Best Killers In Slasher Movies, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Slayer icons such as Ghostface prove that anyone can be the killer, adding to its meta-commentary and parodic elements.
Michael Myers terrifies his victims with cold callousness in the Halloween franchise.
Art the Clown splashes onto screens with gruesome killings in the Terrifier franchise, solidifying him as a modern horror legend.

As a lifelong aficionado of horror movies, I must say that the characters and stories from these three iconic franchises have left an indelible mark on my psyche (and sleepless nights). From the chilling figure of Michael Myers in Halloween to the witty and meta-aware Ghostface in Scream, and finally to the tragically disturbed Norman Bates in Psycho, these characters have masterfully encapsulated the essence of fear, suspense, and the unknown that horror movies strive to evoke.

Slasher is a widely appreciated subgenre within horror films, delivering chilling scenes of relentless killers and gruesome deaths that leave even the toughest viewers shaken. The unfortunate characters in these movies may struggle, flee, or hide, but their fate often leads to a gruesome demise.

In these films, it’s the killers who steal the show, persistently chasing their targets until there’s no one left standing, or until they encounter a formidable opponent known as the Final Girl. Occasionally, these relentless antagonists manage to rise from the dead to complete their gruesome work.

Spoiler Warning: major plot spoilers are touched on and discussed in several entries on this list.

9 Johnny (In A Violent Nature)

This Experimental Movie Places The Audience In The Killer’s Shoes

Director: Chris Nash
Release Date: May 31st, 2024
Run Time: 1hr 34m

The movie “In a Violent Nature” offers a fresh take on typical horror films by adopting the viewpoint of the antagonist, Johnny, instead of the survivors. This enables viewers to walk in the shoes of the killer and heighten the suspense as they join him in his hunt for a cherished locket he believes was stolen by a group camping in the woods.

In stark contrast, peaceful tranquility and strolls are interspersed with the chilling scenes of gruesome deaths inflicted upon helpless victims. These violent acts, expertly enacted and convincingly portrayed, leave a lasting impression. The calm demeanor of Johnny throughout each brutal, gory killing spree serves to underline his sinister nature, making him an unforgettable villain for generations.

8 Pearl (X/Pearl)

Pearl Is An Unlikely Killer

Director: Ti West
Release Date: March 18th, 2022 (X) September 16, 2022 (Pearl)
Running Time: 1hr 46m (X) 1hr 42m (Pearl)

The trilogy by director Ti West, titled X, unfolds a connection between the characters of Peal and Maxine, masterfully played by Mia Goth. While X was initially released, Pearl serves as the prequel of the series, depicting farmhand Pearl’s aspirations for greatness and her unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle in her path. Interestingly enough, it is revealed that she continues to reside on the farm that Maxine and their adult film crew later lease for their upcoming movie production.

In the movies “Pearl” and subsequent films, the character Pearl demonstrates a chilling progression into ruthless insanity, gleefully eliminating anyone perceived as an obstacle to her ambitions, even her own family members like parents and sister-in-law. This murderous spree persists in “X“, proving that age has not diminished her prowess. Accompanied by her husband, Howard, she systematically targets victims one by one. It’s clear that Pearl is undeniably the central figure in these films.

7 Art The Clown (Terrifier Franchise)

A Legend In The Making

Director: Damien Leone
Release Date: March 15th, 2018
Running Time: 1hr 25m

In a violent and gory debut, the latest addition to the film scene, Art the Clown from the “Terrifier” series, has made a chilling entrance on our screens, offering some of the most jaw-dropping kill scenes in contemporary cinema. This malevolent (and possibly supernatural) jester takes delight in spreading terror among his victims, ruining their festivities. With a fourth film already scheduled, it appears that Art’s reign of horror is far from over.

Despite making some people feel queasy just thinking about his behavior, there’s no denying that Art will be remembered as one of the most outstanding slashers in history. Though he might not quite reach the legendary status of those further down the list, his gruesome, brutal, and tormenting killings will undoubtedly secure him a place among horror legends.

6 Jason Voorhees (Friday The 13th Franchise)

Jason’s Legacy Remains Alive

Director: Sean S Cunningham (Part 1)
Release Date: May 9th, 1980 (Part 1)
Running Time: 1hr 35m (Part 1)

Over time, one of the most enduring film franchises, Friday the 13th, has seen its fair share of highs and lows, with certain films garnering more praise than others. While the initial film surprised audiences by unveiling Pamela Voorhees as the murderer, the series subsequently made Jason, an iconic figure in a hockey mask, the primary antagonist starting from the third installment.

Jason’s unyielding determination ensured that the film series remained vibrant and enduring, whether it brought good or bad. He inflicted fear in camps, cities, space, and even clashed with Freddy Krueger. The indomitable spirit of his character and the graphic violence of his deaths have left an indelible mark on these films, cementing him as one of the greatest slashers ever made. Though new movies in the series may no longer be produced, the legacy of Jason continues to thrive.

