Top 20 Underrated Horror Movie Villains
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Underrated Horror Movie Villains. For this list, we’ll be looking at scary movie antagonists who’ve yet to get their day in the sun. As such, we’ll be excluding characters who were underrated for some time, but are now appropriately appreciated, like Art the Clown. Keep in mind, there will be some spoilers. Who do you want to see make a bloody comeback? Let us know in the comments below!
#20: Krampus
“Krampus” (2015)
With just two films, director Michael Dougherty has already made an indelible mark on cult horror. So much so that we may feature another of his villains. But what better way to kick off this list than with this yuletide demon? Granted, Krampus gets his toylike underlings to do his bidding for most of the runtime, but once the hooved beast makes an appearance, he does not disappoint. Even with a PG-13 rating, Krampus manages to make us shiver in our stockings, fully committed to being good else we face his wrath. But even then we may not be safe…
#19: The Strangers
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“The Strangers” franchise (2008-)
A group of villains who keeps things terrifyingly mysterious, this trio of masked killers start off small by knocking on the door of a suburban home. Slowly but surely, a campaign of harassment and torment begins, starting out with moving household objects around before ramping up to stalking, torture and murder. From behind emotionless masks, the trio seems almost unmoved by the pain and suffering they cause their victims, which is in many ways even scarier than if they seemed to enjoy it! One thing’s for sure, if you hear a knock at your door late at night, just leave it be. Trust us, you’re better off.
#18: Angela Baker
“Sleepaway Camp” franchise (1983-)
We perhaps know this unruly camper best for that out-of-left-field twist at the end of the first movie, but that’s not where her mark on horror history ends. Wherever you fall on that plot development, you may be surprised to know that Angela and the series took on a campier tone in subsequent sequels, pun intended. Indeed, Pamela Springsteen’s version of the character assumed a livelier role as she gleefully took to dispatching naughty campers. It may not be highbrow horror, but it serves as a more playful alternative to “Friday the 13th.” And if you prefer Felissa Rose as the OG Angela, the 2008 sequel has you covered.
#17: Mark Lewis
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“Peeping Tom” (1960)
Premiering two months before Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” Michael Powell’s “Peeping Tom” also delves into the mind of a timid yet dangerous killer, yet often gets overlooked as a progenitor of the slasher subgenre. And right at the center of it is a well-rounded villain in Mark Lewis. A victim of a cruel and unfeeling upbringing, Mark is an aspiring filmmaker who’s become a little too taken with capturing fear on camera. And we think you can guess where it goes from there. Played to perfection by Carl Boehm, Mark is the ideal sympathetic-yet-horrifically-flawed villain to make the story dynamic and unpredictable. And God help you if you catch his eye.
#16: Matt Cordell [aka Maniac Cop]
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“Maniac Cop” franchise (1988-93)
Matt Cordell checks a lot of boxes of your prototypical ‘80s slasher: he’s hulking; he’s undead; and he’s a hell of a time at parties. While alive, Cordell was a well-intentioned if somewhat violent NYPD cop. But when he was falsely imprisoned for police brutality and basically killed, he came back way, way more violent. Obviously, the tone of “Maniac Cop” would be more than a little different now, but for the era, Matt Cordell certainly got the job done. This was due in large part to actor Robert Z’Dar’s unmatched physicality, as he oozed screen presence whenever Cordell was taking names. We’d be interested to see what the franchise could look like today.
#15: Man
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“Hush” (2016)
A good, if archetypal, horror movie baddie thrown into an interesting and unique situation, this crossbow-wielding killer finds himself with a deaf-mute woman as his latest intended victim. When this nameless killer comes to an isolated cabin to add another entry into what we can only assume is an ongoing rampage, he finds the supposedly helpless woman he’s targeted is more than a match. This villain largely paints inside the lines when it comes to horror movie antagonists with a spooky mask and a thirst for blood. What really elevates him above the crowd is the fresh spin on the slasher formula found in his movie.
