Top 20 LGBTQ+ Stars in Horror Movies & TV Shows

The horror genre has long provided a space for marginalized voices to explore themes of identity and survival through metaphors of monsters and mayhem. LGBTQ+ actors have played a significant role in shaping these stories by portraying iconic villains and resilient heroes. Many of these performers have become staples of the genre through recurring roles in popular franchises and anthologies. Their work ranges from high-camp slashers to deeply psychological thrillers that challenge societal norms. This list highlights twenty talented stars who have made their mark on scary cinema and television.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson cemented her legacy as a genre icon through her extensive work in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. She portrayed diverse characters ranging from a two-headed woman to a supreme witch throughout the numerous seasons of the show. Her performance in ‘Ratched’ further demonstrated her ability to play unsettling and complex figures in psychological thrillers. Fans admire her dedication to bringing emotional depth to terrifying scenarios. She remains one of the most recognizable faces in modern television horror.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto delivered a chilling performance as the bloody face killer Dr. Oliver Thredson in ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’. His ability to switch between a charming professional and a sadistic murderer unsettled audiences deeply. He also appeared in the ‘Murder House’ season as one of the ghostly residents trapped on the property. Viewers praise his intensity and the menacing presence he brings to his darker roles. Quinto continues to be a celebrated figure for his contributions to genre television.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a familiar face to horror fans after starring in the sci-fi horror cult classic ‘The Faculty’. She later appeared in ‘The Grudge’ as a woman haunted by a vengeful curse in Japan. Her grounded performances often provide a sense of realism amidst supernatural chaos. DuVall also took on a role in ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’ during her extensive career. Her work in the late nineties helped define the teen horror resurgence of that decade.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown revitalized the slasher genre with her role as Mindy Meeks-Martin in the recent ‘Scream’ installments. Her character serves as the horror expert who understands the rules of surviving a movie massacre. She also stars in ‘Yellowjackets’ as the younger version of Taissa during the harrowing wilderness survival timeline. Critics have lauded her for bringing charisma and intelligence to the modern final girl archetype. Brown stands out as a prominent queer actor leading current horror franchises.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart transitioned from vampire romance to serious genre work with films like ‘Underwater’. She faced deep-sea creatures in that claustrophobic thriller while delivering a physically demanding performance. Her collaboration with David Cronenberg in ‘Crimes of the Future’ showcased her talent for body horror and avant-garde storytelling. She also portrayed the accused axe murderer in the biographical thriller ‘Lizzie’. Stewart consistently chooses roles that challenge traditional narrative structures.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer surprised audiences with his role in ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’ early in his career. He later joined the cast of ‘American Horror Story’ to play darker and more seductive characters. His turn as Donovan in the ‘Hotel’ season allowed him to explore the life of a vampire lover caught in a dangerous web. Bomer brings a charismatic screen presence that often hides a sinister undercurrent. He balances his leading man looks with a willingness to engage in bloody horror narratives.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey gained initial fame playing a werewolf struggling with his condition in the British series ‘Being Human’. He returned to the genre years later for ‘American Horror Story: NYC’ as a detective investigating gruesome murders. His roles often involve characters dealing with hidden identities or physical transformations. Tovey delivers vulnerable performances that ground supernatural concepts in human emotion. He remains a favorite among fans of character-driven horror television.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a shapeshifter within the horror genre thanks to his multiple roles in ‘American Horror Story’. He famously played the mute butler Spalding and the transgender bartender Liz Taylor with immense dedication. He also portrayed the vampire king of Mississippi in the series ‘True Blood’. His theatrical background allows him to inhabit eccentric and terrifying characters with ease. O’Hare consistently steals scenes with his unique physical acting choices.

Cody Fern

Cody Fern made a massive impact on the horror community by portraying the Antichrist Michael Langdon in ‘American Horror Story: Apocalypse’. His performance combined menacing power with a seductive charm that manipulated those around him. He also appeared in ‘American Horror Story: 1984’ as an ambitious aerobics instructor facing a summer camp slasher. Fern brings a distinctive style and intensity to every villainous role he undertakes. His portrayal of the son of Satan remains one of the franchise’s most memorable antagonists.

