The Top 13 Horror Movie Icons Of All Time

Previously, Lewis Sheller shared his list of top five classic black and white horror movies. He joins us again with another listicle examining the biggest horror movie icons. Is your favorite villain —or as the case may be, hero—on the list?

Top 13 Horror Movie Icons Of All Time
by Lewis Sheller

When it comes to iconic characters from horror movies, the choices are limitless. Therefore, in the spirit of Halloween, I’m giving you not five, not 10, but 13 of my top picks for the best horror movie icons of all time. You’ll notice that I’ve not included any Universal Monsters (Wolf Man/Dracula, etc.), as if I did, these characters would probably fill the entire list! Instead, I’ve opted to select a combination of my personal favourites and those whom most stand out in the horror genre.

Fair warning, they’ll definitely be some noticeable absentees, and you may not agree with the exact order (as this comes down to subjective preference), but I encourage you to read on regardless. Perhaps you’ll even discover some icons you’d never heard of before! After all, an article’s secondary focus, after entertaining, should be to inform. Hopefully, you’ll agree that my list is at least unique, rather than simply copy-pasting the most obvious of choices. With that being said, I’d now like to introduce you to my 13th pick.

13. Bub (Day of the Dead, 1985)

Fellow zombie fans will undoubtedly know this character. Bub is one of the core characters in George Romero’s Day of the Dead (1985), the third entry in the Night of the Living Dead franchise. Bub is arguably the main reason that fans hold Day of the Dead (1985) in such high regard. When you think Day of the Dead, you think Bub. Arguably the most famous zombie in movie history, Bub is a unique zombie in the movie, whom Dr. Mathew Logan attempts to domesticate. Not much is known of Bub’s former life, as one of the living, but it’s heavily implied he was once a military man. I won’t spoil the outcome of Dr. Mathews’ attempts, but if you haven’t seen Day of the Dead (1985) before, then I recommend giving it a go and discovering Bub’s ultimate fate for yourself!

12.  Pumpkinhead (Pumpkinhead, 1988)

Some of you may be scratching your heads at this one, but those of you who’ve taken a deeper dive into horror will know who I’m talking about. For those that don’t, please allow me to explain just who Pumpkinhead is. Pumpkinhead is the main antagonist of the Pumpkinhead films. This franchise spans four films, with a remake currently on the way. A demon, summoned through the use of witchcraft, Pumpkinhead seeks revenge on those who have wronged the summoner. However, it will cost those who summon it their very soul. This character is rich in lore, which I don’t wish to spoil for you. Just know, if you haven’t watched Pumpkinhead (1988) before, check it out. You’re in for a real treat!

11. The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers, 2001)

Originating from the movie Jeepers Creepers (2001), this mysterious demon returns to our world every 23 years, during the spring period. Hunting for human parts for exactly 23 days, it seeks to further evolve itself into a more efficient killing machine. It tracks its victims and determines if a person has a useful body part by sniffing out their fear. This creature has been shown to have immeasurable strength and regenerative abilities, even once healing from having its entire head cut off. It also dons a set of bat-like demon wings, allowing it to take flight. The Creeper is certainly one demon you don’t want to mess with, especially when it’s hunting. Just hope it’s not hunting YOU!

10. Carrie (Carrie, 1976)

What happens when you take a teenage girl with psychic abilities, raised by a religious zealot mother, and have her exposed to the worst bullying imaginable? The greatest revenge story ever told! Carrie makes this list for being one of the most recognisable classic horror icons. First appearing in Carrie (1976), a film based on famous horror writer Stephen King’s novel by the same name, the true brilliance of Carrie is she’s a sympathetic monster. Killing people was far from her original intentions. In fact, during the initial scenes of the movie, we’re shown that Carrie is a rather sweet, innocent child. It’s unfortunately this naivety that leads to others, such as her manipulative mother, taking advantage of her kind nature. As we slowly see Carrie’s mind begin to unravel from the sheer abuse she goes through, both at home and at school, it’s difficult not to root for her by the end. If you like horror movies where you’re actively rooting for the killer, then Carrie could be the perfect movie for you!

