One hundred thirty episodes in and we’re finally getting to what has to be what most horror fans identify as the iconic horror trope of all time: the masked killer! Well fret no longer horror fans, we are coming to one of the cornerstones of the genre. You start with Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Letherface, but we’ll get you to the next level in episode 130!

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Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

Oscar Wilde

It hides your identity. It removes emotional connection. It covers horrible disfigurations. They transform you into something that you aspire to or want to pretend you are. And of course, they are useful for simply scaring and intimidating others. Masks. They are the all-purpose utility calling card for the serious slasher killer. Nothing more appropriate to talk about as we approach Halloween. Masked horror is the backbone of modern horror, as it provides the iconic visage of the slasher villain, often with several sequels in tow.

These masks become the iconic calling cards of the movies. You don’t even need to show a title on the movie poster for some of these monstrous individuals, you just show an image of the mask, and you’re good to go. The potential audience knows what’s coming.

There are so many fantastic masks in horror, that a list of the top three just scratches the very surface of the options. You know the standards, so we went a little deeper to find you some other masked killers to keep you up at night. Who’s ready for some trick or treating?

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