Lachlan Watson

Lachlan Watson joined the killer doll franchise in the television series ‘Chucky’ to play a dual role. They brought the non-binary children of Chucky named Glen and Glenda to life with impressive versatility. This performance required distinct mannerisms for each twin while maintaining the campy tone of the series. Watson previously navigated supernatural elements in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. Their casting marked a significant moment for non-binary representation in mainstream horror.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg led the cast of the satirical slasher ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ as a recovering addict caught in a deadly game. Her performance anchored the chaotic energy of the film as paranoia tore the group of friends apart. She deftly handled the mix of black comedy and genuine tension required for the role. Stenberg has also explored the thriller genre with projects like ‘The Darkest Minds’. Her work resonates with younger audiences looking for modern twists on classic tropes.

Theo Germaine

Theo Germaine starred in the slasher film ‘They/Them’ set at a sinister conversion therapy camp. They played the lead character Jordan who fights back against a masked killer stalking the campers. Germaine brought resilience and strength to a story focused on survival and identity. The film used horror tropes to critique real-world social issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. This role established Germaine as a capable lead in the suspense genre.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans took on the mantle of the most famous vampire in history in the action horror film ‘Dracula Untold’. He portrayed Vlad the Impaler as a tragic figure who turns to darkness to save his family. He also played the ruthless villain in the gory thriller ‘No One Lives’. Evans brings an intense physicality to his roles that suits the demands of creature features. His performances often highlight the monstrous potential within human beings.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes became a breakout star playing the lizard Kanima in the supernatural drama ‘Teen Wolf’. He later joined the ensemble of ‘American Horror Story: Cult’ as a detective involved in a terrifying political conspiracy. Haynes handles roles that require heavy prosthetic makeup and physical stunts. His characters often harbor dark secrets that drive the horror elements of the plot. He remains a recognizable figure in teen supernatural media.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a recurring ensemble member who has appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He played a warlock in ‘Apocalypse’ and a fashion designer in ‘Hotel’. His characters frequently meet gruesome ends or inflict violence upon others. Jackson balances campy humor with the darker tones of the anthology series. He brings a polished charisma that contrasts effectively with the bloody situations his characters face.

Tyler Posey

Tyler Posey is best known for his long running role as a werewolf in the series ‘Teen Wolf’. He also starred in the supernatural horror film ‘Truth or Dare’ where a game turns deadly. His characters often serve as the moral center trying to protect friends from paranormal threats. Posey brings an energetic and youthful presence to the horror genre. He has continued to work in thriller projects that push his physical acting limits.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons carried the survival horror film ‘Sweetheart’ almost entirely on her own. She played a shipwreck survivor forced to fend off a sea monster on a deserted island. The role required her to convey fear and determination with very little dialogue. Critics praised her commanding screen presence and ability to sustain tension solo. Clemons proved she could anchor a creature feature with grit and intensity.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith starred in the atmospheric horror film ‘I Saw the TV Glow’. He played a young man obsessed with a late night television show that begins to warp his reality. Smith delivers deeply emotional performances that explore psychological unraveling. He also faced CGI monsters in the film adaptation of ‘Detective Pikachu’ which contained light horror elements. His work often focuses on characters dealing with isolation and existential dread.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn joined the horror canon with his role in the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. He played Matt McKendry who falls victim to the puzzle box and the Cenobites. His character serves as the catalyst for the terrifying events that plague his sister. Flynn effectively conveyed the agony associated with the franchise signature body horror. This role marked a shift into darker territory for the actor.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross made history with her prominent roles in the horror anthology ‘American Horror Story’. She played the nurse Rita in ‘1984’ and the chemist in ‘Double Feature’. Her characters are often intelligent women who must navigate treacherous environments filled with killers or vampires. Ross brings a sharp wit and commanding presence to the screen. She has become a vital part of the recurring cast in Ryan Murphy’s horror universe.

Please let us know in the comments which performance from these stars you found the most terrifying.