Horror fans are used to seeing main characters make some choices that don't seem all that clever. They run upstairs and not out the front door, they go places alone knowing that there's a killer on the loose, and they generally ignore obvious signs of danger. When a horror movie has some intelligent characters who make logical decisions and seem to have a good handle on how to survive, it's definitely a memorable viewing experience.
When looking back on both recent and classic horror films, Reddit users are sharing the best scary movies that include smart protagonists who do what they can in a terrible, horrifying situation.
Ripley (Alien)
Reddit user nintrader said "the Alien series" feels clever "because of Ripley" and added, "Ripley always makes smart choices."
Ripley stands out among the most intelligent Alien characters and it's a joy to see them figuring out how to deal with the alien spaceship that they have discovered. This movie is definitely a beloved, iconic classic and while the setting is cool, the characters are what make the story so impressive.
Erin (You're Next)
Reddit user Twikx said that Erin in You're Next is "able to take down all the enemies almost single handedly" and counts among the smartest horror movie characters.
Going to a family gathering and seeing it turn into a murder spree would definitely scare a lot of people and it would be hard to know how to fight back. Erin is unforgettable because she makes it her mission to get out alive.
Sidney And The Other Main Characters (Scream Franchise)
Sidney, Gale, and Dewey are always fun to watch in the Scream franchise as they fight Ghostface and learn the motives of each killer. When thinking about clever horror movie main characters, one Redditor said that the Scream characters, "discuss and dismantle horror tropes for the whole movie, so I'd say them."
Scream (2022) is just as witty as the other entries, as the new, younger characters Sam and Tara are strong-willed, determined, tough, and anything but gullible. It's particularly entertaining when the characters talk about the horror genre since fans know so much of what they're talking about.
Chris (Get Out)
Starting a Reddit thread about horror movies with "smart and rational characters," Reddit user TheBoyWonder13 mentioned "Daniel Kaluuya in Get Out."
Chris is one of the greatest horror movie characters and fans love that he realizes the horror that is happening to him. From the first time that audiences see Chris with his girlfriend Rose, it's clear that Chris is perceptive, and that becomes even clearer when he meets her parents.
Grace (Ready Or Not)
Reddit user BusinessPurge posted that "Ready or Not" has an intelligent main character and Reddit user samuraislider praised that the movie "took every trope and put it on its head."
As soon as Grace learns that she has to play a dark game of hide and seek on her wedding night, she forges ahead, never stopping to pity herself or wonder why she's in this situation. The family never thought that Grace would fight back and it's satisfying to see Grace win.
Beth, Sarah, Juno, Sam, Holly And Rebecca (The Descent)
The Descent is a great horror film because a friend group go on an adventure that takes them deep into a cave, but they find creatures there who are scarier than they could have ever predicted.
When thinking about smart horror movie characters, Reddit user JealousMouse likes the friends in The Descent because they "figure things out quickly and mostly make the best choices they can in the situation (or at least, understandable ones)." This kind of story could become quickly become frustrating, but the characters know what they're doing here.
Bill And The Other Losers Club Members (It)
For Reddit user _wil_, It has smart characters because they "decide to fight back in quite coordinated and planned action."
Everyone in the Losers Club has a sad backstory and a fully formed personality, along with a strong motivation to beat Pennywise and try to live a happier life away from Pennywise. The characters know that they have to return to Derry, Maine to deal with this situation, even if they don't want to.
Makani, Ollie, Darby, Alex, And Rodrigo (There's Someone Inside Your House)
One Redditor mentioned "There's Someone Inside Your House"as a horror movie with smart main characters, and many appreciate this teen film.
Makani, her love interest Ollie, and their friend group are all witty, perceptive, and interesting people who are different from many teens in horror movies who don't understand the dangers that are taking place. Makani is a particularly well-drawn character who is dealing with her past while trying to save her friends in her new small town.
Marty (The Cabin In The Woods)
One Redditor said The Cabin In The Woods is a movie with brilliant characters"if you count Marty."
Marty is one of the most intelligent The Cabin In The Woods characters as he is terrified of the situation that he and his friends find themselves in as he has a bad feeling about it early on. Marty also thinks carefully about everything in life, and fans root for him, hoping that he can survive but knowing that it's not likely.
Nancy (A Nightmare On Elm Street)
Reddit user BingoBarkington thinks that Nancy from A Nightmare On Elm Street is smart and wrote, "She figures out what’s going on and how to stop him."
As Nancy realizes that Freddy Krueger is stalking people in their dreams, she has an action plan, which is smart, impressive, and sets her apart from other horror movie main characters. The classic film is so much fun to watch because fans can appreciate Nancy's ideas.