10 Most Terrifying Villains In Non-Horror Movies

Darby O'Gill and the Little People is mainly known for three reasons. Firstly, it's directly responsible for popularising Irish folklore, especially surrounding leprechauns. Secondly, it stars a pre-fame Sean Connery. And most importantly, the '60s classic was pure nightmare fuel back in its day.

The bulk of the story focuses on an old codger, Darby, trying to outwit a leprechaun. As such, the Disney flick comes across as a wondrous children's tale for the most part.

But when Darby's daughter grows gravely ill, the titular character finds himself being hounded by a wailing ghost called the Banshee. Although the Banshee has a creepy design and a piercing cry, it's what she represents that gets the goosebumps going. Anybody who hears the phantom's ear-splitting cry is doomed to lose somebody they love. As soon as Darby heard the Banshee's wail, he knew his child was doomed. 

Fortunately, Darby makes a deal to spare his daughter's soul, allowing everyone to live happily ever after. Nevertheless, anyone who watched Darby O'Gill and the Little People as a kid should feel a shiver down their spine whenever they remember this deathly spirit.