Unforgettable Figures in Robert Eggers’ Horror Movies Ranked
Robert Eggers has carved a unique niche in horror cinema with his meticulous attention to historical detail and chilling atmospheres. His films, steeped in folklore and psychological dread, bring to life characters that haunt us long after the credits roll.
We’re diving into the most memorable characters from his horror films, ranking them based on their impact, depth, and how they drive the unsettling narratives. From isolated lighthouse keepers to tormented Puritan families, here’s our take on the eight best.
8. Caleb (The Witch, 2015)
Caleb, the young son in a Puritan family, faces the terror of the unknown in ‘The Witch’. Played by Harvey Scrimshaw, his innocence is tested as supernatural forces unravel his family’s faith.
His descent into fear and possession is heartbreaking, showcasing a child caught in a web of religious paranoia and dark magic. Scrimshaw’s raw performance makes Caleb a standout, capturing the vulnerability of youth in a cruel world.
7. Friedrich Harding (Nosferatu, 2024)
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Friedrich Harding in ‘Nosferatu’ is a tragic figure, a man of status undone by a vampire’s wrath. His grief and desperation add a layer of raw emotion to the gothic tale.
Though his role feels underdeveloped at times, Taylor-Johnson infuses Friedrich with a haughty charm that crumbles into despair, making his tragic fate one of the film’s most shocking moments.
6. Thomas Howard/Ephraim Winslow (The Lighthouse, 2019)
Robert Pattinson’s Thomas Howard, also known as Ephraim Winslow, is a lighthouse keeper spiraling into madness in ‘The Lighthouse’. His secretive past fuels the film’s tense dynamic.
Pattinson’s intense performance captures a man wrestling with guilt and isolation, blending raw emotion with moments of dark humor. His unraveling is both unsettling and gripping, making him unforgettable.
5. Thomasin (The Witch, 2015)
Anya Taylor-Joy’s Thomasin is the heart of ‘The Witch’, a young woman caught in a family torn apart by suspicion and witchcraft. Her journey from innocence to defiance is chilling.
Taylor-Joy delivers a raw, emotional performance, embodying the struggle against oppressive faith and societal expectations. Thomasin’s final act of rebellion is one of horror’s most iconic moments.
4. Ellen Hutter (Nosferatu, 2024)
Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen Hutter in ‘Nosferatu’ is a complex figure, torn between fascination and horror as she’s drawn to the vampire Orlok. Her psychic connection to the monster drives the story.
Depp’s performance is intense, balancing vulnerability and strength, though some moments tip into melodrama. Ellen’s emotional depth makes her a standout in Eggers’ gothic vision.
3. Thomas Wake (The Lighthouse, 2019)
Willem Dafoe’s Thomas Wake is a grizzled, commanding lighthouse keeper in ‘The Lighthouse’. His larger-than-life presence dominates the film, blending menace with bizarre humor.
Dafoe’s wild performance, full of salty monologues and eerie charisma, makes Wake a force of nature. His clash with Pattinson’s character creates a claustrophobic nightmare we can’t look away from.
2. William (The Witch, 2015)
Ralph Ineson’s William in ‘The Witch’ is a flawed patriarch whose rigid faith leads his family to ruin. His deep voice and commanding presence anchor the film’s grim tone.
Ineson portrays William’s unraveling with heartbreaking authenticity, showing a man undone by pride and fear. His struggle to protect his family makes him a tragic, unforgettable figure.
1. Count Orlok (Nosferatu, 2024)
Bill Skarsgård’s Count Orlok in ‘Nosferatu’ is a terrifying reinvention of the iconic vampire. Hidden in shadows and layered with prosthetics, he’s a primal force of dread.
Skarsgård’s haunting voice and menacing presence make Orlok both repulsive and oddly sympathetic, a predator cursed by immortality. His chilling performance cements him as Eggers’ most unforgettable character.
Which Robert Eggers character haunts you the most, or did we miss one that deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments!