20 Most Thrilling Movies about Monster
The genre of movies featuring formidable and frightening monsters has always been a source of fascination for many of us. From the plotline to the sound effects and the exceptional animation, everything about these movies is visually appealing and highly satisfying to watch.
Movies revolving around monsters have been around since ancient times, ranging from mythological to experimental creatures, and have always been a means of entertainment on the big screen. Showpoiler has compiled a list of monster movies that are absolute masterpieces, and it's not to be missed!
1. The Series of Jurassic
One of the greatest movies of all time is the successful dinosaur-themed film, Jurassic Park. Since its release in 1993, it has spawned five films with the same theme. In 2019, a new title, Jurassic World, was added to the series. Viewers are treated to ancient animals that have been cloned in labs and can interact with humans.
The film's highlight is when a predatory dinosaur escapes and terrorizes visitors. The escaped dinosaurs have no qualms about eating any humans they come across. How did the humans manage to survive and escape the dinosaurs? Watch all the movies in the series to find out!
2. A Monster Calls
Most monsters are known for being cruel and terrorizing humans, but the tree monster in this movie is different. It doesn't destroy buildings or scare people, but instead serves as a savior. The monster appears as an oak tree with large hands and feet, and meets Conor, a child who has trouble expressing his emotions due to his sick mother.
The monster then proceeds to recount three stories from its own life experiences to Conor, which helps him to better understand himself and his situation. For those who are curious about the three stories, it is recommended to watch the movie.
3. A Quiet Place
If you are someone who enjoys movies with a gripping and thrilling storyline, then this particular movie is definitely worth your time. The plot kicks off with a group of families who are attempting to relocate covertly. Right from the start, you are introduced to some spine-chilling monsters that appear out of nowhere.
What makes these creatures especially intriguing is that they are able to track humans by their sounds, which adds to the overall suspense of the movie. You will feel your heart racing as you witness the characters doing their utmost to evade the monsters and stay alive. With such a high rating, it is clear that this is a movie that you simply cannot afford to miss.
4. Troll
Troll (2022) is a Norwegian-produced Netflix original movie that comes highly recommended. Directed by Roar Uthaug, the film has received numerous positive comments from viewers. The movie features popular Norwegian actors such as Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, and Mads Sjøgård Pettersen.
The story revolves around an urban legend monster that appears and terrorizes the community. The plot begins with the residents staging a protest due to the mysterious deaths of several miners. They suspect that trolls are responsible and demand government intervention. However, this action only seems to further agitate the trolls.
5. Werewolves Within
Werewolves Within (2021) is a comedy-mystery film based on the VR game of the same name by Red Storm Entertainment, written by Josh Ruben. The movie features a young cast including Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, and Michael Chernus. In the story, the citizens of Beaverfield gather at an inn due to a mistake.
However, things take a turn when a mysterious figure begins to terrorize the guests one by one. As it turns out, there is a mysterious creature watching over them, and they must decide what to do about it.
6. Kong: Skull Island
The movie "King Kong" is a timeless classic that should be watched by all movie enthusiasts. It tells the story of a powerful ancient monster, King Kong, who lives on a remote and uninhabited island. Its popularity has endured since it was released in 2005. A remake of "Kong" was released in 2017, with the same storyline as the previous version.
What sets this movie apart is its unique storyline, which depicts a battle between monsters and mythological creatures fighting for territory. The thrilling action-packed scenes are sure to captivate anyone who enjoys such movies. As a result, it is highly recommended as a great family movie.
7. The Host
In 2000, a military member and pathologist (Scott Wilson), instructed his Korean assistant to dispose of 200 bottles of formaldehyde, a type of methanol, in a sewer leading to the Han River. This resulted in the death of hundreds of fish and the emergence of a mysterious amphibious creature from the river, causing panic in Seoul, South Korea.
This incident suddenly panicked the entire region of Seoul, South Korea. Local leaders, officials and government officials then began to look for ways to destroy the creature before there were any more casualties.
8. The Mist
This movie is one of Stephen King's adaptations, the "king of terror." It depicts a family shopping in a supermarket who become trapped inside with numerous other people due to a dense fog that covers the entire city, preventing them from leaving.
While attempting to escape, several people do not return, suggesting that a monster is lurking outside, preying on anyone who ventures out of the building. If you are a fan of the mystery movie genre, this film is worth watching as it culminates in an unexpected ending that will surprise you.
9. Venom: Let There Be Carnage
The 2021 movie Venom: Let There Be Carnage, featuring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Reid Scott, explores what would happen if Venom had to confront another alien dwelling within the body of a psychopath. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film presents Venom facing off against an alien known as Carnage.
Eddie Brock, who serves as Venom's host, has an unusual diet of chocolate and animal organs, replacing human brains. While battling a serial killer named Kasady, the latter unexpectedly transforms into a ferocious red symbiote called Carnage.
10. Hellboy
Don't miss the 2004 superhero film, Hellboy, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor, and Karel Roden. This Columbia Pictures film features terrifying monsters that threaten humanity and received positive reviews and commercial success.
Hellboy is a demon baby brought from a Nazi-made dimensional portal who works for the government investigating cases. However, a prophecy deems him the destroyer of the earth, despite the true intentions of evil monsters Kroenen and Rasputin, who seek to rule the earth.
