Best Black Horror Movie Characters

The horror genre has become a seminal and widespread umbrella for all sorts of stories to be told under. As more filmmakers with fresh ideas got their turn, so too did we see a wider range in makeups of casts, branching out of the Blaxploitation genre and having black characters lead in mainstream films as protagonists and heroes (and definitely some iconic villains we loved, too).

Now, with hits like Jordan Peele’s Get Out and Nope becoming modern horror staples for the genre, what’s clear to critics and audiences is horror fans are everywhere, and the genre is for everyone to enjoy and engage with.

This Black History Month, let’s highlight a number of actors and actresses who stood out for their performances in horror classics, beloved B-movies, and modern masterpieces.

Ben – Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Often pointed as the OG zombie movie, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead stands as a seminal piece in horror cinema, not only for its pioneering of the zombie genre but also for its groundbreaking casting of Duane Jones as the protagonist, Ben. Jones’ role was notable because it was one of the first times a black actor was cast as the lead in a mainstream film, regardless of genre, that wasn’t explicitly written for a black actor. The film is set in a farmhouse where the characters are besieged by a horde of the undead, emerging as a powerful allegory for race relations in America.

Duane Jones’ portrayal of Ben is both heroic and complex. His character remains calm and resourceful, contrasting sharply with the panic and prejudice exhibited by others. Ben’s leadership is met with resistance from white characters, subtly critiquing societal racial dynamics. The film’s shocking conclusion, where Ben survives the night of terror only to be mistaken for a zombie and killed by a posse, serves as a poignant commentary on the expendability and vilification of black lives.

“Duane Jones was the best actor we met to play Ben.”, said Romero in 2010 on the actor. “If there was a film with a Black actor in it, it usually had a racial theme, like The Defiant Ones. Consciously I resisted writing new dialogue ’cause he happens to be Black. We just shot the script. Perhaps Night of the Living Dead is the first film to have a Black man playing the lead role regardless of, rather than because of, his race.”

Night of the Living Dead revolutionized the horror scene by using the format to tackle social issues, setting a precedent for how horror could be used as a lens to examine societal fears about race and class. This film is not just a foundational work for the zombie subgenre but is also heralded for its critical perspective on the social turbulence of the 1960s, resonating deeply with audiences and influencing generations of filmmakers.

Given the original Night of the Living Dead was made before CGI and on a small budget, going for an old school zombie look is best done with some Zombie SFX Prosthetics, with wounds, gashes, and bite marks galore.

Grace Jones – Vamp (1986)

A unique blend of horror and comedy that features Grace Jones in the role of Katrina, a mysterious and striking vampire who dominates the film’s aesthetic and narrative. Set against the backdrop of a seedy, neon-lit underworld, the plot follows two college students who venture into a shady strip club to hire a stripper for their fraternity’s party, only to discover that the club is a front for a vampire coven.

Grace Jones’ portrayal of Katrina is iconic, characterized by her minimal dialogue and powerful physical performance. Her striking visual presence—marked by her avant-garde makeup and costumes—turns her into a figure of both allure and terror. The film uses her character to subvert traditional gender and race expectations in horror cinema, presenting her as both the object of the male gaze and a formidable antagonist with agency and power.

Vamp mixes humor with horror, a trend which would prove more popular near thre turn of century with films like the Scary Movie franchise and Shaun of the Dead. Grace Jones’ role as Katrina is particularly significant for showcasing a black actress in a non-traditional, powerful role that challenges racial and gender norms. The film itself might not be a milestone in terms of narrative or scare factor, but it remains culturally significant for its stylish presentation and the unforgettable performance of Jones, which has inspired numerous discussions around the portrayal of race and gender in genre films.

You mainly need three things to get the look right here. Some white body paint, some fake vampire fangs, and a wild red wig.

