Ranking the Films of Guillermo Del Toro From Worst to Best

So after months of waiting, The Shape of Water has finally been released here in Ireland. I was going to do a review, but the film has been out so long in the states that it felt a bit pointless as there was nothing more that I could really say that hasn't been already said. So instead, I decided to look at Guillermo Del Toro's filmography as a whole, including The Shape of Water, and go through each film from worst to best. From ghosts to Kaiju, from fairys to vampires, Del Toro has covered a vast number of topics in both his English-language and Spanish films over the years, all tied together by recurring themes and motifs. This list was quite difficult to organise to be honest, as I don't believe Del Toro has ever made a bad film. However, it's clear that some shine out above the rest, so I managed to come to a satisfactory ranking eventually. So without further ado, here is my ranking of Guillermo Del Toro's films:

10. Mimic (1997)

Del Toro's first American feature revolves around genetically altered insects known as the Judas breed, who were created in order to rid New York City of its disease-riddled cockroaches. However, the insects soon evolve to the stage where they can essentially mimic the appearance of human beings, making them an even deadlier threat than the roaches they were bred to kill. It's no secret that Mimic had something of a troubled production. Due to repeated interventions from producer Bob Weinstein, Del Toro struggled to maintain creative control over the project which led to a rather lackluster creature feature. It's because of this that much of the emotional depth of the directors usual standard is absent, while most of the characters are paper-thin, despite having actors like Mira Sorvino and Josh Brolin among the ensemble cast. It's a real shame that Del Toro wasn't given full control over Mimic, because with a creature design as unique as that of the Judas breed, the film certainly had a lot of potential. Still, some of the directors early trademarks clearly shine through, such as the impressive creature design and his self-proclaimed 'fetish' for insects. Mimic may not be Del Toro's best work, but it was a sign of good things to come.

9. Blade II (2002)

Del Toro's first foray into the comic book genre was the sequel to 1998's Blade, which follows the titular daywalker (Wesley Snipes) as he forges an uneasy alliance with an elite group of vampires known as the Bloodpack in order to defeat the newly mutated 'reaper' vampires. Blade II is by no means a bad film, in fact even Wesley Snipes himself has admitted that it's his favourite of the trilogy. However, when you place it within the context of Del Toro's wider filmography, unfortunately it doesn't compare. This is the only film Del Toro has directed where he has had no screenwriting input, but as a director he does exceedingly well. Utilising his usual gloomy color palettes and keen eye for detail, Del Toro crafted a much more sleek and stylish film for Blade's second outing, and worked closely with screenwriter David S. Goyer in order to remain true to the comics. It's by far a much darker film compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, the design of the reaper-vampires is really unique and it's clear that Del Toro took influence from their elongated stingers when penning his Strain novels. Blade II may not be Del Toro's most compelling film, but it's certainly a fun one and is by far one of the most underrated superhero films out there.

8. Crimson Peak (2015)

Del Toro's most misunderstood film, Crimson Peak follows aspiring author Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), who accompanies her new husband Sir. Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) to his home in England in order to escape the ghosts of her past. However, it soon becomes apparent that Edith's new home holds a dark secret, and that the spirits of Crimson Peak never forget. Crimson Peak fell victim to a case of bad marketing, which led many to believe that it would be a straight-up supernatural horror in the vein of Insidious and the likes. However, in reality Crimson Peak is a tasteful blend of gothic romance and ghost stories, that places more emphasis on mood and atmosphere, as opposed to explicit scares. This might be why many were so negative towards the film, but bad advertising does not make a bad film, in my eyes. This is by far one of Del Toro's most visually stunning films, the production design is packed full of so much color and detail that it really feels as though the house itself is alive at times. As well as that, the ghost designs are enough to send shivers up anyone's spines, with their blood red, skeletal appearance. Crimson Peak is a true visual spectacle that oozes with atmosphere, and while it's true that there's a little more style than substance, it's certainly still a strong effort from Del Toro.

7. Pacific Rim (2013)

Inspired by the great Toho-era monster movies, Pacific Rim is set in a near future where gigantic monsters known as 'Kaiju' have risen from beneath the Pacific Ocean and proceeded to wreak havoc across the globe. In order to combat these beasts, massive robots known as 'Jaegers' are constructed, designed to be piloted by two or more people linked by a neural bridge. Pacific Rim is pure, unadulterated entertainment courtesy of Del Toro. The film is packed to the brim with some highly inventive, gargantuan brawls, including one particular scene where a Jaeger uses a ship as a sword while fighting one of the Kaiju. Del Toro clearly displays a sheer amount of love and respect for these giant monster movies, something that Michael Bay lacked while making the Transformer films. Amidst all of the action however, there is also some fascinating world-building going on as well, with Charlie Day's Newt exploring the neon-soaked streets of Hong Kong and thus making the world of Pacific Rim feel much more tangible. It's true that some of the human protagonists do leave a lot to be desired, however, much like last years Kong: Skull Island this is a monster movie at the end of the day, and when it comes to monsters, Pacific Rim certainly delivers the goods. Colourful, creative, and action-packed to the core, Pacific Rim may not have as much emotional depth as some of his other works, but Del Toro knew the type of film that he wanted to make, and the final product was truly spectacular.

