Top 7 Scream Queens of the 70s

First up on our list of scream queens of the 70s is Margot Kidder. She made a significant impact on 70s horror with her role in Black Christmas (1974). Playing the sorority sister Barb, Kidder delivered a performance that blended sass and vulnerability.

Kidder’s acting and memorable screams in Black Christmas showcased her versatility. At the time, she was primarily known for her work in Canadian cinema. Her portrayal of Barb stood out in the ensemble cast and added to the film’s status as a cult classic.

While Kidder didn’t become a regular in horror, her performance remains noteworthy, earning her a place as one of the most iconic scream queens of the decade. Later, she achieved more mainstream fame, playing Lois Lane in Superman (1978). Overall, this also demonstrated her range as an actress across multiple genres.

Another one of the top scream queens of the 70s was Sandra Peabody. She appeared in Wes Craven‘s legendary shocker, The Last House on the Left (1972). In this film, she played Mari Collingwood, a teenager kidnapped along with her best friend on her 17th birthday.

The Last House on the Left was a fairly low-budget film that pushed boundaries with its incredibly graphic violence and disturbing themes. Peabody’s portrayal of terror and vulnerability helped establish the film as a cult classic.

She also appeared in a few other films, including the 1972 comedy Teenage Seductress, but stepped away from acting after her time in horror. Her short yet impactful run in the genre cemented her place on our list as one of the top scream queens of the decade.

Next, Olivia Hussey was another notable woman in 70s horror, also appearing in Black Christmas (1974). In the film, as Jess Bradford, Hussey faced a killer terrorizing her sorority house. Her ability to show both vulnerability and strength within her character set a new standard for horror heroines.

While Black Christmas was definitely Hussey’s most significant contribution to horror in the 70s, it’s worth mentioning that she had already gained fame for her role as Juliet in Zeffirelli‘s Romeo and Juliet (1968). Later, she appeared in Psycho IV: The Beginning and Stephen King‘s It , further adding to her scream queen status.

Sissy Spacek solidified her status as a scream queen with her role as Carrie White in Brian De Palma‘s 1976 horror classic Carrie. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the film showcased Spacek’s ability to portray both vulnerability and terrifying power.

Spacek’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, which was a rarity for horror films. Her wide-eyed innocence transformed into fury on screen. The image of her blood-soaked at the prom became iconic. Nowadays, her truly terrifying look is replicated as a popular Halloween costume.

While Spacek went on to a diverse and acclaimed acting career, this role cemented her place among the decade’s most memorable scream queens.

Another iconic scream queen of the 70s was Jessica Harper. She starred in Dario Argento’s Suspiria (1977). Unlike many horror protagonists of the era, Harper’s performance as Suzy Bannion was characterized by a quiet intensity.

Through subtle facial expressions, she conveyed Suzy’s unease and determination, providing a grounded center to the film’s atmosphere. While Suspiria still remains her most iconic horror role, Harper showed her range in other 70s cult favorites like the rock opera Phantom of the Paradise (1974).

Up next, Marilyn Burns made her mark as a scream queen of the 70s with her unforgettable role in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974).

Throughout the movie, Burns convincingly played a woman pushed to the absolute limits of fear and endurance. As Sally Hardesty, her screams and frantic attempts to escape Leatherface became some of the most iconic scenes in horror history. Her final scenes, covered in blood and driven to hysterical laughter, left a lasting impression on audiences.

While this was Burns’ most famous role, she continued to work in horror. She appeared in other genre films like Eaten Alive (1976) and returned to the franchise with cameos in later sequels.

Last but not least on our list is Jamie Lee Curtis. She truly is the undisputed scream queen who defined the genre for a generation. Her breakthrough role in Halloween (1978) set the stage for her reign of horror throughout the 70s and 80s.

Later, in the early 80s, Curtis dominated the genre with standout performances in The Fog (1980), Prom Night (1980), and Terror Train (1980). Her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength made her the definitive “final girl” of the era. Curtis’s piercing screams and convincing terror captivated audiences and made her an instant icon.

What set Curtis apart was her versatility as an actress. Unlike many of her contemporaries who stayed within the horror genre, she branched out into others. This was seen in her comedic turn in Trading Places (1983) and her role in A Fish Called Wanda (1988).

Ultimately, Jamie Lee Curtis, with her scream queen legacy and versatile career, stood out as #1 of the top 7 scream queens of the 70s and to the enduring impact of 70s and 80s horror films.

Related: Top 10 Scream Queens of the 80s