A perfect performance can outshine even the most epic scares in a horror film. Despite all the unfair assessments that it’s a genre full of mindless schlock, excessive violence, and too many jumpscares, horror’s greatest aspect is its acting, and it’s been shown constantly throughout the last century.
The 20th century has seen some of the most captivating and iconic performances in horror history. It was a century full of remarkable talent that shone in some of this time period’s most terrifying and classic horror standouts. Some were rightfully honored with Academy Awards for their brilliant efforts; others weren’t so praised at the time, but they have steadily garnered the recognition they deserve. From one compelling role to the next, these are the twenty best horror performances from the 20th century, ranked based on their quality, role in their respective movie, the mainstream recognition they received, and their overall legacy within the genre.
20
Gregory Peck as Robert Thorn in ‘The Omen’ (1976)
Starting this list is one of the most emotional performances by the late, great Academy Award-winner Gregory Peck. Best known for his timeless performance as Atticus Finch in 1962’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Peck’s career was long and full of highlights. However, it’s his portrayal as U.S. Ambassador Robert Thorn in the 1976 horror classic The Omen that became one of his devastating and memorable roles.
Thorn is a father slowly being torn emotionally apart by the realization that he has become a pawn in a sinister plot to raise the Devil’s son into the world, and knows he’s the only one who can stop it by killing the adoptive son he’s come to love. Peck greatly steps into the role as a man experiencing a parent’s worst nightmare, and following as his character’s life completely unravels is deeply heartbreaking.
19
Fredric March as Dr. Henry Jekyll in ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ (1931)
Image via Paramount Pictures
The iconic 1886 novella by Robert Louis Stevenson was greatly adapted in 1931 with Universal’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Telling the haunting tale of an ambitious scientist who goes too far in tapping into his dark side, it’s a fascinating classic that’s remained timeless throughout horror history, thanks in large part to the captivating dual lead performance by the late Fredric March.
March perfectly slipped into this iconic role, powerfully capturing the embodiment of both the smart and sophisticated Dr. Henry Jekyll and his sinister, murderous alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. He transitions seamlessly between both characters, showcasing his incredible talent when playing such physically and emotionally challenging performances. His brilliant efforts here greatly earned him a well-deserved Best Actor Oscar, becoming the first performer to win an Academy Award for a horror movie.
18
Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in ‘Halloween’ (1978)
John Carpenter‘s Halloween is one of the most essential slasher movies of all time. It kick-started one of the subgenre’s greatest franchises, gave it some of its most terrifying moments and tropes, and captivated audiences with its legendary antagonist, Michael Myers. But above all, it gave horror one of its most defining final girls, Laurie Strode, played by Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis.
While being an ordinary high school girl/babysitter, Laurie was smart, capable, compassionate, and showed a strong determination to survive against the unstoppable boogeyman, Michael Myers. Curtis made history with this career-defining performance as she perfectly embodied the character and flawlessly conveyed her terrified mindset throughout the story. Halloween not only put her on the map, but she easily made audiences root for her survival, and her role ultimately became an inspiration for many final girls to come.
17
Julie Harris as Eleanor Lance in ‘The Haunting’ (1963)
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The iconic film from director Robert Wise released in **1963**, *The Haunting*, is an unforgettable creepy horror mystery thriller that has become a staple of haunted house movies. It’s a masterclass in suspense and ambiguity effectively creating an unsettling experience coupled with great acting. The biggest standout is Julie Harris’s stunning performance as Eleanor Lance.
The effectiveness of *The Haunting* lies in its ability to keep viewers guessing whether it’s purely supernatural or psychological. Much of this ambiguity comes from Harris’s acting which leaves much up to audience interpretation regarding whether Eleanor is genuinely terrorized by ghostly apparitions or experiencing a breakdown. With her remarkable background in stage acting, Julie Harris creates an unforgettable performance that keeps audiences guessing.
16
Ruth Gordon as Minnie Castevet in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)
The iconic film from director Roman Polanski released in *Rosemary’s Baby* is one of horror’s most recognizable classics for good reason. It’s a landmark of psychological terror that scares not with loud noises or gore but with slow-building tension combined with compelling mystery and decent performances.
The standout performance comes from Ruth Gordon who plays Minnie Castevet brilliantly portraying her character as deeply complex yet undeniably disturbing. Gordon plays a wolf in sheep’s clothing acting neighborly while harboring sinister manipulative tendencies just below the surface.
15
Catherine Deneuve as Carol Ledoux in ‘Repulsion’ (1965)
The film *Repulsion* released prior to *Rosemary’s Baby* is another legendary psychological thriller directed by Polanski showcasing Deneuve’s performance which takes center stage expertly conveying Carol’s spiraling descent into madness.
Deneuve plays a deeply troubled young woman consumed by paranoia and feelings of isolation without coming across as over-the-top or unbelievable making it one of her biggest achievements.
14
Duane Jones as Ben in ‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)
*Night of The Living Dead* is considered one of horror’s most influential films breaking new ground for its innovative storytelling while also being remembered for casting Duane Jones as Ben making him one of cinema’s first African American leads.
This casting subverted stereotypes pushing for better representation while showcasing Jones’ remarkable ability to act as capable authoritative hero despite being cast without being specifically called for an African American actor.
13
Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)
Mia Farrow shines brightly portraying Rosemary Woodhouse showcasing an emotional rollercoaster through this terrifying story where she experiences manipulation terrorization even from her husband.
This journey proves intense heartbreaking showing determination to protect herself while conveying Rosemary’s intense emotions brilliantly making it an exhausting yet powerful performance especially since Farrow had to lose weight drastically for some scenes.
12
Deborah Kerr as Miss Giddens in ‘The Innocents’ (1961)
*The Innocents* directed by Jack Clayton based on Henry James’ novella features Deborah Kerr stealing scenes playing Miss Giddens struggling to protect children under her care while suspecting their mansion may be haunted.
Kerr’s performance showcases growing fears losing grip on reality making it an example using psychological elements effectively enhancing sheer dread through silence creating compelling moments throughout.
11
Sissy Spacek as Carrie White in ‘Carrie’ (1976)
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