6. Hellboy (2004)

The first Hellboy film directed by Del Toro starred Ron Pearlman in the titular role and was loosely based off the 'Seed of Destruction' and 'Wake the Devil' story arcs from Mike Mignola's comics. The result was a truly unique comic book adaptation, that remained faithful enough to its source material, while also allowing room for Del Toro to experiment with some ideas of his own. Let's face it, the movie version of Karl Kroenen is way cooler than his comic book counterpart, and we have Del Toro to thank for that. More importantly however, the film made Ron Pearlman something of an icon, and his iteration of the titular half-demon is seen by many as being one of the best casting decisions in the history of comic book cinema. However, my main issue with Hellboy is that there are times when Hellboy himself feels like a supporting character in his own film. There is a lot of unnecessary focus on the character of Agent Myers (Rupert Evans) who acts as Hellboy's 'babysitter', as opposed to the big red guy himself, and at times it makes us feel somewhat detached from our protagonist. Still, apart from that Hellboy is not only an excellent comic book film, but it's also the film that really made Del Toro a household name among American audiences. It showcased his vibrant imagination and his talent for the craft, setting him up for a number of other subsequent successes in the future.

5. Cronos (1993)

Del Toro's first feature film and one that still holds up nicely today, Cronos tells the story of an elderly pawn shop owner who gains vampiric abilities after being 'bitten' by a mysterious clockwork device. Cronos established many of Del Toro's signature traits, including his fascination with clockwork, insects, and dark places. As well as that, it also displayed a keen knowledge of how to craft an effective monster movie. Cronos reminds me of some of the classic monster movies of old, such as Frankenstein and The Wolfman. While our protagonist (played by the late Federico Luppi) certainly possesses some monstrous characteristics, he is a sympathetic character with certain layers of humanity that set him apart from your average, run of the mill monster. It's a film that deals with themes such as ageing and immortality in ways that are fantastical, yet surprisingly grounded. The character of Jesús enjoys the effects of the Cronos device as it renders him more youthful, however, it's how he deals with the consequences of this that make the film much more interesting. Cronos set the standard for Guillermo Del Toro films, both stylistically and thematically. That blurring between the worlds of fantasy and reality, as well as being able to find beauty in the grotesque are themes that Del Toro frequently revisits. It was clear from Cronos that this was a filmmaker with a bright future ahead of him. 

4. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

If there were ever a film to sum up Guillermo Del Toro's unique imagination, this would be it. Hellboy II: The Golden Army sees Del Toro move away from the Lovecraftian themes of the fist film, to focus more on elements of Celtic folklore instead. The result is a beautiful film full of fascinating creatures, that further builds upon the world established in its predecessor. The troll market scene alone showcases some of the incredible creatures lurking within Del Toro's mind, making the world of Hellboy feel much more layered in comparison to the first film. Of course the highlight of all these creature designs comes later, with the iconic Angel of Death (Doug Jones), who has eyes on her wings instead of her face. It's clear that Del Toro poured incredible detail into every last creature we see onscreen. As well as that, Hellboy actually feels like the star of his own film this time around, as he goes through his own personal arc that further raises the stakes at hand. He feels like a much more well-rounded character in the second film, and it allows for Pearlman to explore some more of the characters layers. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is the perfect film to start with for those of you looking to immerse yourselves in Del Toro's filmography. Its themes and story are not too complex, but the visuals and imaginative creatures are all staples of Del Toro, and are sure to entice even the most casual of viewers.

3. The Devil's Backbone (2001)

Another one of Del Toro's most prominent themes is that of war, and using war as a backdrop for supernatural or fantastical events, The Devil's Backbone is where this all began. Set during the final years of the Spanish Civil War, the film follows an orphaned boy named Carlos (Fernando Tielve), who begins to have visions of a ghostly child upon arriving at a new orphanage, prompting him to learn more. War is central to The Devil's Backbone, thematically and quite literally, as there is a massive diffused bomb lodged in the central courtyard of the films orphanage. It is an ever present force that looms over our protagonists constantly throughout, even when it's not integral to the plot itself. Amidst this war however, is a captivating mystery woven by Del Toro like an expert seamstress. With every layer of this mystery that is unearthed, another enigma awaits beneath, and Del Toro carefully unravels it at a steady pace to keep us fully enthralled from start to finish. It plays out like a traditional ghost story, however, the Spanish setting and Del Toro's expert storytelling gives it a unique flare. As well as that, the appearance of the ghost himself is unforgettable, with his cracked temple almost like a porcelain doll, emitting some sort of supernatural scarlet fumes. In comparison to some of his other films, The Devil's Backbone is a much more grounded and concentrated story, allowing for Del Toro to pour significant detail into even the smallest things, ultimately making for one of his most captivating films to date.

2. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pan's Labyrinth was the film that fully established Del Toro as a master of the craft, in terms of both storytelling and filmmaking. Set in Franco-era Spain, the film focuses on a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who moves to a remote country house with her mother, and her stepfather Captain Vidal (Sergi López). However, Ofelia soon discovers that a strange, but captivating fantasy world exists within our own, taking her life in a curious new direction. Once again, war and the violence of the real world act as the backdrop to this dark fairy tale, with Ofelia using the world of the fantastic to escape from it all. The harsh brutality of Franco-era Spain is juxtaposed with the strange creatures of Del Toro's imagination that Ofelia encounters on her journey. From the seemingly helpful Faun (Doug Jones), to the terrifying, child-eating Pale Man (also Jones), Pan's Labyrinth contains some of Guillermo Del Toro's most extraordinary creatures yet. However, despite all of the mythical monsters present throughout, the real monster is the very human Captain Vidal. Sergi López brings Vidal to life in an imposing, yet realistic way, making him even more terrifying than the Pale Man himself. What makes Pan's Labyrinth so effective however, is how well it emotionally resonates with people regardless of their age. It is a film about childhood and escapism, and those are things that we have all experienced to some degree in our lives, regardless of how old we are. With its creative visuals, strong themes, and powerful emotional heart, Pan's Labyrinth still stands as one of Guillermo Del Toro's best works to date, and will without a doubt continue to connect with audiences for years to come.

1. The Shape of Water (2018)

However, it seems that Guillermo Del Toro's latest feature may just be his best yet. Set in 1960's Baltimore, the film follows the unusual love story between mute janitor Elisa (Sally Hawkins) and an amphibian man (Doug Jones) being held at the facility where she works. The Shape of Water is by far Del Toro's most beautiful and complete film to date. It has shown how much he has matured as a filmmaker, focusing heavily on the theme of love and the tension of Cold War-era America. Using a nautical color scheme of primarily greens and blues, Del Toro and cinematographer Dan Laustsen bring to life this visually compelling world that teeters on the border between fantasy and reality. Now to some, the love story between a woman and a fish-man may sound unconventional and somewhat perverse, and to be honest if anyone other than Del Toro had made this film it may very well have ended up that way. However, he handles the story with such class and emotional nuance, that the romance between Elisa and the amphibian man feels just as natural as any other. On top of that, the ensemble cast is perhaps Del Toro's strongest to date, with the likes of Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spencer in supporting roles, and Michael Shannon as the films ruthless antagonist Richard Strickland. However, the way in which Sally Hawkins compensates for her lack of dialogue with incredible physical acting makes her the real stand out, and I think she is a fine contender for best actress at this years Academy Awards. To put it simply, The Shape of Water is flawless in every aspect, it's the type of film that's capable of eliciting every sort of emotion all within the space of two hours. I didn't think it was possible for Guillermo Del Toro to top Pan's Labyrinth, but I think he might just have.

If you're a fan of cinema, then I would highly suggest going to see The Shape of Water, and if you enjoy it then why not check out the rest of Guillermo Del Toro's films! Let me know if you liked the film or if you have any thoughts on his other films too, but apart from that, that's it for now until next time!

The 10 Most Anticipated Horror Films of 2018

We're already well over a month into 2018, and it's fair to say we've had some top quality cinema thus far. However, in terms of horror there has not been much as of yet, but I assure you, the best is yet to come. 2018 will see a number of new horror films, sequels, reboots, and remakes, to keep horror fans on their toes for the next several months. While some of the best horror films of the past few years have tended to crop up unexpectedly, the following 10 films are ones we know of so far, that are confirmed for a 2018 release. Unfortunately, The New Mutants will not be on this list as it got pushed forward to next year for some reason, but the res of these films are all slated for a release before the end of the year.

10. Suspiria (TBA)

Anticipated, yes, but for all the wrong reasons. For those of you who read this blog frequently, you'll know that Dario Argento's 1977 supernatural horror Suspiria is basically my all time favourite film. Set at a German dance academy, the film follows a young girl who discovers that dark forces are lurking behind the walls of the prestigious academy. Naturally when a remake was announced I was not exactly enthusiastic about it, and I wasn't the only one, Argento himself has spoken out against the film, claiming that he thinks it would be better if it wasn't remade. However, I can't deny that I'm extremely curious about this new iteration of Suspiria, especially considering the talent behind it. Call Me By Your Name's Luca Guadagino is directing this new remake, while the cast includes the likes of Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, and Dakota Johnson, with the star of the original, Jessica Harper, set to cameo as well. On top of that Radiohead's Thom Yorke is on scoring duty, and as much as I love Radiohead, I can't see Yorke outdoing Goblin anytime soon. Despite all of my skepticism surrounding this remake, I can't deny that Guadagino is an excellent director, and I do believe that if anybody were to tackle an Argento remake then they should be Italian. While no official date has been set for Suspiria's release, it has been confirmed to be coming out sometime this year, so that gives you all plenty of time to check out the original in the meantime. 

9. Death House (Feb 23)

A film that has had horror fans buzzing for years, Death House has been dubbed 'The Expendables of horror' and is based off an original screenplay from the late Leatherface himself, Gunnar Hansen. Set within the confines of a maximum security prison known as the Death House, 2 FBI agents find tssorhemselves fighting for their lives against the deadly horde of recently escaped inmates. The film has been highly anticipated due to the fact that it will bring together some of the biggest living horror legends, from Kane Hodder, to Tony Todd, to the always entertaining Bill Moseley. These are just some of the icons among the ensemble cast, so it's set to be a pretty big event to say the least. While director Harrison Smith doesn't seem to have the best track record, the fact that Death House will bring together some of the horror genres best is enough to get us excited, regardless of whether or not it's actually good. If the trailer is anything to go by, then it will certainly be a relentlessly violent film to say the least. Even if it doesn't reach all expectations, it's sure to become a cult classic for years to come. 

8. The Strangers: Prey at Night (Mar 9)

A sequel to 2008's eerie home invasion film The Strangers has been rumored for years, but now, ten years later, it's almost finally upon us. The sequel will see the return of the masked strangers from the first film, only this time, they are targeting an unsuspecting family stranded at a deserted trailer park. Mad Men alum Christina Hendricks is on board this time round, seemingly playing the matriarch of the unfortunate family, while Don't be Afraid of the Dark star Bailee Madison will join her. The trailer certainly has me hyped for this installment to The Strangers franchise, set to the tune of Tiffany's 'I Think We're Alone Now', it has a more tongue-in-cheek vibe to it in comparison to its predecessor so it'll be interesting to see if this will play out in the film as well. While the original has mixed reviews, I quite liked it and I'm looking forward to rewatch it in preparation for this long overdue sequel.

7. The Predator (Aug 3)

After the success of 2016's The Nice Guys, Shane Black returns to our screens this year with the fourth installment into the Predator franchise, aptly titled The Predator. Little is know about the plot as of yet, but the film is confirmed to take place after the first 2 films and prior to the events of Robert Rodriguez' Predators. As well as that, Jake Busey is set to play the son of his father's character, Peter Keyes, from the second film, so it will be interesting to see if there are any other callbacks to earlier installments (here's hoping for an Arnie cameo). Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn, and Keegan-Michael Key are also among the cast, as well as Jacob Tremblay who will play Holbrook's son. Shane Black, who actually had a supporting role in the original Predator, has stated that it will be a much more intimate film in line with the first, so it will be exciting to see the titular monster in all his stealthy glory again. We've got a while to wait with an August release date confirmed, but by the looks of things the wait will certainly be worth it.

6. The Nun (Jul 13)

Without a doubt the scariest thing about The Conjuring 2 was Valak (Bonnie Aarons), the demonic nun who orchestrated both the Amityville and Enfield hauntings, and almost put an end to the Warren family once and for all. Lucky for us it looks as though she's not quite finished yet, as she's set to return this summer in a prequel film directed by Corin Hardy. Set in the 1950's, the film will take place in a Romanian monastery and will follow a group of individuals sent by the Vatican to investigate the mysterious death of a nun. The main reason to be hyped for The Nun is that Corin Hardy is directing, and if one thing is certain its that Hardy has an incredible amount of love and respect for the horror genre. His first feature The Hallow is a prime example of how well he knows the genre, and if it's anything to go by then The Nun is definitely one to look forward to. While Conjuring spin off's can go either way, with the first Annabelle being a massive letdown and its follow up being a refreshing return to form, it's hard to tell how The Nun will turn out. However, I have faith in Corin Hardy and his talent for the genre, and I'm certain that he will do justice to everybodies favourite demonic nun.

