Historically, black people's contributions to horror cinema have been hailed about as much as Donald Trump's contributions to racial unity, but there are some noteworthy figures of color from the past and present who deserve some recognition within the genre, so I've taken it upon myself to create the Black...
Be they stereotypes or monotypes, they're the "types" that most black characters in horror films inevitably fall into...
The Spook
As the name implies, the spook is spooked by all things spooky. Typically the comic sidekick, he's often spared from death by his ability to make people laugh. The "classic spook"...
Don't feel like seeing black blood spilled? Wanna see the black guy escape with his life (and a new respect for power tools)? Here are some films that have been rated NDN (No Dead Negroes)...
Movie
Actors Who Live
Year
Abby
Carter, Terry
1974
Cook, Nathan
1974
Cowden, Michael
1974
Kinchelow, Felice
1974
Marshall, William
1974
Moore, Juanita
1974
Ray, Joan
1974
Robinson, George
1974
Speed, Carol
1974
Stoker, Austin
1974
Alligator People, The
Dickerson,...
It goes without saying that over the years, Hollywood has had some issues with adequate racial representation in starring roles, and horror is certainly not immune to that problem. However, that doesn't mean there haven't been some excellent "mainstream" (for lack of a better word) fright flicks starring black folk....
Most confirmed horror deaths by black actors. R.I.P., brothers and sisters, R.I.P.
Tony Todd (15)
Are You Scared 2
Candyman
Candyman 2
Candyman 3
The Crow
The Eden Formula
Minotaur
Murder-Set-Pieces
Night of the Living Dead
Nite Tales
Scarecrow Slayer
Shadow: Dead Riot
Shadow Puppets
The Strange Case of Dr....
Dying in a horror movie is a rite of passage for black actors. Can you name at least one film in which these esteemed (and not so esteemed) actors, actresses, athletes, and musicians have met their maker? If you can, perhaps consider getting some fresh air for a change....
These actors and actresses aren't usually the leads in horror movies, but they keep busy in supporting roles as the best friends, the partners, the safari guides and other assorted capacities that probably ensure death. You know their faces, but you don't know their names or even where you know...
Representations of Africa in Horror Movies
When Toto sang about Africa back in the day, it sounded so much more inviting than what we see coming out of Hollywood. Horror movies in particular have been guilty of perpetuating the image of “darkest Africa”, filled with ravenous animals and wild-eyed natives...
If there were no black people, who would die in horror movies? In the horror realm, it could actually be seen as a badge of honor to be important enough to score a death scene. It's with this in mind that we honor these thankless heroes.
In memory of...
Ever wonder how you would fare if you were a character in a horror movie? Would you be the "final girl/guy," or would you be the first to have a harpoon lodged in your rectum? Here's a handy flow chart to help you figure out your fate.
