10 More Times Horror Movie Villains Chose Not To Be Evil

These maniacs have some redeemable features.

Abigail 2024
Universal Pictures

Certain people believe that every person, no matter how immoral, has some good in them. However, the world of horror says otherwise. The genre often deals with villains who indulge in every depravity or just want to watch the world burn.

Try to think of one decent quality surrounding Pennywise or Freddy Krueger, and you're sure to draw a blank. But as our previous list proved, as hard as it is to believe, the worst of the worst can have a moment where their conscience gets the better of them.

Seeing the most wicked creatures performing an act of kindness can be jarring, since it seems out of character. It can also be funny, as the last thing anyone would think Jason Voorhees or Leatherface would do is show compassion. Other times, watching a cannibal or a serial killer acting like a goody two-shoes is enlightening, as it indicates they are more complex than they seemed.

Although nobody in their right mind would want to cross paths with this sorry lot, they may not be as malevolent as they initially appeared.

10. A Gift For Cindy - Silent Night, Deadly Night

Abigail 2024
Manson International

The Christmas slasher centres around an orphan, Billy Chapman, who was devastated after his parents were killed by a criminal in a Santa suit. After growing up, Billy tries to make ends meet by getting a job at a toy store, but when he's forced to work as a mall Santa, all the horrible memories flood back to him, causing him to snap. 

Billy rampages across the town, slaughtering the locals with knives, hatchets, arrows, antlers, and even Christmas lights. Though Billy is the victim of a childhood tragedy, there doesn't seem to be anything redeemable about him.

Except for one moment... kind of. 

When a young Cindy mistakes Billy for the real Father Christmas, it looks like she's going to be his latest victim. Instead, he asks her if she's been naughty or nice. When she states the latter, the jolly old St. Nick gives her a Christmas present, which happens to be a bloody boxcutter.

It mightn't be the most appropriate gift for a child - or anyone, for that matter - but this moment stands out since it's the only time Billy refuses to take a life.

 
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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