5. A Quiet Place (Apr 6)

Directed and co-written by John Krasinski (who's come a long way since his days in The Office), A Quiet Place will see him star alongside his wife Emily Blunt as members of a family who reside on a secluded farm where they hide from a supernatural force that's attracted to sound. In order to avoid this unfathomable evil, the family must communicate in sign language and prevent themselves from making any sort of noise whatsoever. It's a fascinating concept alone and feels very reminiscent of Fede Alvarez' Don't Breathe, but on a more supernatural level. Krasinski and Blunt are both extremely talented actors, and their real life marriage will ensure that their characters will share an interesting dynamic in the film itself. As well as that, I'm interested to see how Krasinski tackles the horror genre from behind the camera as well, although from the trailer it definitely looks as though he's succeeded in crafting an effective suspense horror. Not much else is known about the film, which is probably for the best, so as of now all we can do is wait in anticipation for when A Quiet Place drops in April.

4. Annihilation (Feb 23)

Now I haven't read any of Jeff VanderMeer's books off which this is based so I don't know too much about it, but judging from the trailer and with Alex Garland at the helm, it's safe to say I'm hyped for Annihilation. Natalie Portman plays a biologist named Lena who joins an expedition into a mysterious zone known as Area X in an attempt to save the life of her husband, the only survivor of a previous expedition. Tessa Thompson and Jennifer Jason Leigh are also among the cast, with Alex Garland of Ex Machina fame as writer and director, so there's some serious talent carrying this adaptation. Garland is also most well-known for writing 28 Days Later, so this isn't his first foray into the horror genre either. The trailer gave off some serious Aliens vibes, and because its source material is so acclaimed then its hard not to feel excited for Annihilation's release later this month. While it will receive theatrical releases in the states, Canada, and China, it will be released via Netflix elsewhere, which I'm sure is a little disappointing for fans of the books. However, because of this the studio could do little to interfere with Garland's vision for the film, so hopefully its move to Netflix will be one that's worthwhile. 

3. Unsane (Mar 23)

Shot in secret by Steven Soderbergh himself, on an iPhone no less, Unsane is without a doubt the most intriguing film on this list. The film stars Claire Foy as a woman who is wrongly committed to a mental institution and must wrestle between her delusions and reality in order to survive. This is certainly an ambitious move from Soderbergh, and although it's easy for people to hop on the 'too gimmicky' bandwagon, the trailer without a doubt puts all that cynicism to rest. From the looks of things this will be a very psychological film in the vein of Jacob's Ladder or Shutter Island, and the trailer alone shows how the use of the iPhone camera aids in creating this distorted atmosphere. There isn't much else I can say really, considering how much secrecy is shrouding this project, but Unsane looks like it has a lot of potential, and the secrecy surrounding it makes it all the more intriguing.

2. Hereditary (Jun 8)

Already being dubbed one of the scariest films in recent years after being screened at Sundance a few weeks ago, Hereditary is the feature debut for writer/director Ari Aster and it looks as though he's about to leave a strong impact on the horror genre. Toni Collette stars as Annie, a woman who begins to notice strange events occurring around her daughter following the death of her own mother. The trailer hasn't revealed much, which is always good, but if the Sundance hype is anything to go by then Hereditary is definitely one to look forward to. A24 have produced and will distribute the film, and with the likes of The Witch and It Comes at Night among their filmography, it's hard not to have high hopes for this film. I think Toni Collette is a very strong actor, and after her appearance in the Fright Night remake all those years ago, it was only a matter of time before she returned to the horror genre. I don't want to speak too soon, but with all the hype surrounding it and with A24 backing the film, Hereditary is looking out to be one of the most successful horror films of the year. 

1. Halloween (Oct 19)

Of all the horror films set to be released this year however, Halloween is the one that I'm most excited for. Reuniting Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle as Laurie Strode and Michael Myers respectively, the film will pick up 40 years after the original Halloween and will see Strode and Myers face off once again. David Gordon Green of Pineapple Express fame will direct the film, based off a script by him and Danny McBride, so it's intriguing to see how these usually comic men will tackle the horror genre. However, John Carpenter himself has been extremely positive about this new project, and will even do the score for it, which gives me hope that this will be a worthy entry into the Halloween franchise. The film is set to be a semi-reboot, effectively erasing the sequels from the canon, so don't be expecting the cult of Thorne of Busta Rhymes to make any appearances, because as far as the filmmakers are concerned, those films never happened. Halloween is by far one of the most influential horror films of all time, and while most of the sequels don't nearly do justice to the original, the fact that this  John Carpenter's blessing gives us hope that maybe, just maybe, this one will. 

Those are just a few of the horror films I'm most looking forward to this year, although I'm sure plenty more will crop up here and there over the course of the year. Next week I'll be looking at the films of Guillermo Del Toro at some stage, so stay tuned for that!

