Top 10 Most Creative Kills in Horror Movies
#10: The “Play Pals” Conveyor Belt
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“Child’s Play 2” (1990) As you’ve likely seen in other kitschy horror films, factories are an excellent source for lethal intentions. The on-site doll factory repairman finds this out the hard way in “Child’s Play 2.” His lounging is rudely interrupted when the conveyor jams at the eyeball insertion station, and he grabs his tools and gets to work. However, in doing so, he places himself in the ideal position for an unfortunate death. The machine is reanimated by our good friend Chucky, who surprises the poor guy and places him next in line to receive his own set of plastic orbs.
#9: The Jackhammer Stake
Top 10 Creative Horror Movie Weapons
“From Dusk till Dawn” (1996) There are, according to cinematic lore, multiple ways to kill a vampire. But why go with the classic, boring old stake when you can upgrade it? In “From Dusk till Dawn,” when unexpectedly faced with hordes of stripper and bartender vampires, innovation is required. Thankfully, the gang has a pastor with them, so holy water is aplenty. However, what’s a tough guy like Seth Gecko to do? Why, attach a large wooden stake to an old jackhammer, of course! Sure, it’s likely completely impractical, doesn’t seem like a light burden, and splinters are assured. But it looks really cool, and will get the job done.
#8: Espresso Machine Steam
“Leprechaun 2” (1994) There’s nothing worse than a rude waiter. When Lubdan the Leprechaun is enjoying some coffee at an upscale café, a snarky barista comes over to tell him he’s closing shop, and he needs to pay up. Well, we all know that leprechauns hate it when you demand their gold, and this little green guy is the wrong little green guy to mess with. Lubdan’s always relished in using everyday items to dispatch his victims, and the nearby espresso machine is too good to pass up. The unfortunate barista basically gets pinned down and steamed to death. Next time, try service with a smile, buddy. And maybe count your blessings, too, because it could’ve been a pogo stick.
#7: Shotgun Impalement
“Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988) If there’s one thing that’s difficult to imagine for horror fans, it’s Michael Myers using a firearm. Well, he hasn’t really used one in a technical sense. Michael’s weapons of choice are normally sharp or blunt objects. He’s definitely more of a jabber than a shooter, reaching primarily for knives, scissors or strangling cords. In “Halloween 4,” Michael finds himself with a shotgun. Rather than shoot it, however, he actually just uses it like he would a precious stabby object and impales his victim with it. Points for originality, but he could just have easily used it as a bludgeon.
#6: A Human Marionette
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“A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” (1987) Our old friend Freddy always has some interesting disposal methods up his striped sleeve. Since Freddy resides and kills in the dream realm, the possibilities are endless. There are a lot to choose from, but this scene from the third film seems to top them. Phillip Anderson, the unfortunate victim, is used as a human marionette in his dream. In real life, Philip forcedly sleepwalks to the top of a cliff where Freddy cuts the strings and he falls to his doom. This is perhaps the inspiration behind some later human marionettes, seen on TV shows such as “Fringe.”
#5: The Glass Pane
Another Top 10 Creative Horror Movie Weapons
“The Omen” (1976) There are a number of ways one can lose their head. In 1976’s “The Omen,” photographer Keith Jennings loses his in a particularly grotesque, yet thankfully rapid way. Adopted little rascal Damien isn’t one to mess with, and he proves it by causing lethal freak accidents. When someone gets too close to the truth about his not-so-secret Antichrist status, Damien must make them disappear. Jennings is one such unlucky fellow, as a pane of glass slides off a truck and quickly removes his head from his neck. You have to use what’s in your environment when in a pinch, and that pane of glass does nicely.
#4: Liquid Nitrogen Facial
“Jason X” (2001) Did you know that liquid nitrogen has a boiling point of around -320º Fahrenheit? Well, we’re fairly certain Jason Voorhees doesn’t know this… or does he? He’s a man of few words, after all. He does know, however, that it will very quickly and easily dispose of someone, should the need arise and the substance be available. That’s exactly what happens in “Jason X,” when Jason awakens in a lab. When there aren’t any machetes within reach, and intern Adrienne has to go, Jason has to wing it by giving her an LN2 facial. He then smashes her thoroughly frozen visage into the counter. Points for creative improvisation?
#3: Wired on the Dance Floor
“Ghost Ship” (2002) Anyone who’s seen “Ghost Ship” has likely remained scarred by the opening scene. It’s the early 1960s, and the rich and extravagant are enjoying a soirée on deck of the Italian ship MS Antonia Graza. It’s a lovely night for a dance, and all are enjoying the live music, including a little girl who finds herself cheerfully dancing with the captain. Suddenly, the fun ends as a detached metal cable from the ship sweeps through the dancers, bisecting everyone in its path. The child survives, as she’s too short and falls just under the wire. Though it may be illogical in reality, it makes for a hell of a grotesque show.
#2: The Reverse Bear Trap
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“Saw 3D” (2010) The “Saw” franchise is filled with creative ways to die, and there are many to choose from. Let’s stick to a popular one that made many appearances throughout the franchise: the reverse bear trap. Basically, the trap is placed and locked onto the victim’s jaw. The wearer has a limited amount of time to find the key and unlock the device, or it will open and, well, let’s say create an unhealthy distance between the upper and lower jaws. We see its lethal power in “Saw 3D.” Poor Jill. Better or worse than a proper bear trap? You be the judge. Runners-up for the most creative kills in the franchise are “Saw III”’s pig vat and angel trap.
#1: Down the Drain
Top 10 Unique Horror Movie Kills
“The Final Destination” (2009) Veteran horror film watchers will automatically know that a poolside jerk named Hunt will most definitely not make it through the film. But no one really deserves what happens to Hunt in “The Final Destination.” Hunt dives into the pool to retrieve his lucky coin, but gets sucked into a drainage pipe that’s been activated by accident. He doesn’t have time to drown before his body is basically pulled entirely into the pipe, resulting in an explosion of… Hunt pieces. Second and third places go to “Final Destination 3’s” tanning bed and nail gun kills. Watch yourselves out there, folks.
