Top 5 Black Characters in Horror {List}

Why is it so hard to find a black character in horror that people relate to? Hollywood had a weird notion for a while that black characters had to be aggressive, hard-headed, comic relief, or early victims. Who doesn't like a good laugh, while watching something with the potential to keep you up at night? We all do, but why should it fall on a single race to carry that role? Today, I give you five of the best black characters in horror movies. This list will consist of the best characters that aren’t sacrificial victims, angry, aggressive, or comic relief.

5. Lupita Nyong'o’s
​Adelaide/Red
Us

Lupita has been showing a wide range since she burst onto the screen. When Jordan Peele cast her in Us, a movie about a family taking a vacation that suddenly turns sour after coming in contact with their dark side, you see her really shine. Lupita plays both a nurturing mother that does everything to save her family and her opposite, a character named Red who was raised underground. A strong, smart, and logical black woman is what we needed for the horror genre. Lupita shows both the loving, charming side of her we have seen for years now, mixed with the haunting side we hope to never see hovering over us while we sleep.

4. Benjamin "Scatman" Crothers’
​Dick Hallorann
The Shining

Horror fans both love and fear what may lie inside the Overlook Hotel. Thankfully, when the Torrance family arrived, they were greeted by Dick Hallorann, played by the late, great Scatman Crothers. The musician/actor portrayed the head chef at the hotel, who also possessed The Shining. Hallorann stands as a mentor to young Danny when he senses they have the same ability, while teaching him to accept his gift. Although, it may have come across as sinister, Hallorann was looking out for Danny and his mother, attempting to warn them the spirits of the hotel had taken over Jack during their stay. Crothers wasn't able to revive his role in Doctor Sleep (sequel to The Shining), but Hallorann appeared to give us another gentle spirit to ease our minds.

3. Tony Todd’s
​Candyman

I know, Candyman is technically the killer in his self-titled movie. Daniel Robitaille (The Candyman) just wanted to love and be loved. Even today, people still look down upon an interracial relationship, even though love knows no boundaries. He’s stripped from his love. His hand is cut off, and he’s left to die by a swarm of bees. His vengeance makes sense. His victims were usually those related to the ones that took his life in the first place. Tony Todd made us root for the killer because he just wanted to love and live his life in peace. Can we say we blame him?

2. Lil Rel Howery’s
Rod
​Get Out

​This was a hard pick between Rod and Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), but Lil Rel Howery just edged out the win. This is another controversial pick since a lot of the jokes stemmed from Rod thinking Chris was about to join a sex cult. Underneath all the conspiracies lies a smart and loyal friend seen in a black character. Rod's character did not rely on being funny to get the audience to like him. It was the way he would deliver his lines that made him hilarious. There is no denying that he was a great person all around. Not to mention he showed up at the right time to save the day with the best one liner.

1. Duane Jones’
​Ben
Night of the Living Dead (1968) 

Duane Jones played Ben in George Romero's Night of the Living Dead as the first black lead in a horror movie. Ben was resourceful, calm, and tactical when it came to the zombie threat, trapping him and six others in a house. Ben never thought of saving himself once during the entire movie. Instead, he tried to make everyone see reason in working together. Unfortunately, things never go according to plan in a horror movie, but Ben kept a hold on everything he could until the bitter end (I truly mean bitter). He's listed as the best because he paved the way so everyone else could make a great character based outside of their stereotypes. 

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Author

Hoping to break into the horror genre, Justin Cook McAfee graduated with a creative writing degree from Full Sail University. Since then, he has picked up videography, volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival, and started his own podcast. With his ever growing movie collection, Justin hopes to one day write and direct his own films. Until that moment calls, he spends his nights in the dark watching new horror movies. Justin is excited to be a part of the HorrOrigins team and ready to further his writing talents. Who would have thought seeing Mufasa die so many times as a kid would push him to horror?