9. Victor Crowley (Hatchet, 2006)

When it comes to the last decade and a half of movies, there’s been a distinct lack of iconic horror characters whom I feel could legitimately stand the test of time. Victor Crowley however, could just well become one of the most recognisable horror movie icons of our era, for those looking back in a decade or so.

Portrayed by Kane Hodder (who played Jason Vorhees the most times [4] in the Friday the 13th film franchise), Victor Crowley is reminiscent of Jason Vorhees in a number of ways, yet unique enough to still be his own iconic character. Fathered through an adulteress affair, Victor’s mother and her unborn child were cursed by the dying wife of her lover, Thomas Crowley. That curse would come to take effect the night Victor was born, when his mother died during childbirth. But, this was only the beginning.

Cruel rumours spread, suggesting that Victor’s mother had died upon seeing the abomination she’d birthed. Such rumours and the shame of his affair led Thomas to hide Victor away from the outside world, never allowing him to leave the cabin in which they resided. Years passed, until one fateful Halloween night when a group of local children visited the cabin, throwing firecrackers at the front door, which set it ablaze. Victor’s father, returning to the home to find it burning, picked up a hatchet and desperately hacked at the door in an attempt to free his son. Unfortunately, he did not know that Victor was currently pressed against said door, the hatchet splitting Victor’s head, killing him instantly.

Years later, his father, having been unable to secure justice for his son’s death, returned as a restless spirit, seeking vengeance on anyone who might dare to enter the swampland surrounding his father’s cabin. The Hatchet franchise currently spans four films, with a potential fifth often being discussed. Will you dare to venture into Crowley’s domain?

8. Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 1971)

This chainsaw-wielding maniac needs little introduction. Mentally handicapped, Leatherface doesn’t speak, instead choosing to convey his current emotional frame of mind through various forms of grunting, screaming, and other such noises. The skin disease he’s suffered from since childhood has led to severe tumours on his face, propagating the bizarre ritual of cutting off others’ faces to wear over his own. The most frightening thing about Leatherface…..He’s actually based on real life serial killer Ed Gein, who alongside killing several individuals himself, gruesomely fashioned various trophies from the skin and bones of corpses he’d dug up. Ed Gein was additionally the inspiration for Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs (1991), as another of his “quirks” was that he attempted to create a female skin suit, with the aim of becoming his mother. As such, he was also the inspiration for Norman Bates in Psycho (1960). This was one seriously messed up dude that you did NOT want to run into alone, in a dark alley, late at night.

7. Pinhead (Hellraiser, 1987)

Ever wanted to open a portal to hell? No? Me neither! But, as stupid an idea as that sounds, that’s exactly what the protagonists of the Hellraiser series are continuously seeking by way of the MacGuffin, a delightful little puzzle box just begging to be solved. For those foolish enough to actually solve the puzzle box, their reward is a one-way trip to eternal torture, courtesy of the Cenobites. Some may call them angels (at least according to Pinhead), but most would agree they’re more akin to demons. Pinhead, who is also regarded as the Lead Cenobite and sometimes referred to as the Hell Priest, is the main antagonist of the Hellraiser series. Once a mere mortal, Eliot Spencer, a kind man who’d since been corrupted by the experience of war, sought out the puzzle box. A decision he’d soon come to regret. After that day, Eliot Spencer was no more. All that remained was Pinhead!

*Heed my warning: Some puzzles weren’t meant to be solved!

6. Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare On Elm Street, 1984)

Ever had a nightmare you struggled to wake up from? Well, imagine now that you couldn’t wake up. Imagine that someone else was in control of your dreams. If the thought terrifies you, then beware. Your fear gives him power!

One, two Freddy’s coming for you. Three, four better lock your door. Five, six grab a crucifix. Seven, eight gonna stay up late. Nine, ten never sleep again.

This sadistic child killer (and molester in the remake), turns the creep factor up to 1000%. Not only does his choice in victims and motivations make him truly disturbed, but the fact that he takes such glee in his killings, especially in his original run, makes this icon one of the most stomach-churning on this list. Freddy first gained his dream powers after being burned alive by the angry parents of Springwood, who hunted him down after he escaped prison due to a technicality (despite it being very clear he was definitely guilty). In his dying moments, he was visited by Dream Demons (yes, honestly this is a thing) who continuously resurrect him in the dream world, essentially making him immortal, as well as granting him the ability to invade and control others’ dreams.

