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Many think we watch horror for gore, violence, and scares only. They would be wrong as most horror fans have a soft spot for good characters, namely protagonists. These characters are normally the final boy or girl in the film, defying all odds and surviving to see another day. Most protagonists possess a combination of wit and determination, often taking the role of leader reluctantly. As the going gets tough other characters look to them for answers. It can be a macho man, a strong progressive woman, or anyone captivating on screen. We've put together 10 horror movie protagonists that contain one or more of the qualities previously mentioned. Enjoy!
Kirsty Cotton (Hellraiser 1 & 2)
Kirsty Cotton is one of those characters you can't help but be drawn to. She handles the terrifying Cenobites with style, never flinching when the stakes are high. Her lack of trust towards her mother in-law was warranted, and she nearly alarmed her father in time to save his life. After solving The Lament Configuration box, Kirsty handily reverses the steps to send the Cenobites back to their realm.
Sarah (The Descent)
If you've seen The Descent, then you know Sarah goes through absolute hell to survive. Following the loss of her husband and daughter in a car accident, Sarah joins her group of adventure seeking friends to go cave diving. Deep in the caves the group encounters terrifying creatures who want nothing more than a good meal. Chaos ensues and Sarah must fight for her life, witnessing the horrific deaths of her friends. To make matters worse, Sarah kills her own friend, Juno, after discovering her late husband had an affair with her. As a quiet, reserved character it's rewarding to see Sarah come into her own when the stakes are high. The amount of loss Sarah endured is incredible and it prepared her for the fight of her life. Nobody expected strength from her; yet, she lived, and they didn't. Go watch the sequel for her true ending!
Jim (28 Days Later)
Imagine waking from a coma to find yourself alone in a deserted London crawling with flesh eating monsters. Jim is him, and the zombies he must battle are not your typical Night of the Living Dead amblers; they are fast as hell! Jim displays confusion, fear, and determination simultaneously as he fights through the apocalypse. This is a protagonist that's simply captivating on screen, and it's no surprise Cillian Murphy became the powerhouse we know now.
Ichabod Crane (Sleepy Hollow)
Here's a protagonist that's a bit overlooked. We all know Johnny Depp is one of the best to do it, and in my opinion, Ichabod Crane is one of his best roles. Now, I know what you're thinking... "Edward Scissorhands is better than Ichabod Crane". Yes, maybe he's harder to forget with those crazy scissors for hands and that pale white skin, but Ichabod is witty, funny, quirky, curious, and romantic. It's true that Ichabod is considered an anti-hero, someone with lofty aspirations and an inflated sense of ability, but gosh darn I love watching him on screen! Ichabod is the perfect character for Sleepy Hollow's setting.
Darry Jenner (Jeepers Creepers)
Arguably the most likeable character in the horror genre, we have Darry Jenner from Jeepers Creepers. The actor, Justin Long, is somewhat of a scream king appearing in other horror films including Tusk, Barbarian, and Drag Me to Hell. There's such a level of sincerity from Long in this role, and you can't help but root for his character. Funny, charming, and a bit naive Darry embodies what most average Joe's would probably look like given the circumstances. Darry's unfortunate ending was so impactful because we were invested in his character and did not want to see him die!
Paul Sheldon (Misery)
Paul Sheldon from Misery showcased an incredible ability to endure and keep hope alive. Paul is a famous writer who gets in a car accident in the Rockies during inclement weather and is saved by a stranger named Annie Wilkes. It so happens that Annie is Paul's number one fan... and a bit unstable! Through a twisted form of devotion, Annie forces Paul to stay with her even after recovering from his injuries. Paul must then write a new novel for Annie, pressured by her desire for the perfect story and ending. Some of the tantrums from Annie border on physical abuse and can be hard to watch. By the time our protagonist escapes, nearly eight months has passed. To live with someone who believes they are mentally sane, when they are actually bat shit crazy would be complete torture, and there's ultimately little Paul can do. Though he makes it out alive, his life is forever changed.
Susie Bannion (Suspiria)
I can't get enough of Susie Bannion! Even with the nasty dubbed audio found on most versions of Suspiria, I'm still enchanted by her presence on screen. Quietly cautious, yet vibrant and cheerful, Susie makes all the right moves to escape a witchy ballet school. It goes to show you don't have to get the kills or be the leader to earn a spot on this list.
Syndey Prescott (Scream Franchise)
This is a must not because it's the popular choice but because it's deserved. Sydney Prescott is quite literally the scream queen. Dealing with the loss of her mother, the increase in publicity, and a killer that continuously stalks her, Sydney manages it all with class. Her impact on the genre was huge.
R.J. "Mac" MacReady (The Thing)
Kurt Russell in the Antarctic hounded by an ancient, self-replicating alien species? Sign me up! R.J. "Mac" MacReady is indisputably one of the best characters of any genre. The epitome of a reluctant leader, Mac takes up arms when others don't and is able to make the hard decisions. Thanks to his ingenious blood test, the group is able to identify who has the thing. When the situation at the base becomes dire, Mac is the first to boldly accept the likelihood of survival, determining the best solution is to destroy the base and everything in it. Even at the end of the film, Mac still possesses his fun and dry humor, making him even more respectable. If I'm ever that far up shit creek, I'd want Mac in my corner. While his ending wasn't certain, it's safe to assume he didn't make it home.
Ellen Ripley (Alien Franchise)
Without further ado, I present you the best protagonist of all time in the genre, Ellen Ripley. As a female counterpart to Mac, Ripley possesses many of the same qualities. When the Nostromo loses Dallas as its captain, we see Ripley shine. Taking charge, she gets control to Mother (the ships AI), discovers Special Order 937 and Ash's role in it, and goes toe to toe in close quarters with the Xenomorph, emerging victorious. There's a skeptical nature about Ripley that allows her to remain objective through Alien, increasing her odds for survival. In Aliens, Ripley gets her revenge on the Xenomorphs, showcasing her killing abilities. Along the way she meets some people that become like family. Unfortunately, if you've seen the third installment, you know how it all ends. Alien 3 gets a lot of hate for its handling of the character, and I understand why. Ripley was put through the ringer and was given no brighter day; her final sendoff as bleak as can be. When I look up at the stars, I like to envision Ellen Ripley in cryo sleep resting peacefully with her cat Jonesy, free from the dangers of space.
Who is your favorite horror protagonist of all time?
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