Nerdist Staff Picks Which Weapons We Would Wield as a Horror Villain

Most horror movies put us in the shoes of the main character. We’re supposed to experience the terrifying and dangerous situation alongside them as they struggle to survive against a killer or evil presence.

We don’t often get to see a movie from the villain’s perspective, but horror wouldn’t exist without them! We actually enjoy watching these characters, and it’s fun to imagine what it would be like to be one. Be honest – you’ve probably wondered what it would be like to be a horror movie villain at least once. If you ever considered joining the dark side, what weapon would you choose?

It’s a fun question to think about during Nerdoween! The TopMob team has given it some thought, and we all agree on the perfect weapon for a horror villain.

Phantasm Spheres to Seek Your Victim

If I were a horror movie villain, I’d choose the Phantasm spheres as my weapon. I’m a villain who prefers to take the easy route, and these silver orbs, while they look harmless, are incredibly effective. Once they target someone, it’s over. They drill into skulls, causing a gruesome spray of blood and leaving the victim completely drained. The truly terrifying part is that you don’t even need to control them – they hunt down their victims all by themselves, unlike weapons like machetes or chainsaws.

The combination of advanced technology and eerie supernatural forces creates a truly terrifying sci-fi experience. The idea of commanding a whole group of these creatures feels incredibly powerful, like being a superhero such as Mr. Terrific or Magneto. Picture them silently floating, waiting in a room while I unleash a villainous laugh – it’s the perfect horror movie villain setup. It’s a simple concept, but incredibly effective. -Felipe Patterson

I’m really clumsy, so traditional horror weapons wouldn’t work well for me. If I tried using Leatherface’s chainsaw, I’d probably end up hurting myself! I think I’d have more luck with the Tall Man’s Sentinel Spheres from *Phantasm*, especially the gold one – I could actually cause some damage with that.

Margaret Hall describes a powerful, magically-controlled sphere that relentlessly chases its targets, cutting through obstacles with incredible accuracy. It then eliminates the target with poison. She notes that with a ‘Gold Sphere’ version, it would even have a heat laser! While acknowledging the *Phantasm* films aren’t necessarily high art, Hall praises their unique, unsettling, and dreamlike horror style, suggesting it’s a world where she, as a horror villain, would flourish.

Serrated Sickles Slice and Dice Up Close

If I were a villain, I’d choose a pair of curved, toothed sickles as my weapons. What’s the point of eliminating someone if you can’t admire your work? Plus, I could expertly throw them to stop anyone trying to escape – cutting short their getaway, quite literally.

Okay, let me tell you, as someone who *lives* for a good horror flick, this is hitting all the right notes. I’m not playing the sympathetic bad guy here – I’m fully embracing the villain role. Think absolutely brutal action, like a shark attack with these incredibly sharp blades. And the atmosphere? Forget jump scares, we’re talking a deeply unsettling soundtrack – something haunting like “Bed Time Tales” or the music from “One Missed Call.” This isn’t just gore; it’s *Gyutarolevel insane, seriously bloody, and genuinely terrifying. Horror and anime fans, prepare to be thrilled…and maybe a little disturbed.

An Axe to Swing for the Big Kill

If I were a horror movie villain, I’d definitely choose an axe. It’s incredibly sharp and easy to swing, making it ideal for… well, getting rid of people. It’s just as effective as a knife, but you don’t have to be right on top of your victims. And honestly, an axe is terrifying! Just picture a menacing villain slowly walking towards you with a bloody axe – that would be truly frightening.

Axes are a popular weapon in horror movies, famously used by villains like Jason Voorhees, Patrick Bateman, and the Axeman. They’re effective for quickly defeating victims, easily cutting through obstacles like doors—as seen in films like *The Shining* with Jack Nicholson’s iconic line, “Heeere’s Johnny!”—making them a terrifying choice for any horror killer. -Sarah Campbell

A Menacing Machete to Craft a Horror Movie Massacre

Although the Buck 120 knife Ghostface uses is cool and compact, and Leatherface’s chainsaw is pure chaotic energy, Jason’s machete is the most practical weapon. It’s easy to handle thanks to its solid grip and lighter weight, and allows you to attack from a safe distance. Plus, it can easily cut through doors and windows. With good aim, you could even throw it! The machete is intimidating, stylish, and incredibly sharp – perfect for taking out a lot of victims. I don’t plan on becoming a horror villain, but if I ever did, I’d choose a machete. -Tai Gooden

A machete isn’t just a good choice for the most terrifying horror movie weapon—it’s the best. Jason Voorhees’ weapon stands out because it combines incredible power, speed, and effectiveness. It’s quicker and more precise than an axe, and frankly, it just looks amazing. A machete is both intimidating and surprisingly stylish—it’s a truly impressive weapon.

Mikey Walsh argues that Jason Voorhees is the ultimate slasher villain because his weapon – a machete – is decisive and effective. He points out that while other movie killers rely on smaller knives, Jason finishes the job quickly and without hesitation, making him stand out.

The Razor Gloves of Your Nightmares

Knives and chainsaws are dangerous, but easily accessible. What truly sets Freddy Krueger apart, though, is his unique razor glove. The moment we see him building it in the original *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, it taps into a deep-seated fear, presenting him not just as a killer, but as a terrifying, animalistic predator.

Freddy Krueger’s glove isn’t just a weapon; it’s become a part of him. A truly effective horror villain needs a distinctive method of killing—something that instantly identifies them. Freddy’s bladed glove achieves this; it’s his calling card. To lead a successful horror series, you need a unique and recognizable element that sets you apart.

An Arcane Sword for Style (and a Dose of Magic)

You know, if I ever found myself *in* a horror movie, it’d definitely be one of those atmospheric folk horror films – think twisted fairy tales. And honestly, I think sorcery would be my go-to weapon as the villain. Forget the usual knives and axes; with dark magic, there’s nowhere for anyone to escape! You can cause all sorts of trouble with spells – and dish out exactly the right amount of punishment to people who deserve it. Someone gives you a little side-eye? Maybe they suddenly can *never* find their keys. Really mess with you? Well, let’s just say things get messy. Though, just for the look of it, I’d probably carry around a cool, old-looking sword. Sometimes you just *need* to swing at something, you know?

Beauty Is Pain With Blood and Burns

As a horror movie critic, I’ve always thought about what *I’d* use to scare people if I were the villain, and honestly? It wouldn’t be a knife or a gun. I’d weaponize beauty tools. Think about it – curling irons, those terrifying eyelash curlers, even chemical peels! We *voluntarily* endure these things in the name of looking good, which makes them extra creepy when used for something sinister. They’re basically torture devices disguised as self-care, and that’s a truly unsettling thought.

Lauren Coates describes her ideal horror character as being inspired by the intense morning routines in *Euphoria* season 2, and the show’s visual style. This character would turn everyday tasks into terrifying weapons, operating under the idea that ‘beauty is pain.’ Imagine a blend of the films *The Substance* and *Hellraiser*, with a touch of the dark comedy from *Drop Dead Gorgeous*.

2025-10-07 18:04