Buzz
In hack and slash horror films, character traits are often established swiftly in the first act due to limited time for development amidst the chaos. Beyond the usual warnings (like avoiding dark rooms alone or not tripping), certain character types are practically destined to meet their doom. If only one survives, these are the least likely candidates.
10. The Chatterbox
Have you encountered someone who never stops talking? In horror films, the adage 'Speak less, listen more' is a literal survival tip. The most talkative characters rarely survive; instead, those who stay quiet and notice subtle dangers, like a creaking door, stand a better chance.
9. The Authority Figure
In horror films, authority figures can take many forms. Whether it's a hunter convinced they can defeat a killer or a president who refuses to acknowledge their irrelevance during a zombie outbreak, these characters rarely survive. CEOs, principals, or other high-status individuals on the hit list are seldom the last ones standing.
8. The Suit
In horror films, dressing for success doesn’t involve suits or business attire. Characters often associated with suits, like politicians or the wealthy elite, are typically among the first to meet their demise, much to the audience’s indifference. Whether it’s poetic justice or mere chance, the killer rarely spares the balding lawyer in an Armani suit.
7. The Nerd
In horror movies, being a nerd comes with its own set of risks. Often the most observant, they’re the ones who hear strange noises and venture out to investigate. Their tendency to isolate themselves makes them easy targets, unlike those who stick with the group. Additionally, survival often requires a level of charisma that nerds typically lack.
6. The Know-It-All
In horror films, there’s always a survivor who tries to flee, only to collide with someone oblivious to the danger. The know-it-all dismisses the horrors, claiming the ritual murders were hallucinations or that the eerie noise is just a raccoon. They often mock others for their fear, only to face dire consequences.
5. The Comedian
The comedian is the character who cracks too many jokes. Unless it’s a horror-comedy, their humor often leads to an early demise. They’re the first to explore a creepy room, scream dramatically, and then prank others. Sadly, the joker rarely gets the last laugh.
4. The Sexy Couple
While romance might endure in horror films, overt displays of affection or intimacy often seal the fate of the amorous pair. These characters are frequently caught off guard, either mid-act or while investigating their partner’s sudden disappearance. Typically, their deaths occur in quick succession, leaving little time for mourning.
3. The Fat Guy
In horror movies, being overweight is a surefire way to end up as a victim. As one character noted after a zombie outbreak, 'The first to go were the fatties.' Their inability to outrun danger, combined with filmmakers' assumptions about audience preferences, ensures they rarely survive. It would be groundbreaking for the fat guy to be the last one standing, but that’s unlikely to happen.
2. The Black Guy
It’s a common observation that the black guy often dies first in horror films. Unless there are multiple survivors, he’s rarely the sole one left alive. Whether due to racist trends, horror movie traditions, or other reasons, the final survivor is typically a white male or female. Only in rare cases with diverse survivors does the ending break this pattern.
1. The Jerk
While killing is generally wrong, horror films often justify eliminating jerks as somewhat less reprehensible. These characters, who constantly antagonize the protagonist, meet their demise in a way that feels satisfying to the audience. Before their death, they might commit an unethical act, making their downfall seem more deserved. Imperfection is universal, but the less virtuous they are, the more dramatic their end.
