The 12 Most Impressive Movie Masks Ever

      These movie masks are among the most iconic in cinematic history.

      Do you recall the time when everyone was constantly wearing masks?

      We’re relieved that’s no longer the case.

      The Bane Mask in The Dark Knight Rises

      Tom Hardy portrays Bane, while Christian Bale plays Batman – Credit: Warner Bros.

      We’ve all mimicked the “Bane mask voice” by cupping our hands around our mouths and speaking in a high-pitched British accent.

      However, the mask also envelops Bane in mystery: Does it aid his breathing? Does it conceal scars? Bane’s mask is as alluring and stylish as the character who dons it.

      The Ghostface Mask in the Scream Saga

      Matthew Lillard as Ghostface – Credit: Miramax

      The Ghostface slasher mask from Scream is oddly silly, pulp-like, and intimidating all at once. Its simple appearance masks the terrifying killer(s) who wear it.

      Experiencing a Halloween without this costume, based on one of the most recognizable movie masks, would be quite unusual.

      The Hannibal Lecter Mask in The Silence of the Lambs

      Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter – Credit: Orion

      In the classic adaptation of Thomas Harris's work, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter actually wears two notable movie masks. The first is his fearsome muzzle, resembling a Jason Voorhees-type mask that bars his mouth.

      The second one is far less stylish — it’s a real human face.

      While the former has become more embedded in pop culture than the latter, both deserve recognition.

      The Jason Mask in the Friday the 13th Films

      Derek Mears as Jason Voorhees – Credit: Paramount

      The cinematic impact of Jason Voorhees' hockey mask is immeasurable. Numerous films reference Jason's crude face-covering, making it almost a staple in bank robbery depictions.

      Interestingly, the mask that would become synonymous with Friday the 13th — and slasher films in general — did not appear until Friday the 13th Part III, released in 1982.

      This hockey mask serves as a simple yet powerful symbol of fear that won’t be fading from public consciousness anytime soon.

      Tie: All the Eyes Wide Shut Masks

      Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut – Credit: Warner Bros

      The Venetian masks seen during the secret party scene in Eyes Wide Shut embody the kind of extravagance and costuming we associate with a Stanley Kubrick film.

      They are ethereal and sophisticated — a beautifully ironic piece of characterization designed to conceal the identities of those poised to become intimate. They rank among the most striking and tragic movie masks.

      The Darth Vader Mask

      David Prowse as Darth Vader, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia – Credit: 20th Century Fox.

      The most obvious choice on this list is still the right one. Darth Vader's masked visage remains the most awe-inspiring in the realm of movie villains. It has made countless filmmakers recognize that standout movie masks can serve as cost-effective storytelling tools.

      Max’s Mask in Mad Max: Fury Road

      Tom Hardy as Max – Credit: Warner Bros.

      Despite spending much of his time trying to remove it, Max's metal face guard remains visually striking.

      There's an ongoing joke in the film industry that every director Tom Hardy collaborates with insists he cover his face. He could easily have been featured on this list multiple times.

      The Guy Fawkes Mask in V for Vendetta

      Hugo Weaving as V – Credit: Warner Bros.

      The Guy Fawkes mask worn by V in V for Vendetta was notorious long before the movie was released.

      However, the swashbuckler certainly added a fresh twist and transformed it into one of the best movie masks of this century.

      The Dread Pirate Roberts Mask in The Princess Bride

      Cary Elwes as Wesley, aka The Dread Pirate Roberts in The Princess Bride – Credit: 20th Century Fox.

      As you wish. Wesley returns to rescue his Princess Buttercup disguised as the Dread Pirate Roberts, and his mask allows him to discover if he remains her true love.

      With a new mustache and an elegant black mask-scarf, he is charming, skilled, and imposing, no longer just the farm boy she once knew.

      The Princess Bride captivates even before the Dread Pirate Roberts makes his entrance, but he elevates the film to new heights. With a detour through the Fire Swamp, of course.

      The Mask of Zorro in The Mask of Zorro

      Antonio Banderas as Zorro – Credit: C/O

      See what we did there?

      Antonio Banderas’ portrayal of Zorro is brimming with charisma. His classic look, featuring a black mask, large gaucho hat, and flowing cape, never fails to impress.

      Numerous actors have portrayed Zorro throughout cinema history — in fact, Zorro inspired Batman to become a vigilante decades ago. Nonetheless, Bander