10 Great Horror Movie Characters Who Die At The Beginning

Since the beginning of film, the horror genre has followed certain narrative tropes that have come to define it. From jump scares, final girls and twist endings, frightful flicks have found ways to shock audiences throughout their run.

But what about those films that kick off proceedings on a bloody note? While not all that common, some horror movies have began with the death of a character to set the tone of the story, and the shock value is all the more impactful when said character has already endeared themselves to the audience.

In addition to solidifying the antagonist as a threat, the murder of an already gripping part of the narrative this early in the game may lend the movie an air of mystery or even set the stage for an unexpected ending. To further cement the subversion's effectiveness, a well-known thespian may take on the doomed role and lull audiences into a false sense of security.

From adventurous teenagers to doomed astronauts and salesmen, this list is filled with characters whose luck ran out unusually early, even for this body-count genre.

Brian de Palma's first foray into horror, this 1972 film confirmed the director as an artist with a near incomparable grasp on cinematic thrills as well as solidified his unconventional visual style and thematic aspirations. Well-acted and scored by horror movie composing legend Bernard Herrmann, the picture takes things up a notch due to its exploration of voyeurism, exploitation and abuse.

After being the 'victim' of a voyeuristic hidden camera show called 'Peeping Toms', salesman Philip Woode (Lisle Wilson) managed to score a date with guest star Danielle Breton (Margot Kidder). Things go well for Woode till he meets his death at the hands of Danielle's twin sister, Dominique (also played by Kidder).

His death sees the involvement of Danielle's neighbour, Grace Collier (Jennifer Salt), and as the plot unfolds it becomes clear that the twins are far stranger than initially believed.

Woode and Danielle's initial bond helped emphasize both characters' relative isolation and the former's relatively decent nature (as evidenced in the game show) is well contrasted by the disturbing actions of Dominique and Danielle's ex-husband, Emil.