Best in Show: Geriatric Nightmares (Pt. II of II)

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5. Mary Shaw (Dead Silence)
Before horror director James Wan invested himself into the world of Insidious - feature a horrific ghost lady - he reinvigorated our fear of puppets and the ventriloquists who operate them in Dead Silence. Brimming with jump scares and a genuinely terrifying old lady in Mary Shaw, Dead Silence is deeply unsettling. She is a relentless entity with control over some horrifying dolls. Mary Shaw is easily one of the more underrated horror villains out there, often forgotten alongside bigger projects in Wan’s repertoire.


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4. Woman in Black (The Woman in Black)

Is the Woman in Black an old woman? Maybe not, but her dark, frumpy outfit and ghastly image certainly evokes a sense of geriatric horror. She's the type of character that isn't the most distinguishable in age; after death her ghoulishness isn't easily linked to what her age could have been. While she chases young people more than adults, she is all around scary and will stay caught in your brains for some time.

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3. Deborah Logan (The Taking of Deborah Logan) 

On the list of old people in horror, no one is more worthy of inclusion than Deborah Logan in The Taking of Deborah Logan. While Deborah's feeble stature and disarming personality may make you think you're about to rest easy, be warned, you're about to see something that'll surely keep you awake. Equally endearing as it is horrifying; this found-footage film will make you question the sincerity of your cuddly grandma, but also will you to hold her a little closer. Deborah is, by and large, one of the scariest old women in horror. Whether her mouth is agape or she is simply telling you off as many stubborn old women do, Mrs. Logan is anything but friendly.

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2. Mrs. Ganush (Drag Me To Hell) When Drag Me to Hell came out, it drew the attention of plenty horror fans. Featuring plenty of comical laughs and some eccentric imagery, the film was an enigma among off remakes and conventional horror films. Mrs. Ganush, the witchy villain that curses loan officer Christine is all types of spooky. Her haunting composure, visceral stare and wicked demeanor all make for an elderly character that should strike fear in viewers. The movie's comedy will certainly throw you off, but Mrs. Ganush will constantly remind you that what you're watching is most definitely a horror movie.

1. Nana & Pop Pop (The Visit)

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Talk about a plot twist. At the center of 2015's The Visit is what seems to be a loving - although odd - pair of grandparents, is instead something far more sinister. When Tyler and Becca go to visit the parents of their mother who hasn't seen or heard from them for many years, things start off well enough; cookies, games and plenty of grandparent activities. But, as things slowly unravel it becomes clear to both the siblings and the audience that things are really, really wrong. Nana and Pop Pop are weird, really weird. So weird in fact, that they do things like crawl around in the dark, chase their grandchildren under the porch and say things that aren't quite right. The Visit balances some more comical moments with absolutely terrifying ones. The grandparents are deceivingly old, but by far some of the scariest antagonist in horror history.

Best in Show: Scary Children's Toys (Pt. II of II)

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5. Ha-Ha-Hoo Owl (Deliver Us From Evil)

While many larger, more iconic children's toys exist in the horror universe, the owl stuffed animal at the center of Deliver Us From Evil shouldn't be overlooked. Easily one of the scariest parts of the movie and undoubtedly a terrifyingly suspenseful moment, the filmmakers ability to capture the suspenseful atmosphere of the Ha-Ha-Hoo Owl scene is incredible. Like The Fourth Kind-meets-Care-Bears there is something so sinister about the plush, hollow-eyed owl rolling across the floor, cawing at the young daughter of police officer Sarchie.

(thegreenhead.com)

4. Clown (Poltergeist)

While Poltergeist is a bona fide classic in its own right, it should be noted that the terrorizing clown toy a large reason why. By far one of the film's most iconic and haunting scenes, the clown is much like the Ha-Ha-Who Owl and likely was the inspiration behind it. It sits there subtly, but the audience and the characters know that something far darker is going to happen in the coming scenes and when it does, it does not disappoint. The clown in poltergeist only fuels horror's relationship with clowns and the peoples' fear of them and for that; I guess we should be thankful?

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3. Billy (Dead Silence)

Long before James Wan created the traps and dolls that would be central to Saw and The Conjuring franchise, he was busy playing with puppets. Dead Silence is easily one of the most underrated gems in modern horror and deserves better. Sure it's got a slightly ridiculous plot and some cheesy moments but the puppets and story at the core of this film are scary. The tuxedo-wearing Billy in particular is especially noteworthy. Classier that the other haunted objects on this list, the gleaming Billy is a nightmare-inducing entity who's eyes hold a stunning, but terrifying expression. Billy, like Dead Silence, is greatly underestimated in the horror industry. 

