7 Underrated Monster Movies You've Probably Forgotten About

Here are some examples of lesser-known but memorable horror movies that showcase unique and chilling monsters:

1. “Cronos” (1993) – A horrifying, insectoid creature known as the Cronos beetle is unleashed in this Spanish film by Guillermo del Toro. The movie combines elements of body horror, suspense, and supernatural themes.

2. “The Brood” (1979) – David Cronenberg’s masterpiece features a twisted mother who gives birth to monstrous children as part of a therapy experiment gone wrong. This film is an excellent example of psychological horror that leaves viewers questioning reality and sanity.

3. “Trollhunter” (2010) – A found-footage style movie about a group of students investigating trolls in Norway, this film offers a unique twist on the monster genre with its blend of folklore, action, and horror.

4. “The Descent” (2005) – In this British horror movie, six friends explore an underground cave system and encounter grotesque humanoid creatures that prey on humans. The film’s claustrophobic setting and body horror elements make it a memorable addition to the genre.

5. “The Babadook” (2014) – This Australian psychological horror film tells the story of a single mother and her son who are haunted by a sinister entity from a children’s book. The Babadook’s menacing presence and the mother’s descent into madness make for an unforgettable viewing experience.

6. “It Follows” (2014) – In this American horror film, a young woman is cursed with an unseen entity that stalks her relentlessly after having sex. The movie’s slow-burn approach and innovative take on the slasher genre make it stand out as a modern classic in the horror genre.

These lesser-known films demonstrate that there is still plenty of room for creativity and originality within the horror genre, with monstrous creatures that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

In the shadows of mystery or results of experiments turned sour, here are seven overlooked horror movies that might have slipped your memory but are worth revisiting as soon as possible.

The Host

Among the top-tier monster movies, it’s quite surprising that a standout contender hails from South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. Prior to creating the critically acclaimed film Parasite, Joon-ho directed The Host. In this movie, Song Kang-ho portrays character Park Gang-du, a vendor, whose daughter gets abducted by a river-dwelling creature in Seoul’s Han River. The story unfolds as Park and his family band together to mount a rescue mission.

In a nutshell, “The Host” isn’t merely a monster-themed horror movie; it’s a blend of action, satire, and drama that delivers an intense emotional narrative alongside its chilling monster. This unique fusion offers a contemporary take on the horror genre, with Bong skillfully balancing humor, sorrow, and fear as usual.

The creature is a result of human environmental contamination, differing from traditional monsters as it doesn’t limit its activities to the darkness of night. Instead, it launches attacks during daylight hours, instilling perpetual fear and disrupting the peace that people usually find in rest. Its erratic behavior and persistent existence set it apart as one of the most distinctive creatures in contemporary horror films.

Trollhunter

In the movie “Trollhunter,” directed by André Øvredal, the traditional found-footage style is blended with Scandinavian mythology. The story follows a group of students who initially aim to document mysterious bear slayings, only to uncover genuine and lethal trolls instead. Unlike many found-footage films that feature supernatural horror, “Trollhunter” explores the terrifying side of ancient folklore legends.

The movie stands out because it strives for authenticity within its fantastical setting. Rather than relying on myths, the troll characters in this film are presented as scientifically plausible beings. To enhance this sense of realism, diverse types of trolls are introduced and their ability to transform into stone during daylight is demonstrated. This blending of reality and fantasy makes the large and grotesque trolls all the more frightening, with their immense size amplifying their horror.

The Monster

Under Bryan Bertino’s direction, the movie The Monster stands out among horror films for its emotional layers and bone-chilling monster. The story revolves around Katie (Zoe Kazan), a mother struggling with her own troubles, and her teenage daughter Lizzie (Ella Ballentine). One dark night, they become stranded on a desolate country road, pursued by a deadly beast.

The film truly draws out the horror and mystery of the unknown. Being stalked and haunted by an unseen creature is enough to scare anyone. We don’t need to see the monster in full because just showing us glimpses of the creature’s grotesque body with gigantic teeth and sharp claws is enough to scare us. The film takes advantage of how we use our imagination when it comes to the unknown.

