Top 20 Smartest Horror Movie Characters
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Are you smarter than these survivors? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the horror movie characters that displayed a high degree of intelligence throughout the entire film. Beware of spoilers ahead. Our countdown includes characters from movies “10 Cloverfield Lane”, “You’re Next”, “Predator” and more! What would you have done if you were in their shoes? Let us know in the comments below!
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What would you have done if you were in their shoes? Let us know in the comments below! For more content like this, click here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/h6GotNt-odW7gqw.html Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!
@metern
17 күн бұрын
There are no smart horror movie characters. Most break every horror rule there is.
@MoonlightPrincess07
17 күн бұрын
When talking about Chris from Get Out, the footage shown has You're Next mixed in
@vishalkalicharan7710
16 күн бұрын
Please do Top 10 Games Yet To Receive An Adaptation (God or War, Bioshock, Strider, Fire Emblem, etc.)!!
I'm surprised that the brother and sister from Nope don't even get an honorable mention. They pulled off some smart survival stunts, AND saved their own lives!
Erin in You’re Next was a SURVIVOR and she looked out for everyone not just herself
@m3gaz3n
16 күн бұрын
Erin actually has everything on Sidney. She thrived.
Surprise clip from You're Next from 15:56-16:08 during the Get Out segment
@badkitty4922
16 күн бұрын
😂😂😂 I noticed that too!😂😂😂🙄🤦♀️
Nancy Thompson (from teen to grown adult) from Wes Craven’s few ‘Nightmare’ movies.
"Get Out" has the smartest horror movie character for me , the guy single-handedly had sucess when others failed
@videoplayback_
17 күн бұрын
Fr, and sWhenn you think ab0Ut ittt, the story feeIs short but satisfying.
@badkitty4922
16 күн бұрын
I agree 💯%! Given the history of African Americans, both early last century and still in present times, this movie said it in a whisper, and dragged that history and ongoing BS into the light with intelligence but STILL slapped you upside your head with how F-ed up but possible the whole scenario is. I LOVE Jordan Peele. He's my new go-to for intelligent and messed up horror. ❤❤❤
@davidwiltfong4333
16 күн бұрын
Watch Skeleton Key...it is the same movie and done years prior to it.
@Nenernener123
16 күн бұрын
One of the smartest horror films, I wouldn’t agree THE smartest character. Definitely super clever with a couple of things on his side to assist his success. The Armitages were getting cocky & lazier with their choices.
@badkitty4922
16 күн бұрын
@@Nenernener123 I think the lead male character (same actor) in Nope was smarter. I see why you wrote your reply. 😉👍
I have always felt that Lawrence Fishburne's character from Event Horizon is the clear winner in this category. As soon as he sees the horrific video of the last crew he immediately says "We're leaving."
@badkitty4922
16 күн бұрын
YES!! Funny thing is, my husband doesn't really keep up on actor's names, just where he knows them from. And we just watched Event Horizon not long ago. So there I was, pointing at each actor we really knew and saying: Morpheus and the Bowery King from John Wick. Lucius Malfoy and Col Tavington (bad guy) from The Patriot-Jason Isaacs. Also from the same movie, Joley Richardson, Aunt Charlotte, the woman who had to remind Mel Gibson she wasn't her dead sister and basically lead that dumb horse to water. 😂😂 Then Sam Neil, Jurassic Park. "You know, the guy who took care of the kids." 😂😂😂🙄🤦♀️ I love him, but I have to do this with a LOT of movies, and we're NOT an elderly couple!😂😂😂
@starscreamthecruel8026
16 күн бұрын
This is what our rpg group would call a *gamer*. We'd sit in the cinema, watching characters and any time one of them showed proper concern or intelligence for the situation, we'd turn to each other and go: That one's a gamer, implying a kind of meta power for those characters that normal movie characters never seem to have :)
Chris’ smart decisions is one of many reasons why GET OUT is such an amazing horror movie
@m3gaz3n
16 күн бұрын
They used clips from You're Next during the synopsis of GET OUT lol
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character Dutch Schaefer from 1987’s ‘Predator.’ 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@shanesilva4257
17 күн бұрын
Dutch
@starshiptrooper2354
17 күн бұрын
Dutch...yes
@dreamguardian8320
16 күн бұрын
This is one of my favorite movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
@Gor85
16 күн бұрын
One of. Perfect
No Burt Gummer?! His "Always be Prepared" tactics and knowledge for Graboids literally makes him the best character of the Tremors franchise. 😔
@badkitty4922
16 күн бұрын
Ikr? My hubby and I LOVE the whole Tremors Franchise! Did you know that in the first Tremors, Reba McIntyre played Burt's wife? True story. Look it up. 😉👍
@kymmkam73
16 күн бұрын
My thoughts exactly!