Daniel Robitaille/Candyman – Candyman (1992)

Many horror films were so inventive with their lore and scares, their elements often end up scaring people in real life potential scenarios. Jaws made people afraid to go into the ocean, IT made kids (and grown ups) look twice when walking near a sewer drain. With Candyman, it became a dare, inviting you to try your luck and playing into the game of saying his name in the mirror. Many a teenage basement hangout resulted in tense moments facing the bathroom mirror and speaking the killer title, hoping it was all just a movie.

Directed by Bernard Rose and based on a story by Clive Barker, Candyman explores themes of race, class, and urban legend within the context of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects. The plot revolves around a graduate student named Helen Lyle, who is researching urban legends and becomes entranced by the tale of Candyman, a son of a slave with a tragic and brutal backstory who now haunts the area, summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times in a mirror.

Tony Todd’s portrayal of Candyman is nuanced and terrifying, combining elegance with a menacing presence that makes him a memorable and tragic figure. His performance and the character’s backstory deeply intertwined racial injustices and horror, making Candyman not just a simple villain but a spectral symbol of the historical violence and suffering endured by African Americans. Tony Todd would continue to frighten audiences as the character for all three of its sequels before his death in 2024.

Candyman stands out for its intelligent engagement with social issues, layering a traditional horror narrative with real-world horrors of racial violence and poverty. The film challenges the predominantly white landscape of 1990s horror cinema by centering a black character’s story as part of its scare tactics and moral inquiry. It’s also notable for Tony Todd’s iconic role, which has left a lasting impact on the genre, helping to pave the way for more stories that explore horror through a racial lens. The film’s mixture of gothic horror and social commentary has made it a subject of academic studies and a critical favorite in the years following its release.

While we recommend avoiding putting real bees in your mouth for a Candyman outfit, you can just as easily dawn a long brown coat and pair it with a Fake Meat Hook Prop Weapon to get there without risking any stings.

Alexa Woods – Alien vs. Predator (2004)

The Alien film franchise is already notable for having pretty much every movie have a female character play its lead role, not to mention more in line as an action hero than your typical final girl or scream queen. AVP continues this trend with Sanaa Lathan in the role of Alexa Woods, a guide who leads a team on an expedition to Antarctica, only to find themselves caught in a deadly showdown between two extraterrestrial species: Aliens and Predators. Lathan’s character, Alexa, is not only central to the narrative but also evolves as the film progresses, displaying courage, intelligence, and resilience. Her leadership and survival skills make her a standout character in a film that blends science fiction with horror elements.

Alexa Woods is noteworthy for being one of the few black female leads in a major Hollywood sci-fi/horror franchise. Her character breaks away from typical horror movie stereotypes, often reserved for black characters, by being both the moral center and the survivor, subverting the usual ‘final girl’ trope by her complex interactions and eventual alliance with one of the Predators. This partnership highlights themes of respect and cooperation that transcend species and cultural boundaries.

Mike Harrigan – Predator 2 (1990)

Speaking of AVP, this was the last film in the flip side of the sci-monster franchise before the crossover blockbuster event hit theaters almost 15 years later. By this time, Danny Glover was no stranger to blockbuster’s either, having already co-lead the first two Lethal Weapon movies with Mel Gibson at the tail end of the 80’s. But him being the main protagonist here, playing a similar role as a cop, and in an action horror to follow up powerhouses in both size and household name like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers was certainly an undertaking. But Predator 2 remains a cult favorite in the sci-fi monster genre.

Set in a then-futuristic Los Angeles of 1997, Glover plays Lieutenant Mike Harrigan, a tough, determined LAPD officer who finds himself facing off against an alien Predator that hunts humans for sport. Unlike its predecessor, which was set in the jungle, this sequel takes place in an urban environment, amplifying the chaos and danger as Harrigan delves deeper into the mystery of gruesome deaths plaguing his city.

Detective John Hobbes – Fallen (1998)

This one really leans into that eerie, almost noir vibe, with Denzel Washington playing Detective John Hobbes, a cop who gets tangled up in a supernatural case way out of his pay grade. After witnessing the execution of a serial killer, Hobbes finds himself stalked by what seems to be the killer’s vengeful spirit. But as he digs deeper, the plot twists—turns out, it’s not just a spirit; it’s Azazel, a demon who can hop from body to body with a simple touch. Talk about getting under your skin, right?

