Yahoo Lifestyle These 26 Monster Movies Are So Convincing, You'll Be Checking Under Your Bed Tonight
There have been some really good monster movies over the years. Then, there have been unforgettable monster movies that will make you thank your lucky stars that these monstrosities aren't real. I think many creature features are truly unforgettable, and I was hoping you could enter this den of fiends with me.
Here are 26 films you are gonna love if you want more monsters in your life:
*NOTE* The shark from Jaws is monstrous, and although the film has many creature feature tropes, I chose to omit animals that exist in the real world, like sharks and Stephen King's Cujo. That said, radioactive monsters made the final cut.
1.The Thing
In remote Antarctica, a group of research scientists become entangled in a battle against their own paranoia and a creature that mimics the appearance of others.
The monster in this film is unforgettable, and of all the "copycat-shapeshifting" creatures in film history, The Thing is the most grotesque.
If you're reading this and only have time for one monster movie, I would suggest this because it will take your breath away. The practicality of the monster is so daring and timeless that it will leave you wishing all monster movies were this gritty.
2.The Cabin in the Woods
A group of young adults find themselves trapped in a cabin where technicians puppeteer their every move and decision.
This may not sound like a monster movie, but I can promise you this film probably has the most monsters ever in a single movie.
The movie is funny, spooky, and filled to the brim with things you wouldn't want to see go bump in the night.
3.Alien
They grow up so fast!
A space crew finds themselves trapped with a deadly alien lifeform.
The xenomorph is probably the best-designed alien you will ever see, and if not, you have to admit it is the most creative and the one that is copied the most. This thing is the perfect killing organism, from its second mouth to its killer tail, it will make you want never to see "dem aliens" in real life.
Alongside the terrifying monster is one of the best horror and sci-fi films ever made.
4.Them! (1954)
Atomic tests mutate common ants into huge man-eating monsters.
If you're open to watching a film that is 70 years old, you will see why so many of your grandparents were terrified of insects. The shrill noise of the monsters will stay stuck in your head for weeks.
This film is the perfect example of an "oldie but a goodie" that will make you want to be a little nicer to ants.
5.Creature from the Black Lagoon
Scientists stumble upon a lagoon where a creature watches them from the depths.
The menacing lagoon creature might be the wildest of all the Universal Monster movies. Thalassophobia is a real thing, so seeing this submerged being stalked by unknowing scientists will send chills up your spine.
The story is very "old school" filmmaking, but the monster is worth the price of admission.
6.It Follows
After a woman has a sexual encounter, she is followed by a supernatural entity that means to harm her.
This has to be one of the most creative monsters in recent years. It's always changing, but it's always following. Each time the entity appears on screen, it's unsettling in a new way.
It's a really fun horror movie, and if you want a new take on what a monster can be, this movie is right for you.
7.Cloverfield
A group of friends evade a giant monster that suddenly terrorizes New York.
This found footage horror took the world by storm in 2008. The monster is shown very little, but its presence is felt throughout as he destroys the city.
If you can stomach a shaky camera, this movie is indeed an experience that will make you dread getting stuck in a city during a giant monster invasion.
8.The Descent
A group of cave exhibitionists become trapped after a structural collapse—and they are not alone.
Initially, they might not seem intimidating, but the cave dwellers are not to be messed with. They can climb walls, see in the dark, and, worst of all, bite. Jump scares galore can be found in this horror movie, a not-so-hidden gem.
Watch if you dare, but get ready to sleep with a light on...and one eye open.
9.The Village
A small, isolated town deals with the fears brought on by the monsters that inhabit the surrounding woods.
Some commenters will be mad about this movie being on the list, but all the elements of a good monster are in The Villages' "those we don't speak of" monsters.
Watch for yourself, and the mysterious beings will give you the heebie-jeebies.
10.Godzilla (2014)
Giant creatures begin to threaten civilization, and a king of monsters emerges.
This list would be empty without the King of Monsters, Godzilla. You could pick from the overstuffed library of Godzilla films, but the 2014 film might be the most daring.
The design is very true to the original, and the movements of the massive kaiju feel the most authentic in this film.
11.Pan's Labyrinth
A young girl finds solace and terror inside a hidden fantasy world, all while dealing with the real-life horrors of a Falangist Spain.
Behind the critically acclaimed film Pan's Labyrinth is some of the best monster designs that will take your breath away. Along with Hellboy II: The Golden Army, this is Guillermo Del Toro's finest work when it comes to otherworldly creatures.
The pale man will have you looking at both eyes and hands differently for the rest of your life.
12.The Host
A terrifying monster emerges from a city's river to feed on citizens.
This Korean horror movie may not have a big budget when it comes to CGI, but the quality of the story and scares are ever-present. You'll be happy you're not one of the city folk running for their lives.
Big and fast creatures are some of the scariest, and the Gwoemul is an absolute unit.
13.Clash of the Titans (1981)
A man must fight monsters to save a princess.
