Just to start off, this will be a hell of a long post. Due to this, I will attempt to be brief in each countdown and will most likely go into further detail as we meet each character, episode or moment in future reviews and character profiles.
Top 10 Batman Villains:
Going into this list, I thought of a few things that would influence my choices. What they've done, their visual appearance and their one biggest "victory" or accomplishment. All this is based off the Batman The Animated series and not other incarnations.
10) Bane
9) Mad Hatter
8) The Riddler
7) Two-Face
6) Mr. Freeze
5) Catwoman
4) Harley Quinn
3) Poison Ivy
2) Scarecrow
1) The Joker
Top 10 Looney Tunes Characters:
A very common factor for characters you will find, is that visual appearance can play a role in my choices. For these characters it's not a major deciding factor, but what is one is the overall character, what they do in their shorts and just how funny I find them.
10) Sam Sheepdog
9) Gossamer
8) Count Blood Count
7) Tweety Bird
6) Witch Hazel
5) Sylvester
4) Bugs Bunny
3) Pepe Le Pew
2) Wile. E Coyote
1) Marvin Martian
Top 10 Animated Movies (Non-Disney, in my collection):
Alrighty. First off, nothing from Disney appears here. Secondly there are at least three movies that should be on this list but aren't, simply because I am going by what I own. If I didn't limit it that way I could sit here all night trying to whittle my list to just 10. Perhaps in time I will be able to separate the anime entries into their own list and update this one.
10) Happily Ever After
9) All Dogs Go To Heaven
8) Fern Gully
7) G.I Joe: The Movie
6) Digimon the Movie
5) Batman Mask of the Phantasm
4) Anastasia
3) Cardcaptors the Movie
2) Secret of NIMH
1) Spirited Away
Top 10 Ghostbusters Ghosts:
The Real Ghostbusters ghosts only. Ones from the movies, while deserving of spots here will perhaps make appearances on future countdowns. Visual appearance, the ghosts powers and just how much of a match they are for the Ghostbusters are all factors in my choices.
10) Stay Puft Marshmellow Man
9) The Dark Entity
8) Marduk
7) Captain Jack Higgins
6) Sandman
5) Boogieman
4) Lord Kildarby and the Bird of Kildarby
3) Big Boo
2) Rall
1) Samhain
Top 10 Darkwing Duck Villains:
Let's get dangerous! Darkwing Duck's villains are rather fun in the way that they quite often are based off of comic book villains, whether it's the obvious Bushroot/Poison Ivy or the perhaps more obscure Moliarty/Mole Man reference these villains are just a lot of fun. Most of these villains though, are a bit hard to take too seriously, though that looks like it's changing with the Darkwing Duck comic series.
10) Moliarty
9) Tauras Bulba
8) Liquidator
7) Tuskernini
6) Bushroot
5) Megavolt
4) Splatter Phoenix
3) Steelbeak
2) Negaduck
1) Quackerjack and Mr. Banana Brain
Top 10 Scooby-Doo Villains: Seasons 1 and 2 of Scooby-Doo Where Are You?
Yes, yes even though the series was a bit laughable and fairly corny, Scooby-Doo still had some rather unique villains. There are though, a few clunker villains who were nothing more than a cliche ghost. But these villains are, in my opinion, among the more visually unique ones even if it turned out to be someone in a mask each time.
10) Werewolf Ghost
9) Black Knight
8) Miner 49er
7) Elias Kingston
6) Creeper
5) Redbeard
4) Mr. Hyde
3) Snow Ghost
2) Zen Tuo
1) Ghost Clown
Top 10 Movie Monsters Non-Human:
Movie monsters! Who doesn't love a good movie monster? Now, in the title what I mean by human is that there won't be Vampires, Werewolves or Zombies found here. Humanoid ones though can be found here and there in the list.
10) Creature from the Black Lagoon
9) Graboids
8) The Thing
7) King Kong
6) Godzilla
5) Jaws
4) Critters
3) Gremlins
2) Predator
1) Aliens
Top 10 Scary Movie Animals:
The majority of the animals found here are living, breathing animals even if most aren't ones we are likely to encounter on a daily basis. Since dinosaurs do technically classify as animals they have been included in this list, but ones such as dragons with purple spots will obviously not be present. One day though a "Fantasy" oriented list may appear.