Denzel brings a real weight to Hobbes, mixing that everyman charm with a gritty determination that’s perfect for the thriller genre. His performance ends up doing most of the heavy lifting. Worth a watch, especially for a glimpse of Washington playing against type in a genre that could use more like him.

**Travis – It Comes At Night (2017)**

This psychological thriller directed by Trey Edward Shults makes the most out of its minimalist setting and plot, focusing on paranoia and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Starring Joel Edgerton, the film dives deep into the psychological impact of an unseen global threat.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. really steps up as Travis, portraying a teenager grappling with fear, curiosity, and the heavy fog of grief blanketing his family’s isolated existence. He’s the emotional compass of the film, trying to make sense of the growing tension and distrust among the adults, which really cranks up the claustrophobic feel. Travis’ dreams—vivid, disturbing, and beautifully shot—add layers to a film that might otherwise feel too sparse in its narrative.

Eric Brooks/Blade – Blade (1998)

One of the greatest black characters in horror happens to be both a monster and action hero all in one, with a mix of vampire mythology and slick, stylized action, starring Wesley Snipes in a role that would define a new kind of horror hero. Snipes is Blade, a half-vampire, half-human “daywalker” who can withstand sunlight and is hell-bent on waging a one-man war against the undead underworld. With his iconic leather coat and arsenal of silver weapons, Blade is both a throwback to classic action heroes and a fresh take on vampire lore.

Wesley Snipes absolutely owns the screen as Blade. He delivers a perfect blend of stoic badassery and complex emotion, representing a protagonist who’s both predator and protector. His physicality is just off the charts—those fight scenes are as sharp today as they were back in the ’90s. Plus, his ability to throw out a one-liner while dispatching a room full of vampires? Chef’s kiss.

In addition to some vampire fangs, no Blade look is complete without some cool shades, leather coat, and a samurai sword.

Double D – Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)

This early aughts horror sequel picks up right where its predecessor left off, throwing us back into the path of the Creeper on the last day of its 23-day feeding frenzy. The film centers on a stranded high school basketball team whose bus becomes the hunting ground for the returning monster. Amid the screaming and the scrambling, Jonathan Breck reprises his role as the Creeper, but it’s Ray Wise and a relatively unknown cast of young actors who carry the film, including standout moments from Al Santos and newcomer Garikayi Mutambirwa.

Garikayi Mutambirwa plays Deaundre “Double D” Davis, who emerges as a key character among the terrified teens. Mutambirwa brings a good mix of athleticism and vulnerability to his role, standing out in a sea of potential Creeper fodder. His character’s arc from just another jock to someone who really steps up when things hit the fan adds a layer of depth to what could have been just another flat horror sequel.

It’s a heavy makeup job to like the monster in this one, but maybe checking our our Prop Wings could yield some results for a DIY version.

Captain Miller – Event Horizon (1997)

Often regarded as one of the best sci-fi horror movies outside the tentpole Alien franchise, despite its unfortunate history of being a box office bomb, Event Horizon merges sci-fi with visceral horror to tell the story of a rescue mission to a missing spaceship that reappears near Neptune, orbiting a black hole. Laurence Fishburne stars as Captain Miller, who leads the team aboard the titular ship, which is suspected to have crossed into a hellish dimension and returned inexplicably.

Fishburne’s Captain Miller is a steady presence amidst the escalating chaos. He combines authoritative command with palpable human fear, embodying a leader who’s as skeptical as he is dedicated to protecting his crew from the ship’s malevolent influences.

