The most iconic horror characters (and those returning this Halloween 2025)

Wednesday Addams embodies the allure of the macabre with her stoic demeanor and fondness for the sinister, making her an enduring icon of gothic horror. Her distinctive image and unique personality make her a popular and recognizable choice for Halloween costumes, ensuring her continued relevance in horror culture.

• Action, horror, and dark comedy character

• Iconic character

• Define the terror of a new generation

The Babadook is an iconic monster in modern horror cinema, whose shadowy appearance and distinctive design have made it a popular and recognizable Halloween costume. Its origin in a twisted children's story and its psychological symbolism make it an enduring and terrifying character.

• It instills fear

• It represents how people cope with trauma

Annabelle is a possessed doll that has become a modern horror icon thanks to her unsettling presence and the films in which she appears. Her disturbing image and the associated paranormal events have cemented her as a terrifying character.

• Life-size doll

• Unites infamous dolls in cinematic horror

• Viral meme potential

The Nun, with her spectral habit and demonic face, has quickly become an icon of modern horror. Her imposing presence and the scares she provokes make her a popular and terrifying choice for Halloween costumes.

• Spin-off of the horror film 'The Conjuring 2'

• Well produced by James Wan

Frankenstein's monster is an iconic character of Gothic horror and a symbol of unbridled scientific ambition. Its tragic history and monstrous appearance have made it an archetype of the genre.

Art the Clown is an iconic character in modern horror cinema, known for his sadistic nature and sinister clown appearance. His presence in the 'Terrifier' saga has cemented him as a memorable and terrifying villain for new generations.

• Main antagonist in horror movies

• A figure that oscillates between the ridiculous and the macabre

Freddy Krueger is a nightmare killer with a bladed glove who terrorizes his victims in their dreams. His dark humor and ability to manipulate reality have made him a memorable villain and a slasher film icon.

Jason Voorhees is a ruthless killer wearing a hockey mask who stalks Camp Crystal Lake. His imposing presence and thirst for revenge have made him a symbol of slasher horror and a recurring figure at Halloween.

Chucky is a doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer who terrorizes with his childlike appearance and sadistic behavior. His combination of innocence and evil has made him an iconic horror character and a popular choice for Halloween costumes.

• Unique blend of childlike innocence and pure evil

• Distinct personality with sarcasm

Michael Myers is the main antagonist of the 'Halloween' saga, known for his ruthless nature and his iconic mask, making him one of the most recognizable and terrifying horror characters in film.

• Psychopathic killer

Pennywise, also known as 'It', is the main antagonist of Stephen King's novel and its adaptations, establishing himself as a modern horror icon for his terrifying duality between clown and malevolent entity.

• Influential in the contemporary horror genre

• It manipulates the perception of reality

Ghostface is the main antagonist of the Scream franchise and has become a horror movie icon for his distinctive mask and his role in reviving the slasher genre.

• Very talkative, with the intelligence of a predator and a lover of horror movies

Samara Morgan is an iconic character from the horror film saga "The Ring", known for her chilling appearance and the video curse that causes death in seven days.

Regan MacNeil is the central character of "The Exorcist", a 12-year-old girl who is possessed by a demon, making her one of the most terrifying and memorable characters in horror cinema.

• Performed by Linda Blair

Carrie White is the main character in Stephen King's novel and an iconic figure in horror cinema, known for her telekinetic powers and tragic story.

• It cemented Stephen King as a leading figure in horror.

• Impressive dance scene

Hannibal Lecter embodies psychological horror with his brilliant intellect and monstrous behavior, leaving an indelible mark on the horror genre. His refined image combined with his cannibalism makes him a memorable and impactful costume for Halloween.

• A leading figure in suspense and psychological horror cinema

• Complex villain

Leatherface is the main villain of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, recognized for his iconic human skin mask and chainsaw, making him a mainstay of horror cinema.

Count Dracula is the archetypal vampire and one of the most recognizable horror characters in literature. His immortality, bloodlust, and aura of mystery have kept him as a cultural icon.

• Iconic character in horror literature

• The most portrayed character in horror movies

Jigsaw, also known as John Kramer, is the main antagonist of the Saw saga and a central character in modern horror, known for his elaborate traps and twisted philosophy.