5 Chucky (Child’s Play Franchise)

Even In Doll Form, There Is No Stopping Chucky

Director: Tom Holland (Original)
Release Date: November 9th, 1988 (Original)
Running Time: 1hr 27m (Original)

When serial killer Charles Lee Ray faces a dead-end situation, he takes an extremely risky move, employing voodoo magic to shift his soul into the most fitting host – a beloved toy doll. These highly sought-after toys are almost completely out of stock for Christmas, but Karen, Andy’s mother, manages to acquire one from a shady vendor in a secluded alley, believing she has found the perfect present for her son. Unbeknownst to them, they now own a possessed doll that eventually sparks an entire series of movies.

Regardless of his diminutive size, Chucky proves to be more than equal to his victims, displaying an unexpected strength. This is evident even when his storyline takes peculiar twists, such as him acquiring a spouse in “Bride of Chucky” and a child in “Seed of Chucky.” However, no matter where the series leads, Chucky’s sinister intentions are consistently present.

4 Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare On Elm Street Franchise)

His Witty One-Liners Set Him Apart From The Silent Killers

Director: Wes Craven (Part 1)
Release Date: November 9th, 1984 (Part 1)
Running Time: 1hr 31m (Part 1)

In contrast to the grim and hardline horror films from the 80s, there was the chilling saga of A Nightmare on Elm Street, featuring Freddy Krueger, a nightmare-inducing villain who wreaked havoc on the relatives of those who had burned him to death. His vengeance is truly spectacle-worthy as he conjures terrifying dreams while hunting his victims in their sleep, with Nancy, the main character of the series, being his primary target, often referred to as the Final Girl.

The menacing character, Freddy Krueger, won’t pursue his vengeance quietly or somberly; instead, he amuses himself by taunting his potential victims with clever quips to make their demise even more undignified. Both terrifying and hilarious, Freddy has cemented his status as a slasher legend, and Robert Englund’s portrayal of the nightmare villain will be cherished for generations. By exploiting the genuine fear of death while asleep, no one and nothing can escape Freddy Krueger’s grasp.

3 Michael Myers (Halloween Franchise)

Reigned Bloody Terror Through Generations

Director: John Carpenter (Part 1)
Release Date: October 25th, 1978 (Part 1)
Running Time: 1hr 31m (Part 1)

Everyone is familiar with the movie series titled “Halloween” and its chilling antagonist, Michael Myers, who wears a mask. Beginning his violent career as a slasher villain during his childhood years, he was confined to an institution but managed to escape in his adult life, once again terrorizing as a relentless serial killer on the night of Halloween. Unlucky victims like Laurie Strode and her companions find themselves hunted by him, as he ruthlessly slaughters them with quiet, heartless brutality.

In each Halloween film, he consistently dons a ghostly white mask and blue coveralls, appearing again and again in an effort to complete his mission, despite Laurie’s advancement into old age and her establishment of a family. His influence appears far-reaching and seemingly eternal, lending him the reputation of being one of the most formidable slashers ever encountered.

2 Ghostface (Scream Franchise)

Anyone Can Don The Mask

Director: Wes Craven, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Reboots)
Release Date: December 20th, 1996 (Original)
Running Time: 1hr 41m (Original)

Slasher and horror films often adhere to specific patterns and utilize familiar devices in their creation. However, Scream distinguishes itself from these typical horror productions by incorporating self-referential commentary and playfully mocking these classic elements. The movies are intentionally humorous and self-deprecating rather than being serious or frightening. This approach was initiated in the first film, where a series of killings instill fear and suspicion in Woodsboro. The masked murderer preys on Sydney and her friends, suggesting that the danger may be coming from within their own circle.

In reality, Billy Loomis and Stu Macher were the ones behind the Ghostface mask all along, utilizing distinctive costumes and voice alteration devices to conceal their identities. Essentially, the essence of this killer lies less in a single individual and more in the mask itself. It’s not uncommon for anyone to put on the mask, becoming the murderer. Frequently, it’s an insider with a personal, dark motivation driving the actions.

1 Norman Bates (Psycho)

The Original Slasher Hides Beneath A Veneer Of Civility

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Release Date: September 8th, 1960
Running Time: 1hr 49m

As a devoted horror enthusiast, I can’t help but feel grateful for the chilling impact of Alfred Hitchcock on the genre. His masterpieces have left an indelible mark, but none more so than “Psycho.” This film stands as his crowning achievement, offering a treasure trove of terror to us horror aficionados. It birthed one of the most iconic villains in horror history, and the unforgettable shower scene that continues to send shivers down our spines.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but observe how Norman Bates skillfully masks his malevolent side with warm smiles and an aura of politeness, yet there’s always an eerie quality to his demeanor and speech that sets one on edge. Poor Marion Crane didn’t grasp the mortal danger lurking within him until it was too late – he cold-bloodedly stabbed her in the shower, denying her the chance to escape with the stolen money. History will forever remember Norman for being the pioneering force behind cinema’s slasher villains, spawning a genre that would strive, but ultimately fail, to replicate the enchantment of Psycho and the intricate character of Norman Bates himself.

2024-10-22 23:34