#14: The Creep
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“Creep” franchise (2014-)
Whether you want to call him Josef, Bill or Aaron - we may never even learn his real name - the eponymous creep from these movies certainly lives up to the title. He may seem unassuming at first, but that’s just part of his game. Rather than go after his victims right away, the Creep will befriend them through some elaborate ruse before straining their tolerance of him to the absolute limit. And that’s when he strikes. Whereas other horror villains get by on grisly kills, the Creep thrives in the buildup of tension, always trying to keep people guessing. Oh, and as long as we’re talking about alternate identities, Peachfuzz is as terrifying as they get.
#13: John Ryder
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“The Hitcher” franchise (1986-2007)
While we may love a villain with an interesting or even sympathetic backstory and motivation, there’s just something about a baddie who remains a mystery that keeps us on edge. A mysterious hitchhiker who attacks and kills the people who make the grave mistake of picking him up, this character is a total question mark. The only thing we know for sure about him is his love of murder and mayhem. Why he’s doing this is anyone’s guess, and that element of mystery, combined with a truly chilling performance by Rutger Hauer in the original film, makes watching him as tense a horror experience as you could ever hope for.
#12: The Stepfather
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“The Stepfather” franchise (1987-2009)
Daddy’s home… and he’s none too pleased. While “The Stepfather” like most horror franchises went the way of the dodo, the original remains a hidden gem. This is largely thanks to the committed performance from Terry O’Quinn, long before he was best known for “Lost.” An alluringly dangerous personality, Jerry - or whatever his real name is - makes a habit of marrying into families under different identities. But he gives stepfathers everywhere a bad name by murdering his nearest and dearest when they fall short of his immaculate expectations. Another killer who can’t suppress his violent tendencies, Jerry isn’t someone you want to let into your life. He’ll be smiling one minute, then beating you to death the next.
#11: Lola Stone
“The Loved Ones” (2009)
Some people really bring out their worst selves when they can’t get their way. An underseen Australian horror masterpiece, “The Loved Ones” follows a teenager named Brent. After Brent turns down Lola’s invitation to the prom, he finds himself forcefully attending her own twisted version of the event. Expertly played by Robin McLeavy, Lola is uber unnerving in all her mannerisms. Whether she’s feigning love for her “date” or going full psycho, she commands every scene she’s in. Oh, and don’t even get us started on her creepy relationship with her dad. Lots of horror movie villains come and go, but Lola is one that will stay with you.
#10: The Creeper
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“Jeepers Creepers” franchise (2001-)
While the actual quality of the franchise is spotty at best - and that’s to say nothing of creator Victor Salva’s reputation - there’s no denying that the actual Creeper is one of horror’s most inventive conceptions. A creature that hunts for twenty-three days every twenty-third spring, the Creeper may resemble a man, but don’t let that fool you; it’s actually a scaly humanoid being that takes to absorbing certain organs from its victims. And the way it determines which organs it needs is fear. Highly athletic and with oodles of surprises, the Creeper really can’t be stopped once it has its sights set on you. Now let’s just hope we get an installment worthy of its attributes.
#9: The Collector
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“The Collector” franchise (2009-12)
The first “Collector” came out at the height of the “Saw” craze, so seeing as it also featured a killer with a penchant for traps, it was difficult not to compare the two. Which is appropriate, since the former was originally intended to be a prequel to the latter. But we’d argue that the Collector still brings something unique to the table. Perhaps the most unsettling part about the Collector is that we know hardly nothing about him. You know, other than the fact that he scopes out his victims before turning their homes into death traps. Again, this is another series that doesn’t quite live up to its villain, but we’re sure the Collector has a solid outing in him yet.
#8: The Miner
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“My Bloody Valentine” franchise (1981-2009)
You can get a long way with the right look. The killer from this 1981 slasher and its 2009 remake might not be the most interesting slasher on the scene, as his identity tends to vary even in the continuity of singular films. However, his gas mask, miner’s helmet, and deadly pickax gives him a unique and unsettling look among horror movie villains, and that iconic visage makes him memorable and frightening. Plus, it’s fairly obvious that his preferred stalking ground in the first one, the town of Valentine Bluffs, is in Canada. And how many Canadian slashers can you think of? At least he’ll kill you politely.