@KaoretheHalfDemon
16 күн бұрын
I thought the same but maybe its because Tremors isn’t hardcore horror and more horror comedy.
@GlasGalahad
16 күн бұрын
He has all the critical, need-to-know, INFORMATION.
Erin only being number 8 is a crime. And I love Laurie Strode, but she was a weapon dropper. She shouldn’t be that high lol
Laurie Strode (aged 18 to 63) from John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ plus the requel trilogy (co-executive produced by John Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis).
Smartest character ever was James woods in Scary Movie 2 when he said F-that and immediately tried to run out of the room lol because that's what I would say while doing the same thing lol
@FanaticMitchell1
17 күн бұрын
Eeyup
@ThomasGidley-kv2uj
17 күн бұрын
Right after a hard-fought dump.
@chriscripplercruz1833
17 күн бұрын
@@ThomasGidley-kv2uj yeah lol haha I haven't seen it in years but my favorite part is would you run from falista flockhart
Ash Williams from Sam Raimi’s ‘Evil Dead’ film trilogy. 😃😁
@Jeremiah_Rivers76
17 күн бұрын
Groovy.
Brody did have the idea to shoot the scuba tank but that's not why he put it in the sharks mouth he did that just to give the shark something to bite on instead of him, he just grabbed the first thing that came to hand that happened to be the scuba tank.
#1 Busta Rhymes in Halloween: Resurrection 😁
'What would you have done in their shoes' ? Probably become the first body LOL
@Moriahg
14 күн бұрын
😂 Same
@ChibiProwl
14 күн бұрын
Same.😂
Film Villians Favorite To Least Favorite 1. T-1000 Terminator 2 Judgement Day 2. Ivan Drago Rocky 4 3. Clarence Bodecker RoboCop (1987) 4. The Kurgan Highlander 5. Mr. Douglas Breakin' 2 Electric Boogaloo 6. Popeye Saverda Blood In Blood Out 7. Edgar The Roach Men In Black 8. Grocer Grosse Pointe Blank 9. Thulsa Doom Conan The Barbarian (1982) 10. Hans Gruber Die Hard 11. Darla Dimple Cats Don't Dance 12. Steele Balto 13. Edward Bailey RED 2 14. Connor Road To Perdition 15. Mrs. Mott The Hand That Rocks The Cradle 16. Lisa The Whore The Room 17. Tommy Devito Goodfellas 18. Carlo Rizzi The Godfather 19. Vaughn Crossover (2006) 20. Dr. Satan The Haunted World Of El Superbeasto 21. Ian Hawke Alvin and The Chipmunks Franchise 22. Yolanda Saldivar Selena (1997) 23. Rugal The King Of Fighters (2010) 24. George W. Bush Postal 25. Crackhead Santa Clause Friday After Next (the worst In my opinion)
@user-ln6in5sm8v
17 күн бұрын
you must be a big fan of bad guys that play in movies all sent you a fan of bad people what about Damien from the movie omen he damn sure a bad guy in that he's the devil's son 😈
The explanation to the ending of the original Nightmare on Elm Street isn’t that hard to figure out. Nancy was still dreaming after she thought she defeated Freddy Krueger and Freddy trapped her in that car before pulling Nancy’s mom (or rather a blow up doll that was suppose to be her) into the door window. Nancy obviously woke up before Freddy could kill her otherwise she wouldn’t have been in Dream Warriors
@haleighkirwan2423
16 күн бұрын
Thank you for explaining I never knew that honestly I saw this movie as a kid and I never understood the ending now that you said that Nancy was dreaming the entire time that makes so much more sense I always wondered how Freddy was there in the first place
@ashleighstratmann7783
16 күн бұрын
@@haleighkirwan2423 I was confused too at first but like I said it wasn’t hard to figure out. Nancy’s mom and friends still being alive was actually an indicator it was a dream since we saw each of them died through out the movie. Anyone who ever dream of decease love ones still being alive knows you can still see dead love ones in your dreams.
