Best Skeletons In Movies

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Best Skeletons In Movies

Key Takeaways

  • Famous skeletons in movies have been captivating audiences for decades, from the stop-motion skeleton army in Jason and the Argonauts to the cursed skeleton crew in Pirates of the Caribbean.
  • Skeleton characters often steal the show with their memorable presence, whether they are protagonists or villains.
  • Skeletons in movies come in various forms, from animated characters like Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas to terrifying sci-fi robots like the T-800 in the Terminator franchise.

As a lifelong fan of action-packed movies and animated series, I must say that these skeletal characters have left quite an impression on me. From the iconic dance of the four skeletons in Disney’s Silly Symphony to the villainous Skeletor from Masters of the Universe, these skeletons have managed to make a lasting impact.

Skeletons appear in all kinds of movies, from stop-motion beginnings in classics like Jason and the Argonauts to bad-to-the-bone villains such as in action-adventure or superhero genres. However, skeletons aren’t always morally bad, with some characters following the path to redemption as heroes or those intending to do good deeds in a misguided way. Either way, they are often just plain cool with a fantastic and memorable on-screen presence.

In films, it’s common to see skeletons as main characters or prominent figures, with numerous imaginative and even advanced portrayals of the conventional human skeleton structure. Yet, some film skeletons stand out more and become more iconic than others.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated that skeletons in films don’t need to be just terrifying or spine-chilling. They can offer unforgettable moments that make us laugh, cry, or feel a myriad of emotions. From the hilarious to the heartwarming, on-screen skeletons have left an indelible mark throughout cinematic history. Here’s an updated list, including a couple of fresh additions.

1 Dry Bones

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Best Skeletons In Movies

Movie Appearances:

  • The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

In simpler terms, Dry Bones is a well-known side character from Nintendo’s Super Mario series, which are essentially skeleton versions of Bowser’s troops called Koopa Troopas. Dry Bones has been popular in video games for quite some time, and in the 2023 movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it was portrayed as a frightening enemy for Luigi in the Dark Lands. In this film, Dry Bones is made to look incredibly spooky, with skeletal bodies, glowing yellow eyes that suddenly turn bright red, and the ability to burst out of the ground to chase a petrified Luigi persistently.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that the movie’s captivating graphics breathe remarkable life into these iconic skeletons in a witty scene that cleverly references how players vanquish them in timeless Super Mario games. For example, I found myself laughing when Luigi accidentally smashed one to smithereens upon colliding with a tree, only for it to miraculously revive shortly after. It’s fascinating to note that Dry Bones made an appearance in both The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 cartoon and the Super Mario World TV series.

2 Skeleton Characters In Corpse Bride

Corpse Bride

Movie Appearances:

  • Corpse Bride (2005)

In Tim Burton’s movie “Corpse Bride,” the main character, Victor Van Dort, finds himself torn between two brides – one living and another who has passed away. The film is filled with various skeleton characters, such as Victor’s departed dog Scraps, the lively Bonejangles, and Grandfather Everglot, among others. Similar to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” released in 2005, “Corpse Bride” showcases some of the most iconic skeletons on screen with Burton’s distinctive stop-animation technique and musical style. Notable voice actors like Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, and others lend their talents to this production.

One stand-out moment is Bonejangles’ ‘Remains of the Day’ song in the Land of the Dead, which tells corpse bride Emily’s tragic tale. This jazzy musical scene showcases many skeletons alongside the widely beloved reanimated corpse of Emily herself.

3 Skeleton Army

Jason And The Argonauts

Best Skeletons In Movies

Movie Appearances:

  • Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

One well-known and widely recognized set of skeletons from films that might spring to mind for many viewers is the army of skeletal warriors featured in Don Chaffey’s 1963 movie, Jason and the Argonauts. In this film, King Aeëtes calls upon a troop of skeleton soldiers to engage in battle with Jason and his comrades. These skeletons are intricately animated using stop-motion technology on screen.

As the anticipation rises prior to the battle, seven skeletons mysteriously emerge separately from the earth, fully armed with swords and shields, creating an eerie atmosphere that was downright chilling for their era. They moved in a way that was genuinely unsettling, culminating in a blood-curdling shriek before engaging in an unforgettable and thrilling combat scene.

4 Horned King

Disney’s The Black Cauldron

Movie Appearances:

  • The Black Cauldron (1985)
  • Once Upon A Halloween (2005)

In the 1985 animated film “The Black Cauldron”, the main villain is the Horned King. The story revolves around a young man named Taran, who has the mission to safeguard a magical swine from the sinister Horned King. This wicked character desires to find the location of the Black Cauldron so he can conjure an endless army of invincible beings.

