Any good horror movie villain needs a mask, right? A good mask can transform someone from “strange” to “scary”, as hiding someone’s face creates extra tension and fear. Usually, the idea is that it’s what lurks underneath the mask that’s scary, but a good horror movie mask is frightening in its own right. Masks have been a staple within horror cinema for decades and here we look at just some of our favorites (look out for a later list too!). Let us know your favorite scary mask in the comments box provided below!

MICHAEL MYERS

That deadpan William Shatner stare is one stare you definitely do not want to bump into. Standing in doorways, hallways and dark roads near you on Halloween, you can run but can’t hide from the Myers.

THE STRANGERS

There is nothing scarier than the unknown in which The Strangers prove more than once. A sack mask in a suit is toilet inducing material, but accompanied by two women in a creepy doll mask and a pin up mask is Unthinkable. Do.Not.Answer.The.Door.

LEATHERFACE

The chilling chainsaw wielding maniac who wants to make the most out of your face. And your body parts. The Sawyer family will welcome you for dinner but the furniture isn’t too comfortable.

JASON VOORHEES

Rocking one of the most memorable masks in horror film history, Jason Voorhees is one bad mother who just keeps tearing up those teens again and again. Stay away from Crystal Lake.

THE PURGE

If the Government ever state that all crimes are now legal, do not think you are safe locking yourself away in your home. He may be sweet but the Polite leader and his not-so-merry at times gang are not ones you want to let in during a crisis.

It’s those glowing eyes that are the most effective in The Collectors zip-up leather mask. That, and the in-house games that intend to try and rip you to pieces. Or that, instead of the games he’ll want to keep you forever in his house of horrors

Simple, scary and effective. The mask that launched a Halloween costume for life. If you’re into horror you’d have a nice chat about scary movies before they intend to kill you with a big kitchen knife. One of the worst, and last, phone calls ever!

PIG MASK (SAW)

The one who will take you to the Jigsaw Puppets many death games. Bad little piggy. It’s your choice of course if you live or die but you might have to chop your arm off or the like to survive though. Great.

FOX, LAMB & TIGER MASKS (YOU’RE NEXT)

I know Tigers are beasts and foxes can be a little sinister at times but what’s with the killer lambs? In You’re Next any one of these animals signals terrifying danger. I hope you can handle a shotgun.

TOMAS (THE ORPHANAGE)

Like kids aren’t creepy enough, ones that secretly reside in an Orphanage with a potato sack on their head enter into the “run like hell away from” category. But Tomas wants a friend.

Which mask from the above list (or not), do you find the scariest? Let us know in the comments box provided below!