20 Terrifying Women in Horror Cinema

For years the horror genre has been a platform for strong female characters. While it's true that violence towards women is quite frequent in horror films, it's equally true that the genre has allowed for the creation of more empowered female characters as well. From strong-willed final girls such as Laurie Strode and Kirsty Cotton, to some truly bad-ass woman like Ellen Ripley, the horror genre has done a lot for the female protagonist, perhaps moreso than most other genres have. However, horror cinema has given us an equal amount of chilling female antagonists as well. Be they cunning, seductive, or downright savage, the villainesses of horror cinema come in many shapes an sizes, and are all equally terrifying in their own rites. To list them all would take forever, so for now, here are 20 terrifying women in horror cinema (in no particular order). There are some potential SPOILERS ahead so be careful of that, enjoy.

Irena Dubrovna- Cat People (1942)

On the surface, Irena Dubrovna (Simone Simon) is an attractive and quick-witted, Serbian-born fashion designer. However, Irena harbors a dark secret that slowly begins to surface when her husband begins to grow close to his assistant Alice (Jane Randolph). Irena is in fact cursed to transform into a cat-person, and in a jealous rage she succumbs to her curse in order to eliminate her husbands new lover for good. Irena is by no means a bad person, in fact she is one of the only good people in the film, however the manner in which she unleashes that terrible cat-curse makes her a force to be reckoned with, as her psychiatrist soon found out in the films shocking climax...

Angel Blake- The Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)

When the young people of a small English town are overcome by the power of the devil, they soon form a satanic cult with Angel Blake (Linda Hayden) at the forefront. The ironically-named Angel is the most malevolent of the young cultists, using her feminine charms to seduce potential sacrifices and manipulate some of the village men. She even almost turns the town Reverend away from celibacy, before ultimately accusing him of sexual assault. Blake is willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of the cult, even going as far as to give up her fellow members to save herself. She has the closest relationship with the cults demonic deity and stays by his side right until the bitter end.

Mary Shaw- Dead Silence (2007)

Dead Silence may not be the best film from the duo of James Wan and Leigh Whannell, but its villain Mary Shaw (Judith Roberts) is by far one of their most terrifying creations yet. In life, Shaw was a ventriloquist whose show was once interrupted by a young boy, pointing out to the crowd that her lips were moving. When the boy subsequently disappeared, Shaw was blamed and then lynched by the angry townsfolk. Shaw continued to terrorise the citizens of Raven's Fair from beyond the grave, utilising her collection of terrifying dolls and dummies to frighten her victims into screaming, before ripping their tongues out from their throats. Cunning, clever, and downright horrific, Shaw has a number of tricks up her sleeve to keep Raven's Fair terrified for generations.

Angela Baker- Sleepaway Camp (1983)

To say that Angela Baker (Felissa Rose) had a rough childhood is an understatement. Not only did she witness the death of her father and his boyfriend during a grizzly speedboat accident at a young age, she also spent her subsequent years under the guardianship of her emotionally abusive aunt. While she initially comes across as quiet and well-meaning, it soon becomes clear that Angela may be behind the grizzly murders taking place during her stay at Camp Arawak. The ultimate 'twist' of Angela being transgender is no longer the sort of shock ending that it would have been in 1983, but it's interesting to see the subject being addressed in a slasher film of all things, even if it's not the most tasteful approach.

May Dove Canaday- May (2002)

May (Angela Bettis) is a sweet, but lonely young woman who grew up with little social interaction, her only friend being a creepy doll named Suzie. Upon befriending a young mechanic named Adam (Jeremy Sisto), May soon develops strange new feelings of a sexual, and somewhat violent nature. However, when her life soon takes a turn for the worst after a series of mishaps, May sets out to make the perfect companion.. out of human remains. May is not a bad person, she's actually quite a sympathetic character, but her gruesome actions prove that she is capable of doing truly horrifying things, earning her a place on this list.

Ginger Fitzgerald- Ginger Snaps (2000)

Initially a social outcast of sorts, along with her sister Brigitte (Emily Perkins), Ginger Fitzgerald (Katherine Isabelle) begins to go through strange developments after being attacked by a mysterious beast on the night of her first period. She becomes more outgoing, more promiscuous, and considerably more violent, it's evident that Ginger may very well be transforming into a werewolf. Ginger is a complex character who embraces these new changes as opposed to fighting them, she gives herself into these violent and sexual tendencies, doing whatever it takes to satisfy her urges. It's highly entertaining to see Ginger embrace this newly-empowered side of herself, even if she is a werewolf.

Kayako Sakei- Ju-on: The Grudge (2002)

When her husband discovered that she was in love with their sons teacher, Kayako (Takako Fuji) was brutally murdered, causing her spirit to manifest itself as an Onryō. Her vengeful spirit proceeded to take revenge on her husband, creating a curse on their former house and consuming anybody who enters it. Known for her ghostly-white appearance and sinister death-rattle, Kayako is a terrifying spirit who appears to young social worker Rika (Megumi Onika) when she is sent to care for the houses former owner. Usually accompanied by her ghostly son Toshio (Yuya Ozeki), Kayako is a truly frightening being due to her unnatural movements and ghastly face. She is doomed for the rest of her afterlife to murder anybody touched by her curse.

