In Saw, John Kramer is a civil engineer dying from an inoperable brain tumor who decides to help others appreciate the value of life. Instead of giving them a pep talk however, he builds complex torture devices that they can only escape through self-sacrifice. Typical engineer.

In the retro 2D video game Hotline Miami, the unnamed protagonist (nicknamed Jacket) receives cryptic instructions to kill foes in an ultraviolent manner. He wears a variety of animal masks when completing these tasks, each of which gives him special abilities. To finish the costume, apply fake blood liberally.

In Grand Theft Auto 5, Trevor Philips is one of those rare Canadians with a violent temper. When a bank robbery goes bad, Trevor is the only one to escape. He settles in a quiet area and makes ends meet by smuggling weapons and manufacturing drugs.

Alex and his droogs didn’t make a lot of wise choices in A Clockwork Orange. In fact, even their attire was questionable. If you’ve always wanted a reason to wear your jockstrap on the outside of your pants, then dressing like a droog is for you. Complete the outfit with a bowler hat and cane but then stop there, this is one costume where acting the part is discouraged.

In Postal, the Postal Dude (Zack Ward) is a dark, brooding character. He has no back story to speak of, “going postal” and deciding to kill everyone in the fictional Paradise, Arizona for an unknown reason.