Terrifer 3 bested Joker Folie a Deux after only one weekend in theaters, proving that there can only be one clown king in October. Art the Clown made his debut in Damien Leone’s short film anthology All Hallows’ Eve before taking a starring role in the Terrifier series. His on-screen films have delighted some and repulsed others but after his latest success, it’s fair to say Art is here to stay.

Art the Clown is known for his creepy voiceless presence, over-the-top sadism, and penchant for toilet humor. His appearances vary in quality but all appeal to a specific niche audience. An audience who loves gore and body horror classics. From All Hallows’ Eve to the Terrifier trilogy, we rank each of his film appearances.

The Alien from All Hallows’ Eve

The Alien is the second segment in Damien Leone’s anthology film, and also the worst appearance of Art the Clown. While the short film itself is quite good, it’s his shoehorned appearance that lands the segment at the bottom of our list.

In The Alien segment, a woman named Coraline is home alone in a quiet new country house. Things are quiet and peaceful until an unexpected alien visitor terrorizes her. Art makes a brief appearance as a painting at the end and while it’s a nice nod to the rest of the film, it doesn’t add anything to the short.

Terrifier

Art’s first full-feature film was released in 2016 and has since spawned a gory horror franchise. The first film is light on plot, relying on blood and ambiance to create chills. Art the Clown terrorizes a young woman, brutally dismembering her face and becoming an in-canon icon.

Terrifier is a fine outing for Art the Clown, but it doesn’t deliver the scares of his original shorts or the personality of his later films. The main thing that suffers from Terrifier is the lack of plotting and a compelling final girl. Later sequels would remedy this by introducing the fantastic Lauren LaVera as Sienna Shaw.

Terrifier from All Hallows’ Eve

The third short film from All Hallow’s Eve is the first outing where Art the Clown truly shows off his sadistic side. When Art is caught in the act of murder by a young costume designer, Art then proceeds to terrify her while she tries in vain to escape his clutches.

Terrifier is a great introduction to Art the Clown and delivers his signature zaniness and sadism. This was the first film to feature Art as a main character and even though the actor playing him would be replaced, Mike Giannelli does an incredible job introducing Art.

Terrifier 3

The latest entry in the Terrifier series continues to ramp up the violence and special effects. Art the Clown continues to torment his now nemesis Sienna Shaw as he returns after a five-year hiatus.

Terrifier 3 takes place during the Christmas season and adds a lot of camp to Art the Clown. If you’ve ever wanted to see a psychopath clown dress like Santa and chainsaw people in half, Damien Leone has the movie for you.

The 9th Circle from All Hallow’s Eve

The 9th Circle is Art’s first appearance onscreen and one that created a horror icon. Art the Clown isn’t the star of this short, but his presence is so terrifying that it would go on to spawn an entire franchise.

in the 9th Circle, a young girl is kidnapped by Art and taken to an underground lair for a group of witches to perform a Rosemary’s Baby type ritual. It’s all very graphic and deeply unsettling, and though Art only appears briefly, it has created a lasting impact.

Terrifier 2

Damien Leone’s second film in the Terrifier series is also Art’s best outing. The film itself is a delight with its compelling final girl and amazing soundtrack. But it’s in this film where the character of Art the Clown begins to take shape.

Terrifier 2 is packed to the brim with gore, drugs, and nudity. Art the Clown viciously takes out his numerous victims before finally meeting his end from a deserving final girl. It’s all pure camp delight that’s only watchable by those with the strongest of stomachs.