There were some great smart characters from horror movies. Like Nancy Thompson from Nightmare on Elm Street to Laurie Stroud from Halloween to Chief Brody from Jaws
Allison Kerry - SAW franchise apart from Detective Tap she was one of the only people who could nearly keep up with Jigsaw Games.
The shark, in "Sharknado 2". Flawless acting.
@starscreamthecruel8026
16 күн бұрын
I didnt bother with the sequel. One was quite enough ;)
The Thing 👍🏾🔥 and Freddy👍🏾
Laurie's one final girl who doesn't back down despite the danger
Carrie White - “Carrie”
@badkitty4922
16 күн бұрын
I like how she locked Sue (Amy Irving) out of the gym to keep her from getting hurt. Sue had been really nice to Carrie, and she liked her. It's a shame the gym teacher, played by Betty Buckley, died. I'm talking about the original, of course.
@starscreamthecruel8026
16 күн бұрын
@@badkitty4922 She was laughing at her in the crowd, unfortunately that did it for Carrie and she became part of the problem.
Dutch’s war cry is legendary
@encognitusmaximus7598
16 күн бұрын
Agreed. For me, the best one I've never heard and a dope way to announce you're ready to throw down.
We can’t wait to see Neve Campbell’s performance in the 7th and possibly the last film installment in the ‘Scream’ franchise as Sidney Prescott, the experienced survivor; wife; and mother of 2.
@davidvaldezjr5546
16 күн бұрын
I was told there probably won't be a 7th film.
@codynoth4183
16 күн бұрын
Scream became irrelevant with how they did David Arquette dirty. Dude didn't mag dump into the killer which is rule number one that he knew from, you know, the past 5 instances or whatever. They did it just for shock value.
@davidvaldezjr5546
16 күн бұрын
@@codynoth4183 And I CONDEMN them for it.😡😠👿
I think of "Predator" as science fiction.
@8ojack
17 күн бұрын
It’s actually multiple genres starting out as action and changing to horror with an overarching sci fi theme. Alien would be sci fi horror.
@WinstonSmith19847
17 күн бұрын
The Silence of the Lambs isn't technically a horror either it's a psychological thriller although I suppose it has elements of horror in it.
@starscreamthecruel8026
16 күн бұрын
I think of it as Sci Fi Horror.
Next time add some time stamps so it would be easy to switch to parts we want to hear about.
Poor Ripley she just can't died in peace
You should add Julian the little kid from Halloween (2018) since he knew to run a first sight
yet again beth from hostel part 2 is not on a list. She was a bad ass final girl.
The smart characters in horror movies are the ones who go for the kill and don’t hold back.
The guy from The Exorcist died in the sequel
Nancy Thompson,Rebecca,Dutch,Maddie Young,,Martin Brody,Casey Cook,Sydney Prescot(should be higher,maybe top 3),Michelle,RJ MacReady,Laurie Strode,Chris Washington,Clarice Starling(true cinematic icon yes😀). Ellen Ripley deserving number 1.True heroine! All true heroes. I have no idea what I would do. Great video!😀
Brilliant list. The girls in hush and invisible man had the hardest task.
Any fan of Alien's Ripley will tell you the movies ended with her raising her daughter Newt; possibly also with Hicks.
Honorable mention for Sarah Conner?
