My Favourite Monster Movies of All-Time Ranked

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like monsters. Since the 1970’s, the monster genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s jaw-dropping sharks, amphibian creatures or quiet survivors, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite monster films which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Jaws

Sharks are scary creatures that have always terrified me. Ever since I was a child, I have been scared of creatures that are wild. At an early age, I became terrified of stepping foot into waters that posed damage. Swimming is one of those activities I have never found truly appealing. Despite my parents’ insistence, I would often refuse to step foot into oceans which were a frightening sight. I always had a nerve-wracking feeling that something dangerous was lurking in the seas that would end up eating me. My lifelong fear of sharks with sharp jaws first began I watched “Jaws”. Ever since its release in 1975, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest monster film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg used innovative cinematic techniques to capture dangerous sharks evoking fear. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making monster movies, and “Jaws” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker.  One of the most common techniques Spielberg uses is close-ups of characters’ faces. In “Jaws”, Spielberg used close-ups to capture reactions of individuals witnessing sharks. For instance, the scene in which the camera zooms on Chief Brody’s terrified face as he witnesses sharks on the beach for the first time causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the monster genre. At the centre of it all is a stellar performance by Roy Scheider, who embodied an anxiety-ridden hero. Ultimately, what makes “Jaws” my favourite monster film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the monster genre, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a relatable message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of an iconic film about sharks with sharp jaws, it’s a bold reminder about a genre that deserves a loud round of applause for making movies without flaws.

2. Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs are terrifying creatures causing disaster that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that was fascinated with dinosaurs causing damage. He grew up to adore dinosaurs with a loud roar that made his heart soar. Fascinated with prehistoric history, he always spoke fondly about dinosaurs that he loved dearly. My grandfather’s lifelong love for dark dinosaurs with a bright spark first began when he watched “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster forever changed the monster genre through its depiction of dinosaurs causing disaster. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for creating monsters through practical effects, and “Jurassic Park” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Ellie Sattler witnesses the dinosaurs for the first time in the theme park causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the monster genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jeff Goldblum, who created one of the most iconic heroes in the monster genre. Ultimately, what makes “Jurassic Park” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about dinosaurs, it tackles strong themes of animal cruelty which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the Jurassic Park theme park, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies with a bright spark.

3. Alien

Aliens are frightening creatures causing disaster that always fascinated my mother. I remember a mother that was fascinated with aliens posing danger. She would always admire creatures that posed danger causing people to face consequences that were dire. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that adored alien species, I loved “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ridley Scott’s movie changed the sci-fi genre depicting aliens causing trauma. Scott has an aptitude for making movies about creepy creatures, and “Alien” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott used breathtaking practical effects to create aliens which were frightening. For instance, the opening scene of the film in which the camera examines a spaceship in silence hinting at danger to come is one of the best moments of the monster genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Sigourney Weaver, who created a strong feminist character. Ultimately, what makes “Alien” a masterpiece is balance. Unlike most movies in the genre, it struck the prefect balance between storytelling and spectacle. As powerful as the aliens attacking a spaceship, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre producing memorable movies which audiences worship.

4. A Quiet Place

It’s challenging to survive in a world of silence. I recall with nostalgia bomb blasts in Saudi Arabia. Afraid of making a sound, I saw my house burn to the ground. Through sheer miracles, my family managed to survive the worst disaster imaginable. As someone haunting by bombings in a country that wasn’t a quiet place, I adored “A Quiet Place”. Released in 2018, John Krasinski’s movie captured noise-hunting monsters. Unlike most movies in the monster genre, what makes “A Quiet Place” stand out is use of silence. In a genre acknowledging loud sounds, Krainski effectively used silence to build tension. For instance, the bathtub scene in which Evelyn struggles staying silent facing intense childbirth as monsters invade her home causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Emily Blunt, who created a strong feminist heroine forced to stay silent. Ultimately, what makes “A Quiet Place” a monster masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about parenting which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships families face seeking to survive in a quiet place, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences embrace.

5. The Shape of Water

Mental disabilities have shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to find a job. Due to my disorder, I often felt judged by peers where I was treated as an outsider. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured individuals that suffer from disabilities as powerfully as “The Shape of Water”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Shape of Water” stand out is its compassionate depiction of disability. Del Toro uses breathtaking visuals to capture the bonds between a mute woman and creature that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Eliza first meets the amphibian creature causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the monster genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Sally Hawkins, who created a compelling mute heroine romancing a monster. Ultimately, what makes “The Shape of Water” a monster masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about disability which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of mute women whose lives deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences appreciate.

6. The Substance

Body image is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided capturing celebrities that are misunderstood. In a genre that has avoided stories of women changing their appearance, it’s worth discussing “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Carolie Fargeat’s movie depicted women having a body image. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Substance” stand out is its strong depiction of women. Fargeat uses stunning visuals to capture women using a substance to change their appearance. Assisted by Demi Moore who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fargeat created a feminist monster movie. A powerful portrait of women using a dangerous substance to change their appearance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies earning a huge audience.

7. Split

Split personality disorder is a dangerous illness that fascinated my teacher. I remember a teacher that was interested in the behaviour of individuals with the disorder. He often sought to educate students about a disorder causing lives to deteriorate. In 2016, M. Night Shyamlan captured the disorder causing lives to split in his movie “Split”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Split” stand out is its strong depiction of mental illness. Shyamalan uses compelling montages to capture obstacles people with split personality are facing. Assisted by Anya Taylor-Joy who is stellar in the lead role, Shyalaman created a compelling monster movie about disorders. A spectacular portrait of split personality disorder causing people to face terror, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that has made iconic films which audiences treasure.

8. Pacific Rim

Guillermo Del Toro is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at making movies about monsters. Del Toro has built an image of being a director that thrives at capturing monsters causing damage. Del Toro’s strength for capturing monsters that are grim is clearly evident in his movie “Pacific Rim”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Pacific Rim” stand out is its spectacle. The film captured the fun nature of monsters causing disaster that make for great entertainment. Del Toro uses captivating special effects to create a kaiju invasion that’s engaging. Assisted by Idris Elba who is exceptional in the lead role, Del Toro proves why he’s the master of the monster genre. An awe-inspiring depiction of a frightening kaiju invasion, it’s an astonishing reminder of a genre that has produced movies which deserve celebration.

9. Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Doppelgangers are terrifying figures that always scared me. As far as I remember, I feared running into a duplicate of myself causing terror. The idea of meeting another person that’s a duplicate of one’s self scares me. As someone that has always been afraid of doppelgangers, I adored “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. Released in 1978, Philip Kaufman’s movie captured doppelgangers evoking terror. Kaufman used special effects to create doppelgangers which are frightening. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Donald Sutherland, who proves how great of an actor he once was before he passed away. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it has aged beautifully. A dazzling depiction of doppelgangers that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced movies audiences consider precious.

10. The Mummy

Few monsters are as scary as the mummy. Since the 1990’s, the mummy has become a legendary movie monster. In 2017, Alex Kurtzman honoured the mummy in his movie “The Mummy”. Kurtzman used stunning effects to create a monster that’s frightening. Assisted by Tom Cruise who is superb in the lead role, Kurtzman created a bold monster movie. However, the film’s focus on style over substance keeps it from being a great movie. We’re barely given reason to care for characters beyond the fact that they’re played by famous actors. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable addition to the genre. As powerful as Ahmnet’s transformation into a mummy that’s menacing, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has built a lasting legacy creating memorable monsters that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.