Raise your hand if you believe Anjelica Huston truly embodies a witch in real life! She achieved legendary status portraying Morticia Addams in 'The Addams Family' (1991) and its sequel, as well as her memorable performance as the Grand High Witch in the unnerving children's film 'The Witches' (1990).

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Max Schreck -

Max Schreck portrayed the chilling character Count Orlok in the 1922 silent horror film 'Nosferatu,' widely regarded as one of cinema's most terrifying films.

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Christopher Lee -

Sir Christopher Lee was a notable presence in film, particularly renowned for his portrayal of Dracula. His portrayal of the iconic character stands as one of the earliest and most memorable in cinematic history.

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Christopher Lee -

Recently, he portrayed the villainous Saruman in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

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Tobin Bell -

Tobin Bell played the psychopathic killer Jigsaw in the 'Saw' series. It's one of those characters that stays with an actor long after the cameras stop rolling...

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Brad Dourif -

Brad Dourif voiced Chucky, the killer doll, extending the horror beyond our imagination.

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Brad Dourif -

In the movie 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002), he portrays the character Wormtongue, known for his slimy and creepy demeanor.

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Helena Bonham Carter -

Helena Bonham Carter's association with gothic filmmaker Tim Burton comes as no surprise. Her ability to set the perfect mood is evident in her roles in films such as 'Sweeney Todd' (2007) and the 'Harry Potter' series.

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Eva Green -

Eva Green was the perfect choice for the lead role in 'Penny Dreadful,' a TV show based around the tales told in macabre horror magazines in the 19th century. Her large eyes and dark brows give her an ominous allure.

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Terence Stamp -

Terence Stamp skillfully transformed Superman's General Zod into a cruel supervillain, earning the accolade of being dubbed the "master of the brooding silence" by The Guardian.

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Joaquin Phoenix -

Joaquin Phoenix is a highly adaptable actor known for portraying a diverse array of unsettling characters. His chilling portrayal as the Joker is the most recent example of his talent.

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Joaquin Phoenix -

Nearly 20 years ago, he unsettled us as the unsettling Emperor Commodus in 'Gladiator' (2000).

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Steve Buscemi -

Steve Buscemi's unsettling demeanor can be attributed, in part, to the Coen Brothers, who frequently cast him as eccentric characters in their films.

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Steve Buscemi -

In the 1992 Tarantino classic 'Reservoir Dogs', he portrayed a merciless criminal.

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Billy Bob Thornton -

Billy Bob Thornton has a certain eerie quality to him, whether it's his goatee resembling a cartoon devil or the rumored vials of blood he and Angelina Jolie wore during their marriage. Nevertheless, he adds immense value to a psychological thriller.

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Crispin Glover -

Crispin Glover, known for his striking yet eerie appearance, skillfully portrayed the peculiar and hair-sniffing Thin Man in 'Charlie's Angels' (2000), perfectly fitting the character's unsettling nature.

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David Thewlis -

David Thewlis, known for his diverse roles, surprised audiences with his portrayal of a sociopathic antagonist with decayed teeth in the third season of 'Fargo.' His performance in this unconventional role left a lasting impression that will not be easily forgotten.

Source: (The Guardian)

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Vicent Price -

Vincent Price reigned as the horror king with his perfect mix of menace and sophistication.

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Vincent Price -

His most well-received film series consisted of his adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories. A perfect pairing, whether in heaven or hell.

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Anthony Hopkins -

Sir Anthony Hopkins established himself as a skilled antagonist by portraying the serial killer Hannibal Lector in 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991).

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Anthony Hopkins -

He received the Best Actor Oscar that year due to his impressive performance.

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Mads Mikkelsen -

Mads Mikkelsen, a Danish actor, portrayed Hannibal in the contemporary television version. His perfectly balanced facial features have a unsettling quality.

NL Beeld

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Tim Curry -

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Tim Curry -

He portrayed the original Pennywise in the initial on-screen version of Stephen King's 'It.' The lasting impact of his voice will forever be remembered by many.

NL Beeld

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Bill Skarsgård -

The Scandinavians really know how to bring the fear. Swedish actor Bill Skarsgård landed the career-defining role of Pennywise in Stephen King's 'It' (2017) at the age of 27.

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Bill Skarsgård -

The question arises: How can a person be so charming and yet evoke fear simultaneously?

NL Beeld

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Jack Nicholson -

Playing his part in a Stephen King classic, Jack Nicholson embodied a character with his unmistakable grin and expressive eyebrows, adding a touch of frenzy to 'The Shining' (1980).

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Boris Karloff -

Boris Karloff, an English actor, became renowned for his appearances in classic horror movies during the early era of film. One of his most chilling roles was as Frankenstein's monster.

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Anjelica Huston -

NL Beeld

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Max Schreck -

Max Schreck portrayed the chilling character Count Orlok in the 1922 silent horror film 'Nosferatu,' widely regarded as one of cinema's most terrifying films.

NL Beeld

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Christopher Lee -

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Christopher Lee -

Recently, he portrayed the villainous Saruman in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

NL Beeld

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Tobin Bell -

Tobin Bell played the psychopathic killer Jigsaw in the 'Saw' series. It's one of those characters that stays with an actor long after the cameras stop rolling...

NL Beeld

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Brad Dourif -

Brad Dourif voiced Chucky, the killer doll, extending the horror beyond our imagination.

Getty Images

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Brad Dourif -

In the movie 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002), he portrays the character Wormtongue, known for his slimy and creepy demeanor.

NL Beeld

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Helena Bonham Carter -

NL Beeld

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Eva Green -

NL Beeld

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Terence Stamp -

Terence Stamp skillfully transformed Superman's General Zod into a cruel supervillain, earning the accolade of being dubbed the "master of the brooding silence" by The Guardian.

NL Beeld

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Joaquin Phoenix -

Joaquin Phoenix is a highly adaptable actor known for portraying a diverse array of unsettling characters. His chilling portrayal as the Joker is the most recent example of his talent.

NL Beeld

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Joaquin Phoenix -

Nearly 20 years ago, he unsettled us as the unsettling Emperor Commodus in 'Gladiator' (2000).

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Steve Buscemi -

Steve Buscemi's unsettling demeanor can be attributed, in part, to the Coen Brothers, who frequently cast him as eccentric characters in their films.

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Steve Buscemi -

In the 1992 Tarantino classic 'Reservoir Dogs', he portrayed a merciless criminal.

NL Beeld

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Billy Bob Thornton -

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Crispin Glover -

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David Thewlis -

Source: (The Guardian)

NL Beeld

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Actors who nailed creepy characters

They who give you chills every time they appear...

03/04/25 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Horror actors

Some actors have built successful careers by portraying creepy characters. They have perfected the art of creating an eerie atmosphere, infusing a subtle sense of menace into every role they undertake. Is it solely their appearance, or does it go much deeper than that? What is it that directors recognize in these actors, repeatedly casting them as villains and monsters? Prepare yourself for a list of the most unsettling performers in the history of cinema.

Take a look at the gallery below to see who made the selection!