Top Ten Horror Movie Villains of All Time

Greetings my little lambs welcome back to the slaughterhouse, I trust you’ll enjoy your stay. For this week I have assembled the greatest collection of dastardly psychopaths the world of horror has ever known. Steel your hearts and lock the doors because an encounter with these baddies is guaranteed to end with a high body count.

10- Dracula
Let’s dive right into our list with the number ten spot, which is occupied by Dracula the prince of eternal night himself. Dracula has been portrayed in multiple films following his introduction to audiences in Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic novel Dracula. Since then, he has haunted the nightmares of countless people and made vampires one of the most feared monsters in the horror genre. The virgin-seducing, blood-drinker has had a profound impact on the genre of horror and is one of the most recognizable villains in the world of horror. So profound has his impact been, that he has even appeared in comics fighting Batman and several other superheroes.

09- Norman Bates (Psycho)
At the ninth spot on our list, we’ve got mama’s favorite boy, Norman Bates of Psycho. This character was inspired by the real-life killer Ed Gein and has become such a recognizable character in the genre of horror that he’s even inspired a hit TV series Bates’ Motel. Norman’s sick relationship with his mother, his twisted personality, and his ability to seemingly hide in plain sight as a brutal murderer have sealed his spot forever in horror as one of the best villains in horror. He’s a permanent reminder that you should always lock the bathroom door and be cautious when renting a place to stay for the night.

08- Captain Spaulding (The Devil’s Rejects)
The eighth spot on this list features a character, who’s got a bit of a cult following, which is fitting since he is the patriarch of the dreaded Firefly Family of House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, the dreaded Captain Spaulding. Spaulding may be a wise-cracking clown, but his ruthlessness can’t be underestimated. From brutally murdering two simpletons in his gas station, to luring would-be travelers to a hellacious den of torture and satanic ritual, Captain Spaulding has earned his spot on this list as a devious and destructive villain.

07- Pennywise (It)
Gripping tightly to the lucky number seven spot on this list of horrors is Stephen King’s creation the terrifying incarnation of the deadlights, Pennywise. Pennywise has terrified readers and now movie goers for the better part of two decades and with the recent release of the blockbuster juggernaut IT, people are waiting with bated breath for the sequel. This shape-shifting incarnation of fear and consumption preys on the most vulnerable among us and permeates every level of society. Pennywise is truly the eater of worlds and children, and deserves its spot on the list.

06- Pinhead (Hellraiser)
At the sixth spot on our list we have Pinhead, the leader of the Cenobites. Pinhead and his cohorts take mortals into a realm where the lines between pain and pleasure are forever blurred. Punishing wicked and foolish souls who dare to play with his puzzle box, Pinhead has become a fixture in the world of horror and nightmare fuel for so many fans. Pinhead and the Cenobites leave so many twisted and shredded bodies in their wake that we almost feel like we have found that special place where self-torment and pleasure become one.

05- Xenomorph (Alien)
At the coveted fifth spot on our list is the dreaded face of one of the most successful sci-fi horror franchises of all time, the Xenomorph. The Xenomorph has struck terror into fans for years and the reintroduction to this juggernaut of terror in the latest adaptations of the Alien franchise have fans salivating for more. This agile, killing machine exists for the soul purpose of destroying humanity and the perpetuation of its species rests solely on our destruction. From its face-hugging offspring to its adolescent chest-bursting form the Xenomorph makes our stomachs turn and our skin grow cold. Let’s face it we all held our chests a time or two sore at the thought of falling prey to a chest-bursting alien.

04- Pamela Voorhees (Friday the 13th)
At the number fourth spot we have Pamela Voorhees and before you grow wary of my selection keep in mind she jump-started one of the bloodiest and grittiest slasher-film franchises in film history. Pamela is a cold, calculating, and grief-stricken mother hell-bent on revenge. If that’s not enough to make your skin crawl she even gets the last cruel laugh in death as her terrifying son Jason rises from the grave to pursue the teens responsible for her untimely end.

03- Jason Voorhees  (Friday the 13th)
It should come as no surprise that following the mother is the son. Jason Voorhees occupies the third spot on this list of dastardly devils bent on human destruction. Cold, unfeeling and essentially invulnerable he cuts a bloody swath through to the third spot on this list. Jason captured the fears of a generation and has made his mark on the genre with many appearances and references not only in his movies, but in others as well. He’s become one of horror’s great icons and was even featured in a glorious showdown with another great horror icon.

02- Michael Myers (Halloween)
The second spot on this list is occupied by the hunter of babysitters, the boogeyman of Halloween himself, Michael Myers. From the iconic theme music that made John Carpenter a household name in the horror industry, to his indomitable determination to finish off his family Michael Myers is a mainstay of horror. His iconic mask and of course his willingness to leave a high body count behind him in pursuit of his sister makes us all look forward to Halloween. Michael Myers has made Halloween feel like an early Christmas to slasher-film fans and he’s certainly helped the career of big names in the industry chiefly, John Carpenter, Rob Zombie and Jamie Lee Curtis.

01- Freddy Krueger (Nightmare on Elm Street)
The final spot on this list of baddies is occupied by Elm Street’s one and only Freddy Krueger. New Line Cinema made its mark in the filming industry on the bloody path carved by Elm Street’s favorite evil son. This nightmarish fiend has stalked the dreams of children and teens for over two decades and is among the most iconic villains and recognizable faces not only in horror, but in all of cinema. This character has had a role in jump starting the careers of Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, Patricia Arquette, and Penelope Sudrow. Freddy sliced and diced his way to the top of this list with his ability to break the box office on a consistent basis. Because of this New Line Cinema will be forever known as the house that Freddy built. Every town has an Elm Street, so whether you’re ready or not Freddy’s always coming for you.

I hope you all enjoyed this list of horror’s greatest villains. This list was difficult to complete and there are definitely some terrifying horror film villains, but these mainstays have had a profound impact on the horror film industry and that’s why they are the top ten best horror villains. Until next time I wish you all the best nightmares that the night has to offer and who knows maybe someday I’ll write about some of your exploits here soon. See you soon….