Still, you have to give it to him for his creativity when it comes to the methods he uses to kill his victims, particularly in the original franchise. Sometimes wandering deep into zany territory, the original Elm Street films managed (for the most part) to successfully blend both horror and dark comedy to create a truly unique feel. One thing’s for sure, Krueger is certainly not someone you wanna sleep on!

5. Chucky/Bride of Chucky (Child’s Play, 1988/Bride of Chucky, 1998)

The original killer doll, Chucky, made his debut in Child’s Play (1988), terrifying both children and adults alike. Never again would mum or dad look at their child’s favourite toys in quite the same way. On an ill-fated night, serial killer Charles Lee Ray is gunned down by detective Mike Norris, after an attempted robbery gone wrong. Laying there, in the local toy store, cornered and bleeding to death, Charles has no other option than to use his ultimate trump card to escape his inevitable end. A voodoo amulet, known as The Heart of Damballa. Upon clasping the amulet and reciting the ancient words, he successfully transfers his soul into the nearest possible thing. Unfortunately, for Charles, instead of this being another living human, it turns out to be a Good Guy doll. But, hey, he’s not going to let a little botched soul transfer get in his way. After all, he’s still got plenty of killing to do, and he knows just where to start.

Tiffany Valentine (The Bride of Chucky) sits alongside her ex-husband, at number five on this list. As though some may argue she’s a derivative character, I’d argue she’s earned her spot, as a legitimate horror icon in her own right. Approximately one month after his latest “death” in Child’s Play 3 (1991) [which I hear he wasn’t a big fan of], Chucky’s doll body is stitched back together by his former lover and fellow serial killer, Tiffany Valentine. Upon completing the soul transferring ritual once more, Chucky is awakened but isn’t too pleased to see Tiffany again. He’s even less amused when she begins to taunt him with a bridal doll she bought. Things escalate quickly, and after killing her, he decides to give her a taste of her own medicine, reviving her within the bridal doll. After a minor makeover, Tiff is ready. I’m no fashion expert, but by her body count alone, it’s undeniable she’s killing it!

*For more Tiff and Chucky, why not check out Chucky (the canonical TV Show). Season 2 premieres on Oct. 5, 2022.

4. Ashley Joanna “Ash” Williams (Evil Dead, 1981)

While my previous selections fall more into the antagonist category of horror movie icons, Ash falls squarely on the protagonist side. Making his debut in Evil Dead (1981), when we’re first introduced to Ash, he’s fairly unassuming. Though by the end of this movie (and in subsequent Evil Dead outings), he’s a boomstick-twirling, chainsaw-revving, clone-clobbering, Deadite-killing badass! Oh, and he’s pretty groovy too!

*If you’re a big Evil Dead fan, but haven’t yet seen Ash vs Evil Dead (the TV Show, set after the events of Evil Dead 3), then I highly recommend checking it out!

3. The Tall Man (Phantasm, 1979)

Perhaps one of the most overlooked horror icons is Phantasm’s The Tall Man. Before Creepypasta and Slender Man, there was The Tall Man. A towering figure who poked and prodded at the darkest recesses of our imagination! Portrayed by Angus Scrimm, The Tall Man is unparalleled when it comes to his curious mystique and unnervingly menacing aura.

The Tall Man, Dr. Jebediah Morningside, was once a well-intentioned medic, during the events of the American Civil War. Due to his experiences, he became obsessed with death and began experimenting with inter-dimensional travel, seeking to create a bridge between the world of the living and the dead. He successfully created a gateway that did just this, entering it without hesitation. What or who returned, no one can truly say. Whilst it certainly had Jebediah’s outward appearance, gone was the kindly old man, replaced with a being of pure evil. The Tall Man!

His weapon of choice? Sentinel Spheres. Round metallic objects, with hidden weapons inside (such as drills), that seek to drain the blood from those they attach themselves to. Certainly the most ballsy killer on this list!