Angela Franklin- Night of the Demons (1988)

Angela (Amelia Kinkade) was once a regular teenage girl, however, on one faithful Halloween night her life changed forever. Upon being possessed by the evil spirits of Hull House, Angela became a violent and formidable demon who set out to slaughter her former peers one by one. Dressed in her gothic black dress and with her frizzy brown hair, Angela makes for a fitting monster and is easily the most terrifying of the bunch, despite only being the second person to become possessed. After the events of the first film, Angela's demonic spirit continued to haunt Hull House, preying on any unsuspecting visitor who entered.

Baby Firefly- House of 1000 Corpses & The Devils Reject's (2003 & 2005)

At first glance, Baby Firefly (Sheri Moon Zombie) comes across as a simple, fun-loving, if not slightly irritating young woman. In reality however, Baby is a demented killer who, with the rest of her family, lure in unsuspecting victims to their home in the Texas backwoods. The sadistic and unhinged ms. Firefly enjoys toying with her victims and takes particular pleasure in scalping the unfortunate young Jerry (Chris Hardwick). A self-proclaimed fan of Bette Davis and Betty Boop songs, Baby continued her murderous antics well after the destruction of her family home and right up until her death at the hands of the law. However, if the news is correct, it sounds as though she and her fellow Devil's Rejects could be getting resurrected very soon.

Sadako Yamamura- Ringu (1998)

Much like her contemporary Kayako, Sadako Yamamura (Rie Ino) is an Onryō whose spirit is attached to a cursed videotape. Whoever watches said tape subsequently dies exactly seven days later at the hands of Sadako. Sadako possessed psychic powers, much like her mother, and when her body was sealed at the bottom of a well these powers manifested themselves in the cursed videotape. After her remains were discovered, it was believed that her curse would be broken for good, but Sadako soon put these beliefs to rest when she crawled from the television of Ryuji Takayama (Hiroyuki Sanada) and murdered him in cold blood. Clad in a long white gown, with her face obscured by her jet black hair, Sadako's ghostly appearance is frightening enough, but watching her crawl from that television in the final moments of Ringu are what cemented her as an icon of the horror genre.

Asa Vajda- Black Sunday (1960)

After being accused of practicing black magic, Asa Vajda (Barbara Steele) was executed by having a metal mask nailed to her face. Two hundred years later, Vajda was unwittingly resurrected by two passing doctors, causing her to rise again and seek immortality by draining the life from her descendant Katia (also Steele). With her cunning mind and feminine charms, Asa is a strong woman who proceeds to manipulate a number of men into serving her. As well as that, her gaunt facial features and ghoulish wounds give her a truly frightening appearance as well. As well as being one of the most evil women in the history of horror cinema, Asa Vajda's frightening appearance has become somewhat iconic, and Barbara Steele's performance cemented her as one of the most beloved scream queens of all time.

Helena Markos- Suspiria (1977)

Helena Markos, or Mater Suspiriorum to her pals, was a malevolent witch who acted as the directress of the prestigious Tanz Dance Academy in Germany. Being a powerful black queen, Markos lent her powers to the coven so that they could eliminate their respective enemies who sought to expose or destroy them. While Markos herself kept to the shadows, she utilised a variety of agents to carry out her dirty work in order to sustain her dark powers. As well as being the head of the Tanz Academy coven, Markos was also one of the three mothers, a trifecta of malevolent sorceresses who resided in Germany, New York, and Rome. Despite her incredible abilities, Markos was no match for the wits of young Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper), who put a stop to her evil ways once and for all.

Julia Cotton- Hellraiser & Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 (1987&1988)

In the first Hellraiser film, Julia Cotton (Clare Higgins) helps her former lover, newly resurrected Frank (Sean Chapman), return to his former self after being horribly mutilated by the Cenobites. Using her charisma, she seduced a number of men in order to lure them to Frank so that he could consume their blood and regenerate his body. After being sucked into hell with the rest of the Cenobites, Julia was soon resurrected herself by the sadistic Dr. Channard (Kenneth Cranham) in order to help him learn about the Cenobite world. Julia is a selfish and manipulative woman, particularly after her resurrection, and everything she does is simply in order to serve herself. I mean you have to give credit where credit is due, she may have been a manipulative, deceitful, and downright evil woman, but she was damn good at it.

Regan MacNeil- The Exorcist (1973)

Much like many of the people on this list, Regan (Linda Blair) was once an ordinary girl. However, after naive young Regan meddled with a ouija board, she soon became possessed by the malevolent Pazuzu and proceeded to make her mothers life a living hell. While possessed by Pazuzu, Regan began to act extremely unnaturally, contorting her body in a variety of ways, mutilating herself, and spouting foul language at anyone who dared enter her room. She even went as far as to kill one of her mothers colleagues while he entered her room to check on her. While it's fair to say that it's not Regan who was evil, but Pazuzu, Linda Blair's chilling performance at such a young age is what makes Regan such a terrifying character.

Rose Armitage- Get Out (2017)

The most recent entry on our list, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) initially appears to be a kind and caring young woman. When she and her African-American boyfriend Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) embark on a trip to her parents estate in the woods however, it soon becomes clear that Rose is not all that she seems. Much like her family, Rose is a member of The Coagula, a group of individuals who kindap black people and use their bodies as vessels for white people. Rose uses her incredible acting skills to charm young black men into a relationship, so that they can later be used by The Coagula. Ruthless, manipulative, and highly articulate (she even seperates her cereal from the milk, and drinks the latter through a straw), Rose Armitage is a woman who you do not want to cross paths with.

Lola Stone- The Loved Ones (2009)

When she first asks protagonist Brett (Xavier Samuel) to the prom, Lola Stone (Robin McLeavy) seems like just another girl. However, when he turns down her request, Lola and her father proceed to kidnap Brett, holding him hostage and brutally torturing him in a twisted prom night of her own. Rose is her daddies little princess, and its clear that when she wants something she gets it. They share a close relationship (maybe too close?) and even go as far as to lobotomise her own mother. She is a sadistic young girl who carries out a number of brutal acts on Brett such as mutilation and drilling, in order to force him into 'enjoying' her prom night. While at times we feel somewhat sorry for Lola, she quickly reminds us that she is nothing but pure evil again and again.

Asami Yamazaki- Audition (1998)

After holding an 'audition' to find a new girlfriend, Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi) becomes fascinated by the charming young Asami (Eihi Shiina). Unbeknownst to him however, Asami suffered a highly abusive childhood that has led her to resent men and carry out a number of violent acts throughout her life. After becoming jealous over a picture of Shigeharu's dead wife, Asami proceeds to drug him and torture him, with the most creative use of razor wire ever seen in cinema. While she is without a doubt a violent individual, it's hard not to sympathise with Asami due to her hard ubringing, and it's quite admirable to see her conquer her oppressors in such creative ways. With everything that's been happening in Hollywood over the past few months, we can't help yearn for more women like Asami out there.

Pamela Voorhees- Friday the 13th (1980)

After her son Jason apparently drowned, Pamela Voorhees (Betsy Palmer) set out to murder the negligent counsellors of Camp Crystal Lake. Using a variety of weapons such as an axe and an arrow, Mrs. Voorhees continued to murder the new counsellors 20 years later, who intended to re-open the camp. While she is not seen for most of the film, only revealing herself in the climax of the film, Pamela Voorhees is without a doubt one of the most vicious cinema slashers the world has ever seen. Her unnatural sense of stealth and knowledge of the camp grounds made her the ideal killer, although one question still remains: we know that Jason didn't actually drown, so how come he and his mother never crossed paths in the 20 years between his supposed drowning and the events of the film? To be honest, considering how the rest of the franchise went it doesn't seem that unlikely.

Margaret White- Carrie (1976)

While Carrie (Sissy Spacek) herself is quite an imposing girl, it's her mother Margaret (Piper Laurie) who is the real villain of the piece. An obsessive religious fanatic, Margaret White was a highly oppressive figure in her daughters life, often spouting religious jargon at her and even going as far as physically abusing her when she felt that she was out of  line. While her hatred towards her daughter can be attributed to Carrie being conceived during marital rape, the fact that she almost murders her on the night of the prom and consistently puts her down leaves us with little to no sympathy for her. Calling her ultimate demise 'satisfying' is a massive understatement. 

Annie Wilkes- Misery (1990)

The self-proclaimed 'biggest fan' of writer Paul Sheldon (James Caan), Annie Wilkes finds her wildest dreams coming to life when she recovers Sheldon's body after a car accident. While initially she nurses him back to health, she becomes dissatisfied after reading the final draft for his new novel in which he kills off the much beloved protagonist. Wilkes proceeds to hold Sheldon hostage, forcing him to rewrite the novel while physically and emotionally abusing him whenever she sees fit. From breaking his ankles, to calling him a 'dirty birdie', Annie Wilkes puts Paul through a living hell. As well as that, it soon surfaces that she was also responsible for a number of infant deaths many years prior. Annie Wilkes is by far one of the most terrifying women in cinema itself, let alone horror cinema. It's her violent, yet grounded nature, that makes her such a horrific character.