The masked murderer is a horror movie trope that never runs out of style. It taps into our fear of the unknown while giving the slasher in question a little extra intimidation factor while he's hacking away at some unsuspecting teenagers. But these guys are a dime a dozen, so which one wore it better?
Today, we're looking at ten horror movie villains that rely on masks to display their malicious intent, as well as the madness behind them. Have a look at where you're favorite slasher stands on our list of scariest masked maniacs, ranked.
Ghostface (Scream)
Although perhaps not the most coordinated masked murderer on our list, you can't deny that the Ghostface mask and robe has become permanently ingrained in horror movie culture. As a part of Wes Craven's attempt at mocking/praising the slasher movie genre, he created an iconic character that left a mark on horror history.
The identity of the killer might always be changing, but that iconic white mask and black ensemble continue to be a symbol of Teen-Screams everywhere. It's also worth mentioning that since the '90s, people are still dressing up as this iconic horror character every Halloween. Let's face it, it's an easy look to rock.
Harry Warden (My Bloody Valentine)
Although it got a cheesy 3D remake, the original slasher film from our friends from the Great White North definitely had a gruesome, if campy, bite to it. Holidays are always a popular subject in slasher films, and we'll take Harry Warden over any psycho Cupid any day.
We have to give the film some serious props in using real mining equipment to create a seriously scary slasher. With that black protective suit and a soulless gas mask covering the killer's identity, he's definitely a walking nightmare with or without that pickaxe. Truly a madman after our own hearts, literally.
The Outcasts (The Final)
If you haven't seen The Final, you are truly missing out on a delicious indie horror experience. In this movie, we don't have just one but a group of masked maniacs who, in the form of the Outcasts. When a group of abused high school nerds are pushed to their limit, they wreak their vengeance on their tormentors in the most horror movie way possible.
Each member of the group dons their own masked persona and take turns torturing their captured bullies at a Halloween party. Keep in mind, their intent is to torture, not murder. So you can bet you're in for a seriously shocking time.
The Phantom (Phantom of the Opera)
No, we aren't talking about Lon Chaney's immortal classic, but rather Robert Englund's interpretation of the character from the 1989 adaptation. Although the film was commercially panned, We Believe he made a better Phantom than he ever did Freddy, Giving a bloodthirsty flavor to the man behind the mask.
Although the Phantom does participate in the iconic masquerade, his mask is actually made of human flesh sound on to his own decaying features. Not only that, but this version takes heavily from the book, making the Phantom more monster than a romantic lead. If you're tired of the Schumacher version, give this one a try.
The Other (Hell Fest)
A more recent entry to our list but definitely a classic in the making, the Other from Hell Fest definitely has some serious Michael Myers vibes about him. In a case of simple but effective, the grungy yellowed mask definitely stands out with his black hooded attire and makes viewers and victims overall uneasy.
Hell Fest, or any scream-park for that matter, is practically the ideal location for a slasher flick. The killer hiding in plain sight is a common motif in the genre, but here it lives up to full expectations. It's positively ingenious how this guy uses the environment around him to get away with murder.
Jason (Friday the 13th)
Although he's not our number one pick, you can't deny that of all the slashers in horror movie history, Jason Voorhees is an icon. Often imitated but never duplicated, the hockey-masked behemoth from Camp Crystal Lake has inspired fear and Terror since the 1980s. And it doesn't look like he'll be slowing down either.
While Jason's overall look might have changed from film to film, that immortal mask has always remained the same. Even when it was obliterated in Part VII, it was recostumed and remasked just in time for Jason Takes Manhattan. it just goes to show, a true classic never dies.
Michael Myers (Halloween)
It's easy to say that without Michael Myers there would be no Jason Voorhees. After all, he practically defined the slasher genre in John Carpenter's 1979 hit, Halloween. Made on a shoestring budget, the filmmakers had to carefully consider the look of their villain given the funds they had. One rubber mask and can of white spray paint later and the rest is history.
Michael Myers would define masked movie maniacs everywhere when he first stepped onto the screen. And it could be said it's mainly due to that famous mask. The pale gaunt appearance, the sunken eyes, the hollow expression, it all works together to create a symbol of the genre.
The Strangers (The Strangers)
Though perhaps not the most iconic slashers on our list, the terrifying trio from The Strangers definitely has a place on our list. This film gives a chilling new twist on the home-invader concept and definitely will leave certain viewers feeling incredibly uneasy. In all honesty, who really wants to see either one of these guys in their house at night?
Although the sequel went for the full slasher movie effect, the original was where the true Horrors began. Equipped with a sackcloth mask, a doll head, and a plastic pinup visage, these movie maniacs definitely leave us on edge every time we watch them.
Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
Leatherface has worn many masks in his time, but not many on our list take the time to make their own. Especially if they are entirely composed out of human flesh or even the faces of one's victims. Needless to say, this guy is terrifying from head to toe, with or without his famous weapon of choice.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the most unsettling horror movies in existence, and a good portion of it comes from it's leading man. From the original '70s classic to his recent slew of remakes, Leatherface's carnivorous habits and fashion sense have been making us queasy for decades.
Babyface (The Hills Run Red)
If you were to take Leatherface and smash him together with Jason Voorhees, you'd probably get Babyface from The Hills Run Red. in a movie centered around finding " the scariest horror movie ever made," this guy looks like he could win the trophy on appearance alone. With a ceramic doll mask held on by barbed wire, looks could definitely kill.
Babyface is a beast of an ax-murderer that would even give Jason a hard time. Though the film flies a bit under horror-fans' collected radars, you can't say it doesn't have a memorable villain. If you think you can handle the gruesome and disturbing, spend an hour or two with Babyface.