Top 30 Instant Karma Moments In Horror Movies

Halloween (2018)

Oscar walks Allyson home from a Halloween party after she has a fight with her boyfriend. At first, Oscar seems like a supportive friend until he ruins his goodwill by kissing Allyson. When Oscar realizes how badly hes screwed up, he makes excuses for his behavior. Sure, Oscar may not have been as bad as Dr. Sartain, but that little stunt he pulls makes him a less sympathetic character. When Oscar tries to blame his actions on booze and his libido, you can tell it wont be long before Michael shows up to punish the teen for his indiscretions.

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

During a high school senior trip to New York, Rennie finds more trouble in the city than just Jason. Shes kidnapped by a couple of criminals when her group winds up in a bad part of town. Taking her to a secluded alley, one of the criminals drugs her and then begins to attack her. Fortunately, Jason shows up and stops the criminal by jabbing him forcefully with his own syringe. Its one of those rare moments in a Friday the 13th movie where Jason does a good thing, albeit unwittingly.

Bride of Chucky (1998)

You have to be pretty sleazy to offend Tiffany, Chuckys twisted partner in crime. Nevertheless, Russ and Diane, a newlywed couple that Jesse and Jade run into at a hotel after they elope manage to do just that. Right before leaving Jesse and Jades room, Diane takes Jesses wallet. Tiffany witnesses this petty crime and doesnt appreciate it. Later, when Russ and Diane are fooling around in their hotel room, Tiffany gets back at them. The way she takes them out is so gruesome and creative, it wins over Chucky.

Teeth (2007)

In this movie, Dawn is able to turn the tables on predators that take advantage of her due to her peculiar condition. After a swim, Dawn and Tobey go inside a cave and get a little intimate. Toby wants to go all the way, but Dawn doesnt want to. Nevertheless, Tobey pushes on anyway. What he doesnt know, however, is that Dawn has teeth down there, and they can chomp down as a defense mechanism. Tobey gets a hard lesson in respecting boundaries when hes emasculated as a result of his assault.

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

While Gibb is passed out in the middle of cornfield during a party, an unknown partygoer adorned with brightly colored glow sticks forces himself on her. If it wasnt bad enough that Gibb is going through this assault, she also has to fight for her life while Freddy is hunting her down in the dreamworld. Once again, Jason stops an assault by impaling the partygoer and flinging him to the next county. Unfortunately though, Gibb also gets the sharp end of the same weapon that took out the partygoer, so she doesnt get to benefit from Jasons delivery of karma.

Pet Sematary Two (1992)

Clyde follows in the proud tradition of psychotic delinquents in a Stephen King movie. In this scene, he holds down Jeff and starts tormenting the new kid in town by threatening to maim him with the spinning wheel of a bike. Fortunately for Jeff, the sheriff shows up and stops the torture session before we got to see whether Clyde would follow through on his threat. Unfortunately for Clyde, though, the sheriff recently turned into a zombie with a sadistic streak, and he gives the punk a taste of his own medicine.

The Shallows (2016)

Stranded on a rock, poor Nancy cant swim to shore because of a shark that has previously attacked her, so shes dependent on the kindness of strangers to help her. When a man comes to the beach, Nancy is optimistic that he can contact someone that would be able to rescue her. Unfortunately, hes not willing to help, and, instead, he steals from her backpack. When the drunk man goes into the water to help himself to Nancys surfboard, he is fatally attacked by the shark thats been targeting Nancy.