#7: Pumpkinhead
“Pumpkinhead” franchise (1988-2007)
You’d think the directorial debut of special effects legend Stan Winston would have some excellent creature design. And in the case of “Pumpkinhead,” you’d be right. While Winston himself passed off design duties to other people, it can’t be denied that the finished product is absolutely marvelous. A demonic spirit of vengeance, Pumpkinhead is regularly summoned to kill those who have done grave injustice. But buyer beware: they say that when you seek vengeance, dig two graves, which is commonly the case with Pumpkinhead. Beyond its striking visual aesthetics, Pumpkinhead also brings with it a fascinating rule set that each film builds a foundation on. But no, it doesn’t resemble a pumpkin as much as you’d think.
#6: Mick Taylor
“Wolf Creek” franchise (2005-)
Does “Wolf Creek” being inspired by true events put Mick Taylor in a whole other category? Maybe. But we’d argue that his characterization transcends true crime. A rugged and ruthless outdoorsman, Mick Taylor scours the outback in search of tourists to torment, making us reconsider any travel plans we might have. But what makes him so memorable is his disarming personality. He’ll start out as friendly as a quokka with his potential victims. And even when he moves onto torture, he maintains his chipper and animated disposition. Actor John Jarratt does a tremendous job bringing Mick to life, and we just wish we could see more of the little bugger.
#5: The Tall Man
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“Phantasm” franchise (1979-2016)
There’s perhaps no franchise more entrenched in cult horror than the “Phantasm” movies. And there’s likewise no villain more associated with cult horror than the Tall Man. While this elderly mortician may look unassuming - if entirely unsettling - he actually bears with him a sinister mean streak. Not only that, but this transdimensional traveler boasts a slew of impressive abilities, from super strength to telekinesis. From 1979 all the way to 2016, actor Angus Scrimm played the Tall Man across five films, cementing a legacy in the genre. And for doing so with such assuredness and aplomb, we salute him.
#4: Leslie Vernon
“Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon” (2006)
We all have dreams and ambitions. Some want to travel the world and see exotic places. Some of us want to find true love. Some of us want to murder people in creative and symbolic ways. Actually, that last one is mostly this aspiring slasher who hopes to one day join the ranks of Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers. A surprisingly chatty masked killer, this deadly antagonist has a documentary crew follow him around in order to showcase his dedication to becoming the very best slasher he can. We can’t fault his dedication, we just wish he took up a hobby that's a little less… stabby.
#3: Victor Crowley
“Hatchet” franchise (2006-17)
In many ways a throwback to classic slasher villains like Jason Voorhees, this undead killer is even portrayed by Kane Hodder, who portrayed Jason himself in a number of films. Somewhere in between being a zombie and a ghost, the primary antagonist of the “Hatchet” series is the vengeful spirit of a deformed boy who was killed in a horrible accident, and now brutally butchers anyone foolish enough to stray into his swampy home. With a razor-sharp hatchet as his primary weapon, this baddie is archetypal slasher movie magic: big, mean, and more than happy to dispatch anyone he can get his hands on in as brutal a fashion as possible.
#2: Billy
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“Black Christmas” franchise (1974-2019)
The reason we always get a slight case of unease before picking up unexpected phone calls, this deranged serial killer likes to spend his time making obscene calls to his local sorority house. But unbeknownst to his soon-to-be-victims in the sorority, he’s calling from inside the house itself. Very little is known about this enigmatic killer, as his true identity and even his face are never shown in the original film. His origins, motivations, or why he calls all his victims “Agnes” are only ever hinted at. Honestly, we’re not entirely sure we want to know what’s going on in his head, though the 2006 remake certainly filled us in in that regard.
#1: Sam
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“Trick ‘r Treat” (2007)
Children in creepy burlap sack masks are creepy enough, but children in creepy burlap sack masks who turn out to be murderous, pumpkin-headed enforcers of the Halloween spirit are even scarier. Just one of the many antagonists of this 2007 anthology film, this pint-sized terror seems to be some sort of demon or spirit who punishes anyone who doesn’t follow Halloween traditions, and by “punish” we mean “brutally murder with candy.” Sure, these people tend to be rotten apples, but we think murder of any variety qualifies him as a true blue villain. With a great look and a killer movie under his belt, we definitely want to see more of this villain.
