Every October, Halloween brings back the characters who have scared generations, inspired costumes and symbolized the season. Each one brings their own kind of fear, making Halloween what it is. Here’s how I think they rank…
1. oogie boogie – “The Nightmare before christmas” (1993)
He’s the proof that horror can also be fun, Tim Burton’s Oogie Boogie is the most family-friendly face of fear. With his burlap-sack body filled with creepy crawlies, the infamous boogeyman takes on Disney’s kid-friendly world.
While not as gruesome as the rest, his playful villainy makes him a spooky favorite during this time of the year.
2. dracula – “Dracula” (1931)
While Dracula may not have today’s gore, his influence is still unmatched.
Shaping the vampire archetype we know today, his elegant and deadly nature remains legendary and always recognizable. He is, and always will be, a classic villain known among all.
3. jigsaw – “saw” (2004-present)
Representing the more modern horror villain, Jigsaw brought psychological horror into mainstream films.
His elaborate traps and twisted logic test morality as much as they do survival. Who knew a doll on a bike could be so scary?
4. Leatherface – “the texas chainsaw massacre” (1974)
There’s nothing supernatural about him. Leatherface’s raw, chaotic violence is what makes him so terrifying.
This chainsaw-loving maniac with his mask made of human skin and iconic chainsaw remain disturbing decades later.
5. Chucky – “child’s play” (1988)
Though he’s not as scary now, Chucky’s blend of humor and horror as a killer doll makes him a fan favorite to this day. Almost anyone would know who this red-haired doll in overalls is.
Not only is he easily recognizable, but the idea of this seemingly harmless doll performing heinous acts earns him the fifth spot.
6. Pennywise – “it” (1990, 2017)
After finding that children feared clowns the most, Stephen King created a character that would embody that fear perfectly.
In doing so, he created the iconic character, “Pennywise the Dancing Clown” or “It.” His lasting psychological terror left an impact that has lasted for years.
7. ghostface – “Scream” (1996-present)
Swift, clever and efficient, Ghostface has the ability to hide in the shadows and make himself known when tension is at its highest.
Ghostface’s mask is a modern classic. Not only does it keep the killer’s ever-changing identity a mystery, but it is also the most prominent feature when the person in the all-black costume appears.
8. Jason voorhees – “friday the 13th” (1980)
Jason Voorhees’ strength, silence and merciless brutality make him an unstoppable force. His iconic hockey mask makes him instantly recognizable even to non-horror fans.
No words, no mercy — his simplicity evokes pure fear.
9. Freddy Krueger – “A nightmare on elm street” (1984)
Freddy Krueger brings fear into the one place we can’t avoid: our dreams.
Turning dreams to nightmares, Krueger killed numerous teens through their dreams while they were asleep. With his tattered sweater and glove of knives, this disfigured man is both horrifying and haunting.
10. Michael myers – “halloween” (1984)
No one captures the eerie spirit of Halloween like Michael Myers does. His silent, relentless pursuit of victims makes him the most iconic Halloween villain.
With his white mask, Myers ranks high because he is Halloween: timeless, terrifying and impossible to escape.
These villains define what makes Halloween so spooky and special, leaving a mark on movie culture. Their terrifying stories bring us right into that familiar Halloween mood.
These movies remind us why we love being scared.