There was a time when horror movies didn't have to be complex or complicated. It was simply a battle of good and evil, a group of less than sensible victims vs. a madman in a mask or a giant monster. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper battle without a sharp instrument or two to give us some splatter.
Freddy has his glove, Leatherface has his chainsaw, and Jason has his machete, but there are more than a few weapons found in numerous horror flicks that tend to be on repeat. Whether they're used to slice and dice or beat to death, we've found at least ten frequent offenders.
Firearms
Though not an overly common weapon used in horror flicks, they are frequently found. Whether they are used in the proper way or not depends on the movie. After all, here would Ash be without his trusty boomstick? And who could forget the number one rule of Zombieland? Always double-tap
True, we wouldn't want to make things too easy for the victim portion of the film. Think about how easy some of these fearsome fights would be if they were properly armed. Whether used for fending off the zombie horde or putting down Michael Myers, we're putting them on the list.
Chainsaw
Now here's a classic weapon that found its way out of Texas and into a number of other splatter and slasher films. Though famously used by Leatherface, this power tool turned weapon is practically a horror movie staple. From The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Motel Hell, this is one weapon that just screams horror.
Whether being used by cannibalistic rednecks, zombie hunters, or a number of masked maniacs, it's one you can find in many a feature. There are few weapons with such power and intimidation, we're actually surprised more villains like Jason or Victor Crowley don't give them a whirl.
Supernatural Powers
We're kind of cheating here, but think about how many characters in horror films, hero or villain, have some form of supernatural ability. Psychic phenomenon, magic powers, and other such abilities do tend to make the movie more interesting. Whether its Carrie White or Candyman, sometimes a little something extra is required to get the job done.
How many corpses have been reanimated, murderers brought back from the dead, or demons/monsters summoned from the underworld thanks to some form of supernatural meddling? Then we have creatures like vampires, witches, and other such magically gifted types that just have that unfair advantage.
Hooks
Whether being used to replace a lost appendage, to gut a screaming victim, or to hang your latest body, hooks are a horror movie regular that have plenty of gruesome and practical uses. Candyman, Pinhead, and Leatherface all use them in a number of ways, so they must be doing something right.
Perhaps it's the slowness of the tool that makes us all cringe, the idea of a curved piece of iron sinking into one's flesh definitely makes our toes curl at the thought. Whether on the arm of some supernatural stalker or on the pages of a Clive Barker script, we're hooked on the horror.
Machete
Like the chainsaw, the machete is another horror movie staple that's been favored by both hero and villain alike. Not quite a sword, but definitely larger than your average knife, this big blade is a go-to weapon for many a horror movie character. Featured in such fiendish films as Friday the 13th and You're Next, it's definitely a classic.
Made famous by the unkillable Jason Voorhees, but adopted by several characters after, the machete is a great way to hack and slash unsuspecting victims as well as defend oneself against an oncoming attacker. You simply can't go wrong with it.
Fire/Explosives
Sometimes, you just need to go out with a bang. How many monsters and maniacs have met their end thanks to an explosion or fire? Whether it's immolating a wave of undead or incinerating the bones of Freddy Kruger, sometimes a little firepower goes a long way in the realms of horror.
Typically saved for the finale, a good explosion or inferno is a great way to put the nail in the coffin. Think about those seemingly unkillable creatures like the Xenomorph or the Thing, what better way to end your fright-fest than seeing your monster go out in a blaze?
Teeth
Though it might seem a little odd including a body part as weapons, think about how many horror characters would love nothing more than to take a massive bite out of their victims. You have your typical characters like vampires, werewolves, and zombies, but then you have big names like Hannibal, Pennywise, and the Xenomorph.
Talk about taking a bite out of the genre, it's quite impressive to see how many villains and monsters have jaws of steel. Whether they're feral creatures like the shark from Jaws or a monster hungry for human flesh like your garden-variety zombie, you can count on a few bite marks in your film.
Bare Hands/Fisticuffs
We know what you're thinking, how can a pair of bare hands possibly square up against something like a machete or chainsaw. Clearly, you've not seen Friday the 13th or Halloween. You'd be surprised how many characters do some impressive damage with just their hands. You don't need a sharp instrument to get the job done, a feat of strength will do just fine.
How many times has Jason squashed someone's head or knocked it clear off with the right amount of force? What about Michael Myers straight-up strangling someone to death? Never underestimate an unarmed villain, friends.
Axes/Hatchets
An oldie but a goodie from the days of the classic slasher, who hasn't had the fear of getting ax-murdered in their sleep? From the original Friday the 13th to Hatchet, there's nothing wrong with using some old-school horror and swinging a heavy ax to make an unkind cut.
The ax is as iconic and identifiable as the machete or chainsaw, and you'll find more than a fair share of ax-wielding murderers and madmen in the realms of horror cinema. Axes are like masks, abandoned wooded areas, and scream queens in skimpy outfits, you're going to find them by the dozen.
Knives
Sometimes, you just have to go back to basics to get your scares. Made iconic in Psycho's infamous shower scene before being included in nearly every classic slasher flick after, there's no quicker way to cut to the chase than with a sharp knife. Can't go wrong with this favored weapon of choice.
Featured in numerous movies such as Halloween, Scream, Friday the 13th, The Shining, and Nightbreed, the list goes on and on. Whether being used for your standard mauling and murdering or just trying to keep Jack Nicholson out of your bathroom, you can't beat a well-made blade.