10 Most Underrated Horror Movie Villains

Set up for a crime he didn't commit and subsequently murdered in prison, hero cop Matt Cordell returned from the dead three times to wreak havoc on the city he once swore to protect. He battled genre icons Bruce Campbell, Tom Atkins, Robert Davi and Jackie Earle Haley in this stunt-heavy horror trilogy which includes one of the most epic firewalks and freefalls you've ever seen.

By 1988 the slasher genre was already considered stale by some, but Larry Cohen's creation is an inspired twist on the formula. One of the more unique aspects separating Cordell from his peers is a willingness to use firearms and employ vehicular assault to rack up his kill count. This way he's able to dish out Terminator levels of carnage when he chooses to, although he's not averse to the old stalk and slash routine when the situation arises. If you hear that whistling motif on the soundtrack and that billy club twirling then you know he's coming for you.

The Maniac Cop can take a lot of punishment too. Much like Jason Voorhees, Cordell deteriorated throughout the series to a more zombie-like look. However, unlike many cinematic boogeymen there was consistency to his wounds and scars throughout all three instalments. It's just a shame we never got to see what he would look like in a part 4 or in Nic Winding Refn's failed remake.