10 Creepy Horror Movie Characters That Haunt Us To This Day
These unnerving characters have managed to scare us silly despite not always being in the limelight.
1. Sam from Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Anthology horror film Trick 'r Treat presents us with Sam, a mysterious and unsettling character who appears in a cute, child-like costume. But do not be fooled. He is the enforcer of Halloween traditions and brutally punishes anyone who disrespects the holiday. Decked in orange footie pajamas and a burlap sack mask, Sam might look adorable until he takes off his mask, revealing a horrifying pumpkin-skull face. Sam is named after Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival from which Halloween evolved.
2. The Woman from The Woman (2011)
The titular character of this gruesome horror film, played by Pollyanna McIntosh, is a feral woman captured by a supposedly civilised lawyer who tries to domesticate her. As the movie progresses, the layers of the characters peel back, revealing who the true monster is. The film's controversial themes and graphic violence resulted in mixed reviews but McIntosh's haunting performance was universally praised. McIntosh reprised her role in the sequel Darlin' in 2019 which she also directed.
3. Pin from PIN (1988)
PIN might not be a household name, but the titular character certainly fits our creepy criteria. An anatomically correct, life-sized medical dummy (named Pin), becomes the object of a young boy's twisted affection after his father, a doctor, uses ventriloquism to bring Pin to life. As the boy grows up, so does his obsession with Pin, leading to eerie consequences. This Canadian psychological horror film delivers a unique twist to the dummy-horror trope and leaves you thoroughly creeped out.
4. The Djinn from Wishmaster (1997)
The Djinn from Wishmaster series might not be as famous as Freddy or Jason, but his sinister wish-granting antics certainly have an eerie charm. Andrew Divoff plays the Djinn, an ancient evil genie who manipulates people into making wishes that he then fulfills in horrifyingly twisted ways. The film was produced by Wes Craven, and horror fans will notice several cameos from actors from other popular horror franchises. The Djinn's human form, Nathaniel Demerest, is an anagram of The Man Interred.
5. The Creeper from Jeepers Creepers (2001)
The Creeper, from the Jeepers Creepers franchise, is an ancient demon that wakes up every 23rd spring for 23 days to feast on human body parts, which then form part of its own body. Portrayed by Jonathan Breck throughout the series, the Creeper is both horrifying and mysterious, with his origins left largely unexplained. The movie's director, Victor Salva, intended the song Jeepers Creepers, which the creature whistles, to serve as a harbinger of doom.
6. Leslie Vernon from Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon introduced us to a meta-concept in horror, where Leslie Vernon (Nathan Baesel) willingly documents his journey to become the next great serial killer. Leslie's unsettling charm lies in his paradoxical nature: he's personable, intelligent, and disconcertingly aware of the horror film rules he's following.
7. May Dove Canady from May (2002)
In May, Angela Bettis delivers a haunting performance as May Dove Canady, a socially awkward veterinary assistant with a fetish for perfection. The film slowly traces her descent into madness when her attempts to connect with people fail, leading her to take a disturbingly literal approach to the idea of making friends. Director Lucky McKee's ability to evoke empathy for May adds a layer of depth, making her grotesque journey into loneliness even more chilling.
8. Julia Cotton from Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
Julia Cotton (Clare Higgins), a character from Clive Barker's twisted Hellraiser universe, is a complex villain that left an indelible mark in Hellbound: Hellraiser II. After dying in the first movie, Julia is resurrected and lures unsuspecting victims to satiate her thirst for human blood, all while manipulating others to escape the grotesque labyrinth of Hell. Higgins's chilling portrayal combined with Barker's disturbing imagery cements Julia as a horrific icon despite being in the shadows of the infamous Pinhead.
9. Isaac Chroner from Children of the Corn (1984)
Children of the Corn, based on Stephen King's short story, might not be an obscure film, but the chilling character of Isaac Chroner (John Franklin) definitely warrants a spot on this list. As the leader of the murderous child cult in Gatlin, Nebraska, Isaac's unnerving performance and the biblical fervor with which he conducts his sinister plans are enough to give anyone the creeps. Did you know, Franklin was actually 23 years old when he played 12-year-old Isaac, thanks to a growth hormone condition?
10. Asami Yamazaki from Audition (1999)
Audition, a Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike, reveals its horror slowly through the character of Asami Yamazaki (Eihi Shiina). Asami is a seemingly shy and retiring woman who is chosen by a widower during a mock audition for a non-existent movie. But, as they say, still waters run deep. As the plot unfolds, Asami's disturbing past and her twisted psyche unravel, leading to one of the most unsettling climaxes in horror cinema.