Jenna Ortega's Goth high schooler is snappy, sarcastic, and bold, and she makes Netflix's Addams Family spin-off Wednesday a joy to watch. She doesn't like following the typical trajectory that others want her to, she rebels against any suggestion, and she can spend hours alone. There are many other memorable characters on horror TV series who are just as intelligent, perceptive, and quick-thinking as the beloved member of the dark, different family.
From confident teenagers to young women who are dealing with a lot of drama and stress, there are several horror characters who share Wednesday's passionate, spirited personality and spark. These characters all become stronger thanks to the terrifying experiences that they go through.
Lexy Cross (Chucky, 2021-)
The Chucky TV show is better than the movies in certain ways, especially because of the strong characters. Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur) and Devon Evans (Bjorgvin Arnarson) become friendly with Lexy Cross (Alyvia Alyn Lind) when the killer doll Chucky goes after them. Lexy changes a lot, which makes her one of the greatest characters in a horror TV series.
When Lexy is first introduced, she's mean-spirited and angry, tired of being ignored by her parents. Lexy is especially hurt by her mayor mother Michelle Cross (played by the actor's real-life mom Barbara Alyn Woods). Like Wednesday, Lexy is smart and doesn't want to talk to people who she feels are less intelligent than her. This can make both characters seem harsh and prickly, but viewers can tell that they are both vulnerable. Lexy never loses her spunk, though, which is appreciated as this makes her funny and fun to watch.
Tabby Haworthe (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, 2022-)
PLL: Original Sin is an almost flawless reboot with excellent characters, which is a good thing considering how well-crafted the teenagers in the original Freeform series are. Chandler Kinney's character Tabby Haworthe drops many horror movie references throughout the PLL spin-off's first season. She has an impressive knowledge of the genre and wants to make movies herself once she finishes high school.
Tabby and Wednesday have intelligence in common, along with creativity, as Wednesday is writing a novel in the TV series. They want to follow their own dreams and write their own story instead of listening to what others expect from them. They both hate the small towns that they have to spend time in as well.
Melody Pendras (Archive 81, 2022)
Archive 81 deserved a season 2, and its cancelation is still sad for fans who wanted to learn more of the mystery behind the Vissar. The Netflix series follows Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie), who begins restoring tapes about this old New York City apartment building and comes across Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi).
Melody is caught up in what is really going on at the Vissar and while she films residents as a grad school project, she quickly learns that she's in grave danger. Melody is strong-willed and doesn't give up easily, which is something that she has in common with Wednesday. From the creepy trailer for Archive 81, it's clear that Melody is a tough and clever person.
Anya (The Midnight Club, 2022)
Anya is one of the best characters in The Midnight Club, Mike Flanagan's 2022 Netflix horror series. Ruth Codd's performance has been praised and for good reason. At first, Anya seems angry and bitter at the hand that she has been dealt. Before too long, Anya's layers are peeled back and viewers learn how sensitive, caring, and sweet she really is. One of the scariest The Midnight Club moments is when Anya is about to die and she has a vision of her life, which involves a dull job and feeling lonely every day and night.
Throughout the entire show, it's possible to see similarities between Wednesday and Anya. While they might live completely different lives, they are both drawn to darkness and don't mind saying things that others don't want them to or are afraid of.
Eleanor "Nell" Crain Vance (The Haunting Of Hill House, 2018)
While The Midnight Club is a scary Mike Flanagan show, no one can forget The Haunting of Hill House. Victoria Pedretti is incredible as Nell Crain, the youngest child of the family who is tormented by the mansion they grow up in. Nell is haunted by The Bent-Neck Lady as a kid only to realize that she is actually haunting herself, which is one of the best TV plot twists.
Nell has had a more tragic life than Wednesday, but both are pulled toward the darker things in life based on their experiences. Both characters are strong and soft at the same time, even though they would say that they're doing just fine and don't need anyone's help.