The Final Destination (2009)

This series is full of rich examples of characters being done in by their misdeeds, such as Hunt, who seals his doom by accidentally turning on a pool drain with a water gun he took from a kid. Another solid example is Carter, an extreme racist who tries to terrorize George, an African American security guard. One night, Carter sets up a cross to burn in front of George's house, but since this is a Final Destination film, things start to go awry. The scene ironically mocks Carters racism by playing the song Why Cant We Be Friends, while Carter suffers the consequences of his hate.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Harry Cooper was a real heel to Ben during the zombie apocalypse, as they had a strong disagreement over whether to ride it out in the cellar or brave the outside. At one point, Harry had Ben locked out of the house when Bens plan to escape the farmhouse backfired. However, he officially went too far when he tried to take away Bens firearm. Fortunately, Ben got it right back and shot Harry. When Harry stumbled down the stairs to the cellar, his daughters reanimated corpse was right there waiting for him. So much for the cellar being a source of safety.

Christine (1983)

Buddy Repperton is another classic Stephen King delinquent with an over the top mean streak who has it out for Arnie. Blaming Arnie for getting him expelled, Buddy and his gang demolish Arnies car, the titular Christine. What Buddy doesnt know, however, is that the car he messed with has a mind of its own. One night, the car tracks Buddy down while hes out with his friend Richie. The chase scene between Christine and Buddy is tense, especially with the synthesized score that was co-written by director John Carpenter. Buddy is a rotten dude, but you almost feel kind of bad for him when hes running for his life.

Alien Resurrection (1997)

After three movies of extraterrestrial terror, youd think humanity wouldve learned that the Xenomorphs are better off dead. Ripley certainly thought so, but the conniving Dr. Wren decides to nullify her sacrifice by making a clone of her and the alien queen. Then, when his research not-so-surprisingly puts everyone in peril, Wren has the gall to betray everyone again in the name of science. Since he played a significant role in reviving the Xenomorph threat, its particularly poetic that he meets his end through an up-close and personal look at a Chestburster. Given that he put the entire galaxy at risk, he should consider this quick death a real mercy.

Candyman (1992)

Throughout the movie, Trevor Lyle was not a faithful husband to Helen. He replaced Helen with another grad student named Stacey and moved in with her after Helen had been placed under psychiatric care. After Helens death, Trevor had the nerve to grieve his late wife by saying her name five times in front of a mirror. To Trevors detriment, Helen had become a new incarnation of Candyman, so Trevor unwittingly summoned her vengeful spirit. Given everything that happened to your wife based on her involvement with the Candyman urban legend, maybe dont ever say anything in front of a mirror.

Army of the Dead(2021)

If Martins fate is any indication, revenge is a dish best served as, well, a dish. After leaving his entire team of operatives for dead, its only fitting that he ends up with an even worse fate. Martins getaway attempt only puts him face to face with a very hungry zombified tiger. Without getting into the bloody details, lets just say the film definitely earns its R rating during this scene. Its not quick, its not pretty, and based on Martins screams, its not painless, either. But, since hes the one who put himself in this situation, its hard to feel too bad for him.

Trick r Treat (2007)

Whether they like it or not, these teens were held to the golden rule. Or, at least, an excessive version of it. They werent content taunting Rhonda with an urban legend about killer kids, they went all the way to make her experience it. But, irony was apparently on the agenda for the night, since the pranksters soon found themselves on the other end of the hunting knife. Except, their assailants arent in costumes, theyre the real deal. It is no treat, and its no trick - it is just a bloodbath soaked in satire. Thats why, as a general rule of thumb, messing with undead children is usually frowned upon. The carnage even makes their principals death-by-werewolf look tame, which is really saying something.

Scream 3 (2000)

Angelina may not technically be the final girl, but she does play one in the in-universe Stab 3. Unfortunately, her role ends up on the cutting room floor. Shes definitely no Sidney, and proves as much when she admits to sleeping with the producer to get the part. Then, somehow, Angelina thinks its everyone elses fault that shes now in a mansion with a bloodthirsty killer. When she goes off on her own, she ends up running right into the arms of a certain masked assailant. Evidently, Ghostface is quite the strict director - once he cut, Angelina never got a second take.