2. Michael Myers (Halloween, 1978)

Considered THE guy among most slasher fans, Michael Myers first made his debut in Halloween (1978). Since killing his sister at the ripe old age of 6, Michael has gone on to accrue a whopping kill count of 143 confirmed kills throughout 12 movies. This isn’t even counting his latest outing, Halloween Ends (2022), which is set to premiere on Oct. 14, 2022.

Though often denounced as a being pure evil, Michael (also referred to as The Shape) was originally conceptualised as simply a healthy young boy from a loving family who one day just snapped, with no rhyme or reason to it. John Carpenter (the co-writer/director) wanted the murder of Michael’s sister to be completely without motive. In one of the most memorable scenes in all of horror, a 6-year-old Michael is shown just standing there, patiently waiting outside for his parents to return home after committing the foul deed, knife still in hand and a look of confused shock etched upon his face. Even Michael doesn’t really understand why he just did what he did.

In showing this, Carpenter sought to leave audiences with an uneasy feeling. Literally anyone could just snap one day, out of nowhere, with no rhyme or reason. Suddenly, in our day-to-day lives, we were all surrounded by potential psychopaths. A bone-chilling epiphany, for sure!

*Side note: Though John Carpenter is a household name when it comes to Myers and the Halloween franchise, his co-writer & producer for Halloween (1978), who also worked on the original sequel, deserves to be credited sufficiently too. Debra Hill! It’s about time history remembered her name. Don’t you agree?

1. Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th Part 2, 1981)

Whilst Myers is renowned for being an unstoppable killing machine, there is one other who stands above him in the slasher pecking order (in my humble opinion). That individual is none other than Jason Voorhees. Whilst Myers has accumulated an impressive (and somewhat disturbing) 143 confirmed kills thus far over 11 movies, Jason couldn’t help but one-up him, with a jaw-dropping (and equally disturbing) 156 kills, throughout only 10 movies! (Halloween 3, and Friday the 13th Part 1 & Part 5 are not included in these counts.)

By an amusing coincidence, Jason (at least until the release of Halloween Ends, 2022) has exactly 13 more confirmed kills than Myers. Fitting for the antagonist of a franchise called Friday the 13th!

A young boy who seemingly drowned at Camp Crystal Lake when the camp counselors were “distracted,” Jason is later shown to still be very much alive. Having spent his remaining childhood years living as a hermit in the woods (unbeknown to the good folks of Crystal Lake, including his mother), Jason, now a fully grown man, appears as the franchise’s primary antagonist from Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) onward.

After awaiting his mother’s return for so many years (thinking she would eventually come for him), witnessing her being beheaded was the final straw for Jason. Now, fuelled by the malevolent commands of his dead mother, he sought revenge against all who dared to enter his grounds (Camp Crystal Lake). A one-man wrecking machine, Jason puts Michael to shame when it comes to invincibility.

Sure, Michael Myers may have survived being burned, shot, and stabbed. But from Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives onward, Jason became an unstoppable undead juggernaut. Even when Jason was blown to pieces (Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, 1993), he still came back! The Necronomicon from The Evil Dead franchise also makes an appearance in this movie, implying it may have been used to resurrect the undead Jason (perhaps explaining the freak lightning bolt that revived him in part 6?) [My own personal headcanon.] Heck, he’s even been to space (Jason X, 2001). How many slasher villains can say that? For these reasons, and oh so many more, Jason Vorhees takes his well-deserved spot at the very top of this list!

Check-In

So, what do you think of my list? Do you agree with my choices? Is your favourite horror icon missing? Let me know in the comments below.

And keep your eyes peeled for my next article, where I’ll be exploring the “Top 5 Asian Live Action Horror Shows.”

Until next time, keep your wolfsbane near and hold your loved ones tight, for who knows what’s out there, lurking…in the shadows of the night!

Guest Contributor Info

A full-time freelance writer, Lewis loves all things horror, especially movies. Deeply passionate about movies in general, he can’t help but celebrate the films of the past, whilst also eagerly keeping up-to-date with news on projects currently in development.