Mean Mugs! 15 Scariest Masks From Horror Movies

Horror fans know that a true scary film is nothing without a villain who really gives you the chills. If the evil entity in question isn’t already a fright to look at, usually a menacing mask will do the trick in its place.

In addition to giving the movie’s killer a stand out signature amongst a long line of slashers in the genre’s history, a scary-good mask can also work well in real life come Halloween season as the perfect costume idea.

You tell us: which one stood out and shook you the most?

RELATED: Best Of The Baddest: Black Horror Movie Villains We Love To Hate

Laugh Now, Scream Later: Some Of The Funniest Scary Movies

Masks have in many cases become the most recognizable symbols of the movies they come from. Early horror films often relied on makeup, prosthetics, and exaggerated facial features to create frightening characters. As the genre evolved, masks proved to be a powerful tool for creating a deeper sense of fear in the audience; by hiding a character’s identity, the mystery elevates substantially. If concealed well enough, the villains end up appearing less human, more unpredictable and completely void of reason. For filmmakers and the fans alike, it’s a winning combination.

Slasher films especially rely on building the brand behind a mask. Some of horror’s most iconic villains are synonymous with their face coverings. Where would Jason Voorhees be if he never debuted the classic hockey mask in the third film? You can’t even envision Scream now without seeing Ghostface, and Michael Myers is forever tied to his emotionless white mask no matter how many times they burn it off. These masks remain memorable because they do more than hide a villain’s face; they transform it into an image of fear that stays with audiences long after the movie ends.

Take a look below as we continue to enjoy spooky season by looking at 15 of the scariest horror movie masks:

Leatherface, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)