Final Destination 5 (2011)

When a bridge collapse nearly wipes out his entire department, Isaac decides to mourn his colleagues by rifling through their belongings. Except, the spa coupon he finds isnt for a massage, its for acupuncture. Once hes all poked up, a wobbly table and gravity turn him into a very unhappy shish-kebab. The worst part, though, is that the needles arent even what kill him. Although, given the pain, he probably wishes they had. Instead, Isaac spends his final moments desperately crawling to safety, only for his old friend gravity to flatten his head via a falling Buddha statue. If thats not divine retribution, we dont know what is.

Piranha 3D (2010)

Nothing sinks empathy quicker than a stereotypical horror movie jocks will to live. Todd seemingly has no qualms motorboating through a soup of human remains as long as he gets to safety. But, because of his lack of humanity, its not the piranhas that end up sealing his fate. When a girls hair gets stuck in the propeller, the frenzied swimmers end up capsizing the boat. Now, no one gets to live, least of all Todd. The piranhas gobble him up faster than fish food. But the blood of everyone else is partially on his hands - or, at least, whats left of them.

Train to Busan (2016)

The only thing scarier than the zombies are these selfish passengers. They outright refuse to help Seok-woo and the others, even though their group includes women, children, and the elderly. When Seok-woo breaks into the front train car, the passengers sheltered there quarantine him and the others in a completely different car. But, by locking the door so tightly, the rude train-goers are left with nowhere to go when one of their own decides theyre better off dead. And, honestly, its hard to blame her. As bad as it sounds, there is some sweet vindication in watching those who denied Seok-woo help now begging for it themselves.

Midsommar (2019)

Youd think that a person studying cultural festivals would, above all else, respect the boundaries of what theyre researching. Not Josh, though. Hes expressly told on multiple occasions that he cant take photos of the communes sacred texts. So, naturally, he waits until its nighttime, and then does just that. The cult doesnt take his infringement well, and before Josh can even admire his work, they confiscate both his camera and his life. While their methods are certainly cruel and unusual, its a tad vindicating to see Josh almost immediately face the consequences of his actions. After all, in this case, curiosity totally killed the cameraman.

Barbarian (2022)

From his very first scene, its clear that AJ Gilbride is not a very good guy. Then, after Mother nearly bludgeons his head off, hopes are high hes seen the error of his ways. But, in what couldve been his true moment of redemption, he tosses Tess off a water tower just to save himself. After such a despicable act, its hard not to cheer as Mother finally gets her claws in him. She starts with the eyes, but rest assured, theres not much left of AJ at all by the time shes finished. All his last-minute charade did was prove that Tess really is Mothers favorite.

M3GAN (2022)

They say boys will be boys, but the antagonistic Brandon takes it a couple steps too far. Unfortunately for him, his latest victim, Cady, has a certain toy backing her up. In fact, M3GAN says it best herself: Brandon needs to learn some manners. So, she gives him a real earful of knowledge. So much so that his entire ear comes clean off. Thats just the start of his problems, since the sentient toy then chases him through the woods and right into oncoming traffic. Following that spectacle, M3GANs message is loud and clear. Its safe to say no one will be picking on Cady any time soon.

Cabin Fever (2002)

If this were a different kind of film, Jeffs survivability would almost be impressive. When the bodies start rising, he peaces out with a couple of beers, and isnt seen again until the end of the film. By then, most of his friends are six feet deep, or wish they were. So, naturally, he celebrates his own survival by dancing on their graves. His glee doesnt last long, though. Jeff soon becomes intimately acquainted with a policemans bullets, fired by local cops under strict orders to shoot any who are infected. It seems that hiding out didnt buy him that much more time, after all.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Rule number one to surviving a horror movie is to never, ever open the door. Rule number two is to make sure youre locked inside with smart, self-preserving people. Somehow, David in Shaun of the Dead breaks both of those in one fell swoop. Hes irritable, petty, and worst of all, bone-headedly decides to start dismantling their barricade. Then, even after hes told to get away from the windows, he stubbornly refuses to move. Suddenly, surprise surprise, the zombies break the glass and end up devouring him for dinner. Its a brutal end for sure, but honestly, David had this coming for so many reasons.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