10) Grizzly: Grizzly
9) The Birds: Birds
8) Piranhas - Piranha
7) Lake Placid: Crocodile
6) Anaconda - Anaconda
5) Jurassic Park: Velociraptors
4) Jurassic Park: Dilophosauras
3) Arachnophobia: Spiders
2) Jaws: Great White Shark
1) Cujo: Saint Bernard
Disney Villain Songs:
Disney! The main rule of thumb for me when it came to this list was if it's one that was memorable enough to me. Some things that factored into this was the scene itself where this takes place, was it visually interesting? Did it help the story along?
10) The Mob Song: Beauty and the Beast
9) Heffalumps and Woozles: Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
8) World's Greatest Criminal Mastermind: Great Mouse Detective
7) Mother Knows Best: Tangled
6) Be Prepared: Lion King
5) Kidnap the Sandy Claws: Nightmare Before Christmas
4) Gaston: Beauty and the Beast
3) I've Got Friends on the Other Side: Princess and the Frog
2) Hellfire: Hunchback Of Notre Dame
1) Poor Unfortunate Souls: The Little Mermaid
Top 10 Saddest Moments in Disney and Pixar:
Disney is, despite being family friendly, quite good at providing the audience with scenes that are just downright depressing. So of course I had to compile a list of the ten saddest moments in the animated canon and Pixar! Get your kleenex ready or just skip over this list if you'd prefer to stay happy :)
10) Toy Story 2: When She Loved Me (song)
9) UP: Married Life Montage
8) Mickey's Christmas Carol: Bob Crachit in the graveyard
7) Brother Bear: Kenai telling Koda the truth.
6) Tarzan: Kala losing her baby in the opening.
5) Dumbo: Baby of Mine (song)
4) The Lion King: Mufasa's Death
3) Toy Story 3: The ending.
2) Bambi: Bambi's mom getting shot.
1) Snow White: Snow White's funeral/the Dwarf's vigil.
This concludes our 100th post and our 10 Top 10's. I hope you enjoyed scanning through the list, please feel free to drop a comment on what you liked (or didn't like) about each list or even supply a list of your own! See something I missed? Let me know and I'll be happy to point out why I may not have added it to a list.
This blog is going to be a fun way for me to share my thoughts on various films, t.v show episodes and cartoon shorts that I view. As well I hope to share various extra things from countdowns, character profiles to concept art.
Showing posts with label Countdown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Countdown. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Countdown: Top 10 Halloween Characters
A story is only as good as it's characters, so since it's the Halloween season still I thought I would countdown my favorite characters. So let the countdown begin!
10) Billy the "Good Zombie" (Hocus Pocus)
Though he does not get a whole lot of screen time, Billy still provides a lot of fun moments in the movie. Given how he at first works for the witches, there's also a feeling of worry that he might catch up to Max, Dani and Allison and gives the film more of a chase feeling. In the end though, he winds up helping them and earns his rest in peace...again.
9) Lonesome Ghosts (The Lonesome Ghosts)
Quite bored, these playful ghosts decide to call Mickey, Donald and Goofy to their home to have some fun scaring them. Even though our heroic trio are the main focus of the shorts, the ghosts provide plenty of fun interactions and are some of the more fondly remembered characters from the older Walt Disney shorts.
8) Marnie Piper (Halloweentown Series)
Despite the actress change in the fourth film, the character of Marnie is still rather enjoyable largely in part to her character growth. In the first film she does start out as a tad obnoxious, but through the films grows to a powerful and confident witch who is capable of handling herself. With some help from her friends and family. Even then, we get to see her grow closer to her mother and brother from her initial attitude towards them that leaves them at odds with each other.
7) Witch Hazel (Trick or Treat)
One of the rare "good" witches, Hazel is an enjoyable character with her zany attitude. Even though she appears in only the one cartoon short, and it's comic adaptation she still manages to come across as a lot of fun - even stopping to make a potion with a spell that's "the real thing, you know right out of Shakespeare"
6) Samhain (The Real Ghostbusters)
As I've said in my review of the episode, Samhain is one of the most enjoyable parts for me. Simplistic design aside, I still rather enjoy his overall visual look because it's not overly distracting. Instead we get a rather creepy villain who is also quite powerful given how he can change the clock tower and lord over all the various minions and spooks in the city. Sadly though, he is captured after the Ghostbusters come to save the day.
