Top 20 Underrated Horror Movie Villains

[@WatchMojo]

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[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your work guys❤❤❤❤

[@mousemd]

Actually, a woman living alone, I don't answer the door. 🚪 A cop got shot nearby. Other cops were knocking on my door at 0200. I didn't realize why until later in the day.

[@Mashida_Killzzz]

Pavi Largo from Repo the Genetic Opera portray by Ogre from Skinny Puppy he's a badass!!💙💜

[@MeliesCinemagician]

The Neon Maniacs, from the 1986 film of the same name. One slasher movie killer is bad enough, but how about an entire army of them? You got a samurai, a medieval knight, a biker, a soldier, a caveman, a hangman, and all sorts of other nasties!

[@johnnydripp]

Sam is such an awesome character, and Trick r’ Treat a fantastic film. Glad to see him getting the love

[@KD9YCE]

Trick r Treat is such a gem. Discovered it a few years ago and now it's a Halloween tradition in my house.

[@mommymilkers4119]

Every year I have sam all over my house, he's the cornerstone for my decorations... ties my yard together perfectly

[@borednapoleon5296]

I always felt Jeepers Creepers was one of the most underrated horror movies. The first one was really creepy.

[@SupermarketSweep777]

@JuntaWithLustrationsOnTanks Rusty Nail too.

[@SaucerWulf]

Agreed, also is that franchise still going? I thought it ended at three

[@jcj268]

that’s because of the controversial director that overshadows it

[@therunawaykid6523]

Yeah I agree I also quite liked the second film as well I thought it was pretty cool how that one girl had psychic abilities and visions also really cool how thane guy had a homemade harpoon to take the creeper down

[@j_a_m_e_s_]

"They massacred my boy" in the new one. He looks so dumb and cheaply made compared to the other movies

[@nightponyinrface6009]

I love how adorably evil & scary Sam is in Trick R Treat. 🎃 Also another underrated villain from horror could be ones like, Dr. Philip K. Decker from Nightbreed.

[@Thundarr100]

Scary? Sure. Evil? Was he really evil? He only kills those who don’t follow Halloween traditions. Those traditions were created (within the lore of the movie) to keep Sam away. So in a way he’s just like the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park or the shark from Jaws. He’s not evil, he’s just doing what’s in his nature to do.

[@nightponyinrface6009]

@@Thundarr100 *pats* you keep telling yaself that

[@VJAllison1974]

I was going to say Decker. Nightbreed is one of my favorite horror movies of all time. 🙂

[@disturbedx1000]

So glad Sam is getting more an more recognized as a true horror villain. I really hope he gets his own independent movie.

[@mommymilkers4119]

Sam is the cornerstone of my halloween decorations he ties my whole theme together.... I'd like to see a stand alone movie but I really don't want Hollywood to ruin another beloved character

[@Sate12]

There's a very short animation called Seasons Greetings

[@trinaq]

Yes, thanks for including Lola of "The Loved Ones." I watched this movie a while ago, and Lola still sticks with me, since you wouldn't expect a teenage girl in a pink prom dress to be a ruthless tormentor.

[@terrywilliams7827]

Watched this Kate one night, it's great

[@matthewzachary88]

Thank you for FINALLY giving Pumpkinhead his due 😭😭

[@robertnguyen9493]

Agreed, Pumpkinhead is one of my favorites

[@kaylashrader232]

I haven't seen Pumpkinhead in YEARS. All I can ever think of is my younger sister, about 3 or 4 years old at the time, crying because they killed him - she was apparently rooting for him to win the whole time lol

[@TGIFrank]

WHOAAAAAA. As someone who grew up having nightmares from anything vaguely horrific on the screen to a relatively unflappable adult horror fan, The hands popping through the door and ripping the man through at 17:45 just gave me one of those most powerful nostalgia flashbacks of my entire life. Amazing. I was suddenly a terrified 8 year old again for a good 3 seconds.

[@The101genco]

How is Pamela Voorhees not on this list? She’s so underrated because Jason usually gets all the love. Mrs. Voorhees should of at least got an honorable mention..

[@jamiethal1319]

Mrs. Voorhees/ Friday the 13th is on every Watchmojo horror movie list. Maybe they decided to give other baddies a chance to be known.