Despite The Black Cauldron being less well-known among Disney movies, the Horned King skeleton character from it is notably one of Disney’s most malevolent and frightening villains, known for his relentless pursuit of the Cauldron using any tactics at his disposal. His gruesome appearance adds to the overall sinister image of this character.

5 Walter Donovan

Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade

Movie appearances:

  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

In the blockbuster film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Julian Glover portrays Walter Donovan, the primary antagonist who pursues the Holy Grail, one of the most significant Indiana Jones relics. As the movie concludes in the Grail temple, Donovan infamously drinks from the wrong chalice, leading to a temporary transformation into a skeleton due to the mysterious artifact’s power. This swift and premature aging results in his bones crumbling into dust.

In the realm of timeless movie franchises, a transformation reminiscent of the villain Toht from Raiders of the Lost Ark is another unforgettable instance, often mentioned by fans. This transformation involves his face grotesquely melting before an explosion, creating a chilling image of skeletal-like changes on screen.

6 Skeleton Characters In Coco

Disney’s Coco

Movie appearances:

  • Coco (2017)

Disney’s movie, titled “Coco“, showcases a delightful array of animated, comical skeleton characters that tug at viewers’ heartstrings with their poignant scenes. The story revolves around the protagonist Miguel, who yearns to pursue music despite his family’s disapproval. Set during the lively celebration of Día de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), “Coco” depicts skeletons as intermediaries between life and death, as they remember and contemplate their past lives in the World of the Living.

In the film, it’s hard to mention every notable skeleton character, but a few memorable ones are the charming Hector, Mama Coco, and the flamboyant Ernesto de la Cruz. These characters certainly leave an impression.

7 Deadites

Army Of Darkness

Movie appearances:

  • Evil Dead (1981)
  • Evil Dead II (1987)
  • Army of Darkness (1992)
  • Evil Dead (2013)

In a more casual and engaging manner, let me say: Among the most hilariously iconic on-screen skeletons, we must mention the Deadites from the 1992 horror-comedy film “Army of Darkness,” featuring the renowned Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams. The Deadites are believed to be malevolent spirits capable of animating the deceased or even controlling the living. The movie is packed with revived corpses and skeletons, providing a thrilling blend of humor and horror.

As audiences experience Deadites throughout the series, notable scenes from Army of Darkness include the thrilling March of the Dead fight sequence, which embodies the unique blend of slapstick and horror-comedy that the films are famous for.

8 Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Movie appearances:

  • The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
  • Various cameos appearances

Among the unforgettable and universally recognized screen skeletons, one that often comes to mind is Jack Skellington from the beloved film “The Nightmare Before Christmas“. Known as one of Tim Burton’s most cherished creations, Jack is a character adored by many. Throughout this captivating stop-motion animation movie, he sings popular tunes such as “What’s this?” upon discovering the charm of Christmas Town, or the melancholic “Jack’s Lament” under the soft glow of the moonlight.

Many people appreciate The Nightmare Before Christmas during Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas season. Despite Jack the Pumpkin King committing some errors, he eventually recognizes his mistakes and grows appreciative for everything he has and is, demonstrating that even a skeleton character like him can have a heart and deliver a valuable lesson about gratitude.

9 T-800

The Terminator Movies

Movie appearances:

  • The Terminator (1984)
  • Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
  • Terminator Salvation (2009)
  • Terminator Genisys (2015)
  • Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

In the realm of Terminators, it’s the T-800 model from 1984’s groundbreaking film The Terminator that stands out as a chilling sci-fi robot. Beneath its skin, which mimics human tissue, lies a metallic skeleton. The T-800, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, was dispatched to terminate Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton, in the past. This mission was crucial because she was destined to give birth to John Connor, who would lead the resistance against the Skynet machines in the future.

The T-800, portrayed by Schwarzenegger, is a legendary, unstoppable, and imposing killing machine, displaying an extraordinary screen presence in both its cybernetic organism form (endoskeleton) and its human form. It’s an iconic character known for its relentless nature.

10 Baron Samedi

Live And Let Die

Best Skeletons In Movies
  • Live and Let Die (1973)

Geoffrey Holder portrays one of the most well-known interpretations of the infamous voodoo character, Baron Samedi, in the 1973 James Bond film “Live and Let Die,” featuring Sir Roger Moore as Bond. In this movie, Baron Samedi is a malevolent figure who is identified by his signature skeleton face paint and top hat, and possesses supernatural abilities.

Baron Samedi, a figure rooted in Haitian Vodou folklore, is found in numerous films, TV shows, and video games. In the game Smite, he’s a playable character, and in Goldeneye 007, he’s been featured as a multiplayer option, often appearing on the Egyptian level.

