Monster Movies You NEED to See!

For over a century, monster films have played a significant role in cinema, with Universal Studios pioneering the genre through classics like Dracula, The Invisible Man, and Frankenstein. Since then, the subgenre has flourished, and now Ryan Coogler’s vampiric Sinners is not only critically acclaimed, but also a commercial success. Here are ten entertaining monster movies that you might enjoy. While some may feature elements of vampire or werewolf lore, this list primarily focuses on other unique takes on monsters. However, extraterrestrial films, such as The Thing, Predator, and Alien, have been excluded because they could warrant their own separate lists. Similarly, “When Animals Attack” movies like Jaws, Anaconda, Alligator, Piranha, and Jurassic Park were omitted because, although the animals in these films were revived by humans, they are still classified as animals.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but share my list of under-appreciated monster movies that could use a larger fanbase. Here’s a collection of 10 creature features you might not have seen yet, but are definitely worth watching!

Being a die-hard movie fan, I felt compelled to bring attention to some underdog monster movies that deserve more love. If you haven’t checked them out already, here are 10 films featuring monstrous creatures that should be on your watchlist!

Abigail

After watching the film “Sinners,” if you’re still craving more stories about bloodsuckers, you might find yourself quite satisfied with Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s “Abigail.” The plot revolves around a gang of kidnappers, some experienced and others not so skilled, who break into a mansion to hold a young girl captive for ransom. However, this young girl happens to be a vampire.

Similar to how the two “Scream” movies blend humor and horror, “Abigail” is a delightful mix of self-awareness and violence. The film’s greatest strength lies in its casting, with Melissa Barrera delivering her finest performance yet and Alisha Weir shining as the main character.

Stream Abigail on Prime Video.

An American Werewolf in London

John Landis’ “An American Werewolf in London” is categorized as a comedy-horror movie, and it excels on both fronts, but it’s primarily a horror movie. Moreover, it boasts one of the greatest opening scenes in horror cinema history.

David and Jack embark on a hike through the North York Moors in Yorkshire, England. They unwittingly disturb the locals at a pub, causing tension. Later, they find themselves alone in the dark wilderness, where Jack meets an untimely end while David manages to live. However, it turns out that David is now afflicted by a werewolf’s curse. Despite the suspenseful opening, the film’s true highlight lies in the stunning practical effects created by Rick Baker, particularly during the transformative scene – widely recognized as one of the most iconic sequences in cinematic history.

Stream An American Werewolf in London on Tubi and Pluto TV.

The Blob (1988)

After directing what is considered the best Freddy Krueger sequel, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, Chuck Russell took charge of The Blob a year later. This movie stands alongside The Thing as one of the finest remakes ever made and among the rare ones that actually surpassed the original. It’s a film that brings to life a host of endearing characters, making it effortless for viewers to connect with them before mercilessly eliminating them in some of the most gruesome ways imaginable.

What makes this film stand out (even more than its realistic effects and stellar acting) is the incredibly authentic portrayal of a small town. The characters in this town are developed, especially for a monster movie, making it feel as if you, the viewer, are an integral part of it. When someone from the town meets a grisly end, such as being swallowed by a drain or disintegrating due to this organism, it’s genuinely impactful. Notably, The Blob is unique because no one is immune to danger, not even cheerful waitresses, apparent heroes, or children.

Stream The Blob on Pluto TV.

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Many often consider “Dracula” or “The Bride of Frankenstein” as the pinnacle of the Universal Monsters series, and justifiably so. However, the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” is also a delightful addition to the franchise, boasting an original storyline.

Towards the final stages of Universal’s series of scary monster films, this one fits the pattern with a brief duration, swift pace, and an ending that wraps up rather abruptly. It won’t ask for too much of your time during movie night, and among introductory monster movies suitable for children (yet equally enjoyable for adults), it stands unrivaled as the best choice.

The Fly

It was pointed out in the description of The Blob that The Thing stands as an exemplary update in the realm of sci-fi horror, but it’s not the only one to surpass its original version. For example, David Cronenberg’s The Fly is another outstanding remake, which skillfully creates a relatable connection between two characters and then watches one of them disintegrate under the pressure of his aspirations.