[@TheClumsyXeno]

To be fair, Pamela is also iconic in her own right and extremely well known, this list was meant to bring light to underrated or lesser known movies and villains, but I do get your point, Jason does tend to steal the spotlight, even his mother started it all.

[@vladyvhv9579]

The intro explains it. It's nearly impossible for anyone to even think about Jason without some thoughts going also to Pamela. Even Jason's Theme (the "ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma" we always hear) is an echo of Pamela's delusion of hearing Jason tell her "kill them, mommy!".

[@georgeray1906]

To be honest I see Sam from Trick r Treat as more of an anti villain than a straight out villain since he's making sure that the traditions of Halloween are respected.

[@legionaireb]

I'm so proud that Sam made #1. Trick 'r Treat is such an underrated Halloween gem.

[@mommymilkers4119]

My favorite Halloween movie

[@karimorton221]

I can't believe they haven't made more movies.

[@chelseacanales8763]

I always thought that Trick r Treat was well known, including Sam. Never knew that both the character and movie are underrated. It’s actually a good horror movie.

[@e.d.h.kendrick673]

I'd like to see him fight Michael Myers in a crossover.

[@BigFella117]

Sam in my opinion is the best definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover”

[@e.d.h.kendrick673]

Michael Myers vs Sam would be a great battle, just like Freddy vs Jason.

[@Mos41f]

The villain from 2006"s Joy Ride deserved a spot on this list.

[@SupermarketSweep777]

That's who I said. Rusty Nail.

[@tracidavis3565]

Thanks for showing some love for The Collector franchise. One of my favorites. Too bad they couldn’t get The Collected made. Also, Sam from Trick r Treat. This was a good list.

[@teetee8654]

Trick r' Treat is one of the most underrated horror movies ever. I love Sam and everything they did in this movie. When is part 2 coming out. Also I love Leslie Behind the Mask is such a underrated movie as well

[@Mos41f]

Finally, WatchMojo has started to acknowledge the brilliance of Rutger Hauer's performance in The Hitcher. But, he deserved to be in the top 3 easily. Especially when you find out that he served as the inspiration for Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@Mos41f I can definitely see the parallels, especially in the way he carried the gun, as he walked towards his victim. (10/18/2023)

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Angela Baker (14 to 34-years-old) formerly known as Peter Baker played by Felissa Rose. In the original 1983 film, Angela/Peter killed all 9 people, including Judy, Meg, Mel the camp owner, and her cheating boyfriend Paul. 40 YEARS of ‘Sleepaway Camp.’ 🙂👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jamiethal1319]

Angela Baker is included in the list. Unfortunately Felissa Rose, like the narrator said, doesn’t play Angela/ Peter in sequels until Return to Sleepaway Camp. Return to Sleepaway Camp is a direct sequel to the original. Most fans don’t consider the second and third films cannon, since Felissa Rose doesn’t play Angela/ Peter and the original director has nothing to do with them until Return to Sleepaway Camp.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

@@jamiethal1319 I understand completely, but sadly, ‘Return to Sleepaway Camp’ was TERRIBLE. *sighs*

[@jamiethal1319]

Don’t entirely agree since they bring back Felissa. Best thing about Return to Sleepaway Camp. I own all 4 movies - the first 3 in a boxed set that looks like a first aid kit. I think it’s pretty rare now. I read somewhere that they discontinued it because they were sued or some such nonsense because of the design of the box. Return to Sleepaway Camp is separate because it was released so much later than the others. Sleepaway Camp was the best. I didn’t hate the sequels. Didn’t love them but didn’t hate them either.

[@pizzalisp5427]

So glad you included Lola Stone and the Miner! They both have recognizable looks that could easily make for horror icons! (and I just love Lola, partly in a 'love to hate them' way, but also in the sense I kind of laugh at her r/nicegirls behavior)

[@jackmackakaheavyguyhaiku545]

Thanks for recognizing my favorite slasher character of all, Matt Cordell. The Maniac Cop franchise is too often overlooked. Plus, the first in the series of movies is something of an anomaly in that the first half to two thirds is a bit of a whodunit. You don't know for sure who the Maniac Cop killing people is. I don't think Cordell's name is even mentioned in the first half hour of the movie. The Phantasm Tall Man has always creeped me out. Angus Schrim is, was and always will be and unsung killer in the genre. #RIPAngusSchrim

[@LoveSylveon]

IMO, Brahms Heelshire. I have met TOO MANY people that love horror/slasher films that didn't even KNOW he existed. It really upsets me, the stinky wall rat man SHOULD get his love!!

[@mrhoffame]

GREAT seeing The Loved Ones on this list. She was so good in that role!! It was cool how the movie made you feel SOOOO sorry for her in the beginning and by the end you wanted to shoot her yourself! The Strangers, The Hitcher, Jeepers Creepers, and Pumpkinhead were great additions too.

[@spartanknight2976]

Sam is one of my fav horror villins as you never see it coming when you watch it for the 1st time. As you think he is just some pore innocent kid. I would love to see him again.

[@KevinYannutz]

Don't recall the names of the villains, but Wishmaster, Warlock and Prophecy are pretty underrated franchises

[@deadcatthinks6725]

Larry Drake as Bubba Ritta in Dark Night of the Scarecrow is excellent.

[@baxtersmom279]

For being a TV movie, it is scary as he!!. Second grade me lost sleep after watching that movie. Rewatched it on Shudder a few months ago and it still creeped me out.

[@destineerocks13]

Aw Sam is getting some love. Honestly glad that the movie is getting a bit more love as a cult classic cuz it's my favorite.

[@mridlon1634]

The hillbillies from Deliverance. A horror villain need not kill you, but merely leave you scarred for life.

[@Adamguy2003]

Here are some more things that are known about Sam: 1. According to his actor Quinn Lord, he was born in a pumpkin patch. 2. In spite of his childlike appearance, he is in fact hundreds if not thousands of years old, and known in various guises by several cultures around the world. In the 'Trick 'r Treat: Days of the Dead' comic book, there is a segment in which a pioneer girl befriends the daughter of the chief of a local Native- American tribe, who then gives Sarah a handmade doll of Sam (Whom her tribe refers to as "The Great Autumn Spirit"), saying it will protect her from harm. Sarah asks if he is a good spirit because of this, and the chief's daughter responds "I would not say that. But the shaman told me he is very old and very powerful."

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! Basket case (1982) was also scary back in the 80s. 🤣

[@SupermarketSweep777]

Rusty Nail from the Joy Ride trilogy is massively underrated.

[@antimatta8714]

The collector and the collection are criminally under rated horror films, unfortunately they just recently cancelled a third film from being made. 😠

[@mommymilkers4119]

Kind of happy they canceled it... I liked where it left off... that being said, would've loved to see what Arkin did to the collector in the end

[@antimatta8714]

Exactly, the third film would have been interesting, especially considering how the second film ended. So I'm not glad they cancelled it? The Collector character had a lot of potential to become a great horror icon. And the dynamic between Arkin and the collector was great too.

[@foxhound13]

So happy Sam has become the symbol of Halloween at spirit stores.

[@chriswelter3859]

Sleepaway Camp is absolute garbage, but that final shot of Angela’s crazy face is genuinely creepy and one of the best shots in all of horror.

[@benw3029]

I love seeing praise for The Collector/Collection those movies slap

[@antimatta8714]

The Hitcher is one of the greatest films ever made. A childhood classic.👍

[@dreamguardian8320]

I just thought of an interesting horror movie idea. What if they took Sam and Krampus, and had them do a crossover battle, just like they did with Freddy vs. Jason. Halloween vs. Christmas, two demon holiday enforcers battling to see which holiday should be respected the most. Just a thought.

[@jakebradley9256]

Three Finger, Saw-Tooth and One-Eye from the Wrong Turn franchise are so underrated.

[@nv4699]

I've said it before and I will say it again... Jeepers Creepers in the theater was terrifying especially since it was filmed in our county. I grew up two streets over from the slaughterhouse used in the ending scene. It was torn down soon after. I don't know which was worse.. the smell from when it was still in business or the sound of Derry's screams.

[@laidychencarrasco2562]

Jeepers creepers director is definitely an unrated villian in itself.

[@cenexxis]

The Tyre from "Rubber" or the Mutant Sheep from "Black Sheep" should be high on the list of Underrated Horror Movie Villains!

[@robertnguyen9493]

I fully agree with the number one spot, however I’m a little disappointed that Mary Shaw from Dead Silence didn’t even get a mention

[@LukeKetchum7003]

There's not many Halloween movies that focus more on the spirit of the holiday itself rather than a machete welding, hocky mask wearing psychopath that refuses to die. I'm glad to see Trick 'r Treat getting the respect and love it deserves. 🎃

[@DannyTheBarGod]

Good call on Maniac Cop!

[@janeenharrison1953]

Yep, Sam, I agree he's at least top 2. His character stays under my skin everytime I think on it. Jeepers should be #2 or #1. The idea of killing you for one of your body parts, keep me ugly! It doesn't help that the director turned out to be an evil creep, no wonder!

[@honestreviewer7788]

John Jarrett in the wolf creek movies/show is absolutely one of the best "villain" performances ever. He is just amazing as Mick

[@sarahweesemidnight]

I need me another Trick R Treat please. Sam needs to come back! I've loved him since my husband introduced him to me in 2015

[@mychess5821]

Sam is definitely not underrated. He's loved by everyone. One of the best horror characters!

[@mommymilkers4119]

He's the cornerstone to my halloween decorations every year. I have a stuffed Sam with his pumpkin and my yard is decorated like a pumpkin graveyard... he ties it together perfectly, truly iconic

[@antimatta8714]

The Maniac Cop Trilogy is criminally underrated.👍

[@richardhoehn9922]

And Sean Bean in The Hitcher remake--because Sean Bean is an amazing villain! The first two Jeepers Creepers films were pretty effective, downhill after that,

[@jamieleighrinker5724]

The only other one I would add is David from Village of the Damned. He was totally underestimated by everyone in the movie. Even his own kind. They thought he was defective because he was missing his twin and it was the one thing that made him the only one to survive.

[@godofchaos9571]

I fricking love Sam. I mean, yeah, he's a tad bit murderous and kinda creepy without his mask on, but he only murders people who don't follow the Halloween traditions or who don't give him candy. Besides that, he just seems to be chill. I would give him as much candy as he wants and try to befriend him because what's better than a cute little child-like spirit/demon who can murder people who deserve it with candy?

[@robertgirl6565]

Thank you for including Matt Cordell from Maniac Cop he is underated and hopefully he will get a reboot

[@anthonygarland8839]

I remember the hatchet series and watched em all and i have never in my life see that much level of blood and gore in the series

[@livvyb3583]

I want to add the Odet family in the Wrong Turn series, especially Three Fingers, the creepiest, most insane family in cinema!

[@asit9473]

I second this. Still gives me the chills.

[@JonnySuite13]

My little buddy, Sam. Such a cute little guy! Seriously, though, so long overdue for a Trick 'r Treat 2.

[@Fishylucifer]

So many of these ive always read about but never saw or decided to look into. Now I have things to watch.

[@LuckyHyde]

I’ll give you credit for pumpkin head and the tall man.

[@sharonellis8776]

Love The Hitcher, the Creeper & Pumpkinhead ! xx

[@asummerphoenix]

Can we talk about Mary freakin’ Shaw😭😭 she scared the heck outta me

[@DJGamingSmash]

Mick Taylor and Sam are both so great.

[@beverlymoran2010]

10, 7, 4 and 1 are all definitely Underrated I love those four movies

[@AlenaTMates]

Jigsaw got tobe mine he's no supernatural nor unkillable, just a psychotic mastermind that can easily get away.

[@cjmcdowell3308]

Collector amazing franchise glad it made the list

[@ROS1101]

Sam from Trick R Treat gave me nightmares as a kid. I saw everything from A nightmare on elm street to saw and nothing freaked me out and then I saw Trick R Treat after it all at the age of 7 and i couldn’t sleep for days

[@kailiahmoon]

Charlie Grimmle from The Gallows should come back !

[@LokiMartin]

Nice to see my boy Leslie Vernon getting some recognition.

[@tracidavis3565]

Sam isn’t a villain like Krampus, they are there to uphold the holiday traditions.

[@leVraiQuasar]

17:20 i would never forgot that japonese torture..... the head on a stick....

[@djcokeisnotreal9810]

Jeepers creepers is probably my all time favorite horror villain, like yes there's jason and freedy but I'd always love the movies every time I saw them on syfy.