Fool – The People Under the Stairs (1991)

This is one of those Wes Craven creations where horror and pointed social commentary are wrapped up in a bizarre, almost fairy-tale like package. The film follows a young boy named Poindexter “Fool” Williams, played by Brandon Adams, who breaks into the home of his family’s greedy landlords, uncovering far more than missed rent payments. Inside, he finds a house of horrors complete with kidnapped children, cannibalism, and traps around every corner.

Brandon Adams brings a real heart to the role of Fool, portraying him as both savvy and innocent, navigating the nightmarish world of the Robeson’s twisted household. His performance captures the resourcefulness and courage needed when a simple heist turns into a fight for survival against an array of grotesque dangers.

While it isn’t your typical slasher or supernatural horror flick, it’s weirdly effective. It’s part social satire, part horror-comedy, and entirely off the wall.

Dargent Peytraud – The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

Now we dive deep into the eerie lore of Haitian voodoo and zombies, way before zombies became the pop culture staple they are today. Another Wes Craven film, The Serpent and the Rainbow is an adaptation of Wade Davis’s book and follows an anthropologist, played by Bill Pullman, who travels to Haiti to investigate a drug used in Haitian Vodou allegedly turning people into zombies.

While Bill Pullman carries the film as the main protagonist, Zakes Mokae’s performance as the chilling antagonist, Dargent Peytraud, deserves a nod. Mokae delivers a menacing portrayal of a Vodou practitioner and secret police commander, providing a formidable foil to Pullman’s curious scientist and a brilliant cherry on top of this creepy cinematic concoction.

Riddick – Pitch Black (2000)

This first film in the Chronicles of Riddick franchise thrusts us into the dark recesses of an alien planet where the real terror isn’t just the creatures lurking in the dark, but also the people we’re stuck with. This sci-fi horror flick directed by David Twohy stars Vin Diesel as the anti-hero Riddick. Riddick’s night vision—courtesy of a sketchy surgical enhancement—might make him a valuable ally in the eyes of the other crash survivors, but Diesel’s portrayal keeps you guessing his true intentions. It’s this edge, this unpredictability Diesel perfects, and it’s magnetic.

Riddick has a pretty understated look for a sci-fi horror film. You can get most of the way there with just a dark tank top and some cargo pants. But to get it just right, we recommend opting for some goggles or blind contact lenses, along with a bald cap to get the signature Vin Diesel dome.

Eddie – House on Haunted Hill (1999)

Nearing the the turn of the century, this horror flick revamps the ’59 classic with a dose of ’90s flair, and while it might not win any awards for subtlety, it definitely delivers on the chills and thrills. This version takes us into a twisted birthday party at an abandoned insane asylum, orchestrated by an eccentric millionaire played by Geoffrey Rush. Amid the creepy décor and twisted games, Taye Diggs steps into the mix as Eddie Baker, one of the guests who’s not just there to collect a paycheck for surviving the night.

Taye Diggs brings a cool charisma to Eddie, crafting a character both relatable and resilient. In a film filled with over-the-top performances and gory spectacles, Diggs manages to keep Eddie grounded, providing a much-needed dose of sanity amidst the chaos.

Selena – 28 Days Later (2002)

Perhaps the true introduction to what we would come to know as the modern zombie (namely, sprinting at you full speed to bite your jugular out, as opposed to a slow crawl towards your ankles) hits you like a sledgehammer of adrenaline and existential dread. Directed by Danny Boyle, 28 Days Later is a harrowing exploration of survival, humanity, and the thin veneer of civilization. Among the survivors of this apocalyptic nightmare is Selena, played with fierce intensity by Naomie Harris.

Selena is not your typical horror movie survivor. She’s tough, yes, but there’s a depth to her toughness. It’s born out of necessity, not invincibility. Harris delivers a performance raw and real, capturing the nuances of a person who has seen the worst but refuses to give up. Her dynamics with Cillian Murphy’s character, who wakes up from a coma to find London deserted, add layers of complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of trust, trauma, and hope in the face of utter desolation.

Another distinction of modern zombies is blood–namely, more blood than you think you need. The messier, the better. An ample supply of Fake Zombie Blood will do the trick.

