10 Horror Movies Where The Monster Isn't The Villain

In Tim Burton's adaptation of Washington Irving's gothic tale, quirky constable Ichabod Crane is tasked with finding a murderer in Sleepy Hollow who has a nasty habit of lopping off heads. Over time, Ichabod discovers the murders have been carried out by a headless phantom on horseback.

At first, it's easy to believe the Headless Horseman is evil incarnate, since he's decapitating locals like he's got bills to pay. Because he was considered the most bloodthirsty mercenary while he was alive, there's no reason to doubt he's the main villain, and the fact he's portrayed by Christopher Walken solidifies this theory further.

But after encountering the Horseman, Ichabod notices the dark spirit is only targeting specific people. Even when the townsfolk attack him, the decapitated fiend goes out of his way not to kill them unless they give him no other choice.

Through his research, Ichabod learns a Satanist, Lady Van Tassel, is in possession of the Horseman's head, which she uses to control him. When the Horseman reacquires his noggin, he instantly ends his murder spree and willingly returns to Hell, taking Lady Van Tassel with him.