[@Tomboyy9818]

Freddy*

[@djcokeisnotreal9810]

@@Tomboyy9818 damn my bad 😆

[@hannahdelvecchio7521]

I surprised you didn’t mention of our Krampus movie has access to Grandpa‘s sister krampus

[@OFFICIALHORRORHQ]

These villains are underrated but still amazing characters

[@williamsummerson1204]

Billy is definitely an Og in the slasher genre. 🥰

[@joeymartinez9854]

The tall man actor from the phantasm movie passed away some years ago

[@innocentsweetiepie]

The creature from the movie FEAST should've been on this list

[@GoddessGirl2121]

I feel like because it wasn’t a popular or well liked movie the Sinclair Brothers in the House of Wax remake from 2005 get overlooked as slasher villains because as creepy as Vincent was Bo was actually more terrifying because he seemed so trustworthy and unassuming upon first look even if there was always something unsettling under the surface and he was definitely the more unhinged of the two we actually knew were Sinclair brothers all along. Than there’s the third brother or “Roadkill Guy” who’s creepy the whole way through but his connection to the other two is only revealed at the end so three creepy brothers who aren’t given enough credit for how creepy they actually are.

[@angelab904]

Trick r Treat is such a great horror movie!

[@ryder-mariewhite8706]

What about the movie Thinner? That is an amazing movie but it isn’t well known. Everyone I know hasn’t even heard of it. 😢

[@fluffymoth87]

I would absolutely love to see a Trick 'r Treat 2! Sam was always the cutest little murderer!

[@salemslotandmore8278]

Thanks for the Video 😀

[@C0d3Red_Monki]

Sam from Trick R Treat needs a return

[@piercelindenberg6842]

Glad Sam gets the top spot. He deserves it.

[@leesashriber5097]

The Strangers scared the crap out of me. "Is Tammy there?" 😬

[@kaitlinkennedy2600]

Me too ! It’s underrated but really creepy

[@ryansmith4494]

I thought it was Tamara.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Suggestion: Top 10 favorite antiheroes in movies.

[@genageeraert8039]

Leslie Vernon is so underrated

[@eddielydon6566]

Thanks!

[@WatchMojo]

Thank you so much for your support! It's truly appreciated:)

[@beyondthegraveRIP]

Sam isn’t a villain. He is the hero of the movie

[@vladyvhv9579]

Maniac Cop: While there are some parallels to Jason, I did notice in watching marathons on various tv channels in octobers throughout the decades... Cordell can be reasoned with. Can be reminded of who and what he was. I'm not entirely sure the franchise name could be used very well in today's overly-sensitive world, but I would love to see the character expanded on. I think if done smartly, a remake could possibly even stand out as good commentary on modern culture. And of course, there's always the idea that it could be made into a period piece, if people don't want to touch on modern events. People of my generation miss the 80s and 90s, and we're the ones paying for those movie tickets and streaming services... A couple on this list seem out of place, as they're really well-known and essentially mascots of the genera. So, y'all seem to be at least bending your own rules, if not breaking them. As such, I'd submit Christine. The world needs to see more of everyone's favorite regenerating self-driving killer '56 Plymouth Fury. And sadly, things really haven't gotten any better for social outsiders over the decades since the book and movie's setting. Some topical content might have changed, but honestly, a sequel could play on pretty much the same basic story, and still resonate with people.

[@SickTwisted]

Killer Klowns

[@ЯрославШ-ж9м]

My favourite villains from top are Creeper and Pumkinhead.Very scary and unpredictable.

[@Potrimpo]

10:08 -- Right, Terry O'Quinn. Didn't recognize his hair.

[@teresadixon2899]

I used to intone "boy!" the same way as the Tall Man when my son was in trouble.

[@Sistik123]

Angus Scrimm is great, remember him as the crazy guy in Masters of Horror

[@jamiethal1319]

Angus. Please edit your comment.

[@josephgwiazdzinski2149]

Weird to call the Creeper or Victor Crowley (and even Pumpkinhead) underrated when they each spawned multiple sequels is... a stretch.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

Creepy, unsettling, and horrifying they definitely got the basics down.

[@cooperbourke7717]

I haven't seen about 3/4 of these!!!

[@brianbara3204]

I LOVE Sam from "Trick 'r Treat!"

[@creepylifeofme1927]

I know terry o’quin, he loves coming into our bakery

[@writergirl3233]

I always liked the genie villain from Wishmaster.