11 Red Skull

Captain America: The First Avenger

Movie appearances:

  • Captain America: The First Avenger (2001)
  • Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
  • Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Beware, the merry hue of Christmas red doesn’t indicate Red Skull is harmless; on the contrary, he remains a significant threat among Marvel’s villains. In “Captain America: The First Avenger”, Johann Schmidt – who transforms into Red Skull after receiving the super-soldier serum – seizes the tesseract with malicious intent. As a high-ranking Nazi and HYDRA leader, he aims to manipulate the future for his own gain. Despite donning a mask to conceal his red, skull-like visage, he eventually unmasks himself in the film, revealing his true identity.

In the movie “Avengers: Infinity War,” a character resembling the Red Skull, wearing a hood, makes an appearance as Thanos acquires the Soul Stone.

12 Skeleton Pirates

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Best Skeletons In Movies

Movies appearances:

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

In the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, there are numerous undead characters, including skeletons. Yet, among these, the most unforgettable and distinctive are the cursed skeleton crew from The Black Pearl, who appear in what is generally considered the best Pirates of the Caribbean movie, The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Initially, the chilling computer-generated image of a curse comes into view as some unfortunate pirates under its spell bump into Captain Jack Sparrow in his cell. In a startling moment, one of them clutches his throat, and with the light from the moon, the curse is exposed. Notably, even Jack seems to be momentarily affected by the curse, while many admire Barbossa’s skeletal monkey companion.

13 Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider Movies

Movie appearances:

  • Ghost Rider (2007)
  • Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

The actor Nicolas Cage portrays Johnny Blaze, also known as Ghost Rider, in the 2007 film “Ghost Rider” and its sequel from 2011. In this Marvel movie version, Blaze gives his soul to the devil to save his father’s life, resulting in his transformation into the tormented, flame-headed biker enforcer known as Ghost Rider, equipped with a fiery motorcycle and a chain whip.

Despite encountering varied responses, the Cage films developed a devoted fanbase, and scenes like the one where Blaze initially morphs into the Rider stand out. The representation of this comic book figure was generally praised more in the TV show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., with numerous fans advocating for a dedicated series. Enthusiasts of Marvel’s Midnight Suns can even gain access to Ghost Rider as a playable character.

14 Scorpion

Mortal Kombat Movies

Movie appearances:

  • Mortal Kombat (1995)
  • Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins (1995)
  • Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
  • Mortal Kombat: Rebirth (2010)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020)
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021)
  • Mortal Kombat (2021)

Most enthusiasts of the legendary fighter Scorpion are probably more familiar with him through the Mortal Kombat video games rather than the largely disappointing films, except for the 2021’s Mortal Kombat reboot, which, despite its flaws, presented the franchise in a more effective manner.

In the 2021 version of Mortal Kombat, the character Scorpion is depicted as a masked, black and yellow-clad ninja engaging in combat with his longtime adversary Sub Zero. Notable for his kunai spear weapon and catchphrase “Come here!”, Scorpion was the central figure, even though character Kano garnered significant attention. The portrayal of Scorpion adhered mostly to the franchise’s lore, albeit revealing only a glimpse of his flamed skull appearance through fiery breath instead of his full form.

15 Skeletor

Masters of the Universe Franchise

Movie appearances:

  • Masters of the Universe (1987)

The 1987 film “Masters of the Universe,” known for its subsequent devoted fanbase, was inspired by the widely acclaimed animated series “He-Man and Masters of the Universe.” In this movie adaptation, the bone-chilling sorcerer Skeletor emerges as the main antagonist, constantly clashing with the titular hero He-Man. Within the live-action setting, Skeletor is depicted as a hooded, cloaked skeleton figure wielding a ram-headed magical staff and seizing the golden-tinted powers of Grayskull.

In the cartoon show, Skeletor is often depicted as a muscular figure with a skull for a head and dressed in a purple robe. The character first appeared 40 years ago, and there’s now an animated series on Netflix titled “Masters of the Universe: Revelations“.

16 The Skeleton Dance

Silly Symphony Animated Disney Short

Best Skeletons In Movies

Movie appearances:

  • Silly Symphony (1929)

One well-known and memorable depiction of skeletons on screen could be found in “The Skeleton Dance,” an animated short film from Disney’s 1929 “Silly Symphony” series. In this classic scene, which unfolds in a cemetery, four dancing skeletons entertain us with their jigs, and there are also two mischievous black cats engaged in a scuffle, frightened by one of the lively skeletons. At one point, a skeleton even uses a cat’s tail as a violin string!

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about “The Skeleton Dance” – a timeless Disney masterpiece that’s hard to forget! Packed with hilarious moments and iconic sequences, it’s not only the skeletons that make it memorable, but also one of the most legendary dance scenes ever captured on screen.

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2024-10-25 19:56