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Last week, we shared a list of six of the most unique movie monsters created exclusively for the big screen. While these beasts have been carefully chosen based on their originality and the quality of the special effects used to bring them to life, there are so many great creature features out there that it’s hard to stop at a skinny six.
This is why we have proposed Six other unique movie monsters who impressed us with their creative designs and stories. Like last time around, we’ll only be considering creatures made specifically for the big screen, so no giant versions of normal animals or anything based on existing books or folklore. Remakes with reimagined versions of existing monsters are also prohibited.
Although we will not present some popular favorites like The ritual‘s Moder (because it is based on mythology and adapted from the eponymous novel by Adam Nevill) and The relic‘s Kothoga (also adapted from a book by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child), don’t let that put you off telling us about your own favorite movie monsters in the comments below.
Now on the list …
6. The Stuff – The Stuff (1985)
People who haven’t seen Larry Cohen’s brilliant 1985 horror satire might scoff at the idea that industrialized junk food is on this list, but fans of The thing know that something sinister is happening beneath the surface of this addicting little treat.
Part The blob and part zombifying parasite, this ice cream-like substance is actually an alien organism bent on taking over the world through corporate greed and massive advertising campaigns. Though its effects are subtle at first, the Holder excels at having his hosts perform unsettling acts of body horror, earning his place on this list as a unique and terrifying movie monster.
And the scariest part? Even after watching the movie, I still think it looks delicious!
5. Monsieur Babadook – The Babadook (2014)
While this is a kind of movie you love or hate, there’s no denying that Jennifer Kent The Babadook was a turning point for arthouse horror films. Not only that, but he also introduced the world to one of Australia’s most unique monster models ever (and a fun meme where the titular creature is portrayed as an LGBTQ + icon).
Enlivened by low-fi makeup and effects popular in the silent movie era, Mister Babadook is both charming and retro while displaying a spooky presence. The handmade storybook announcing his arrival is also a nice touch, adding a mythical quality to an already memorable antagonist.
4. Belial – Case of the basket (1982)
Having made classics like Frankenhooker and Brain damage, Frank Henenlotter is one of the most underrated genre filmmakers. However, the director is probably best known for the Cart Case franchise, which introduced us to the menacing Belial (oddly named after a primitive term for the devil) and his bizarre penchant for murder.
While this “monster” is technically just a Siamese twin separated from his beloved brother, one glance at Belial’s gruesome design is enough to convince you of his place on this list. As a little monster who lives in a literal basket, half the fun of these movies is watching this angry little killer come up with new and creative ways to get rid of his victims despite his unique size and shape.
Belial also scores bonus points for spawning these insanely spooky baby baskets in Case of basket 3: The descendants!
3. Gwoemul – The Host (2006)
Bong Joon-ho is now best known for his Oscar-winning thriller Parasite, but the critically-acclaimed South Korean director is no stranger to creature features. In 2006, he co-wrote and directed The host, a satirical version of the giant monster movies with a single antagonist known as Gwoemul (literally “monster” in Korean, although the special effects team called him “Steve Buscemi”).
While the origins of the Gwoemul were inspired by a real mutated fish found in the Han River, its design is much more reminiscent of a Lovecraftian abomination, making it a terribly intimidating and memorable monster in an already entertaining film.
2. The Krites – Creatures (1986)
Although he is often accused of being a Gremlins knock-off, the original screenplay by Stephen Herek Creatures was written long before the Mogwai were even a glint in Joe Dante’s eyes. Allegedly based on a “real” incident where a family had to repel tiny alien invaders from their Kentucky farm, the film introduced the world to the mischievous Krites, intergalactic criminals on the run from shifting bounty hunters.
Despite their small size, these ravenous creatures are a force to be reckoned with, reaching monstrous sizes as they consume anything in their path while working together to form balls of doom. It’s all brought to life by phenomenal hands-on effects work that most recent sequels and reboots still can’t replicate.
The Krites are also surprisingly charming, speaking to each other through absurd and often vulgar dialogue, subtitled for our viewing pleasure.
1. The Yautja – Predator (1987)
I don’t think I need to explain how John McTiernan Predator is a genre classic that excels as both a horror, sci-fi, and action film, but it’s worth remembering that this macho masterpiece initially had a much less terrifying antagonist. Originally played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, the bulky prototype has been replaced by the now iconic Stan Winston design (the mandibles being suggested by James Cameron). This resulted in a legendary alien monster still roaming the big screen more than three decades later.
Now known as Yautja (after all, Major Dutch of Schwarzenegger was the real predator in the first film), these trophy-obsessed aliens are fascinating both in design and behavior. Following a bizarre code of honor as they stalk their prey with advanced weapons, the towering Yautja balances the sci-fi elements with a primitive set of teeth and claws.
After 5 sequels and crossovers (not to mention comics, video games, and other media), there’s no denying the enduring appeal of these intergalactic hunters, and I can’t wait to see them again in the next prequel.
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