In a forlorn forest, the film’s ambiance turns eerie and chilling. Yet, “The Monster” isn’t merely a story of terrifying beasts; it delves into the strained bond between a mother and daughter. With their only source of support being each other, they must band together to endure. As the confrontation with the monster escalates, it becomes evident that their fight is simultaneously mending their relationship.

Splinter

Under the guidance of director Toby Wilkins, Splinter delivers a pulse-pounding horror experience. The narrative revolves around a duo, Seth (Paulo Costanzo) and Polly (Jill Wagner), whose vehicle is stolen by fugitive Dennis (Shea Whigham) and his companion Lacey (Rachel Kerbs) during their road trip. Matters escalate as they find themselves stranded at a gas station due to an unknown contagion spreading throughout the region. As the story unfolds, we learn that this infection is actually a parasite which causes splinter-like growths on its victims’ bodies.

In this chilling tale, I discover that the limbs of the infected victims can transform into terrifying creatures on their own. Trapped at a gas station, we’re left with no choice but to rely on one another to fend off these nightmarish beings. The parasites in the movie are nothing short of horrifying, not just killing their hosts, but also brutally possessing them, turning them into writhing, aggressive monstrosities adorned with menacing black spikes. It’s worth mentioning that despite its modest budget, the film boasts mostly practical effects, making the horror all the more real and unsettling.

No One Gets Out Alive

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on “No One Gets Out Alive,” a chilling horror film adapted from Adam Nevill’s novel and directed by Santiago Menghini. The narrative revolves around me, Ambar – an undocumented immigrant striving for a fresh start in Cleveland. Faced with few alternatives, I unwittingly take up residence in a shabby boarding house, where I’m greeted by an eerie atmosphere that sets my nerves on edge. As days pass and I strive to get my life back on track, I begin to notice spectral apparitions lurking around the spooky house.

In this horror movie, it’s not just about fear from the supernatural; it also tackles themes of immigration hardships and powerlessness. What sets this film apart is its portrayal of everyday struggles intertwined with eerie supernatural elements. The protagonist, Ambar, faces more than just spectral hauntings – she grapples with being undocumented, financially strapped, and subjected to an exploitative landlord. The final monster is downright terrifying, featuring a grotesque appearance with decaying skin and a stone-like form, making it an image that’s hard to forget.

The Ritual

Under the guidance of director David Bruckner, the movie titled “The Ritual” is a chilling blend of supernatural elements, psychology, and folklore horror. Adapted from a novel, this film features Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton as they embark on a hiking expedition in the dense Swedish wilderness. As their journey unfolds, they come face to face with an age-old malevolent entity. The story follows a group of friends who, due to their personal regrets and apprehensions, start experiencing eerie hallucinations while trekking through this forest.

As they go deeper into the forest, they discover mysterious symbols and animal carcasses as though there is something ancient lurking in the forest. Even though the film takes place in the forest, the setting feels claustrophobic and endless at times, especially deep within it. The psychological torment alone is enough to scare us. However, that’s not where the terror ends. We are even more terrified when they discover the god-like entity called Moder. This creature is a massive, elk-like, grotesque being with disturbing human arms and glowing eyes. Mixing folk horror and psychological tension, along with a creature made of human body parts, The Ritual is a must-watch for fans of horror and thrillers.

The Mist

According to Stephen King’s novel titled “The Mist”, this movie tells the story of a band of residents in the quaint town of Bridgton, Maine. After a puzzling fog rolls into their town, they find themselves stuck inside a supermarket. The cast includes Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Andre Braugher, and Toby Jones. This film earned more than $55 million at the box office, costing only $18 million to produce. Since then, it has been recognized as a horror movie classic.

The movie “The Mist” delves not only into the horrors lurking within the fog, but also into the intense despair experienced by humans in extreme conditions. It examines how fear can lead people to act in abhorrent ways, particularly when they’re in unfamiliar and precarious situations. Moreover, religious fervor amplifies the dread inside the store to a level equal to that outside, where the terrifying Lovecraftian creatures reside. Nevertheless, these monsters are indeed formidable, with their tentacled forms and flying abilities. However, it’s the fear of the unknown that is equally chilling; although we catch glimpses of these creatures, they remain largely enigmatic. The combination of human anguish and mysterious monsters makes this film a captivating watch.

2025-02-16 21:11

7 Underrated Monster Movies You’ve Probably Forgotten About