While there's nothing like watching a killer or classic villain terrorize a group of friends or a final girl, there's something especially creepy about a monster movie. Most recently, the 2021 release Antlers took a new approach to a creature in a small town, and The Seed told a story about social media influencers finding a creature during a getaway.
Horror fans have taken to Reddit to share their favorite movies from this subgenre, and the main characters in these films come across werewolves, strange creatures, and in one case, even a monster in the sea.
Howl (2015)
Stream on Shudder
Redditor bondbeansbond posted that "Howl is a good werewolf movie that I rewatch frequently." Joe Griffin is working on a train that leaves London when a werewolf attacks the passengers. Joe and the other characters work together and help each other, trying to get out alive.
Howl is both a great horror movie about a monster and a single location horror movie. Watching a werewolf approach people taking the train is a unique, different idea.
Super 8 (2011)
Stream on HBO Max
Redditor SnaggyKrab posted about this 2011 film, writing "I thought Super 8 was fun. Kinda reminds me of Stranger Things." A movie that blends monsters with child characters who are sweet, smart, and funny, Super 8 tells the story of a small town that becomes overrun with creatures.
Super 8 is heartwarming and offers up a coming-of-age storyline along with one about fighting evil and saving a town from monsters. The friendship between the young characters also makes it worth watching, similar to how Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will bond with Eleven and they all fight evil while showing each other compassion.
Splinter (2008)
Stream on HBO Max
When replying to a thread about unforgettable movie monsters, Redditor Bvaugh wrote that "The fungus-like splinters from Splinter should be mentioned." When thinking about a particularly scary place to come across a monster, a gas station definitely comes to mind, and that's exactly what happens in Splinter.
Polly Watt and Seth Belzer are on their way to go camping, and after they are carjacked, they stop at a gas station to find a wild monster there. In the tradition of zombie stories, this creature will infect people who then try to find new hosts for the virus.
Feast (2005)
Rent on AppleTV
A great horror comedy, Feast was released in 2005 and features a monster who begins attacking people who are enjoying their evening in a bar. Redditor hitwallinfashion13 called this a "fun B movie monster flick, over the top, ridiculous but worth a watch for any horror buff." Both the title and the plot will draw in fans of the subgenre.
Feast takes an offbeat approach to telling the story, calling characters "Bartender," "Grandma," "Hero," "Bozo," and "Coach," which is more entertaining and quirkier than giving them regular names. The filmmakers John Gulager, Patrick Melton, and Marcus Dunstan won season 3 of HBO's Project Greenlight.
Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954)
Rent on AppleTV
When horror fans reflect on the most alarming and memorable monsters from the history of the genre, some classics come to mind. Redditor TemporaryChallenge43 posted that "Creature from the Black Lagoon 1954 has stuck in my mind since I was a child."
In the film, experts studying in the Amazon come across some intense and scary creatures. The plot moves forward quickly with scientists wanting to learn more about the creatures while trying not to get killed by them. The film is black and white and just as unnerving as a more contemporary story.
The Host (2006)
Rent on AppleTV
Redditor Bidoof2017 recommended The Host, writing that it's "Korean monster flick, very good movie." Even the trailer is scary and well-crafted, making it impossible not to want to watch the movie right away.
When a monster takes Park Gang-du's daughter, he does everything within his power to stop the creature and get his child back. The movie is equal parts emotional and terrifying and one of the most well-made stories about monsters. The Host is also a smart take on the common story of creatures spreading a virus around.
It Follows (2015)
Stream on Netflix
With a terrifying horror movie curse that becomes more and more frightening as the movie goes on, It Follows is one of the most popular films of recent years. Jay Height is shocked and stunned to learn that after sleeping with someone, she now is cursed and has to pass along this entity to someone else.
Redditor 16shells posted, "Also i’d count the 'it' in It Follows as a creature because it’s both invisible and it can take the form of anyone but we don’t really ever know what it is."
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
Stream on Peacock
While there are many more recent horror films about creepy creatures who the main characters have to battle, there are some classics as well. Redditor djames623 recommended An American Werewolf In London, writing that this is "One of the only horror movies I've ever seen where someone actually refers to the creature as a 'monster.'"
John Landis's 1981 film takes a humorous look to two American friends traveling through England. David Kessler turns into a werewolf and many horror fans praise the moment when this happens, enjoying the attention to detail that the film has.
Coraline (2009)
Stream on Tubi and rent on AppleTV
The 2009 film Coraline is one of the best movie adaptations of a children's book. Based on the Neil Gaimon novella, the story follows a young girl who is upset that her parents work a lot and don't spend time with her. She finds a parallel world where her parents are now monsters.
Redditor Zuzara_The_DnD_Queen posted about the mother character in Coraline, writing about her "eventually becoming a disturbingly thin spider monster with needles for hands." The movie is visually beautiful and stunning and it has moving themes about family and growing up as well has having a scary tone.
Sweetheart (2019)
Stream on Netflix
Redditor Rechan recommended the 2019 Blumhouse movie "Sweetheart" which is about a sea monster, one of the most interesting creatures in recent years. The main character shows an incredible and impressive amount of bravery when faced with a terrible monster and the threat of losing her life.
Jennifer Remming comes across this monster and shows her strength and toughness as she gets away, joining the other final girl characters who do what they must to survive.