10 Underrated Horror Movie Villains That Should Have Gotten Their Own Franchises

The long-term triumph of the horror film genre is primarily attributed to several fundamental aspects. Firstly, the use of symbolic narratives and thematic storytelling has been instrumental. Secondly, connecting with contemporary societal issues to create timely and terrifying stories adds significant value. However, what truly propels the genre’s enduring success is the emergence of horror film series, where popular films spawn numerous sequels, thereby increasing character popularity and securing a permanent place in horror cinema history. Regrettably, not all exceptional horror films are part of franchises; some remain standalone masterpieces.

Many outstanding horror films spawn successful sequels, but unfortunately, there are far more that go unnoticed. While the horror genre has produced several memorable villains with immense potential, not all have managed to fully realize their threat level. Although standalone horror movies frequently offer satisfying conclusions, certain villains merit a comeback to keep audiences on edge, and it feels like a missed opportunity when this doesn’t happen.

1) Sue Ann “Ma” Ellington – Ma (2019)

In 2019’s “Ma”, a movie about a group of teenagers, we meet Sue Ann Ellington, who they endearingly refer to as “Ma”. When she starts providing alcohol for the local teens and invites them to her unoccupied basement under the guise of concern for their safety, it initially seems harmless. However, Sue Ann’s fixation on the teens and their lives gradually turns dark, culminating in a violent showdown once they delve into Ma’s hidden secrets.

In Octavia Spencer’s portrayal of the character, there are all the elements of an outstanding villain. Initially, she appears compassionate, but her deceitful and unpredictable traits eventually emerge, transforming her into a chilling antagonist reminiscent of horror movie monsters. The film provides Ma with a conclusive ending, yet it seems fitting for her character to reappear, either in a prequel or resurrected through some supernatural means typical in horror films. The prospect of watching her torment and terrorize another community would be captivating, though it appears quite improbable. Fortunately, there’s talk of MA 2 being developed.

2) The Lasser Glass – Oculus (2013)

In 2013, the horror movie “Oculus” might not be as widely recognized as some others from the 2010s, but it’s definitely a chilling film that showcases Mike Flanagan’s exceptional storytelling and directing skills. This was his second feature film, following “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass,” and features Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Katee Sackhoff, and Kate Siegel in the lead roles. The plot revolves around two siblings who are on a mission to uncover the truth behind the Lasser Glass, a mirror they believe is responsible for their family’s curse. The story unfolds through a blend of their current-day events and flashbacks detailing their encounters with the Lasser Glass during their childhood.

In this rephrased version, let me say: The Lasser Glass plays a pivotal role in the movie, acting as the primary antagonist. Despite being an ordinary-looking mirror, it makes for a chilling villain. The manner in which the mirror haunts its victims creates genuinely terrifying visual horror scenes, giving Oculus a unique and unsettling twist that could have potential for sequels. Continuing the story by having the mirror terrorize another family would follow logically, keeping Flanagan’s original concept fresh within a potential franchise.

3) Lola Stone – The Loved Ones (2009)

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for the underrated gem that is “The Loved Ones” – a horror masterpiece from the ’00s that often gets overshadowed in discussions about the genre. This chilling Australian production takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the nightmare of Brent, a high school student who initially turns down the invitation to the school dance from Lola Stone, little knowing that his refusal would lead him straight into her clutches. Unbeknownst to him, he finds himself in the grip of Lola’s family, forced to play along as her date at their home, while enduring unspeakable torments within its haunting walls.

In certain aspects, Lola shares the role of victim with Brent in “The Loved Ones” narrative, given her unsettling background. The film concludes with Lola being killed by Brent during his escape, but a compelling twist could involve her resurfacing to orchestrate more twisted plots against unknowing victims, potentially expanding “The Loved Ones” into a franchise. Lola is a multifaceted and sinister character, whose unique upbringing, peculiar tendencies, and experiences from the initial movie make her an ideal candidate for a horror series’ main antagonist.

4) Horace Pinker – Shocker (1989)

One intriguing and memorable horror movie from the 1980s that unjustly didn’t get a sequel is “Shocker.” This film, though somewhat strange, is worth noting for its unique plotline. The story revolves around Horace Pinker, a notorious serial killer who specifically targets the relatives of a local police officer. After being apprehended by the officer’s son, Pinker is eventually executed via electric chair. However, his death isn’t the end – he comes back from the dead with the ability to harness electricity as a means for seeking revenge on the boy who played a part in his capture.

The unique method taken by “Shocker” in the horror genre, which blended elements from famous characters like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees through its portrayal of Horace Pinker, was met with controversy. Despite the film’s flaws, such as issues with special effects, Pinker had potential to become a significant horror franchise antagonist. Unfortunately, due to not having a sequel, Pinker’s terror-filled reign remained unfinished. Continuing his story would have been a natural progression for “Shocker,” as Pinker was an intriguing villain that deserved further exploration.

