10 More Horror Movies That Tricked You Into Rooting For The Villain

1. John Kramer (Jigsaw) - Saw

May 2002
Lionsgate

John Kramer was a master engineer whose life changed forever when he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Realising his death was imminent, John vowed to cherish what little time he had left. When he saw those around him throwing their lives away, John realised people only value their life when they run the risk of losing it.

This epiphany compelled John to kidnap unappreciative people and urge them to play a 'game'. In this game, the participant must make physical and psychological sacrifices to survive.

John sets himself apart from other serial killers because... technically, he's never killed anyone. If his victims follow his instructions to the letter, they will live. Even though his victims are drug dealers, rapists, and murderers, he genuinely wants them to survive so they'll appreciate their life.

Because each game is tailored to the victim's sins, it shows John isn't torturing them for fun but to compel them to look deep within themselves to find a reason to live. Considering most of these people have committed unspeakable sins, the fact that John will go through so much trouble to give them a second chance proves he's not an evil man.

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Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows