Ten Black characters survived horror films by using strategy over speed
A new list identifies ten actors who played Black characters that outlasted monsters through wit, technology, or strategic retreat.
By Layla Richardson ·
Halloween season has arrived with pumpkin lattes and horror marathons dominating broadcast schedules.
Streaming services now provide instant access to hundreds of classic slasher films and monster titles, allowing viewers to plan their own watch parties.
Historically, Black characters in horror movies have had low survival rates, often dying early as the token figure.
However, a specific group of ten characters broke this pattern by surviving through intelligence rather than physical strength.
The list includes Peter Washington from Dawn of the Dead, played by Ken Foree in 1978, whose performance is cited as heroic and inspiring for zombie apocalypse scenarios.
Childs from The Thing, played by Keith David in 1982, survives by hiding out or joining the group, though debate continues over whether he became a Thing based on breath patterns.
Fool from The People Under the Stairs, played by Brandon Adams in 1991, survived the film, a role that preceded his later part in The Mighty Ducks.
Jeryline from Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, played by Jada Pinkett Smith in 1995, survived by becoming the Demon Knight herself.
Joel from Scream 2, played by Duane Martin in 1997, survived by leaving town when a serial killer was on the loose, a move the actor described as sensible in his closing line.
Preacher from Deep Blue Sea, played by LL Cool J in 1999, killed genetically altered sharks one by one, challenging the idea that survival requires only brains.
Eddie from House on Haunted Hill, played by Taye Diggs in 1999, provided the smarts that got the group through close calls while staying near the blonde Final Girl.
Maggie Bess from Thirteen Ghosts, played by Rah Digga in 2001, served as the heart of the film and helped become the hero in the end. Flynn from 28 Weeks Later, played by Harold Perrineau in 2007, survived using a chopper. Rod Williams from Get Out, played by Lil Rel in 2017, spoke with common sense that reflected the general audience, with much of the performance attributed to improv. An honorable mention goes to Brenda Meeks from Scary Movie 2, played by Regina Hall in 2001, whose role reflected what many Black people think while watching horror movies.