5) Harry Warden – My Bloody Valentine (1981)

1981’s “My Bloody Valentine” is a prime example of an exceptional, yet often underappreciated slasher film that hasn’t received the recognition it merits. Despite facing censorship before its premiere, it left an indelible mark in horror movie lore as one of the early innovators contributing to the development of the slasher subgenre. The story unfolds in a small-town mining community who are haunted by the resurfacing of the ruthless miner Harry Warden, 20 years after his initial massacre.

In the horror film “My Bloody Valentine“, Harry Warden is a towering figure, fully dressed in mining attire from head to toe. The film’s portrayal of a massive physical presence as the antagonist was reminiscent of the success found in “Halloween” and paved the way for the introduction of Jason Voorhees. Unfortunately, despite being a potential horror icon, Harry Warden never had the opportunity to reappear in subsequent films, leaving him short of the legendary status he might have achieved.

6) Doom-Head – 31 (2016)

Rob Zombie’s journey from renowned musician to acclaimed horror filmmaker has resulted in the creation of many beloved on-screen villains. Particularly noteworthy is his movie, 31, which showcases one standout performance – that of Richard Brake as Doom-Head. In this film, a band of carnival workers find themselves abducted by a group of homicidal clowns called the Heads, who subject them to a lethal maze for their amusement.

In the movie, Doom-Head stands out as the top character, with Bill Moseley’s exceptional portrayal being the key factor. This chilling character combines cold, calculated demeanor with delight in violence, making him a terrifying staple in horror films. The intriguing cliffhanger at the end of 31 leaves us questioning his fate. Among Rob Zombie’s characters, Doom-Head is a strong contender for leading his own franchise due to his captivating and unsettling nature, setting him apart in modern horror cinema.

7) The Babadook – The Babadook (2014)

The film titled “The Babadook” garnered significant recognition and praise when it debuted. It revolves around a widowed mother and her child as they strive to deal with an ominous entity that appears to dwell in their house. The Babadook, a character first depicted in a spooky pop-up children’s book within the movie, has become one of the most striking newcomers among horror movie villains adorned with a top hat.

The eerie presence of the Babadook significantly enhances the film’s terror, particularly when he materializes through a rather disturbing children’s book format. Despite the climax where the antagonist is defeated, his ultimate destiny remains uncertain, hinting at a possible comeback. If the Babadook were to invade more families and homes, it could establish an engaging franchise, allowing him to fully realize his potential as one of the scariest horror movie villains ever created.

8) Leslie Vernon – Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)

Among the numerous underrated horror films, only a handful can boast of being as exceptional and original as “Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon“. This film offers a blend of dark comedy and horror in the form of a mockumentary, where it explores a world where famous movie slashers are actual, admired figures. The character Leslie Vernon aspires to join their ranks by becoming the next great villain himself. Notably, while Leslie serves as the protagonist, his character in “Behind the Mask” also hints at immense potential for future villainy.

The mockumentary-style narrative of this film cleverly blends tribute and satire of the slasher genre, making Leslie Vernon a captivating character and formidable antagonist. By offering a unique and humorously dark glimpse into the mindset of a horror movie villain, it provides viewers with an unparalleled perspective. In other words, Behind the Mask offers a fresh, darkly comical take on the inner workings of a slasher film’s antagonist. Furthermore, the ending subtly hints at a possible sequel, but it seems that Leslie Vernon may not be destined to spearhead his own franchise, despite its potential greatness.

9) Calvin – Life (2017)

In 2017’s Life, while some viewers found it reminiscent of sci-fi horror classics like Alien and The Thing, it earned praise from critics for its exploration of intriguing narrative themes. The plot revolves around a team of six astronauts on the International Space Station, who make a shocking discovery of extraterrestrial life on Mars. Naming the entity Calvin, they soon realize that it is much more complex and dangerous than initially perceived, posing a grave threat to the entire crew.

In a horrifying twist, Calvin’s character as a terror from beyond the grave serves the classic template of enigmatic slayers with unfathomable objectives. As he rapidly develops and demonstrates remarkable intelligence, it becomes clear that he isn’t merely a danger to the team, but to mankind at large. By the film’s chilling finale, Calvin has infiltrated Earth, making him an ideal antagonist for a horror series. His capacity for adaptation instills a terrifying sense of dread and uncertainty into any storyline.

10) Mary Shaw – Dead Silence (2007)

In terms of ’00s horror films, Dead Silence may not be the most critically acclaimed or popular, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression. After achieving success with his first three movies, all part of the Saw series, director James Wan chose to delve into making Dead Silence, a supernatural horror about a grieving widower on a quest for answers regarding his wife’s demise. Unbeknownst to him, he walks straight into the path of a supernatural assassin. Despite being a critical and commercial failure initially, Dead Silence has since gained a dedicated cult following.

The principal antagonist in the movie “Dead Silence” is Mary Shaw, a ventriloquist who died but continued to haunt her hometown. She seeks revenge on those she believed caused her death using an army of dolls, puppets, and dummies. Due to its unique supernatural premise centered around dolls and the chilling potential of this concept, Mary Shaw could be a fantastic choice to spearhead a horror movie series. Despite some flaws in the original film, “Dead Silence” has the potential to launch a successful and frightening franchise, with the indelible image of Mary Shaw as its centerpiece.

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2025-07-07 19:42