10 Excellent Horror Films Featuring Villainous Main Characters

      Vanessa Maki presents ten excellent horror films featuring villainous protagonists…

      In horror cinema, we usually find ourselves rooting for characters like the final girl or boy, those that resonate with us deeply. Yet, there are instances where the central characters are not heroic but rather antagonistic or villainous. Does this pose a dilemma for viewers? Not necessarily.

      When the individuals we encounter aren’t paragons of virtue, but rather complex or outright villainous figures, it disrupts our expectations. Such horror films evoke conflicting feelings in viewers, ultimately raising the question of whether we can empathize with the character(s). For fans who appreciate multifaceted characters, including villains, this might not be an issue. Below are some horror films where the protagonists are far from heroic. Let’s explore them, shall we?

      The Omen (1976)

      We’ll steer clear of discussing the 2006 remake. The Omen tells the story of a child swapped at birth who, as he grows, becomes the focal point of mysterious violence within his family and across London. The situation escalates when people realize he is, in fact, the Antichrist. This film exemplifies effective tension and strange supernatural horror, remaining frightening even today.

      Since the film revolves around Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens) and his true nature, we recognize his villainy due to his role within the film’s narrative. There’s no ambiguity about this; he inevitably embraces his destiny. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the complexity of understanding him as a villainous protagonist.

      Angst (1983)

      Sometimes, people are more frightening than the monsters in horror films. Angst centers on a disturbed killer who, having been released from prison, invades a home to terrorize a random family. It’s not a flashy portrayal of a serial killer; the performances feel strikingly genuine, showcasing an unhinged and deeply unsettling killer.

      Angst draws mild inspiration from real-life Austrian serial killer Werner Kniesek, known for his sadistic tendencies similar to the film's antagonist. This character is utterly despicable, leaving viewers with nothing to latch onto in terms of sympathy. You enter the film prepared to detest him and lament the family's suffering. It’s a quintessential horror movie that openly presents its unsavory focus.

      Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

      Some horror films deliver a sense of tragedy that feels unforgiving, and this is one of them. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer follows Henry (Michael Rooker) as he temporarily moves in with his friend Otis (Tom Towles) and sister Becky (Tracy Arnold). Both Henry and Otis are loosely based on real-life serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole. The film does not glamorize serial killing; instead, it presents a grim and gritty exploration of their minds.

      With Henry’s brutal actions and lack of remorse, it’s clear that he embodies villainy. There are no redeeming qualities or justification for his actions (regardless of his troubled childhood). This starkness is not commonly seen in modern serial killer films. Henry’s malevolence, especially towards the film’s conclusion, underscores the challenge of following such a protagonist.

      The Devil’s Rejects (2005)

      Rob Zombie’s trilogy certainly isn’t intended for those averse to gore and genuinely evil characters. The Devil’s Rejects tracks the Firefly family, who find themselves on the run from a rogue police officer after their home is raided. The film serves as a hellish road trip, particularly when innocent people intersect with this sadistic family.

      This film is a prime example of horror featuring villainous protagonists. Viewers aren’t inclined to root for the Fireflys, yet some may sympathize with them when they experience a fraction of the pain they’ve inflicted. Ultimately, it stands out as the best installment in the trilogy, showcasing unapologetically horrific characters.

      Excision (2012)

      The film's climax will leave you stunned and drained of hope. Excision tells the story of a troubled teenage girl named Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord), who believes she’s destined to become a surgeon. While it initially appears that Pauline's harmful actions will primarily affect herself, the conclusion is devastating.

      Pauline undoubtedly requires therapy and support from her conforming parents, but none is provided. Her villainous inclination stems from a combination of delusion and mental instability. However, her status as a villainous protagonist does not originate from malicious intent, making the tragic outcomes for her family even more gut-wrenching.

      Tragedy Girls (2017)

      Best friends (or potentially more, if you notice the subtext) who kill together stay together, right? Tragedy Girls follows two teenage girls aiming to become notorious serial killers and gain fame on social media. It’s an influencer horror film that embraces humor while maintaining a vibrant, blood-soaked aesthetic. Both girls revel in the act of killing