5) Samhain (Supernatural)
The origin of Halloween, Samhain is one of the more well known demons in the Supernatural world. Unlike the black-eyed demons, Samhain appears to be a higher up given how his eyes are similar to Lilith. Much like the Ghostbusters version, this Samhain is able to summon and control demons and zombies. But if I had to place a bet, I'd be willing to say this guy would win out in a fight between the two versions.
4) Witch Hazel (Broomstick Bunny)
Though she appears in more than just the one Halloween short, Witch Hazel is just too much fun to leave out. From her comical cackle, to the hairpins left in her wake as she zooms off it's no doubt that this Witch can bring the comedy. Putting that aside, she also knows how to get down to business and has a threatening side as she chases poor Bugs with an axe.
3) Grandma Aggie (Halloweentown Series)
Partly higher up on the list due to the wonderful performance that actress Debbie Reynolds gives, but Grandma Aggie is also a wonderful character in a series that does hit a slow note in the fourth installment. Definitely the highlight of the series, Aggie's wise ways and grandmotherly nature make her a charming character that is a delight to watch in action.
2) Headless Horseman (Disney's Sleepy Hollow)
Even though he does not appear until the very end of the short, the Headless Horseman is still quite a frightening sight to behold. The simple design, much like Samhain, works in his favor and couples well with all the suspense that builds up to his appearance. The flaming pumpkin that he throws at Ichabod at the end of a scary chase is just the icing on the cake as the cartoon reaches it's climax.
1) The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus)
It would be impossible to list the Sandersons as separate characters, given how well they play off each other in their interactions. Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kath Najimy work so well together to bring this trio of witches to life and deliver the comedy, and the scary, a mile a minute in Hocus Pocus. From all of their great lines, interactions with each other, interactions with the present day and the showstopping number they perform the Sandersons have it all. One would be hard pressed to not laugh as you watch them seek out their book so they can suck the souls of all the children in Salem.
10) Billy the "Good Zombie" (Hocus Pocus)
Though he does not get a whole lot of screen time, Billy still provides a lot of fun moments in the movie. Given how he at first works for the witches, there's also a feeling of worry that he might catch up to Max, Dani and Allison and gives the film more of a chase feeling. In the end though, he winds up helping them and earns his rest in peace...again.
9) Lonesome Ghosts (The Lonesome Ghosts)
Quite bored, these playful ghosts decide to call Mickey, Donald and Goofy to their home to have some fun scaring them. Even though our heroic trio are the main focus of the shorts, the ghosts provide plenty of fun interactions and are some of the more fondly remembered characters from the older Walt Disney shorts.
8) Marnie Piper (Halloweentown Series)
Despite the actress change in the fourth film, the character of Marnie is still rather enjoyable largely in part to her character growth. In the first film she does start out as a tad obnoxious, but through the films grows to a powerful and confident witch who is capable of handling herself. With some help from her friends and family. Even then, we get to see her grow closer to her mother and brother from her initial attitude towards them that leaves them at odds with each other.
7) Witch Hazel (Trick or Treat)
One of the rare "good" witches, Hazel is an enjoyable character with her zany attitude. Even though she appears in only the one cartoon short, and it's comic adaptation she still manages to come across as a lot of fun - even stopping to make a potion with a spell that's "the real thing, you know right out of Shakespeare"
6) Samhain (The Real Ghostbusters)
As I've said in my review of the episode, Samhain is one of the most enjoyable parts for me. Simplistic design aside, I still rather enjoy his overall visual look because it's not overly distracting. Instead we get a rather creepy villain who is also quite powerful given how he can change the clock tower and lord over all the various minions and spooks in the city. Sadly though, he is captured after the Ghostbusters come to save the day.
5) Samhain (Supernatural)
The origin of Halloween, Samhain is one of the more well known demons in the Supernatural world. Unlike the black-eyed demons, Samhain appears to be a higher up given how his eyes are similar to Lilith. Much like the Ghostbusters version, this Samhain is able to summon and control demons and zombies. But if I had to place a bet, I'd be willing to say this guy would win out in a fight between the two versions.
