With Jenna Ortega wowing audiences in Ti West's X to anticipation for Zac Efron's performance in the Firestarter reboot, there are some exciting actors portraying characters in recent horror movies. It's also fun to go through some of the most beloved films of the past couple of decades and see which performances horror fans have enjoyed the most. These actors have brought some iconic characters to life, from famous final girls to villains who still feel chilling all of these years later.
Redditors are sharing their favorite actors who have appeared in popular and beloved horror movies, whether part of a classic slasher or contemporary horror comedy.
Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween, 1978)
After starring in the 1978 film Halloween, Jamie Lee Curtis has enjoyed a great and long acting career, from the 2004 remake of Freaky Friday to the 2019 hit Knives Out. Horror fans will always say that her performance in the original Halloween movie is her best one.
One Redditor wrote that when it comes to actors who have starred in this genre of movie, "Jamie Lee Curtis would be my pick for talent." Jamie Lee Curtis brought such vulnerability yet toughness to Laurie Strode, who discovers that Michael Myers is killing people in her town, vowing to beat him.
Maika Monroe (It Follows, 2015)
It Follows is a horror movie with a scary paranormal villain, as a figure begins stalking each character who has sex and passes on the curse. There's nothing quite like the feeling of dread that this film brings out in viewers.
Redditor MannyHec wrote that "Maika Monroe" is one of the best actors from a horror movie, and many fans have praised her performance in It Follows. Monroe played Jay Height, the main character who starts learning all about this terrible curse.
Neve Campbell (Scream Franchise, 1996-Present)
Scream has many pitch perfect performances throughout the franchise, from Courteney Cox as the prickly but sweet Gale Weathers to Jack Quaid as Ghostface killer Richie Kirsch.
Redditor Ghostface215 wrote that Neve Campbell delivers a great performance as Sidney Prescott: the actor "does a great job acting as an emotionally broken, but strong willed person." While other characters have been a big and important part of the franchise, it's fair to say Campbell has carried this story, too.
Lupita Nyong’o (Us, 2019)
Us was not only a highly anticipated horror film from Jordan Peele but also a fascinating and meaningful story about a family going on vacation and discovering a world of doppelgangers.
In a discussion about horror movie actors, Redditor ampersands-guitars praised "Lupita Nyong’o in Us." Nyong'o played both Adelaide Wilson and her tethered character Red and has audiences hanging on every word and look.
Natalie Portman (Black Swan, 2010)
Black Swan is one of Natalie Portman's best movies and Redditor MaterTene posted that "Natalie Portman in Black Swan" is one of their favorite horror performances.
Nina Sayers is determined to win a lead role in Swan Lake, and while she does, her life spins out of control when a new dancer named Lily shows up. Nina starts wondering if she's losing her grip on reality as Nina and Lily play a cat and mouse kind of game of competition. Portman is excellent as a character who is having such a hard time.
Brad Dourif (Child's Play Franchise, 1988-Present)
Child's Play is so creepy thanks to the incredible work of Brad Dourif, who is the voice of the evil doll Chucky and serial killer Charles Lee Ray. Dourif even voices the doll in the excellent TV series Chucky, which is fun and nostalgic for fans of the franchise.
Redditor madandmacabre wrote of Dourif, "I'll watch anything with him, I think he's an excellent horror actor." Dourif also played James Venamun in The Exorcist III.
Anthony Hopkins (The Silence Of The Lambs, 1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is known for having an intelligent horror movie villain and it's hard to find a more alarming and shocking character than Hannibal Lector since he's a cannibal.
Redditor AnnieIWillKnow noted that while Anthony Hopkins is "on screen for about 15 minutes," the actor won Best Actor, and "his presence dominates that film." It's hard to think of an actor who would create such a tense atmosphere here.
Kathy Bates (Misery, 1980)
Misery works so well thanks to Kathy Bates's performance as Annie Wilkes, a fan of Paul Sheldon's books who takes her adoration to another level when she kidnaps him.
Redditor farklespanktastic loves watching Bates in this film and wrote, "She won an Oscar for it for a reason." Redditor rick_blatchman added that the character "scares you, makes you laugh, and affects a twisted charm."
Sara Paxton (The Innkeepers, 2011)
The Innkeepers is one of Ti West's movies and Sara Paxton plays one of the main characters, Claire, who works at an old hotel and realizes that there is a paranormal presence there.
Redditor BrundellFly praised Paxton's performance and wrote that at times the character is "playing the spooky hotel detective" and has a "plucky vibrancy." It's scary to imagine being in a haunted hotel and Claire feels like a smart, grounded and realistic character who realizes that there is something supernatural here.
Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day, 2017)
Happy Death Day is one of the most popular horror comedies of recent years, and Jessica Rothe played Tree Gelbman in the 2017 film and its 2019 sequel.
Redditor specialtomebabe thinks that Rothe is one of the best actors from a horror movie and wrote, "I don’t think the movie could’ve worked without her performance." Rothe brings a cheerful yet funny vibe to her character.