12 Iconic Female Characters in Horror Movies

The great success generated by the body horror film The Substance put the focus on the contribution given by the actresses in these stories. The film, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, has garnered enormous achievements thanks to the excellent performances of its protagonists, among other reasons.

During the last few years the horror genre has manifested real female characters, with their bright and also dark sides, not stereotyped, but full of a strong personality and capable of leaving the viewer pleasantly surprised.

These female characters express very complex facets, far from outdated ideas that do not represent women.

Here are some iconic horror movie performances by actresses:

1.Kathy Bates in Misery (1990)

Kathy Bates won the Best Actress Oscar for her chilling portrayal of Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan who kidnaps and tortures her favorite author. Her performance is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in horror cinema.

2.Linda Blair in The Exorcist (1973)

Linda Blair's portrayal of Regan, a young girl possessed by a demon, is iconic and terrifying. Her performance, aided by Mercedes McCambridge's vocal work, remains a highlight of the film.

3.Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie in Carrie (1976)

Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie both delivered standout performances in this Stephen King adaptation. Spacek played the telekinetic Carrie White, while Laurie portrayed Carrie's abusive mother, Margaret White.

4.Ellen Burstyn in The Exorcist (1973)

Ellen Burstyn's performance as Chris MacNeil, the mother of the possessed Regan, earned her an Oscar nomination. Her portrayal of a desperate mother fighting to save her daughter is deeply moving.

5.Toni Collette in Hereditary (2018)

Toni Collette's performance as Annie Graham, a mother dealing with grief and family trauma, is widely praised for its intensity and emotional depth[3].

6.Jamie Lee Curtis in the Halloween Series

Jamie Lee Curtis is iconic for her role as Laurie Strode, the protagonist of the "Halloween" franchise. Her performances have been central to the series' enduring popularity.

7. Mia Goth in the X Trilogy

Mia Goth's dual roles in Jordan Peele's "X" and its prequel "Pearl" have been noted for their complexity and depth, showcasing her versatility in horror.

8.Lupita Nyong’o in Us (2019)

Lupita Nyong’o's dual performance as Adelaide and her doppelganger Red is highly acclaimed for its emotional range and horror elements.

9.Demi Moore, The Substance (2024)

Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity struggling with the pressures of aging in an industry that values youth. Her character is desperate to maintain her career and turns to a mysterious drug called The Substance, which allows her to temporarily transform into a younger version of herself.

10.Margaret Qualley, The Substance (2024)

Margaret Qualley plays Sue, the younger version of Elisabeth Sparkle created by "The Substance." Sue is a vibrant and youthful persona that Elisabeth inhabits for part of each week, allowing her to relive her glory days. She embodies the energy and allure of youth as she shines as a fitness star.

11.Megan Fox, Jennifer's Body (2009)

Megan Fox's portrayal of Jennifer Check is notable for its blend of seduction, vulnerability, and horror. She captures the complexity of Jennifer's character, who is both a popular and beautiful high school student and a demonic entity driven by a hunger for human flesh.

12.Neve Campell, Scream, 1996

Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, is the central character of the "Scream" franchise. She is often referred to as the "final girl," a trope in horror films where the protagonist survives until the end. Campbell's portrayal of Sidney is notable for its depth and relatability, making her more than just a typical horror heroine.