@5ftOfRage
16 күн бұрын
Terminator is considered to be a Sci-Fi movie
@richardhoehn9922
16 күн бұрын
@@5ftOfRage Oh? It's not scary to be stalked by a killer cyborg? Having other people who share your name murdered? Not to mention your roommate. Alien could also be science fiction 🤔
Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! I think the smartest horror movie character is John Kramer from the "Saw" series. Even though he's a psychotic serial killer, John Kramer is an intelligent mastermind who designs intricate and often deadly games for his victims. His intelligence and resourcefulness are showcased as he outsmarts his adversaries, both in and out of the deadly traps he creates for his victims. 🥶 Also, look at how many sequels were produced. 🤣
#18 later became Governor of California
@mikememine1423
16 күн бұрын
Three Governors in Predator...
Put Arnold in any horror movie, and he’ll come out on top.
Awesome list 👌
@WatchMojo
11 күн бұрын
Glad you think so!
133: Yes, Erin is on the list. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve seen You’re Next. The movie itself might be underrated but Erin is a badass
Nancy Thompson and Clarice Starling are my favourites.
I would do what in Jordan Peele movies would do and get out
OJ in Nope. He used his understanding of animal behavior to outsmart an apex predator. His sister Emerald too because releasing the Jupe inflatable was inspired.
A wonderful list, The 'Baddies' did not bank on these clever characters being against them.
McCready, Clarice and Chris were all very smart.
I love Teresa Palmer as Rebecca in lights out she's one of my favorite actors and that was such a great film who says a pretty blonde can't be the final girl?
What about Amy Steele's character from "Friday the 13th Part 2?"
lol i think the over use of "home alone -esk" to describe traps, do not do justice to the traps she used in the movie Youre Next.
@WatchMojo scene overlap at 15:56
Why do most horror movie characters break every horror rule there is 😁.
@metern
17 күн бұрын
I want a movie where the characters do follow all the rules to survive a clash of all horror monster that has been made 😁.
@metern
17 күн бұрын
Like my favorite rule. Never ever say "Who's there" if you hear a noise in the dark 😂
@user-ln6in5sm8v
17 күн бұрын
if you do hear a noise in the dark run like hell because you next but don't know yet until to damn late for your ass to run like hell 🧟😈😱
@metern
17 күн бұрын
@@user-ln6in5sm8v And don't forget to close and lock your dors 😂
@NickNutjob
17 күн бұрын
That would be the whole basis for said rules lol
Erin from You're Next deserves top 3 at least.
I would trick the villain. Hide in disguise and throw knives at them. That’s what I would do and make traps in big holes with an addition of a badass horror line
Very very great epic list I like it a lot very very great job 😊❤ thank you a lot for putting 3 of my favorite horror movies firal girls on the great list 😊❤
Ok I know it's newer and a stand alone movie but Erin in your next should be top 3 she is gas and she did fantastic she is a horror star in a horror situation she is what we all think we can do in a horror movie
One thing people haven't understood about Erin from "You're Next" is that she spent her childhood training to survive and thrive in the world of Mad Max. Three guys in animal masks were never going to cut it against her.
A bit of an oopsie edition in the Get Out segment 🤣🤣
The smartest decision ever made in horror is not even being involved in it in the first place tbh, lol.
@EX7Sonic
17 күн бұрын
Basically the cameraman from Scream 2. Dude nopes out of there once shit gets real.
@user-ln6in5sm8v
17 күн бұрын
yeah you make a good point
@Mac_Kymera
16 күн бұрын
Haha YES 100%! - The parents… they are never in the house or are always away for the weekend
Top 10 Cartoon Characters with Genius-level Intellect. Top 10 Anime Characters with Genius-level Intellect. Top 10 Known Batman-Inspired Characters. Top 20 Known Superman-Inspired Characters.
Ginny from Friday the 13th Part 2
Chris not figuring out his sexy was involved was classic.
Ripley in Aliens. "I think we should take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure." Also the power loader - nuff said.
Kirsty from Hellraiser
Pretty sure Erin would surpass Sydney in every scenario other than known actress name plot armor!
