The year is coming to an end, and we got a decent amount of top-notch horror media for 2025, and that includes new characters in the genre to appreciate. Regardless of whether a film or show blows someone out of the water, sometimes we come away from it loving the characters most. And in terms of Black horror characters in 2025, there are a few worth noting.
There’s still a long way to go in the number of well-written Black characters in horror with individual storylines. Of course, there’s no harm in mentioning the individuals who do fit the bill or, at the very least, are great characters to celebrate. Black horror is always evolving, so representation will continue to evolve with it.
Get BWT in your inbox!
Get BWT in your inbox!
It wasn’t difficult to narrow these down, not just because there aren’t 100s to choose from, but because these are the most standout Black characters we got in horror in 2025. Whether it be due to the performances of the actors behind them or the characters’ trajectories. Either way, scroll down to see who all made the list and if you spy any of your favorites.
The Best Black Horror Characters of 2025
The Smokestack Twins (Sinners)
Actor: Michael B. Jordan
Where to Watch: HBO Max
The sensation that is Sinners isn’t a secret at all, nor is the reception for Michael B. Jordan‘s performance as both Smoke and Stack. In Sinners, the twins can’t be mistaken for one another because of their distinct personalities. Both are very passionate and will do whatever it takes to protect those they love. Sinners follows Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) in 1930s Mississippi, whose return home ends in disaster when they are confronted by vampires.
They are both tremendous additions to the Black horror canon, and they’ll continue to be beloved by many folks who appreciated Sinners. And it’s safe to say that Michael B. Jordan put so much into both characters, to the point where you forget it’s the same actor playing them. At the end of the day, the Smokestack Twins are well worth mentioning, and this list would be incomplete without them.
Kumi Morrow (Alien: Earth)
Actor: Babou Cessay
Where to Watch: Hulu
Alien: Earth was enjoyed by plenty of fans of the Alien franchise. The show introduced us to several characters we’ll see again, including Morrow (Babou Cessay). Morrow is the perfect example of allowing Black characters to be villains/antagonists in horror. His villainy isn’t rooted in his Blackness, and it’s very refreshing for Black horror fans to see that. Alien: Earth takes place before the events of Alien and follows the corporate war between Weyland-Yutani and Prodigy Corporation.
Morrow’s character is such a treat to watch because he’s not only charming but also a genuine threat to Prodigy Corporation. Babou Cessay’s performance is quite layered, and for a character that could’ve been extremely one-note, it’s lovely that he’s not. Overall, he’s a top-notch addition to the Alien universe, and it’s fun that we’ll see him again for the upcoming second season.
Annie (Sinners)
Actor: Wumni Mosaku
Plus-sized women being love interests to anyone is already not a typical occurrence, but a dark-skinned Black woman, who isn’t thin, is even less so. Annie (Wumni Mosaku) is Smoke’s estranged wife in Sinners and one of the smartest characters. Her knowledge as a practitioner of Hoodoo aids her and the other characters’ attempts to survive the night against the vampires. Instead of being a basic damsel in distress, she’s protective and headstrong.
Unfortunately, Annie doesn’t make it out of the film alive, though she doesn’t allow herself to be turned, and it’s a tragic ending. But Sinners is a film that promises chaos from the moment the vampires enter the scene. Regardless, Annie remains a very memorable character, worthy of mention for all the reasons above. It might amuse some of you to mention that this list includes three characters from Sinners.
Nova (Takeout)
Actor: N’kone Mametja
Where to Watch: Tubi
Tubi originals aren’t all bad, with cringe-worthy dialogue and horrible acting; some of them are watchable, like Takeout. Instead of following a white woman in this slasher-thriller, the main character is a resourceful Black woman named Nova (N’kone Mametja). Takeout follows a trio of diner workers who are convinced that a serial killer who is wanted is dining at their restaurant. Rather than Nova being without any survival skills, she’s forced to survive when those she cares about are in danger.
There isn’t a plethora of Black final girls out there, and someone like Nova being added to Black horror canon is a good thing. Nova might not be all that well-known because Takeout is a Tubi original, but she still has a place in the horror world. And she’s able to do quite a bit in such a dire situation. She’s a huge reason to watch the film, on top of the impressive gore.
Pete McVries (The Long Walk)
Actor: David Jonsson
Where to Watch: Prime Video and VOD
Whether you loved the film or not, there’s no arguing that Pete (David Jonsson) is one of the best characters in the adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. Pete’s character being shipped with Ray (Cooper Hoffman) is something of note about his character, but individually, he’s also quite fascinating. Allowing Black male characters to show emotions and be vulnerable is important to highlight and praise. The Long Walk follows a group of individuals who embark on a journey to win a contest, which requires them to walk without stopping.
Pete’s journey is incredibly heartbreaking, and there was never going to be a happy ending for his character either way. He’s played fantastically by David Jonsson, and every emotion he portrays comes through the screen. As far as characters in King’s horror adaptations, he’s certainly one you won’t soon forget about. Not to mention, the representation is a solid thumbs-up.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for horror, and thankfully, these characters were given to us to cherish, love, root for, and analyze. Black horror characters might not be as plentiful, but they do still exist, and the well-written folks should get their share of mentions. Kudos to all of them for existing and leaving their own impact!
