Monster flicks are loved by all. In Hollywood’s century worth of history, there have been many great monster films. We thought we’d bring you some of the best monster movies of all time for this spooky season. So, let’s get started.
15. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Pan’s Labyrinth is one of the recent most celebrated monster movies. The movie is dark at times and is scary for some. Set in the war-torn era of 1944, the movie surrounds the story of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), who is the victim of sadistic abuse by his stepfather.
Soon, she comes across a fairy who leads Ofelia across a labyrinth. That’s when her adventures begin, and some of the most intriguing on-screen monsters appear.
14. War of the Worlds (2005)
War of the Worlds is one of the best alien movies in recent times. Showing the grotesque nature of the novel of the same name, this film doesn’t hold back the ferocity of its monsters.
It begins when Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is home to spend quality time with his family. But, not all goes according to plan as strange things occur throughout the city. Soon, the ground shakes, cracks, and breaks upon them—quite literally. From these cracks spring out gigantic tripedal monsters who start wreaking havoc.
13. Dog Soldiers (2002)
Dog Soldiers is one of the best and perhaps the most underrated werewolf movies of all time. It starts as any common military movie, with a Scottish soldier squad on a training mission. But, soon, they find the survivor of a vicious attack.
But, the survivor heals magically as the group is saved by a zoologist—who informs them of the thing that hunts them. Soon, Werewolves begin their hunt as the squad retreats to a farm. But will they live out the night before the full moon disappears?
12. Pacific Rim (2013)
Pacific Rim is the second Guillermo Del Toro movie on this list (the first was Pan’s Labyrinth), which should tell you about this director’s prowess in creating such movies.
This film tells the story of malicious Kaiju attacks on coastal cities across the world. Soon, humanity fights back by creating gigantic machines they call Jaegers—that require a two-man collaborative effort to work. Soon, the government deems these machines to have become outdated. But, little do they know it’s humanity’s only chance of survival.
11. The Mist (2007)
The Mist is one of the most famous novels by Stephen King. So, when this Frank Darabont adaptation arrived, people expected great things of it—and oh, did it deliver. It wasn’t only tragic; it was grisly, awe-spiring, and mysterious.
It begins when the townsfolk notice a strange sort of mist coming from the mountains. Soon, the entire town is engulfed in this, as strange monsters and creatures begin to sprawl from the haze. It’s a highly captivating, engaging, and tragic movie that’s filled with interesting monsters.
10. Godzilla (2014)
Godzilla‘s release in 2014 marked the retelling of the mythical Japanese monster. Legendary’s adaptation and westernization of the film embarked this iconic monster on a new journey, which would bring a few other great films in the series.
This film, however, begins when colossal, radioactive-material-eating creatures spring out of the earth. Soon, nature’s force to tackle these pests, Godzilla, comes out to defend the Earth. The fight of the behemoth is surely a sight to behold—and starts a new era of Godzilla movies.
9. A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place seemed like any other generic monster movie when the production began. However, once the movie was out, it was unlike any other, and its fame spread like wildfire among new and old monster genre lovers.
The film surrounds a strange extraterrestrial creature who is blind but has extraordinary hearing. So much so that even footsteps can get you killed. This makes for a very intriguing story, as the characters are confined to walking on sand, eating soft food, and treading very lightly.
8. Cloverfield (2008)
Cloverfield wasn’t the first camcorder film, but it’s definitely one of the best. It begins with a party, but soon the entire New York goes into disarray when strange creatures and a gigantic monster run through it.
The main character of this film and his friends try to save another friend who is trapped inside her apartment. This venture leads them through the ran-over streets of New York as we catch the horrors and troubles faced by city folk during this gigantic monster’s attack.
7. King Kong (2005)
King Kong is Peter Jackson’s retelling of the iconic monster. Fresh off his success from Lord of the Rings, people expected great things from Jackson—and he delivered. This outstanding reiteration of the 1933 classic takes the titular character to a newer level.
Granted, the newer CGI and technology helped make it a lot more believable. However, the intriguing story, compelling human characters, and the film’s titular monster made this movie a worthy watch.
6. Jaws (1975)
Jaws put Steven Spielberg on the radar as it’s still counted as one of his greatest films. Despite being over 47 years old, this movie still holds up to this day and has some of the greatest practical and CGI effects in movies.
The film’s main monster, a vicious shark, gave many people Galeophobia—a fear of sharks. This should tell you about the effects of this outstanding movie and why it’s considered one of the greatest movies of all time.
5. Predator (1987)
Predator is a ground-breaking phenomenon that kickstarted a franchise that’s still going strong today. The iconic titular character is one of the most celebrated and recognized monster characters in all of film history.
It begins when an extraterrestrial monster is on a hunt for worthy trophies on Earth. But, soon, he runs into a squad of elite death-squad soldiers, who are trained to face any foe—but this one proves too much for most of them.
While the film had many great stars, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, the monster is the most memorable thing about this movie.
4. Tremors (1990)
Tremors is one of the most iconic and celebrated movies of all time. It’s also a testament that not all monster movies need to take themselves too seriously. Filled with memorable jokes, outstanding acting, and unforgettable funny moments—this movie had it all.
But it’s the movie’s monster that has caused 6 additional sequels. An underground creature that detects sounds and tunnels its way through the underworld to stalk and eat its prey. The worst thing about it all? It gets smarter by the second.
3. Jurassic Park (1993)
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Jurassic Park needs no introduction to most movie fans today. In many senses, Jurassic Park is an unparalleled monster movie product of dedication, science, great practical effects, and an intriguing story.
But once again, the monsters are preferred, despite featuring great characters like Alan Grant (Sam Neil), Dr. Malcom (Jeff Goldblum), and John Hammond (Richard Attenborough). Almost 30 years and 6 movies later, people love the T-Rex and Velociraptors of this franchise.
2. Alien (1979)
Alien is yet another ground and trend-breaking movie. Featuring one of the strongest female leads of all time, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the movie tells the story of a ship on a mission. It begins when the ship is led to a strange planet after a distress signal.
Only to find themselves surrounded by dangerous, blood-thirsty, vicious monsters called Xenomorphs. This film, too, started a trend and has caused countless sequels, prequels—and even crossovers with the Predator franchise.
1. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s The Thing sets trends that are yet to be broken or overcome by another movie. Over 40 years ago, this film achieved practical effects that modern movies fail to do. Set in Antarctica and based on the book of the same name, this film is full of twists and turns.
But the scariest part about this movie is the unpredictable and indefinite form of the titular monster. So much so that the film’s main characters don’t even have a name for it. It’s filled with gruesome effects and is widely known as the best work of John Carpenter after Halloween.
Honorable Mentions
- It Follows (2014)
- The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
- The Invisible Man (2020)
What are the best monster movies of all time in your own opinion? Share with us in the comments!