I recently watched Immaculate and it was really good, I thought that Sydney sweeny’s character was really smart, a little naive at the start but she knew something was up, she made some really clever decisions!!!
One of the Most uniquely remarkable real deal interesting iconic Smartest Horror-creepy film characters for me are Hush film and Invisible Man film. 💯💯👍👍👏👏👏
What's with the wrong footage when talking about Chris Washington from Get Out😂
Cassie Sullivan - "The 5th Wave" (2016)
i'd add Grace from Wedding Nightmare in the TOP5. Samara Weaving was such a baddass in this movie. Also Crystal from the Hunt. Only Erin from Who's next? can match her tbh.
Horror movie characters are as wrestling referees. I’m shocked you could get a list of 20 characters.
I’ve not seen Hush, I’ve only seen Scream and Scream 2 from the Scream franchise as with Halloween and Halloween 2018 only ones I’ve seen from the franchise.
Erin is one of my favorite characters for sure
Not only is ben smart,but have some of best zombie jujitsu skills(in the remake) that ever seen 😂.
Tommy Jarvis from the Friday the 13th franchise should be on this list. He fought Jason 3 times and lived.
The disrespect of Erin in You’re Next by saying she has nothing on Sidney Prescott. That lady didn’t spend her childhood on a survivalist compound and annihilate six characters ( most likely seven judging by the end) in a single film alone just to be dismissed like that.
I love Ash Williams, but 90% of the entertainment factor in the OG movies and series is the fact that our Unstoppable Hero is also the Village Idiot. You're going to need an entirely different list for him.
Ryouta Murakami from Brynhildr in the Darkness(2014) is one of the Smartest Horror Anime Characters of ALL-TIME. He may not be a Horror Movie Characters but his Smartness is one of the reasons that he and the Witches were able to survive from their enemies, The Lab. 👨🏫
I'm so surprised The Invisible Man doesnt have a sequel.
@jalenlatham8893
16 күн бұрын
I’ve heard a sequel is being discussed!
@JJPHILLYLG
16 күн бұрын
@@jalenlatham8893 I hope you're right.
@5ftOfRage
16 күн бұрын
The Invisible Man I don't count that as a horror movie plus the movie was beyond awful
Get out was clever. 🎉
You mean that Kevin did a nightmare on elm st
Amazing content
@StanHalen1936
17 күн бұрын
Oh great, this loser again.
Poor Ben, he went through all that, only to get mistaken for a zombie and killed at the end!
135: You so got that wrong. Sidney is in five movies but four of the movies focused on her than the fifth one. The fifth one is about the daughters of Billy
Whoohoo...I knew Ripley was going to be #1
Want some candy? Want! Some! Candy! 🪦🧒🏻🤌🏻🍬👾💀☠️
Erin i love her
@zidanahmed318
16 күн бұрын
Donna Keppel In Prom Night 2008.
Rename the vid to top 20 rarest moments of all time 😂
I would have probably listed Gale Weathers from the Scream franchise because she figured out that by using *69 on the killer you have a target to shoot.
I don't consider lights out,you're next, get out and the Invisible Man to be horror movies
Wait, Predator is a horror movie, since when?! I always saw it as Sci-fi/Action, maybe with some "horror elements", but it's not a real horror movie. Now Alien, THAT is a horror movie! Sci-fi/Horror, but horror, nonetheless.
Personally I think Ripley was Smarter and badasses in Aliens 2. She killed the Alien queen and bring back a few survivors (Newt,Bishop, a space marine guy). I was always sad they were killed off screen a beginning of third.
I have noticed the You're Next clip has been accidentally inserted in the TOP 3 Get Out clip 🥴
I would have liked 2 c Erin from the Texas chainsaw massacre remake from 2003 such a badass final girl
With no Nancy there would Sydney would be dead
You guys also forgot to include the girl from No One Will Save You
Weed also helps disable rem sleep
tnx, i been searching for the movie the decent but no they all still died.
Starting off with Nancy? Y’all standing on business I see😂😂😂