Staring: It’s all in the eyes with creeps. The eyes, as they say, are the “window to the soul,” and for a troubled soul the eyes give it all away. A cold stare or a vacant one will have the same chilling effect on its recipient.

Posture: Most creepies have an odd stance, either hunched and turned into themselves or upright and soldier-like. It seems they just cannot relax and their posture, the way their hold their head, arms, and hands can have a formidable effect.

"Hello Clarice." - Hannibal Lecter /Orion Pictures

Cadence: The creepiest people have a very specific way for speaking. Many times they remain silent most of the time using their eyes to do the talking, but, when they do speak, their voices are often rhythmic, slow, and icy. They want you to hear every word, so they deliver each with clarity.

Harvey Stephens as Damien in the Omen / Twentieth Century Fox Films

Poker Face: Often a creep will remain expressionless. Nothing seems to shake them, even if the world is exploding around them. Their lack of emotion indicates a mental disconnect from the rest of the world and it’s just well, disturbing.

Norman Bates, mama's boy / Shamley Productions

Too Close to Mom: I adore my mom as much as the next guy, but it’s when that love goes beyond the scope of healthy that it becomes alarming. The good old Oedipus Complex (ya know, mom-obsession/lust) is a great indicator of a high creep factor. If he or she jumps whenever mom snaps, it’s time for our hero to hit the road.

Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream / Artisan

Pale … or Sweaty Looking: I’ve noticed most movie creeps are white, and the whiter the better. Pale skin gives an uber eerie effect and tends to indicate its wearer is a weirdo. But if the creep isn’t overly pale, he or she is slightly sweaty, also glistening. This makes them look uncomfortable and like they may snap at any moment.

Stanley Tucci as George Harvey in The Lovely Bones / DreamWorks

Loner: Most people have buddies or at least one friend or companion, but not creeps. They tend to go it alone all the time making people wonder just what they’re up to. Of course, it is assumed they are up to no good.

Creepy Lonnie in Deliverance / Warner Bros.

Children: Let’s just face it, kids are super creepy. What with their tiny hands and menacing eyes and all. With little effort, a serene yet cold-staring kid can give just about anyone the heebie jeebies.

Now that you can spot the movie creeps with ease, you can take these skills to the streets. Just remember, not every pale person, or loner, or posture-perfect person is a creep.

What creepy qualities make your skin crawl?

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A Hollywood Lesson on How to Spot a Creep