Scary film characters are an integral part of the horror genre, and they can come in all shapes and sizes. Female characters in particular have played a significant role in horror films, from the classic Universal Monsters of the 1930s and 1940s, to the slasher films of the 1980s and beyond. Here, we will explore some of the most memorable and terrifying female horror film characters of all time.
One of the earliest examples of a female horror film character is the original "Bride of Frankenstein," played by Elsa Lanchester in the 1935 film of the same name. The character is a reanimated creature, cobbled together from various body parts and brought to life by the mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein. Though she is initially portrayed as a monster, the Bride ultimately resists her creator's attempts to control her and becomes a tragic figure, a victim of both science and society.
Another memorable female horror film character is the titular character of the 1960 film "Psycho," played by Janet Leigh. Leigh's character, Marion Crane, is a secretary who goes on the run after stealing money from her employer. She ends up at the Bates Motel, where she meets the disturbed Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins. Though Marion is initially the protagonist of the film, she ultimately meets a gruesome fate at the hands of Norman, who is revealed to be a serial killer.
In the 1980s, the slasher genre exploded in popularity, and many memorable female horror film characters emerged. One of the most iconic of these is Jamie Lee Curtis's character Laurie Strode in the "Halloween" franchise. Laurie is the protagonist of the first "Halloween" film, in which she is stalked by the masked killer Michael Myers. Though she initially appears to be a typical "final girl," a trope in which the last remaining female character confronts and defeats the killer, Laurie becomes a formidable and resourceful character over the course of the franchise, surviving multiple encounters with Michael Myers and eventually taking the fight to him.
Another iconic female horror film character from the 1980s is the possessed child Regan MacNeil in the film "The Exorcist." Played by Linda Blair, Regan undergoes a terrifying transformation as she becomes possessed by a demon, exhibiting supernatural strength and exhibiting grotesque behavior and speech. Despite her young age, Regan is a formidable and frightening character, ultimately requiring the intervention of a priest to perform an exorcism and save her soul.
These are just a few examples of the many memorable and terrifying female horror film characters that have graced the screen over the years. From the tragic Bride of Frankenstein to the resourceful Laurie Strode, these characters have left an indelible mark on the horror genre and continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans of the genre.