The film “The Fly” showcases Cronenberg’s unique brand of body horror and the captivating dynamic between Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis. However, what truly sets it apart is its exploration of a human undergoing metamorphosis into something else, savoring every stage of that transition in intricate detail.

Gremlins

In the ’80s, director Joe Dante, known for Piranha and The Howling, excelled at creating monster movies. Alongside producer Steven Spielberg, he achieved his greatest success with the film Gremlins, which stands out as his most successful production to date.

This unique product is a testament to the creative synergy of those two specific minds (and only during the ’80s), which adds to its charm. The intricate rules surrounding Mogwai and Gremlins, the adorable yet eerie designs of these creatures, and the festive Christmas backdrop are all elements that make it hard to find any faults in the movie “Gremlins”.

Mothra vs. Godzilla

There are quite a few films in the Godzilla series that are definitely worth watching, even for those who aren’t die-hard fans. The original movie is a timeless, emotional classic, Godzilla Minus One shares similar charm, and Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster offers a delightful mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

In addition to the other classics, we have “Mothra vs. Godzilla“, which strikes an exceptional balance between playful and profound – arguably the most harmonious blend the enduring franchise has ever achieved. The design of Godzilla is impeccable, the storyline maintains viewer engagement, there’s a significant emphasis on character growth, and its critique of greed resonates deeply.

Stream Mothra vs. Godzilla on MAX and Criterion Channel.

Pumpkinhead

The movies mentioned next, along with the one that follows them, are the two monster films I mentioned earlier, which, while imperfect and even quite far from perfection, still have some value. Legendary make-up artist Stan Winston, who passed away, was renowned in Hollywood for his exceptional work in special effects makeup. He contributed to sci-fi films such as “The Terminator,” “The Thing,” “Aliens,” and “The Predator” as well as creature features like “Jurassic Park,” “Congo,” and “The Island of Dr. Moreau.” Remarkably, he only directed two movies, and it is generally agreed that among these, “Pumpkinhead” stands out as the superior film.

The narrative centers around a sorrowful father who calls upon a monstrous entity to mete out vengeance against the reckless motorcyclists who killed his child. However, as the demon fulfills its duty, the father inexorably merges with this bloodthirsty being. Notable aspects of Pumpkinhead include its innovative premise, which serves both as a platform for a slasher and a deep character analysis. Additionally, Lance Henriksen’s captivating performance stands out, as he expertly seizes the opportunity to shine in his leading role. Lastly, the visually impressive design of the titular creature is particularly noteworthy given the movie’s modest budget.

Stream Pumpkinhead on Tubi and Pluto TV.

The Relic

The film “The Relic” might not always excel as a monster movie, but it does offer its beastly protagonist a complete, intricate character development. The narrative unfolds within the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, which provides an unusual backdrop for such films, and follows a detective and scientist who join forces to quell the rampaging reptile that has invaded the latter’s institution.

In the movie “The Relic,” Penelope Ann Miller shines as the leading actress, and Tom Sizemore delivers a satisfactory performance posthumously, but what truly captivates audiences is the monster character. Named Kothoga, this fearsome creature still holds up well even after almost two decades due to the impressive work done by Stan Winston Studios.

Tremors

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, let me tell you that Ron Underwood’s masterpiece, Tremors, stands out as one of the most brilliant genre-blending films ever created. It excels not only as a chilling horror production but also as a hilarious comedy, an endearing buddy movie, and a thrilling monster flick. The film’s pacing is sublime, and the exceptional chemistry between Kevin Bacon and the late Fred Ward makes it a strong contender for one of the finest movies of 1990.

To elaborate, the creature designs in monster movies might just be surpassed by none other than those from the movie “Tremors”. Granted, the Graboids became a tad absurd in later installments, but in the initial film, they were an intimidating force even when they remained unseen. With the original scriptwriters regaining control of the rights, let’s keep our fingers crossed for a long-awaited sequel that continues the Bacon-led legacy.

2025-04-22 05:41