We all know Michael Myers and Freddy, but what about the underrated villains? As more of us will be spending Halloween at home this year, I thought I'd take a look at some film antagonists that might not lead the costume list. There are some whose tyranny flies over the cuckoo’s nest and under the radar, and others whose stories are more insidious.

MORE: From Pennywise to Hannibal, read my top villains of horror.

10. Mr. Babadook

• FIRST SIGHTING: “The Babadook” (2014)

He’s tall, vocal, literate, but while this flying and morphing threat is a gentleman who always knocks first, once he’s in, his menacing claws, top hat and signature screech won’t leave.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon

9. Chris Hargenson

• FIRST SIGHTING: “Carrie” (1976)

She throws shade like she throws tampons. With a major beef against the underdog, Chris is quick to recruit others in everything from rigging votes to animal slaughter. And, it’s her vendetta that ignites the prom night from hell.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon, VUDU

8. Pelle

• FIRST SIGHTING: “Midsommar” (2019)

This sensitive and artistic Swede seems to have a knack for soothing the tormented, but don’t let the accent fool ya. Pelle may seem laid-back in linens, but he’s all too eager to sacrifice friendship for family.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon

7. Red

• FIRST SIGHTING: “Us” (2019)

The Leader of The Tethered, Red launches havoc on Adelaide and fam. With a strained voice, slippery fight moves and a helluva backstory, this villain doesn't want money; she just wants to take her time. And to cut paper doll chains.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon, HBO Now

6. Nurse Ratched

• FIRST SIGHTING: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)

With a devil horns ’do and steely blue eyes, Nurse Ratched conducts her own brand of humiliating psychotherapy, always with a cool demeanor and a perfectly starched uni. Louise Fletcher won an Academy Award as the tyrannical battle axe based on Ken Kinsey’s book, which also inspired a new Netflix series.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon, Netflix, VUDU

5. Rev. Henry Kane / The Beast

• FIRST SIGHTING: “Poltergeist” (1982)

The emaciated cult leader stalked the Freeling family through three films and several astral planes, where he masterfully terrified in a ribbon tie, singing a hymn and in a mix of ’80s special effects. Oh, and um, don’t drink the worm.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon, Netflix

4. Bride in Black / Parker Crane

• FIRST SIGHTING: “Insidious” (2010)

This parasitic demon goes from bit part to star among the spawn terrorizing the Lambert family, and she needs little more than a dark room, a veil and a candle to do it. As the franchise progresses, so does her backstory and her invasions of personal space.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon

3. Annie Wilkes

• FIRST SIGHTING: “Misery” (1990)

Kathy Bates snagged an Academy Award for her portrayal of this sadistic super-fan. This former nurse “saves” her fave author from a car accident and creates her own brand of muse. Don’t mess with her ceramics, Mister Man.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon

2. Jack Torrance

• FIRST SIGHTING: “The Shining” (1980)

Writer's block and a blizzard is enough to push anyone over the edge, amiright? Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of this Stephen King character is a mix of lunacy and rage in flannel. Even with a supernatural makeout sesh and ax practice, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. On repeat.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon

1. Regan MacNeil / Pazuzu

• FIRST SIGHTING: “The Exorcist” (1973)

Between projectile vomit, head spinning and a mean smoker’s cough, this 12-year-old’s demon possession is the ultimate Ouija board cautionary tale. Her harrowing run-in, based on a 1971 horror novel, spawned three sequels, a prequel, a TV series and a video game.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon

Have a favorite of your own? Email your picks to mlavine@duluthnews.com.