return from the dead gives him the endurance to hunt through two sequels as well. And the fact that he seeks revenge on those who stop him only has us thinking twice about facing "Maniac Cop."
#5: The Tall Man
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"Phantasm" (1979) Inexplicable things start happening after Mike sees a towering figure lift a full casket like it weighs nothing. As "Phantasm" continues, the Tall Man terrorizes Mike through his dreams and long creepy stares in the street. Beyond some shapeshifting powers as well, the otherworldly baddie can attack people with telepathy and telekinesis. Worst of all, however, are his violent, dwarf-like minions and the lethal death orbs he sends to finish off his enemies. Regardless of all his abilities, the Tall Man is chilling to watch because of Angus Scrimm's stark performance and intimidating appearance. But his constantly grand entrances certainly add to the nightmare fuel of "Phantasm."
#4: Henry
"Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" (1986) Rather than following a hero, "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" tracks the villain through his horrible series of crimes. Henry rises above other antagonists because of how uncomfortably ferocious he is, in scenes that are disturbing to watch even by modern horror standards. While this is freaky already, his ability to go from level-headed to cold-blooded and then back to relaxing is arguably inhuman. There's also a sadism to Henry filming and then watching his crimes over again. And though he'll stop his friend Otis from crossing certain lines, he'll become animalistic if someone insults him. All of Henry's spontaneous decisions keep him terrifying since it's always unclear who his next target will be.
#3: The Collector
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"The Collector" (2009) A down-on-his-luck handyman tries to rob his rich clients, only to end up in the crosshairs of The Collector. This maniacal hunter fills buildings with traps to cut his prey off from exits, phones, and even weapons. While the Collector also tortures people, crazy ideas like a bear-trap room give villains like Jigsaw a run for their money. Despite his meticulously detailed setups, it's alternatively eerie that he acts and purrs like a cat at times. The Collector's sinister designs only claim more victims in the sequel too. Needless to say, the ways he plays on people's fight-or-flight instincts adds a deeply horrific layer to the Collector's traps.
#2: Art the Clown
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"Terrifier" (2016) Halloween goes from ghoulish to downright fatal when Art the Clown returns to life in "Terrifier." Art is shockingly cruel as he makes human jack-o-lanterns and wears skin for his demented plans. His antics are particularly unnerving too, considering he will innocently play with some of his victims first. It's unsettling to know this isn't Art's first Halloween rodeo either. Just seeing the clown scrupulously apply his makeup and gather weapons is enough to keep us awake at night. So, while clowns are no doubt spooky enough, Art's already frightening look and demented behavior put him over the top. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Brett "Eden Lake" (2008) Moonlight Man "Gerald's Game" (2017) Satan Liquid "Prince of Darkness" (1987) Gemini "The Exorcist III" (1990) The Hidden Killer "Opera" (1987)
#1: Josef
"Creep" (2014) An online job posting to film a man for a day is all it takes to get Aaron to visit Josef in "Creep." It's easy to feel sorry for Josef early on as he talks about his terminal illness and making a video message to his unborn son. But his darker side slowly comes out in all the jump-scares he springs on Aaron. And we soon find out Josef is lying and snapping photos of Aaron when he's not looking. Though as the film goes from comedic to tense, it's Josef's constantly manipulative arguments that give him so much power over both Aaron and the audience. Plus, his descent into madness is more terrifying given how goofy Josef acts at first.
