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The horror community is still reeling from the loss of the beloved Tony Todd. After all, he was a larger-than-life figure and a constant presence in the genre. His lengthy resume spanned over four decades and saw him do film, television, and theatre. He also lent his iconic voice to many video games, cartoons, and villainous creatures like Venom in Spider-Man 2. While Todd proved he could do it all, he chose to become a staple in the genre. His time on Star Trek: The Next Generation and films like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were constant reminders that these worlds should, and could, make room for Black actors. His impact on the generations that grew up watching him claim spaces in these worlds will have ripples for eternity.
Few actors have a steady stream of work like Tony Todd did. It would be impossible to capture it all in one streaming guide without submitting something that is the length of a novel. So, I chose ten movies from his filmography, which are notable stops on his resume, that are streaming now. Whether it is a testament to his ability to churn out award-caliber performances under any circumstances or resetting the culture while birthing a horror icon, these are must-watches as we grieve one of the most prolific actors of our lifetime.
Candyman (dir. Bernard Rose)
Character: Daniel Robitaille / Candyman
Where You Can Watch: VOD
A grad student accidentally summons a deadly urban legend with a hook for a hand. I don’t care who you are—Candyman shook you the first time you watched it. It was revolutionary because it gave us a gothic supernatural horror film set in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, which is something that most filmmakers would never do. It was also the first time many of us finally got to see a Black man join the ranks of our favorite horror villains. Tony Todd’s most groundbreaking role is possibly why so much of my generation is obsessed with horror. Seeing him stylishly move around this world exacting revenge with a hook, changed lives. I highly recommend making it a double feature with Nia DaCosta’s 2021 Candyman to see his work in the franchise come full circle.
The Crow (dir. Alex Proyas)
Character: Grange
Where You Can Watch: Pluto TV
A musician and his fiancée are murdered the night before their wedding. However, he rises from the dead on the anniversary of their death and seeks revenge. This movie is difficult to rewatch because it makes me think about how the late Brandon Lee should still be here. That being said, it was never lost on me that Lee and Tony Todd being in the same film is so important. Representation matters, and in 1994 people of color had an even harder time getting cast in quality action fantasy films than they do today. Todd may have played a bad guy, but he was still captivating and showed that you can make any role a feast if you are up to the challenge.
Final Destination (dir. James Wong)
Character: William Bludworth
Where You Can Watch: VOD
A kid gets a premonition of a plane crash that leads to him unknowingly saving himself and a handful of classmates. However, death is not done with these survivors yet. Tony Todd’s cryptic character is one of my favorite parts of this film. Every time he returned for a sequel, I squealed. William is an enigma infused with Todd’s commanding presence and charm. No matter how often you watch these movies, you feel like he’s giving you new information. William is always a supporting character but has become the connective tissue for this franchise. So, I’m glad that Todd will appear in the newest installment, which will unfortunately be released posthumously.
Hatchet (dir. Adam Green)
Character: Reverend Zombie
Where You Can Watch: Plex and Tubi
A group of tourists in a haunted swamp get stranded on one horrific night. This slasher horror comedy has picked up a sizable fanbase, which is most definitely owed to Tony Todd. He was my reason for giving this series a whirl. His turn as Reverend Zombie in the first two films is probably why most of us showed up, to be honest. I like that his character has a surprising arc. However, what I truly love about this franchise is it serves as a reminder that Todd was here for the genre kids and their projects. He was always ready to show up, lend his name, and provide you with an incredible performance, no matter his role in the film.
Hell Fest (dir. Gregory Plotkin)
Character: The Barker
Where You Can Watch: Peacock
A serial killer murders visitors at a Halloween theme park and bystanders think it’s just more staged fun. Tony Todd’s excitement about this role and this movie was contagious. His methodical approach to this character was only matched by his unadulterated glee as he orchestrated the deaths of other characters. The gentle giant understood how to turn on the menace and also have fun while doing it. I wish we could live in a world where he had more chances to be in films written (or co-written) by Akela Cooper. I can only imagine what campy and deadly projects would’ve arisen from future collaborations.
The Lockdown Hauntings (dir. Howard J. Ford)
Character: Jordan Myers
Where You Can Watch: Fandango At Home, Plex, Prime Video, and Tubi
A serial killer is back from the dead to claim more victims during a global lockdown. Many COVID horror movies were made during quarantine. However, they were not all lucky enough to have Tony Todd in their cast. Even a global pandemic could not stop Todd from continuing his never-ending streak in the horror genre. This British genre title also benefits from having him open the movie with his iconic voice to set the tone. It’s hard not to be on edge after he sets the stage for what’s to come. As usual, Todd’s performance was the best part of the experience. However, this time, he captivates us via computer. Every time he pops up on screen, he still manages to steal the scene.
Night Of The Living Dead (dir. Tom Savini)
Character: Ben
Where You Can Watch: AMC+
The dead have risen, leaving a small band of strangers trapped in a remote farmhouse. The original George A. Romero film starring Duane Jones as Ben left some huge shoes to fill. However, who better to step up to the task than Tony Todd? Not only does he bring the gravitas and stage presence that made him a household name, but he also brought this important Black horror character to newer generations. I imagine this role led many kids to go back and investigate the world of Romero. This 1990 film is required viewing while we mourn Tony Todd.
Shadow Puppets (dir. Michael Winnick)
Character: Steve
Where You Can Watch: Philo, Plex, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and Tubi
Eight strangers wake up with amnesia to find themselves trapped in an empty facility. They attempt to find answers and escape, but their shadows want to consume them. Tony Todd always gave 200%, no matter the assignment. This title is no exception and finds Todd as the MVP of the movie, an ongoing trend if you look at quite a few sections of his resume. He is the best part of this movie, and we are all thankful. His ability to drive every scene should be studied. Todd elevates this movie to a level it would have never reached without his talents.
Tales from the Hood 3 (dir. Rusty Cundieff and Darin Scott)
Character: William
Where You Can Watch: Starz
A man tries to outrun evil with a child who tells him four horrific tales. I don’t care who you are— when you saw there would be a new Tales From the Hood film starring Tony Todd, you thought the world might be healing. You also probably thought he would be following in the footsteps of Clarence Williams III and Keith David. So, we were all surprised when Rusty Cundieff and Darin Scott shook things up by not having the legend play a new incarnation of Mr. Simms. That was only one of the many surprises up this installment’s sleeves, though.
Wishmaster (dir. Robert Kurtzman)
Character: Johnny Valentine
Where You Can Watch: Plex, Pluto TV, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and Tubi
A gemologist accidentally frees an evil genie who plays deadly tricks on the people around her. Wishmaster threw appearances from people like Ted Raimi, Kane Hodder, and Tom Savini at us in almost rapid fire. However, as usual, Tony Todd is a standout. Johnny Valentine is arguably one of Todd’s most beloved cameos. Many friends love this movie, but I think they are really just here for the Tony Todd effect. No matter the role or the amount of time on screen, he was magnetic and often the most memorable person involved. Tony Todd was naturally outstanding, which is why he worked constantly. It’s also one of the many reasons he was so beloved by horror fans.
If you have somehow kept up with Tony Todd’s extensive resume, you might want to catch Stream, his newest movie, on VOD. Stream features the legend is one of his last roles, but it had a very limited release this summer, which caused most of us to miss it. So we’re happy to see it making the rounds now.
Are you also diving into Tony Todd’s horror movies to help you cope with his recent passing? Then we can commiserate together at @misssharai.
Categorized:Editorials