(wallpapersafari.com)

2. Chucky (Child's Play)

Easily the most well-known toy on this list, Chucky is perhaps the most recognizable and horrific of horror's scary toys. While later sequels and oversaturated merchandising diminished the character, but the original Child's Play is certainly a noteworthy excursion. Deeply disturbing and at times, comical, the redheaded Chucky made a generation afraid of their toys. Even if somewhat laughable in a modern horror context - especially thanks to some truly odd and trashy sequels - the legendary Chucky is an undeniable force in the industry. This sinister doll is terrifying.

(quora.com)

1. Annabelle (The Conjuring)

Say what you will about the modern horror era, but it has given us the scariest children's toy ever. Completely objective and unquantifiable, Annabelle is not only iconic, but also scary. Even after it was obstructed by a spin-off and viral fame, the original showing of the Annabelle doll was absolutely terrifying. Think of the moment audiences were first introduced to her and the suspense she built throughout the film. The expectations of movement, the blank stares and all of the troubling mythology surrounding her create one of the unsettling creations in horror. Annabelle may have hit an oversaturation much like Chucky, but there is still something innately terrifying about this old-timey, cursed doll.

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Best in Show: Scary Children's Toys (Pt. I of II)

Scary children's toys are nothing new for the horror industry. From classics to the modern day, dolls and assorted play things have instilled fear in adults everywhere. And, while some of the earliest films have struggled to stand the test of time without becoming comical, the trend continues to this day with films like Annabelle: Creation set to be released this summer. The fact is, horror movies and children's toys are intrinsically connected; showcasing just how disturbing some of society's recreational objects are. This week's list covers horror's scariest toys.

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10. Cymbal-Banging Monkey (Toy Story 3)

This blog is most definitely about horror movies, but the cymbal-clapping monkey featured in Toy Story 3 is the stuff of nightmares. The scene - featuring the bug-eyed monkey watching security cams - is nothing short of horrifying as his red-ringed eyes and insane clattering would traumatize even the most fearless child. I am so happy I waited to see this movie without children in the theater because I can only imagine the tears it caused. Disney should consider delving deeper into the horror genre, especially if this is the work it can create. 

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9. Billy (Saw)

With a new Saw film right around the corner, acknowledging the iconic face of the franchise is only right. Billy is the type of scary doll that should definitely give pause to anyone believing in Jigsaw's sanity. What would ever possess this father to give his son something that is so visibly scary? Unlike other picks on this list, there is nothing salvageable or innocent in the face of this swirly-cheeked, tuxedo-wearing toy. Add on the later use of Billy as the face to Jigsaw's videos and traps, and this puppet easily becomes one of the scariest things to come out of the series.

(thecinophileblog.com)

8. Der Klown (Krampus)

While campy and fun, the Christmas horror hit, Krampus, offers plenty of jarring moments. From a crazed tree topper to the hoofed demon himself, there are moments of real horror in this otherwise over-the-top movie. Perhaps none are as scary as Der Klown, the jack-in-the-box creature central to kidnapping the film's family. The first time the big, nasty beast-toy opens his mouth is horrifying. It's like something out of a 80s horror movie but with effects meant for modern audiences, all culminating into something far more effective.

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7.  Brahms (The Boy) 

The Boy got a pretty bad wrap when it came out. Early reviews showed promise, but upon its full theatrical release, the Lauren Cohen-starring horror film took a sour turn. And, while I'd argue some criticisms are warranted, audiences seemed to overlook the very terrifying doll central to the movie. Brahms is a terrifyingly empty looking doll and the filmmakers do a terrific job elaborating on his mythology. From scattered shadows to movement across rooms, Cohen's character couldn't look away from him without feeling the absolute spin-tingling atmosphere and I felt no different. Brahms is scary. While the movie may have some faulty aspects, this toy certainly wasn't one of them.

(thegreenhead.com)

6. Talky Tina (The Twilight Zone)

The Twilight Zone can sometimes feel ancient next to some modern horror creations. While definitely scary for its time and still a cultural piece worth appreciating, the vast majority of the episodes haven't stood the test of time well. But, one episode in particular is an exception. For those looking to be scared, look no further than the 'Talking Doll' episode from the anthology series. Talky Tina has aged splendidly and even in it's black-and-white, 1960s glory it's still scary to this day. Easily one of the series most disturbing episodes, Talking Tina was ahead of its time - overtly opting to terrify the father, rather than the typical direction of the mother - and it works. This episode was simple, but effective in scaring its viewers and is definitely worth witnessing.