Although the plot is a typical blend of Greek mythology and Hollywood stuff, the designs of all the monsters are top-notch. The stop-motion style is very unsettling. Whether it is Medusa or Calibos, Perseus has his hands full with monsters.
I suggest this over the remake because the monster designs are more memorable.
14.Gremlins
A young man's new pet spawns an army of fiendish monsters that begin to terrorize the town.
If you like camp mixed in with freaky little monsters that commit mischievous acts, you're probably secretly a gremlin. The design of these little guys is freaky, and they'll make you pity poor Gizmo.
Check out Gremlins 2: The New Batch if you want some... very different gremlins.
15.Predator
A commando squad is hunted by something they cannot see in the jungle.
The predator design and its "want" are refreshing additions to the world of monster movies. This monster classic has many great visuals, scares, and one-liners.
If you saw this thing in real life, you'd be yelling, "GET TO DA CHOPPA!"
16.Pumpkinhead
A mourning man calls upon a deadly force to enact revenge on those who pained him.
Stan Winston threw everything at the wall with this character design. It's weird, eerie, spooky, and unholy. I love it. It's not exactly what you'd expect from a creature called "Pumpkinhead," but it's a menacing adversary for the characters.
The movie is a hidden gem among horror fans, and monster fans will really love the ridiculousness of this film.
17.Jurassic Park
A group of people are terrorized at a soon-to-be-open theme park that houses dinosaurs created through prehistoric DNA.
They may look like dinosaurs, but they are monsters. The mix of CGI and tangible to bring the dinosaurs to life
This movie's themes and well-crafted terror provide some of the best suspense moments I have ever seen.
18.Reign of Fire
A community tries to survive a world now dominated by dragons.
Dragons are often portrayed as monstrous in fantasy or medieval times. Reign of Fire offers a more modern glance at the legendary winged beasts, making it one of the few dragon movies in a world familiar to ours.
It's a fun popcorn flick and features an unreal trio of Christian Bale, Matthew McCaughey, and Gerard Butler. This movie will leave you begging for a more hardcore dragon horror movie.
19.King Kong
While all the King Kong films are worth watching, none has the monster count like the 2005 version.
The Kong design is fine, but the monsters are really poppin' on Skull Island. The prehistoric mayhem and giant bugs put a whole new spin on what is possible with CGI, and although it may look dated now, it was a big deal at the time.
It's a long film, but everyone should experience the eighth wonder of the world at least once.
20.I Am Legend
A sole plague survivor looks to find a cure for those who have transformed into terrifying creatures.
Zombies have been great in numerous films, but the creature design from I Am Legend is truly monstrous. The fleshy beings will make you sleep with the lights on and pray for the sun to hurry up and rise.
The survival movie uniquely blends post-apocalyptic sci-fi and isolation horror in a way that will make you thankful you are not in Will Smith's shoes.
21.The Wolfman (2010)
After being bitten by a werewolf, a man unwillingly terrorizes his town.
I LOVE The Wolfman (2010). Every transformation will blow your mind. The design is loyal to the original yet more menacing than ever.
I highly recommend the extended edition to enjoy this classic Universal Monster film fully.
22.Dog Soldiers
Hell breaks loose during a military exercise deep in the Scottish wilderness.
I hate to double-dip with werewolves, but the werewolves in Dog Soldiers nail the design on a budget. The practicality of the werewolves will leave you wondering how a movie with a $2M budget can outdo major production companies.
Also, the film itself is really good. It has a solid story and raw acting.
23.V/H/S franchise
The V/H/S franchise is a collection of found footage anthologies.
Not every segment has a monster, but the ones that do will stick with you. From dates gone wrong to cult beasts, these films take massive risks; when they work, they work effectively.
The seventh installment, V/H/S/Beyond, debuts on Shudder in October.
24.The Ritual
A detour turns deadly when a group of friends are stalked by something in the woods.
We need more Adam Nevill adaptions because the creature features he writes up are astounding. If you want monster designs like any other, this movie delivers something that will chase you in your nightmares.
The Ritual is one of the best Netflix Original films and a must-watch for monster lovers.
25.Nope
A brother and sister encounter an otherworldly presence in the sky.
Director Jordan Peele does it again. When you think you've seen it all in the extraterrestrial category, Peele delivers an unnerving monster film. The monster has an extremely unique design, and the story surrounding it will stay with you.
Please keep your eyes on the sky, but be careful looking directly at it.
26.And lastly, Monsters Inc.
You ventured through so many scary fiends, but it's only right that we end with something a little softer.
After encountering a child, two monsters realize the world they knew was a lie.
Monsters Inc. has a variety of monsters that will make your kids a little less scared about what lurks inside their closet. There are a ton of creative monster designs in this movie.
It's a heartwarming and fun movie. It's a great Pixar film people sleep on.
Is there a monster movie that is a must-watch that isn't on this list? Comment below and tell me why!