4) Witch Hazel (Broomstick Bunny)
Though she appears in more than just the one Halloween short, Witch Hazel is just too much fun to leave out. From her comical cackle, to the hairpins left in her wake as she zooms off it's no doubt that this Witch can bring the comedy. Putting that aside, she also knows how to get down to business and has a threatening side as she chases poor Bugs with an axe.
3) Grandma Aggie (Halloweentown Series)
Partly higher up on the list due to the wonderful performance that actress Debbie Reynolds gives, but Grandma Aggie is also a wonderful character in a series that does hit a slow note in the fourth installment. Definitely the highlight of the series, Aggie's wise ways and grandmotherly nature make her a charming character that is a delight to watch in action.
2) Headless Horseman (Disney's Sleepy Hollow)
Even though he does not appear until the very end of the short, the Headless Horseman is still quite a frightening sight to behold. The simple design, much like Samhain, works in his favor and couples well with all the suspense that builds up to his appearance. The flaming pumpkin that he throws at Ichabod at the end of a scary chase is just the icing on the cake as the cartoon reaches it's climax.
1) The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus)
It would be impossible to list the Sandersons as separate characters, given how well they play off each other in their interactions. Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kath Najimy work so well together to bring this trio of witches to life and deliver the comedy, and the scary, a mile a minute in Hocus Pocus. From all of their great lines, interactions with each other, interactions with the present day and the showstopping number they perform the Sandersons have it all. One would be hard pressed to not laugh as you watch them seek out their book so they can suck the souls of all the children in Salem.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Countdown: Top Ten Halloween Specials/Episodes
Continuing with the Halloween-themed countdowns, I now present my ten favorite Halloween specials, episodes and shorts. Sadly there are a lot more out there that most likely deserve a spot on here, but I have been unable to track them all down.
10) Halloween (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2)
While it's a tad odd to see a Halloween episode in a show that's always got monsters running amok, this one is rather enjoyable and seems to fit right in with the rest of the episodes in the season. Despite having more time to tell the story, it just doesn't quite have that extra bit to earn a place higher on the list.
9) Eye of the Beholder (Gargoyles Season 2)
Ah, Gargoyles. This was quite fun since the our heroes actually get a chance to walk amongst the humans without causing a stir. This provides some fun opportunities and interactions. Though a fair amount of time is directed towards the trouble that Fox is in as Goliath and Xanatos work together to help.
8) Headless Horseman Of Halloween (Scooby-Doo)
While I have already reviewed this not too long ago, this episode is a lot of fun as we see a Scooby version of the Horseman. Even if the story is pretty straight forward, and the villain obvious it's still pretty fun especially with the inclusion of Scooby-Dum.
7) It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester (Supernatural Season 3)
Much like Buffy, having a Halloween episode on a show known for it's monsters can be a tad odd. But also a bit fitting since we can explore Samhain and the holiday itself a bit more. As it turns out Samhain is featured in this episode as one of the many Seals locking up Lucifer. The twist on Samhain was rather fun to see as well as the take on the holiday from a more Supernatural perspective.
6) Broomstick Bunny (Bugs Bunny Short)
One of my favorite Bugs shorts, this trip features our favorite rabbit as he matches wits against Witch Hazel. While the Halloween theme is only referenced largely in the beginning to set things up, the short itself is quite enjoyable from start to finish.
5) Trick or Treat (Donald Duck Short)
Much like the previous entry, this short features a Witch Hazel who is even voiced by the same actress as Broomstick Bunny. This Donald short features the poor duck as he battles against Witch Hazel who is intent of teaching him to be less stingy with the candy. The addition of Huey, Dewey and Louie makes this a perfect short, especially with the song we have included.
4) When Halloween Was Forever (The Real Ghostbusters)
Who you gonna call? Ghosbusters! Once again we find a twist on Samhain in the form of a spook with a pumpkin for a head. I remember this cartoon from when I was younger and have always loved the character as he's surrounded by the ghosts flying up to him. Definately a favorite that is viewed not only every year at Halloween but still enjoyable any time.
3) Garfield's Halloween Adventure (Garfield Special)
I've always loved Garfield, adding in my love of Halloween and we have a recipe for success. Watching our hefty as trick or treats with Odie is enjoyable to watch, especially with the catchy songs that can stick in your head. The pirates who are surprisingly scary for a Garfield cartoon are a definate highlight and pretty well handled. Worthy of it's place on this list.
