Over the last few weeks we have honored our favorite Comedic Geniuses and Mad Monsters of the horror genre. To close out Black History month we are honoring our favorite Heroic Warriors. The genre has a long history of neglecting the African American actors. However, some of the most badass actors have displayed their talents so brilliantly that they all need to be honored! Therefore, here is our list of actors and actresses that have brought us some wickedly good badassery.
10. Ken Sagoes
Sagoes played the character Kincaid in two of the A Nightmare on Elm Street sequels. Beginning with A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors, Sagoes is one of the few to escape Freddy’s clutches and make it onto the next installment. Unfortunately, Kincaid does not make it a second time around and succumbs to the dream demon in the A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Master. However, his attitude and dreams of possessing super strength earn him our number ten spot for badasses.
9. Daniel Kaluuya
Even though Kaluuya’s character, Daniel, was ultimately rescued by his friend at the conclusion of Get Out. Before that he had managed to take out almost an entire family of racially motivated body snatchers. The fight scene between Daniel and Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones), was more than enough to solidify him as a warrior.
8. Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett has a long history of being badass. However, her role in the Wes Craven’s Vampire in Brooklyn is what earns her a spot in our top ten. The detective turned vampire, ends up saving herself and killing the head vampire, Maximilian (Eddie Murphy). You can also see more of Bassett’s amazing acting abilities and overall awesomeness in American Horror Story.
7. Edwin Hodge
Edwin Hodge appeared in the original The Purge and two of it’s sequels. In the first film he is in the fight for his life as he begs for help from a wealthy family. His character lives on to see another day and another purge. Making his comeback in The Purge: Anarchy and The Purge: Election Year, as Dante Bishop he is out to help the poor and those targeted by the government during the annual festivities. His will to survive and his honorable death earn him our number seven spot.
6. Danny Glover
It’s Danny Glover vs the Predator in the 90s film Predator 2. This multi-themed film centered around a mysterious creature and the back drop of a territorial gang war. The only thing standing in the Predator’s way is the L.A.P.D’s Lieutenant Mike Harrigan. You can’t get anymore heroic than that.
5. Danai Gurira
How could we not mention Michonne? Since her arrival to The Walking Dead world at the end of season 2, Michonne has become a fan favorite. She has had many character arcs, and even had to go head to head with Rick, during one of his not-so-sane moments. Her ability to wield the sword and take out as many walkers as possible has given her the title of one of our favorite warriors.
4. Naomie Harris
28 Days Later rocked the zombie world in 2002. The new take on the apocalypse-zombie horror, set in the UK, enticed hordes of horror fans. Harris’ character’s brutality and willingness to survive at all costs is why fans loved her. The split second decision to execute her infected companion gave us a brutal female badass to love.
3. Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith played Jeryline in Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. Not only does her character survive being enticed by The Collector (Billy Zane), but she is also enlisted to continue the fight to save the world from plunging into darkness and chaos. Her ability to avoid turning into a demon and fight the evil that wants her (in more ways than one) is what earns her the number three spot.
2. Ving Rhames
In the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, Rhames played the role of Kenneth. Not only does Kenneth save the main character multiple times, he also fights his way to the end with the rest of the survivors. Rhames makes the list for his intimidating stare and his ability to fight his way through the track-star zombies. It is unclear what happens after the survivors make their way to a small island covered in zombies. But we like to think Kenneth and the other survivors made it to a more remote place to live out their days.
1. Duane Jones
We simply couldn’t give the number one spot to anyone else other than Duane Jones. Night of the Living Dead became the first zombie fest and horror film that gave a lead character to an African American actor, even though it wasn’t written that way. Jones’ character Ben, survives the night fighting off the undead and the other less than helpful survivors. However, at the end of the film, he is shot by the sheriff. Jones’ badassery is displayed throughout the film and is one of the very first to battle the flesh eating corpses.
Honorable Mentions
Garikayi Mutambirwa
Mutambirwa played Deaundre in 2003’s Jeepers Creepers 2 . He was not the main focus of the film, but he did his best to take one for the team. Thus making him a notable figure within the film. He even attempts to save, the less than honorable, slightly racist anti-hero. Deandre narrowly escapes being devoured by the Creeper as it’s 23rd Spring came to an end. The valiant fight for survival is what earns him a mention.
Halle Berry
Berry’s portryal of Dr Miranda Grey earns her the honorable title of Warrior. Her character’s best badass moments were technically while she was possessed. Which is why she didn’t make our list out right. But she did relentlessly murder her sadistic husband and take down his evil partner. So she earned a mention.
Tony Todd
The only reason Tony Todd didn’t make our list this week was because he took our number one spot for Mad Monsters as Candyman. However, his performance in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead is one that must be honored. The remake gave us new renditions of the characters from the original film. But Todd brought the character Ben to life for a new generation of growing horror fans.
Did your favorite characters make our Badass Warriors list? Check out our other Black History of Horror articles and let us know if we missed anyone! Let us know in the comments and follow us for more.
