STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Top 10 Iconic Black Horror Movie Characters

From 'Candyman' to 'Get Out' - they slayed!

Horror cinema has been home to various memorable characters, and Black actors have contributed significantly to the genre's richness. In this list, we highlight Black characters in the world of horror. These characters have not only defied conventions but have also added layers of complexity to the narratives.

From fearless vampire hunters to survivors in post-apocalyptic nightmares, here are the "Top 10 Iconic Black Horror Movie Characters."

  • Ben (Duane Jones) - Night of the Living Dead (1968)

    The resilient hero fought for survival in the face of a zombie apocalypse.

  • Grace Jones as Katrina (Vamp - 1986)

    Grace Jones was the enigmatic, otherworldly vampire queen in the cult classic "Vamp."

  • Blade (Wesley Snipes) - Blade (1998)

    The half-human, half-vampire hunter who revolutionized the vampire genre.

  • Naomi (Naomie Harris) - 28 Days Later (2002)

    Naomie Harris played no games as the resilient survivor in the midst of a zombie apocalypse in Danny Boyle's iconic horror-thriller.

  • Candyman (Tony Todd) - Candyman (1992)

    The vengeful, hook-handed specter who terrorized urban legends in Chicago.

  • Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) - Get Out (2017)

    The lead character in a modern horror classic, addressing racial tensions in a chilling way.

  • Simone (Jada Pinkett Smith) - Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)

    Jada was the fearless, ass-kicking heroine against demonic forces.

  • Sofia (Lupita Nyong'o) - Us (2019)

    The chilling and complex doppelgänger character in Jordan Peele's psychological horror masterpiece.

  • Blacula (William Marshall) - Scream Blacula Scream (1973)

     A unique and compelling supernatural character in the Blaxploitation horror genre. William Marshall is legendary as Blacula.

  • Mo'Nique (Emma) - The Reading (2023)

    Mo'Nique haunting portrayal in "The Reading" reminded us why she is an Oscar winner.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.