Women in Horror: Top 30 Female Horror Movie Characters

Carrie (United Artists)

9. Carrie White (Sissy Spacek, Carrie)

When discussing some of the more sympathetic horror movie characters, Carrie White immediately comes to mind. First of all, her life is crappy enough at home as it is. Her overbearing, ultra-religious mother is constantly making her miserable. But Carrie’s time spent at school really isn’t much better, dealing with relentless bullying from the other girls.

Carrie’s mother neglects to tell her about what a period is, leaving the poor girl to freak out when that first one comes at school. Seeing the blood in the shower, she panics, thinking she’s dying. Of course, the other girls know what’s happening, and they all taunt Carrie for making such a big deal out of it. They pelt the poor girl with tampons in a particularly sad scene.

But with Carrie’s maturation comes the development of unexplained telekinetic powers. At first, she can’t control them, but quickly learns to do so. After the bullying culminates with animal blood being poured on Carrie at the prom, she goes ballistic. Using her abilities, she traps everyone inside, and goes on a deadly killing spree. If there were ever a horror film which serves as an anti-bullying PSA, it’s definitely this one.