5 Best Killer Animal Movies to Watch After Primate (That Aren’t Jaws)

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The horror film Primate recently hit theaters, gaining attention for its realistic approach to the genre. After a successful debut at Fantastic Fest, the movie – directed by Johannes Roberts – follows Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) as she returns home to Hawaii for the summer. What begins as a relaxing break with her sister Hannah (Jessica Alexander) and father Adam (Troy Kotsur) turns terrifying when their chimpanzee, Ben, becomes infected with rabies. Reviewers praised the film’s use of impressive practical effects and animatronics, which made the chimpanzee a particularly believable and frightening villain – a refreshing change from the reliance on digital effects in many modern horror movies.

If you enjoyed the suspense of Primate, you’ll likely be searching for more horror movies where nature itself is the threat. This type of movie has been a staple of the horror genre for years, offering exciting and often terrifying experiences. We’ve put together a list focusing on lesser-known gems, leaving out the big, famous titles like Jaws, The Birds, and Cujo – while those are classics, they often overshadow other great films. We want to highlight some truly surprising and thrilling killer animal movies you might not have seen before.

5) Razorback

Russell Mulcahy’s film Razorback is a visually impressive addition to the animal horror genre that deserves more attention. The story centers on Carl Winters (Gregory Harrison), an American man searching for answers about his wife’s disappearance in the Australian outback. He quickly finds himself fighting for survival against a gigantic wild boar that’s been terrorizing the local community. While the plot is simple, Razorback truly shines thanks to its stunning visuals and cinematography. Mulcahy, drawing on his background in music videos, transforms the desert landscape into a beautiful, almost surreal world of vivid colors and striking shadows. The boar itself is a convincingly realistic creature effect, making it a genuinely frightening presence. Ultimately, Razorback is a great pick for anyone looking for a creature feature with a unique and unforgettable style.

4) The Ghost and the Darkness

The film The Ghost and the Darkness, directed by Stephen Hopkins, is based on real events. It tells the story of two lions who preyed on workers building a railway bridge in Kenya in 1898 – lions known as the Tsavo man-eaters. In the movie, Val Kilmer plays John Henry Patterson, the engineer in charge, who must defend his team from these unusually aggressive predators. He joins forces with experienced hunter Remington, played by Michael Douglas, to hunt down the lions. Set in the African wilderness, the film is an exciting adventure that highlights how fragile human life can be when facing nature’s power. The lions are depicted as remarkably intelligent, almost supernatural, despite being based on real animals. By using live animals and practical effects, The Ghost and the Darkness creates a palpable sense of tension that’s difficult to achieve with computer-generated imagery.

3) Backcountry

Unlike many animal horror films that rely on sensationalism, Backcountry gains its impact from the chilling realism of a bear attack. Directed by Adam MacDonald, the movie centers on Alex and Jenn, a couple whose camping trip in the Canadian wilderness takes a terrifying turn. Their lack of preparedness and bad choices lead them into a confrontation with a stalking black bear. The film slowly builds tension, highlighting the couple’s errors and their growing awareness of being lost. When the bear attacks, the scene is brutally honest and realistic. The bear is portrayed as a powerful natural force, not a typical movie monster, which amplifies the characters’ sense of helplessness. As a result, Backcountry is a gripping and efficient survival thriller that demonstrates how quickly a relaxing getaway can become a frightening ordeal.

2) The Shallows

In the thriller The Shallows, Blake Lively delivers a captivating performance as Nancy, a medical student and surfer who finds herself dangerously close to shore—and to a great white shark. Stranded just a few hundred yards from a beach, Nancy faces a desperate race against the rising tide. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds suspense as we watch her bravely fight for survival, even as her injuries become more serious and rescue seems impossible. Lively carries the entire film with a powerful and realistic portrayal, making her struggle incredibly compelling. The movie’s beautiful ocean scenery is also striking, shifting between breathtaking views and the lurking danger beneath the waves. What sets The Shallows apart is its focus on the simple, primal fight for survival – it avoids complicated storylines to deliver a lean, thrilling experience.

1) Crawl

Alexandre Aja’s Crawl is a thrilling and highly-rated addition to the killer animal movie genre. Set in Florida during a powerful Category 5 hurricane, the film follows Haley Keller (Kaya Scodelario) as she defies evacuation warnings to find her father (Barry Pepper). She discovers him trapped in their home’s crawlspace, and they soon find themselves hunted by multiple alligators as floodwaters rise. Crawl is a relentlessly tense film that expertly uses its confined setting to amplify the fear. The entire house feels dangerous, and the hurricane adds to the desperate situation. Kaya Scodelario delivers a strong and believable performance, making viewers invested in her character’s fight for survival throughout the movie.

What’s your all-time favorite killer animal movie? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-13 00:14