The Top 13 Worst Dads in Horror Movies - Father's Day Fodder

    Father's Day is a time to celebrate the dads who have been our pillars of support and love. But what about those horror movies that feature fathers who are anything but nurturing and protective? Today we embark on a paternal exploration of horror films that showcase some of the most questionable dads in cinematic history, ranked by which dad is the absolute worst! Brace yourselves for a dose of frightful father figures that will make you appreciate your own dad even more.

13) We begin the list with the thirteenth worst father in horror movie history. "The Loved Ones" (2009) - Directed by Sean Byrne.

     In this twisted Australian horror film, we encounter Brent's father, who unwittingly becomes complicit in the sadistic activities of Lola and her demented family. His inability to protect his son from the horrifying events unfolding showcases the failure of parental instincts, making him a questionable and ineffectual dad in the face of extreme danger.

12) Next in the Bad Dads category is "The Witch" (2015) - Directed by Robert Eggers.

    In this atmospheric period horror film, William, the father of a Puritan family, leads them into the wilderness to forge a new life. However, as darkness descends and malevolent forces close in, his fervent religious beliefs and rigid judgment drive a wedge between him and his family, ultimately leading to their tragic unraveling.

11) Just missing the top ten, our next father is from the movie "Sinister" (2012) - Directed by Scott Derrickson.

    While not solely focused on fatherhood, "Sinister" features a writer named Ellison Oswalt, who moves his family into a new home only to discover a box of disturbing home movies in the attic. As he delves deeper into the mystery, his obsession with his work takes a toll on his role as a father. Ellison's dubious choices and negligence highlight the sacrifices one can make when consumed by their own ambitions.

10) The tenth worst father is from "Orphan" (2009) - Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.

    In this psychological thriller, we are introduced to Esther, a seemingly innocent and adorable young girl. However, her adoptive father, John Coleman, soon discovers her true nature as she unleashes a wave of chaos upon their family. John's obliviousness and failure to see the warning signs make him a questionable dad indeed. While the film is tense and unsettling, it also provides some darkly humorous moments amid the gripping suspense.

9) At number nine, with a bullet, is "The Stepfather" (1987) - Directed by Joseph Ruben.

    Okay, I couldn't resist mentioning this one. In "The Stepfather," we encounter a seemingly perfect dad who turns out to be a serial killer with a knack for assuming new identities. As he seeks to create his ideal family, he will stop at nothing to maintain his façade. This film is a classic examination of the dark side of fatherhood and the dangers of trusting the wrong dad.

8) One of the scariest movies, IMO, is "Hereditary" (2018) - Directed by Ari Aster.

    Prepare for a haunting exploration of family secrets and psychological terror. "Hereditary" presents us with the character of Steve Graham, who, while not the central figure, grapples with the dark legacy of his family. As the story unfolds, the shocking revelations force Steve to confront his own role as a father and the horrors that lie within his bloodline.

7) Lucky number seven in the terrible fathers list is from the movie "The Amityville Horror" (1979) - Directed by Stuart Rosenberg.

    In this chilling haunted house tale, we meet George Lutz, a father who moves his family into a new home with a dark and sinister history. As the supernatural forces within the house gradually consume him, George's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and threatening towards his own family. His transformation into a menacing figure serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked anger and the consequences it can have on those closest to us.

6) The sixth bad dad is from"Krampus" (2015) - Directed by Michael Dougherty.

    Max's father, Tom Engel, becomes entangled in a fight for survival against the malevolent Christmas demon, Krampus. As the chaotic and supernatural events unfold, Tom's attempts to protect his family often fall short, highlighting the challenges and struggles of a father battling against a force that defies comprehension.

5) Now we can count the worst paternal influences in horror movies on one hand. Enter "The Babadook" (2014) - Directed by Jennifer Kent.

    This contender is not your typical father figure in the fact that his absence makes him a bad dad. In "The Babadook," we meet Amelia's troubled husband, whose mysterious absence and troubled demeanor leave much to be desired. While he doesn't play a central role, his ghostly presence lingers, adding an eerie layer to the film's atmosphere. Although he may not win any Father of the Year awards, his absence sets the stage for a terrifying psychological journey.

4) "The People Under the Stairs" (1991) - Directed by Wes Craven boasts a bad dad.

    In this Wes Craven gem, we encounter a disturbing and sadistic father figure known as "Daddy" Robeson. He rules over his peculiar household with an iron fist, keeping his "children" locked away in the basement. As the film unravels, we witness his vile and abusive behavior, making him one of the most loathsome dads in the horror genre. His presence adds a layer of terror to the film's unsettling atmosphere in an unmistakable manner.

3) Getting close now to the worst dad in horror movie history! Number three is from "Pet Sematary" (1989) - Directed by Mary Lambert.

    Dr. Louis Creed, the father figure in this Stephen King adaptation, is faced with the unbearable grief of losing a child. When he discovers a mystical burial ground that can bring the dead back to life, Louis succumbs to the temptation, desperately trying to preserve his family at any cost. His misguided actions lead to disastrous consequences, exposing the dangers of playing God and the dire consequences of tampering with the natural order of life and death.

2) The number two (insert bathroom joke here) worst dads in all of horror movies are both from "Creepshow" (1982) - Directed by George A. Romero. That's right, it is a tie for second place.

    Within this anthology of terrifying tales, we encounter a wrap-around story featuring a questionable father by the name of Stan Hopkins (Billy's dad). As he disciplines his son with a heavy hand, he unknowingly becomes the catalyst for the child's revenge through the power of a voodoo doll. While his intentions may be rooted in teaching a lesson, his actions prove to be misguided and inadvertently unleash a horrifying chain of events.

    Next on the list from Creepshow is Nathan Grantham. Also a cruel taskmaster and household head, not even death can keep Pappy Nate from keeping his family in line. It's a reverse revenge story where the bad guy gets the final hand (and his cake, too) in a tale appropriately called "Father's Day".

1) We have finally made it to the absolute worst dad in all of cinematic history. Jack Nicholson's quintessential role as Jack Torrance from "The Shining" (1980) - Directed by Stanley Kubrick.

    This one takes the notion of a questionable dad to a whole new level. In this iconic Stephen King adaptation, we witness Jack's descent into madness while acting as the caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. His transformation from a struggling writer to a maniacal threat to his family showcases the dark side of fatherhood. It's a chilling reminder that not all dads are equipped for the job, especially when subjected to supernatural forces.

    These films offer a twisted lens through which we can examine the complexities of fatherhood, showcasing the darker, flawed, and sometimes downright terrifying aspects of paternal figures. While we laugh, cringe, and scream at the screen, these movies also serve as a reminder to appreciate the loving and supportive dads in our own lives by contrast. So, this Father's Day, let's celebrate the good, the bad, and the downright monstrous dads of the horror realm, all while cherishing the real-life fathers who bring light and love into our lives with these cinematic scares. Why not invite the old man over for some popcorn and beer while you're at at it?