Most movie-goers who think of the term "axe-wielder" will likely imagine a murderous maniac wielding the tool as a weapon, but this isn't always the case. Some tend to use an axe solely for its intended purpose, and, though there's nothing wrong with this, it doesn't exactly stand out.
The truth is that axe-wielders can only be deemed iconic through their reasoning behind an axe's use. Some blindly clutch an axe as the easiest means of besting their opponents, while others rely heavily on the apparatus as their primary weapon. It can be an elegant weapon if placed in the right hands, but it can be much more memorable if placed in the wrong ones.
5 Jason & Pamela Voorhees - Friday The 13th (1980)
Jason Voorhees is arguably one of the most iconic horror movie villains to ever grace the silver screen. His unnerving hockey mask and mute nature render him a truly frightening presence, while his choice of weaponry all but solidifies it. He's versatile in that he doesn't seem to have a preference for how he kills his victims so long as they meet their end, but the way he wields his axe paints him as a truly merciless opponent.
The original Friday the 13th set Jason's mother, Pamela, as the primary villain. Each of her victims was picked off one-by-one throughout the narrative, but Marcie's death was arguably the most unsettling. Pamela followed Marcie into her bedroom and waited until her back was turned before slamming an axe into her face. The scene was made especially frightening through the killer's absence from the screen and also through the believable prosthetic work used to highlight the impact. Though Jason is not the killer, he clearly takes after his mother in the sequels.
4 Patrick Bateman - American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho documents the harrowing tale of Patrick Bateman, a young and successful investment banker who harbors a frightening secret. Patrick, played by Christian Bale, is a psychopath and is therefore most commonly found committing truly heinous crimes. He surrounds himself with people he dislikes, thus further alienating himself from both his emotions and society. Though he was never truly sane, Patrick slowly loses what little control he once has the further the narrative progresses.
Patrick uses a variety of different weapons to dispose of his enemies, but none are as iconic as the axe he used to murder Paul Allen, played by Jared Leto. He never liked Paul, but something inside Patrick snapped upon his examination of Paul's business card. He grew even more jealous of Paul's affluent lifestyle and decided the young businessman needed to be punished for how easy he had it. This punishment saw Patrick getting Paul drunk, dancing around his apartment in a raincoat to Hip to be Square by Huey Lewis and the News, and plunging an axe into Paul several times before disposing of the mess.
3 Thor - Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Thor's introduction to the M.C.U. saw him being cast out of Asgard and stripped of his immortality. His father, Odin, felt that Thor was unfit to rule Asgard and purged him of all the power he held. As a result, Thor was no longer able to wield his hammer, Mjölnir. However, his time on Earth changed him into an entirely different person. He abandoned the more arrogant side of his personality and became worthy of the power he once held. His hammer returned and served him for several other adventures, but it was destroyed by his sister, Hela, during the events of Thor: Ragnarok.
Losing his hammer didn't affect Thor too much considering he was already bafflingly powerful, but he still needed a replacement. In preparation for his battle with Thanos, he sought out the dwarves of Nidavellir in the hope they could provide him with one. He met Eitri and the two quickly joined forces to create Stormbreaker, the most powerful axe in Asgardian history. Since Avengers: Infinity War, Thor has relied on Stormbreaker as his primary weapon.
2 Jack Torrance - The Shining (1980)
The Shining follows Jack Torrance's time as a caretaker in the Overlook Hotel situated in the Rocky Mountains. Believing the job to be a relatively simple one, Jack travels to the remote lodging with his family. Upon his arrival, however, he learns that the previous caretaker killed himself and his family while doing his job. Though shocked by this information, Jack agrees to become the hotel's caretaker as the opportunity is too good to refuse.
Jack and his family soon begin encountering supernatural entities during their stay at the Overlook. Each member of the family is plagued by these spirits in different ways, but Jack ends up being the most susceptible. He allows these spirits to contort his mind before eventually becoming their pawn. Due to Delbert Grady's influence, Jack picks up an axe and begins hunting his family down. Though he is unsuccessful in his attempt to kill them, he remains an axe-wielding icon nonetheless.
1 Gimli - The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)
Gimli is first introduced in The Lord of the Rings during the hobbits' visit to Rivendell. While attending the Council of Elrond, Gimli showcases his fighting spirit by commanding his peers to hear his pleas. When his attempt to destroy the One Ring with his axe fails, he offers his services to Frodo on his quest to Mount Doom in the hope the young halfling can do what he could not.
Though his size suggests otherwise, Gimli is one of the most skilled combatants among the fellowship. He uses many axes throughout his journey across Middle-earth and is undoubtedly proficient with all of them. Even without an axe in hand, it's not uncommon to see this dwarf sprinting headfirst into danger if it means honoring his people and protecting his friends. Aragorn and Legolas perform some truly baffling feats while at his side, but Gimli stands out much more than them due to his unique physique and surprising fighting abilities.