Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface. These are the names people think of when they hear the term "slasher movie." Characters like these movie maniacs have left their mark on the horror genre in more ways than one, but with the incredible slasher boom of the '80s, many slashers and serial killers were swept under the collective cinematic rug. For those looking for some movies outside of Nightmare on Elm Street, have a look at these 100 overlooked characters.
Pamela Voorhees (Friday the 13th)
While many are quick to shout the name "Jason Voorhees" when they hear the title, it was actually this maniacal mom with an ax to grind. Pamela Voorhees sought to avenge her son by painting the camp red with the blood of teenage victims. Her special boy didn't even get a proper appearance until Part II.
Harry Warden (My Bloody Valentine)
Even with a 3D remake, the tale of the Mad Miner still lingers somewhat in obscurity — but not for true fans of the slasher genre. Harry Warden definitely has some serious chops when it comes to murderous methods. Anyone who wields mining equipment and rips victims' hearts out for Valentine's Day deserves both fear and respect in the slasher world. Not to mention the oxygen mask and helmet are pretty intimidating when paired with that sharp pick.
Victor Crowley (Hatchet)
Brought to life by Jason Voorhees actor himself, Kane Hodder, this massive mutant is a raging redneck from the swamps of Louisiana.
Not all of the films on this list are products of the '80s. In fact, Hatchet was meant to be a throwback to the good old days of slasher cinema, featuring a number of horror icons, Easter eggs, and winks at fans of the genre, but we could never forget Victor Crowley.
Jester (Puppet Master)
Though the Puppet Master series definitely has an audience, most are probably focused on the deathly pallor with deadly hands, Blade. This miniature murderer is definitely iconic, but he was not the original leader of the troupe. That title goes to the forgotten fool that is Jester. In the original film, Jester was written as the brains of the outfit, but as the series went on, Blade assumed the position due to popularity.
The Phantom (The Town That Dreaded Sundown)
There are many horror flicks that claim to be "based on a true story," but The Town That Dreaded Sundown closely follows the same pattern as the Texarkana Moonlight Murders in 1946. The star of the show is without a doubt the Phantom Killer, known for his creative murder methods and burlap mask. How many slashers can make the claim of death by trombone? This is an eerie film that could definitely use some more attention.
Edward Lionheart (Theatre of Blood)
A slasher film starring the incredible Vincent Price? How has this flick been forgotten? The Master of Horror himself assumes the role of Edward Lionheart, a Shakespearean actor scorned by his critics, who vows revenge and reaps it in darkly comedic ways. It takes some serious creativity to tie Shakespeare plays to murder methods, but Theatre of Blood does it with pride. It's easily the most overlooked horror-comedy on this list.
The Hag (Curtains)
Similar to Theatre of Blood, Curtains stars an insulted actor as the protagonist. This time, however, the victims are not a panel of snobby critics, but the competition for a coveted film role. Armed with a witch mask and a hand scythe, the Hag picks off her victims one by one in the ultimate dive into method acting. The Hag might not be as iconic as someone like Michael Myers, but props to the filmmakers for having a female lead in the role of the masked maniac.
The Outcasts (The Final)
Though they technically only torture their victims, seeing a group of nerds in the role of the villain is not exactly a common occurrence in the genre. In any other flick, these kids would be some of the first to get picked off, but in The Final, they take justice into their own hands and gruesomely torture their bullies on one long Halloween night. Though their actions aren't any less wrong, we do applaud them for taking a new route in a genre dominated by larger and more imposing figures.
Gunther (The Funhouse)
Easily one of the most underrated and underwatched horror flicks of all time, The Funhouse is a colorfully macabre masterpiece by Tobe Hooper that features an uber-creepy carnie named Gunther. There's more than a maniac under that Frankenstein mask, and it's one of the most vicious monsters ever cast in a slasher flick. Without going into spoiler territory, the tagline doesn't mislead what the viewer is in for — something is alive in the funhouse.
Marvelous Mervo (Blood Harvest)
With his friendly nature, famous falsetto, and tendency to break out into song, Tiny Tim sounds like the last person you'd ever expect to suddenly snap and become a killer clown. But here we have Blood Harvest, where a seemingly friendly clown stalks a beautiful girl and murders her friends one by one. The film is self-aware and cheesy, but Mervo is definitely one unhinged character who doesn't leave us after the credits have rolled — especially with that catchy theme song.