Chris – Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele arrived on the horror scene to deliver a film honoring both the comedy he’s adept at and was more known for at the time, while never losing sight of the plot or the vision. Get Out is a razor-sharp horror thriller that digs into the undercurrents of race relations in America with precision and unsettling insight. The film follows Chris Washington, played by Daniel Kaluuya, as he visits his white girlfriend’s parents’ estate, only to uncover a disturbing reality that thrusts him into a nightmare of psychological and physical captivity.

Daniel Kaluuya’s portrayal of Chris is a masterclass in subtlety and intensity. He captures a spectrum of emotions—from the initial discomfort to the growing terror—with palpable realism. It blends classic horror tropes with a biting social commentary about the black experience in predominantly white spaces, the commodification of black bodies, and the subtle (or overt) racism as terrifying as any monster in traditional horror. The film’s ability to oscillate between moments of dark humor and gripping suspense is a testament to Peele’s direction and Kaluuya’s compelling performance.

Moses – Attack the Block (2011)

Here’s a vibrant, gritty slice of British sci-fi mixing humor, horror, and social commentary with an energetic pulse. The film, directed by Joe Cornish, follows a group of teen gang members in South London who encounter an alien invasion in their council estate. John Boyega stars in his breakout role as Moses, the gang’s leader, whose tough exterior belies a protective and heroic core.

John Boyega’s performance as Moses is a standout, capturing the complexities of a young man who’s both a product and a victim of his environment, as the film cleverly uses the alien invasion as a metaphor for the societal invasions these teens face daily—police brutality, social exclusion, and the struggle for respect and survival.

Adelaide/Red – Us (2019)

Jordan Peele’s second directorial effort kicked things up a notch with more of the horror and comedy elements found in Get Out, as Us delves into the eerie and unsettling concept of doppelgängers to explore deep themes of identity, privilege, and societal division. The film follows the Wilson family as they confront terrifying versions of themselves, called “The Tethered.” Lupita Nyong’o stars in a dual role as Adelaide Wilson and her menacing double, Red, delivering performances both riveting and deeply disturbing.

Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of both Adelaide and Red is nothing short of spectacular. She brings a layered complexity to each character, distinguishing them with shifts in posture, voice, and demeanor. As Adelaide, she captures the protective and increasingly desperate mother, while as Red, she embodies a chilling, almost spectral presence, her voice a haunting echo of suppressed rage and pain.

Main thing for the villains in this movie are the red jumpsuits. These Squid Game Red Jumpsuits are pretty much a dead ringer for them.

OJ & Emerald Haywood – Nope (2022)

Continuing his trend of actor turned auteur, Jordan Peele’s most recent film goes back to basics while also continuing his approach of inventive horror with black stories, this time centered around the residents of a lonely gulch in inland California who encounter a mysterious and terrifying force in the skies. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as siblings OJ and Emerald Haywood who have inherited their father’s horse ranch and company providing horses for Hollywood film productions, and soon find themselves at the center of inexplicable and chilling events.

Daniel Kaluuya, reuniting with Peele after their successful collaboration in Get Out, delivers a grounded, understated performance as OJ. His portrayal is a blend of stoicism and subtle emotion, perfectly capturing a man more comfortable with, and more understanding of, animals than people. Keke Palmer’s Emerald is vibrant and charismatic, providing a dynamic counterpoint to OJ’s quiet intensity. Together, they navigate the bizarre, often terrifying phenomena with a determination to uncover the truth and, if possible, turn a profit from the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in.

The film excels in its ability to blend elements of classic UFO horror with a sharp critique of spectacle culture and the exploitation inherent in the entertainment industry. Kaluuya and Palmer’s performances anchor the film’s thematic ambitions, ensuring that the human story isn’t lost amidst the grandiose horror set pieces.

You might not be playing a proper cowboy, but beyond scoring some crew merch from the set of the Scorpion King that OJ wears, you could still at least get yourself a cowboy hat to get the look a little more there.

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