Just in time for Halloween, Hotspots has rounded up the scariest LGBTQ+ characters of television and film and where to watch them. Grab a hottie to hide behind and watch these frightening dramas.
Be prepared for a scare with these six scary baddies:
Buffalo Bill – Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Actor Ted Levine stars as the gay serial killer Jame Gumb, known as Buffalo Bill, in early ‘90s psychological drama Silence of the Lambs. Often considered one the most terrifying movie villains, Buffalo Bill kills and skins (yes, that’s right) young women to build a female skin-suit for himself to wear. This has led to a lot of controversy over the film’s negative portrayal of a trans-related character. Classics like Psycho and Dressed to Kill have faced similar critiques in recent years. Simon Northwood plays the character in the 2021 TV series Clarice.
The film also stars Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. You can stream Silence of the Lambs on Hulu.
Tom Ripley – The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Oscar-winning movie star Matt Damon stars as Tom Ripley, a sexually ambiguous (leaning strongly on the bi side), creepy con artist and serial killer who firmly entwines himself into the life of Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law). Based on the novels by Patricia Highsmith, the two sequels were also brought to the silver screen: Ripley’s Game (2002) and Ripley Underground (2005).
Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman also star in the film.
You can stream The Talented Mr. Ripley on Paramount+ and Prime Video.
Omar Little – The Wire (2002-2008)
Award-winning actor Michael K. Williams, who sadly died in 2021, starred as the menacing, street-smart tough guy Omar Little – a badass character who robs other dealers in Baltimore. This really was a breakthrough role, as his sexuality is clearly revealed but does not become central to his role. Dominic West, Idris Elba and Lance Reddick – who died earlier this year, also starred in the critically acclaimed series. You can stream The Wire on HBO and Hulu.
Gus Fring- Breaking Bad (2008-2013), Better Call Saul
Giancarlo Esposito stars as elegant drug dealer and fast-food chicken chain-owner Gustavo “Gus” Fring in popular crime drama Breaking Bad. The restaurant chain turns out to be a front for his drug operation. And he is quite the scary kingpin, anyone who crosses him will be swiftly taken out. While his sexuality was only hinted at in Breaking Bad, it was confirmed in the prequel series Better Call Saul. You can stream Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul on AMC, AMC+ and Netflix.
Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt – Interview with the Vampire (2021- now)
British actor and musician Jacob Anderson stars as Louis de Pointe du Lac and Australian actor Sam Reid stars as Lestat de Lioncourt in the AMC series Interview with the Vampire. In the television series, unlike the film starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, the vampires are fully shown as a romantic couple. The horror drama is both beautiful and very gory. You can stream Interview with the Vampire on AMC and AMC+.
