With modern entries like the Scream sequel, it's clear that the slasher genre is still a classic route in the realms of horror. However, anyone can be scary with a sharp knife, a mask, and a dark hallway. On the flip side, there are also those slashers that need a little extra help from beyond the mortal plane.
It's one thing to go up against an imposing figure with a sharp object, but it's another if they have supernatural powers or otherworldly abilities to aid their body count. Michael Myers and ghost face might be mortal men, but there are bigger, better, and deadlier forces of fear out there.
Jason Voorhees (Friday The 13th Part 6 Onward)
When it comes to the slasher genre, Jason Voorhees could be considered the poster child. However, it was after Part 6 that things started to take a more gloriously ridiculous turn for the series. Not only was Jason an indestructible force of fear for Crystal Lake, but he was also now a reanimated zombie brought back to life from beyond the grave.
Since then, Jason has been a zombie, reawakened through psychic energy, been to hell, and even launched into outer space. In short, he stopped being human around 1986.
Victor Crowley (Hatchet)
Keeping with the theme of traditional horror movies, Victor Crowley has the standard-issue supernatural slasher formula. He's a vengeful spirit fueled by the desire for retribution after a horrific and wrongful death. A terrifying campfire story brought to life, Victor is a slasher of mythic proportions.
Horror movie logic dictates that undead usually means untillable, and that could be certainly said of Victor. Especially with four different movies under his belt. As that tagline says, it's "old school American horror."
The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers)
A monster that harvests the organs of its victims to sustain itself for another period of time is already a pretty scary premise for a horror movie, but when the fear of the unknown is added, things become all the more sinister. The Creeper's infamous eating habits are only part of the equation as it's also somewhat unknown as to what the entity really is.
From the movies, viewers know what it wants, how it feeds and regenerates, and that it appears every 23 years to repeat the process, but most of its mythos is still unknown. Sometimes the scariest things are the ones viewers don't fully understand.
Sam (Trick R’ Treat)
Michael Dougherty's stylish love letter to all things Halloween is home to one of the most adorably creepy slasher characters in recent years, and he's far more than just a tiny terror who goes out trick-or-treating. Sam is the element that binds the underrated anthology together, being the embodiment of the Halloween spirit itself.
Although it isn't revealed until late in the game, Sam is very much an extremely powerful supernatural source. He's there to ensure the traditions of Halloween are followed to the letter and punish those who don't abide by the rules. An extra piece of candy might just be the difference between life or death in this film.
The Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow)
On the subject of Halloween, no celebration would be complete without an appearance from the legendary Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. Tim Burton's adaptation of Sleepy Hollow takes the famous Hessian and turned him into a Gothic slasher villain were the other Hammer horror film.
Seeing as how he is a supernatural spirit controlled by whoever possesses his skull, he more than fits the bill for an otherworldly horror character. A true classic never goes out of style, and that's certainly true for this immortal of both page and screen.
Candyman (Candyman Series)
Candyman is what many would consider a modern gothic character, a ghost story of vengeance called from beyond the grave whenever his name is uttered. With his long black cloak and hook for a hand, he could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Dracula and the Phantom of the Opera.
A vengeful ghost with an ax to grind, candyman wheels of power drawn from the spiritual realm, impaling those who dare invoke his horrific presence. In the recent remake, the theme of vengeance was only expanded upon as Candyman became not just a person, but an identity shared by multiple entities.
Freddy Krueger (Nightmare On Elm Street Series)
There are perhaps few supernatural slashers more memorable or iconic than Freddy Krueger. The dream demon has terrified the children of Elm Street for decades and has since become a pop culture icon of the industry. His terrifying powers are almost limitless, so long as his victims remain asleep.
If they're in Freddy's world, he has total control over anything and everything. He can shapeshift, manipulate matter, and even alter reality on a Looney Tunes level. For an '80s slasher, he's certainly one of the most over-powered entities of the era.
The Djinn (Wishmaster Series)
Not all supernatural slashers have to be ghosts, spirits, demons, or other humanoid entities. Sometimes a mythical creature can do just as much damage. Case in point, the evil Djinn from the Wishmaster movies. He gives new meaning to the old maxim of "be careful what you wish for."
Like any traditional genie, the horned entity can grant the wishes of those he encounters, growing more powerful with each fulfilled desire. However, every wish comes with a terrifying twist that usually results in someone's death. As ironic as he is evil, this is one genie that needs to stay bottled up.
Pennywise (It)
Clowns and eldritch horrors can be scary even at the best of times, but Stephen King got the idea to combine them together into one ultimately unsettling entity. Whether it's Curry or Skarsgard under the greasepaint, Pennywise the Dancing Clown is one of the most infamous forces of supernatural and cosmic evil to ever peel themselves from King's books to the silver screen.
An ancient entity that feeds off fear and misery and can turn into whatever its victims are afraid of is the strictest definition of horrifying. And that's not even mentioning the fact that its victims are primarily children.
All The Monsters (Cabin In The Woods)
Whether they are the redneck-zombie-torture-family, the doll-faced slashers, or the bloodthirsty merman, all of the creeps and creatures from Cabin in the Woods come from a supernatural source of gods and monsters. Puppeteered by an evil organization that sacrifices a set of victims to a race of ancient deities, all of the monsters are merely tools to prevent earth's destruction.
Variety is the spice of life, and the massive purge of monsters seen in the film has that in spades. Essentially a love letter to every form of horror, there's a creature to suit every fan's taste amongst the collective under the titular cabin.