On their way to a college football game, friends Buzz and Rick keep themselves entertained by causing all sorts of havoc on the Texas highway. That is, until they make an enemy of the wrong pickup truck. From there, Leatherface puts an end to their hijinks by giving their car a new sunroof. But, much to their surprise, he keeps sawing until both Buzz and Rick get some very close haircuts. Except, it doesnt stop there, either, and by the time Leatherface is done, Buzz doesnt have a head left at all. With this bloody detour, odds are they didnt quite make the game in time for kickoff.

Let Me In (2010)

With Owen moments away from getting drowned by his tormentors, the water was just right for some good, old fashioned payback. But, Owen didnt have to hold his breath very long before Abby doled out the bloody retribution. We only see parts of the kids bodies getting tossed around, but their muffled cries are horrifying enough to convince us it was plenty gruesome. Especially since most of it happens before Owen even comes up for air. The jerks dismemberment sends a loud and clear message: before picking on a kid, make sure they dont have a vampire best friend.

The Mist (2007)

All things considered, a supermarket is a pretty good place to hole up against monsters. The only issue is that Mrs. Carmody is there, too. The religious zealot manipulates her way into being the groups judge, jury, and executioner. Later, her vile ways come to a head when she tries to sacrifice Davids young son. Alas, Carmodys misguided attempts at atonement only earn her a quick death by gunshots - one to the gut, and another to the forehead. After all the blood she spilled, seeing Carmody finally cut down is practically worth a standing ovation. The fact her followers immediately back down without her is just the sweet vindication on top.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Alls fair in love, war, and snakes, but even so, animals are totally off-limits. At least, the furry kind. After the slimy titular reptiles start slithering down the aisles of a plane, the despicable Paul decides to use a dog as a diversion. It isnt even his own! He just rips it out of a woman's hand and chucks it without hesitation. The only mercy is that the chihuahuas death was quick. So quick, in fact, that the boa constrictor still had time to catch up with Paul. The snake pins him down, takes a bite of his head, and delivers worthy justice for mans best friend.

Saw III (2006)

Jigsaw has a penchant for terrifying games of morality, but its still a shock to see his own protégé put to the test in this twist ending. Amanda denies her masters philosophies by shooting Lynn. But, she fails to realize that the doctors husband, Jeff, is right behind her. Before Amanda can even apologize, Jeff ensures she meets the exact same fate as his wife. Apparently, bullets do fly faster than words. In a way, the immediate comeuppance fits Jigsaws warped sense of justice perfectly. Although, given everything else Amanda did, death by bullet wound might be getting off easy.

Carrie (1976)

As anyone whos ever crossed her will attest, you really dont want to get on Carrie Whites bad side. But, apparently, Chris and Billy never got the memo. So, after they cruelly ruin her prom night, Carrie proceeds to stain her dress red with more than just pigs blood. Theres no way to sugarcoat it; her psychic rampage is nothing short of a bonafide bloodbath. And all those kids did was laugh. Justifiably, the real culprits suffer a much more explosive fate, and thats no hyperbole. In the end, only one thing is for certain: no ones going to forget this prom night any time soon.

Aliens (1976)

Theres something deeply poetic about the fact that Carter Burke died by the same creatures he tried to profit off of. Despite the constant warnings, he refused to allow the extermination of the aliens. Naturally, it leads to a full-on attack by the Xenomorphs - not that Burke shows any remorse for it, though. The final straw comes when he locks the others in the operations center, presumably signing their death warrant in order to fatten his wallet. But, in a moment thats worth a round of applause, he then finds himself face-to-face with the very Xenomorphs he let live. The death isnt pretty, but it sure is a joy to behold.

Which karma moment in a horror movie disturbed you the most? Let us know in the comments.