5 Horror Icons Who Need to Return in the 2020s

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Horror movies have been incredibly strong in recent years. Each year seems to bring even more impressive films, with exciting new directors making a big impact. Just next year, 2025, will see releases like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which builds suspense through atmosphere rather than jump scares, and Zach Cregger’s Weapons, a film that expertly mixes horror and humor. It’s worth noting that these are both original stories, not part of existing horror franchises. However, established franchises like Scream and Halloween are still proving popular with audiences.

Michael Myers and Ghostface have seen continued success, but many other classic horror villains haven’t been so fortunate this decade. Some might not get another chance to scare audiences before the 2020s are over, and that would be a shame. Here are five horror icons who deserve a comeback before 2030.

5) Hannibal Lecter

The Academy Awards often overlooks excellent work in horror films. Great performances are frequently ignored simply because they’re part of a scary movie. However, Anthony Hopkins forced the Academy to take notice when he brilliantly portrayed the serial killer Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. Later, Mads Mikkelsen continued that legacy in the TV series Hannibal, exploring the villain’s earlier life.

It’s rare to find actors as talented as Hopkins or Mikkelsen, and it’s disappointing that Hollywood doesn’t seem more interested in bringing Hannibal Lecter back to the screen. There’s often talk of a return, but it never happens. Given the current popularity of true crime stories, a villain who preys on victims in a realistic way – without relying on supernatural elements – feels like a strong idea.

4) Freddy Krueger

Freddy Krueger was once the most popular villain in horror. The A Nightmare on Elm Street films created a truly frightening character who stayed with viewers long after the credits rolled. However, like many successful series, the franchise eventually declined, with the character appearing in increasingly silly and unbelievable situations that damaged its reputation.

It’s been fifteen years since the last A Nightmare on Elm Street film, and honestly, that’s probably for the best, considering the 2010 movie wasn’t well-received. However, Jackie Earle Haley, who played Freddy Krueger in that film, wasn’t the reason it failed. He could easily reprise the role today, targeting a new generation of kids who are glued to their phones instead of sleeping.

3) Jason Voorhees

Jason Voorhees, much like Freddy Krueger, hasn’t appeared in a new film for over ten years. His last movie didn’t perform well, and various problems during production have stalled any potential sequels. It seems audiences and the studio are ready to move past the Friday the 13th franchise.

Several projects are currently in development. A24 is creating a TV show called Crystal Lake that will explore Jason’s early years. However, this is expected to be just one piece of the larger Friday the 13th story, paving the way for a new Friday the 13th movie where Jason terrorizes a fresh group of people.

2) Samara

While the original The Ring successfully introduced a creepy premise to American audiences – a cursed videotape and the vengeful spirit Samara – the franchise has steadily declined. The sequels haven’t lived up to the first film, offering predictable stories that felt better suited for home video than the big screen.

Now that technology is so central to our lives, there’s potential for the character Samara to reappear and still be frightening. The image of a scary girl emerging from a TV screen remains genuinely unsettling, but the story surrounding her needs to be well-done to maintain that impact.

1) Jennifer Check

Jennifer Check, the main character in Jennifer’s Body, is the only horror figure on this list who hasn’t starred in a full series of movies. Played by Megan Fox, she preys on men who mistreat women, delivering a harsh punishment. While the film wasn’t a big hit when it first came out, it’s since gained a dedicated and passionate following as a cult favorite.

I’m so excited to hear there might be a sequel to Jennifer’s Body! Everything I’m seeing suggests Megan Fox will be involved somehow, even though her character, Jennifer, seemingly met a pretty definitive end. But honestly, they need to move quickly – fans can lose interest fast. I really want to see Jennifer get another chance to cause trouble, whether that means continuing her hunt or, at the very least, continuing to mess with Needy!

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2025-10-21 03:10