11. The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro's 2017 film "The Shape of Water" presents a water monster that defies the stereotype that all monsters are evil. Set in the 1960s, the movie tells the story of a mute woman named Elise who falls in love with an amphibious monster named The Amphibian Man, whom she finds while working as a janitor at a laboratory.
Despite societal views on monsters, Elise sees the humanity in The Amphibian Man and advocates for his life, leading to a profound exploration of love transcending societal barriers. "The Shape of Water" is a romantic and fantastical masterpiece that challenges our perception of monsters and delivers important themes.
12. Cloverfield
Rob, played by Michael Stahl, received a promotion that required him to move to Japan. In response, his friends threw a farewell party. Despite some drama involving Rob's girlfriend Beth cheating, the party went well until an earthquake struck New York.
Everyone evacuated Rob's apartment and witnessed the head of the Statue of Liberty flying through the air and landing on a highway. Aliens had just awakened from the ocean, causing the authorities to lockdown the city. Rob, Beth, and their friends must flee the city before it's too late.
13. Troll Hunter
In this story, the monsters are inspired by Norwegian legend and mythology, specifically the Trolls. It follows a group of students who embark on a journey to document a bear hunt in the Norwegian wilderness. Along the way, they unintentionally encounter the Trolls and decide to film them. Regrettably, the Trolls they meet are not hospitable and create havoc.
The film showcases the thrilling and brutal hunting practices of the Trolls. To heighten the intensity, the movie uses a first-person point of view from one of the characters' cameras. This technique creates a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep you on edge until the film's conclusion.
14. Pacific Rim
In this movie, the monster causing destruction is the Kaiju, a legendary creature from Japan that emerges from the depths of the ocean. These monsters continue to appear and devastate entire cities, spreading their terror across the globe. The Kaiju featured in this movie possess tremendous power and unique shapes.
As a solution to combat the Kaiju, humanity devises a plan to create mind-controlled robots. These robots are intended to exterminate the Kaiju threat. The film features spectacular action scenes and visually impressive cinematography, which leaves a lasting impression on viewers, making them want to re-watch the movie.
15. Godzilla
The legendary Japanese movie features a colossal lizard monster, known as Godzilla, towering as high as a building. The creature rises from the depths of the sea and is reanimated by immense nuclear energy. The latest installment of the Godzilla franchise showcases not only the iconic creature but also introduces other Japanese monsters such as Mothra.
In addition, the movie portrays epic clashes between the monsters that inhabit our planet and extraterrestrial creatures from outer space. It is highly recommended to watch this iconic movie, especially for those who appreciate high-quality cinema. For the ultimate viewing experience, consider watching the 2000s version.
16. King Kong
Peter Jackson's King Kong (2005) is an adventure movie that tells the story of Ann Darrow, played by Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, and Thomas Kretschmann. The plot starts with Ann Darrow filming a movie on a remote island with her crew. However, they are compelled to dock at the enigmatic Skull Island.
Once there, they encounter fierce local inhabitants and are astounded by the presence of a colossal ancient King Kong. As a result, their plans to continue filming are abandoned after Ann is abducted by the giant ape. Will the beautiful actress manage to survive and return to the city?
17. Percy Jackson
The movie narrates the tale of demi-gods who embark on a quest to thwart the wicked plans of malevolent spirits. During their journey, they encounter numerous hurdles, including confronting mythological beasts like Medusa and three-headed serpents.
This movie is a perfect choice for individuals who have a liking for mythological narratives. Apart from the captivating cinematography, the movie is set in modern times where gods attempt to assimilate with human society, which keeps the viewers hooked.
18. Power Rangers
The Power Rangers are a team of high school students who gain superpowers from an alien shuttle. They use their powers to defend the world from danger. However, their mission is threatened when the green ranger, a traitor, attacks and plans to conquer the universe.
To combat this threat, five of the Rangers receive specialized training to fight the green ranger. Meanwhile, old enemies seek revenge against the Rangers. The battles become intense, but the Rangers unite and defeat their enemies to save the planet and its people. They prove their dedication to protecting the world and upholding their values.
19. The Great Wall
This movie reveals the mysterious history of the Great Wall of China that perplexes a European knight named William Garin (played by Matt Damon). Initially, William sets out to uncover the secret of black powder firearms from the Song dynasty, but he and his team are ambushed by monsters and forced to breach the Chinese wall.
Although they intend to report their findings to the Chinese leaders, they are attacked by thousands of spider-like creatures before they can do so. William is imprisoned but eventually escapes to fight against the monsters.
20. Clash of The Titans
The movie Clash of The Titans, released in 2010, is a remake of the 1981 film of the same name. Directed by Louis Leterrier, it features actors Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson, and blends action, fantasy, and adventure genres.
The plot centers around Perseus, a Greek hero tasked with battling the Kraken, a giant sea monster unleashed by the god Zeus, during his quest to overthrow the gods. The movie has a rating of 5.8 on IMDb.
Check out these must-watch monster movies! These creatures may have an innate desire to protect themselves and attack, making them appear evil. While monster stories are often fictional, they remind us to respect the ecosystem and the creatures that inhabit it. Do you have any other monster movie recommendations? Share them in the comments.