2) It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (Peanuts Special)
.....I got a rock. This short, much like the others on this list is rather timeless. The fact it's lasted this long is a testament to it's high enjoyability as we watch our favorite Peanuts characters celebrate Halloween. Getting to watch Sally be duped into sitting with Linus as they wait for the Great Pumpkin still earns laughs.
1) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)
From the creepy atmosphere, the fun songs to the great characters, Disney's telling of Sleepy Hollow has it all. The Horseman chasing Ichabod through the forest can be quite creepy and is well animatd. The suspense built up through the night as Ichabod is exposed to the legend by Brom Bones at the party is well done. Definately my favorite Halloween special even if it may not take place on the day itself.
Honorable Mentions. While some of these may be questionable for where they are from, I felt the following deserved at least a slight nod for their use of Halloween.
- Things That Go Bump In The Night (Tiny Toons)
- Hyde and Hare (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Transylvania 6-5000 (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Trick or Treat (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Life's A Masquerade (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Fear, Itself (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
- The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (Flintstones)
- Treehouse of Horror series (Simpsons, much thanks to Garethil for pointing out they were missing :) )
10) Halloween (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2)
While it's a tad odd to see a Halloween episode in a show that's always got monsters running amok, this one is rather enjoyable and seems to fit right in with the rest of the episodes in the season. Despite having more time to tell the story, it just doesn't quite have that extra bit to earn a place higher on the list.
9) Eye of the Beholder (Gargoyles Season 2)
Ah, Gargoyles. This was quite fun since the our heroes actually get a chance to walk amongst the humans without causing a stir. This provides some fun opportunities and interactions. Though a fair amount of time is directed towards the trouble that Fox is in as Goliath and Xanatos work together to help.
8) Headless Horseman Of Halloween (Scooby-Doo)
While I have already reviewed this not too long ago, this episode is a lot of fun as we see a Scooby version of the Horseman. Even if the story is pretty straight forward, and the villain obvious it's still pretty fun especially with the inclusion of Scooby-Dum.
7) It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester (Supernatural Season 3)
Much like Buffy, having a Halloween episode on a show known for it's monsters can be a tad odd. But also a bit fitting since we can explore Samhain and the holiday itself a bit more. As it turns out Samhain is featured in this episode as one of the many Seals locking up Lucifer. The twist on Samhain was rather fun to see as well as the take on the holiday from a more Supernatural perspective.
6) Broomstick Bunny (Bugs Bunny Short)
One of my favorite Bugs shorts, this trip features our favorite rabbit as he matches wits against Witch Hazel. While the Halloween theme is only referenced largely in the beginning to set things up, the short itself is quite enjoyable from start to finish.
5) Trick or Treat (Donald Duck Short)
Much like the previous entry, this short features a Witch Hazel who is even voiced by the same actress as Broomstick Bunny. This Donald short features the poor duck as he battles against Witch Hazel who is intent of teaching him to be less stingy with the candy. The addition of Huey, Dewey and Louie makes this a perfect short, especially with the song we have included.
4) When Halloween Was Forever (The Real Ghostbusters)
Who you gonna call? Ghosbusters! Once again we find a twist on Samhain in the form of a spook with a pumpkin for a head. I remember this cartoon from when I was younger and have always loved the character as he's surrounded by the ghosts flying up to him. Definately a favorite that is viewed not only every year at Halloween but still enjoyable any time.
3) Garfield's Halloween Adventure (Garfield Special)
I've always loved Garfield, adding in my love of Halloween and we have a recipe for success. Watching our hefty as trick or treats with Odie is enjoyable to watch, especially with the catchy songs that can stick in your head. The pirates who are surprisingly scary for a Garfield cartoon are a definate highlight and pretty well handled. Worthy of it's place on this list.
2) It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (Peanuts Special)
.....I got a rock. This short, much like the others on this list is rather timeless. The fact it's lasted this long is a testament to it's high enjoyability as we watch our favorite Peanuts characters celebrate Halloween. Getting to watch Sally be duped into sitting with Linus as they wait for the Great Pumpkin still earns laughs.
1) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)
From the creepy atmosphere, the fun songs to the great characters, Disney's telling of Sleepy Hollow has it all. The Horseman chasing Ichabod through the forest can be quite creepy and is well animatd. The suspense built up through the night as Ichabod is exposed to the legend by Brom Bones at the party is well done. Definately my favorite Halloween special even if it may not take place on the day itself.
Honorable Mentions. While some of these may be questionable for where they are from, I felt the following deserved at least a slight nod for their use of Halloween.
- Things That Go Bump In The Night (Tiny Toons)
- Hyde and Hare (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Transylvania 6-5000 (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Trick or Treat (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Life's A Masquerade (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Fear, Itself (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
- The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (Flintstones)
- Treehouse of Horror series (Simpsons, much thanks to Garethil for pointing out they were missing :) )
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Countdown: Horror Movie Killers
Horror killers. While they have been a staple to the genre, there seemed to be a larger number during the 1970's and onwards. Tonight I countdown my top 10 favorites, as well toss out a few honorable mentions to those I have not seen in action yet.
10) The Leprechaun (Leprechaun)
This feisty Leprechaun is much happier when he has his pot of gold. Though when that is taken, the gloves come off and the bodies begin to pile up. The Leprechaun can be rather creepy at times, one of his most notable scenes includes killing someone with a pogo stick.
9) Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow)
One of the most iconic characters around the Halloween season, the story of the Headless Horseman is well known and has had many retellings. Tim Burton's Horseman however is perhaps the most frightening version to date. One of his most notable scenes is the fight on the bridge.
8) Ben Willis (I Know What You Did Last Summer)
Seeking revenge for what they did to him one summer, Ben Willis targets four friends. At first he slowly messes with them, throwing suspicions to others and on each other. Soon though the games end and Ben begins to take down anyone who gets in his way as he gets his revenge on the friends.
7) Candyman (Candyman)
Abandoning humor like some of the killers on this list, the Candyman is one of the creepiest of the lot. One of his best scenes is where he tries to convince Helen, the protagonist from the first film, to join him in undeath and fuel the legend more. This is one vengeful man you don't want to summon.
6) The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers)
Every 21 years this demon rises to feed. Unlike the others, the Creeper has the ability to keep up with his victims by flying overhead and swooping down on whoever is unlucky enough to be below him. His number of victims is staggering, a large number of victims buried beneath his house of pain.
5) Chucky aka Charles Lee Ray (Child's Play)
Serial killer turned doll through the help of voodoo. Chucky proves that size doesn't matter as he terrorizes the child, Andy Barclay. What's more frightening about Chucky is how in the first film there is less of a focus on simply getting a large body count and more on his interactions with Andy. Sadly the later films turned him first into a run of the mill slasher, and again into a more comedic character.
4) Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
While not knowing where the killer is that's stalking you, somtimes it can be even worse hearing the sound of a chainsaw revving as he hunts you down. Despite the burden of lugging the chainsaw around with him, Leatherface still manages to get to his victim as he chases them down. The use of different masks made of human flesh, and his character being based in part off of a real life killer earns Leatherface this spot on the list.
3) Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th Part 2)
At first I was a bit unsure where to place Jason. For a long time he's remained an iconic character for me when it comes to horror. Jason, despite not appearing until the second installment still manages to produce a pretty sizeable body count over the course of the series. One thing Jason has going for him is that he is not dialogue dependent, which can give an eerie edge not knowing what he's thinking.
2) Michael Myers (Halloween)
One thing I love about the original Michael, is how he comes from a normal family. To me that is far more frightening to see than a potentially more obvious approach like we see in the remakes. Like Jason, we don't get any dialogue though I find that Michael wins out a lot more in the eerie department. While his body count may not be as large as others, Michael makes up for it in various other departments. As well, he is one of the more brutal members of the list and is even able to drive a car! Something we don't really see often from a slasher.
1) Freddy Krueger (Nightmare On Elm Street)
Ah, Freddy. The most frightening aspect about him is that you aren't safe. Ever. You will have to fall asleep eventually, or else risk slowly damaging yourself to stay awake. When you do fall asleep you're trapped in his world and are forced to play by his rules. This killer is taking out his revenge on the parents of Elm street by taking out their children one by one. From his iconic look, to the gloved hand, Krueger is pure evil and one of the biggest villains in the game.
