Women have long played pivotal roles in horror flicks. From the roles of the ‘final girl’ to the ever distraught victim who needs rescuing. However, women in horror are much more than just victims, in fact, they are essential to the telling of horror stories. There are many women in the genre who are badass slashers, monsters and more! Therefore, we bring you just a few of our favorite International Women of Horror.
Salma Hayek
Born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Hayek has had a long career that includes many different films that span the genres. However, horror fans know and love her as the character Santanico Pandemonium in the Robert Rodriguez film ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’ When the protagonists arrive at the strip-club/ literal tourist trap/ vampire temple, they are entranced by Hayek’s character’s seductive dance. As soon as a drop of blood is spilled all hell breaks loose and Santanico Pandemonium reveals her true form.
Grace Jones
Grace Jones, is an American actress and model, who was born in Jamaica and later moved to New York with her family. She is most notable to horror fans as the terrifying vampire, Katrina in 1985s ‘Vamp.’ Jones give this horror/comedy an extra layer of creepy with her a completely wordless portrayal of Katrina.
Paulina Gaitan
Paulina Gaitan made her entrance into the horror genre back in 2010. This Mexico City native starred in the horror film ‘We Are What We Are.’ Gaitan plays Sabina, a young women who’s family has just been rocked by her father’s unforeseen death. The real kicker is that this family are a bunch of cannibals, who now must learn to carry on their traditions. The family enters into a power struggle and things get gory.
Lupita Nyong’o
Like Gaitan, Nyong’o was also born in Mexico City, however, she was raised in Kenya. She is a newcomer to the horror genre, but she is sure to make a bloody splash. Her first horror film Jordan Peele’s ‘Us‘ will debut in theaters later this month. However, the teasers have already shown her, and her doppelgänger, covered in blood and looking battle worn. Her next horror project, which is the horror/comedy ‘Little Monsters‘ will screen at SXSW this month.
Takako Fuji
This Japanese actress portrayed one of the more prolific ghosts of the horror genre in the 2000s. Takako Fuji portrayed the spiteful ghost Kayako in 2002’s ‘Ju-on: The Grudge.’ She later reprised her role for the US remake and in both the Japanese and American sequels, ‘Ju-on: The Grudge 2’ and ‘The Grudge 2.’
Jane Levy
Jane Levy is an American actress most notable for updating one of horror’s funnest films. The ‘Evil Dead’ reboot of 2013 took the bones of a campy, lovable film, and turned it into something dark, gory and demonic. Most of which was brought to us by Levy and her character Mia. Levy made her way back to horror in 2016 with ‘Don’t Breathe‘, and showed us how much of a badass she really is. We still aren’t ready to talk about that basement scene with the syringe…..
Betsy Palmer
Betsy Palmer shocked an entire generation as Mrs. Voorhees in the 1980 classic, ‘Friday the 13th.’ Not only were audiences shocked to find out the murderer they had been following was a women, but they were also shocked by the brutality of Mrs. Voorhees. This American actress proved that vengeance is a real mother.
Shauna Macdonald
This Malaysian born actress is known for her roles in ‘The Descent‘ and ‘The Descent: Part 2.’ Not only does her character survive the emotional trauma of losing her husband and daughter, but she also fights her way through a horde of subterranean, meat eating beings.
Sandra Escacena
Nothing like a little possession to interrupt your high school years, am I right? The Spanish actress, Sandra Escacena stars as the title character in the 2017 film ‘Veronica.’ Veronica accidentally becomes possessed while playing with her friends and Ouija board. The demonic spirits ravage the family, but Veronica refuses to leave and stays for the sake of her younger siblings.
Toni Collette
The Australian actress Toni Collette gave horror fans an amazing performance in the 2018 film ‘Hereditary.’ Even though she was ultimately snubbed, fans and critics alike felt like Collette should have received an Oscar. Instead she took home the Best Actress win at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Hopefully, horror fans will be seeing much more of Collette in the future.
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