*Honorable Mentions*
- Annie Wilkes (Misery)
- Pinhead (Hellraiser)
- The Djinn (Wishmaster)
- Norman Bates (Psycho)
- The Hills Clan (Hills Have Eyes)
One thing to keep in mind regarding Jason Voorhees, Michael Myer and Freddy Krueger is that the incarnations I have chosen for the list are the originals and not the remade characters.
See anybody on the list that I missed? Drop me a line and I'll include my thoughts the next chance I get!
10) The Leprechaun (Leprechaun)
This feisty Leprechaun is much happier when he has his pot of gold. Though when that is taken, the gloves come off and the bodies begin to pile up. The Leprechaun can be rather creepy at times, one of his most notable scenes includes killing someone with a pogo stick.
9) Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow)
One of the most iconic characters around the Halloween season, the story of the Headless Horseman is well known and has had many retellings. Tim Burton's Horseman however is perhaps the most frightening version to date. One of his most notable scenes is the fight on the bridge.
8) Ben Willis (I Know What You Did Last Summer)
Seeking revenge for what they did to him one summer, Ben Willis targets four friends. At first he slowly messes with them, throwing suspicions to others and on each other. Soon though the games end and Ben begins to take down anyone who gets in his way as he gets his revenge on the friends.
7) Candyman (Candyman)
Abandoning humor like some of the killers on this list, the Candyman is one of the creepiest of the lot. One of his best scenes is where he tries to convince Helen, the protagonist from the first film, to join him in undeath and fuel the legend more. This is one vengeful man you don't want to summon.
6) The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers)
Every 21 years this demon rises to feed. Unlike the others, the Creeper has the ability to keep up with his victims by flying overhead and swooping down on whoever is unlucky enough to be below him. His number of victims is staggering, a large number of victims buried beneath his house of pain.
5) Chucky aka Charles Lee Ray (Child's Play)
Serial killer turned doll through the help of voodoo. Chucky proves that size doesn't matter as he terrorizes the child, Andy Barclay. What's more frightening about Chucky is how in the first film there is less of a focus on simply getting a large body count and more on his interactions with Andy. Sadly the later films turned him first into a run of the mill slasher, and again into a more comedic character.
4) Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
While not knowing where the killer is that's stalking you, somtimes it can be even worse hearing the sound of a chainsaw revving as he hunts you down. Despite the burden of lugging the chainsaw around with him, Leatherface still manages to get to his victim as he chases them down. The use of different masks made of human flesh, and his character being based in part off of a real life killer earns Leatherface this spot on the list.
3) Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th Part 2)
At first I was a bit unsure where to place Jason. For a long time he's remained an iconic character for me when it comes to horror. Jason, despite not appearing until the second installment still manages to produce a pretty sizeable body count over the course of the series. One thing Jason has going for him is that he is not dialogue dependent, which can give an eerie edge not knowing what he's thinking.
2) Michael Myers (Halloween)
One thing I love about the original Michael, is how he comes from a normal family. To me that is far more frightening to see than a potentially more obvious approach like we see in the remakes. Like Jason, we don't get any dialogue though I find that Michael wins out a lot more in the eerie department. While his body count may not be as large as others, Michael makes up for it in various other departments. As well, he is one of the more brutal members of the list and is even able to drive a car! Something we don't really see often from a slasher.
1) Freddy Krueger (Nightmare On Elm Street)
Ah, Freddy. The most frightening aspect about him is that you aren't safe. Ever. You will have to fall asleep eventually, or else risk slowly damaging yourself to stay awake. When you do fall asleep you're trapped in his world and are forced to play by his rules. This killer is taking out his revenge on the parents of Elm street by taking out their children one by one. From his iconic look, to the gloved hand, Krueger is pure evil and one of the biggest villains in the game.
*Honorable Mentions*
- Annie Wilkes (Misery)
- Pinhead (Hellraiser)
- The Djinn (Wishmaster)
- Norman Bates (Psycho)
- The Hills Clan (Hills Have Eyes)
One thing to keep in mind regarding Jason Voorhees, Michael Myer and Freddy Krueger is that the incarnations I have chosen for the list are the originals and not the remade characters.
See anybody on the list that I missed? Drop me a line and I'll include my thoughts the next chance I get!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)