Few film genres have remained as resonant and consistently entertaining over time ashorrorfilms. Though they are frequently ignored by major award ceremonies and rarely get the credit they deserve, horror flicks have been going strong since the dawn of cinema, and do not seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Monster movies in particular seem to outlast many other movies from their era, continuing to inspire fear and excitement long after the dramas, comedies, and other “classic” contemporaries of theirs begin to feel dated in today’s age. From early silent horrors,to the Universal Monster classics, the Atomic Age creature features and beyond, the monster movie subgenre is an important cultural touchstone in the history of cinema. In the list below, you will find the best monster movie of each decade from the last century.
1920s – Nosferatu (1922)
While there are many great monster movies from the 1920s, including the dinosaur epicThe Lost Worldand the legendary Lon Chaney-starring version ofThe Phantom of the Opera, none are as influential asF. W. Murnau’sNosferatu. An unofficial and unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s seminal 1897 novelDracula, the film is a chilling and expressionist take on vampire horror – as well as thefirstfilm to tackle vampires – that defined how horror films would be made in the century that followed. The mood and atmosphere that Murnau created withNosferatu, as well as his technical approach which put a great emphasis on stark shadows, has had a lasting effect on horror cinema that continues to be seen today. Being the first adaptation ofDracula, the film also established many of the tropes and elements of cinematic language that are now commonplace in films about vampires and the undead. Beyond its lasting influence, the film is genuinely scary – though it’s devoid of gore or jump scares, the vampire makeup is quite spooky, and the black-and-white cinematography captures the lonely Carpathian Mountains in a haunting manner unlike anything made before or since.
1930s – King Kong (1933)
Although it’s tempting to go with 1931’sFrankenstein– an honorable mention for sure – the best and most important monster movie of the ‘30s is, without a doubt,King Kong.King Kongis the original giant monster – thekingof the monsters, at least until Godzilla came around (more on him later) – and the stop-motion star of one of the greatest cinematic achievements of the 20th century. The film is universally heralded as one of the best monster movies ever made, and has received countless accolades since its release, including taking the #6 spot onRotten Tomatoes list of the greatest horror films of all time. Its pioneering special effects and grandiose story broke new ground for horror films, paving the way for other giant monster movies such asThe Beast from 20,000 FathomsandGodzilla. Setting it apart from other monster movies that came before and after it,King Kongfeatures a sympathetic monster, which adds emotional gravitas to the story that helped to solidify the movie as a timeless masterpiece.As Screen Rant puts it, “The film will remain a classic for generations to come, and King Kong himself a reminder that as impressive as cinematic effects-created creatures can be, they’re nothing without a soul at their center.”
Related:Live-Action King Kong TV Series in Development at Disney+
1940s – The Wolf Man (1941)
The 1940s was a great time for monster movies, as the Universal Monsters cycle of films which had begun the decade before was in its heyday. While there are a number of classic monster flicks from this era, it’s hard to beatThe Wolf Man.The Wolf Manis classic Hollywood horror magic, from its stark black-and-white cinematography to the claustrophobic studio sets oozing with atmosphere and billowing with fog. The film is a bonanza of pure, unadulterated Halloweeny enchantment, and features a legendary performance by Lon Chaney, Jr. as the titular werewolf. The film’s approach and visual rendering of the werewolf would have a lasting influence on future depictions of the creature, and the final dissolve transformation effect became the industry standard until the 1980s, when more grotesque practical effects succeeded it.
1950s – Godzilla (1954)
Monster movies changed forever after the release ofGodzilla. The film is the be-all, end-all giant monster movie, and launched an entire genre of kaiju films, revolutionized the Tokusatsu genre with Eiji Tsuburaya’s groundbreaking special effects, and spawned afranchise that has stood the test of time. The film’s titular creature became a beloved international icon, and the ground-breaking special effects set a new standard for monster movies across the globe. Additionally, the film proved to the world that monster and horror films could do more than provide cheap thrills – they could serve as a warning, documentation, and commentary on real-life issues.Godzilladid this by introducing a creature that symbolized nuclear holocaust, and utilizing the perspective of the Japanese people in their post-war and still-rebuilding country. Although the franchise would quickly shift its focus to grander and more lighthearted (in many cases, flat-out goofy) monster battles, the terrifying original hasn’t lost an iota of potency over the years, and remains just as powerful and prescient as it was in 1954.
George A. Romero’sNight of the Living Deadis one of, if notthe,greatest zombie movie of all time. It’s also recognized as being the first modern zombie movie, introducing the world to the shambling flesh-eating monsters that quickly became a staple of popular culture. The film is intense and genuinely unnerving – even today – and makes the most of a simple premise and a very low budget. It’s an iconic masterpiece that not only launched a successful franchise of semi-sequels, but also a deluge of copycats and rip-offs that eventually led to the creation of an entire subgenre of horror films.
Related:These Are the Best George A. Romero Movies, Ranked
1970s – Jaws (1975)
Jawsis the prototypical summer blockbuster and a monster movie extravaganza that scared thousands of spellbound viewers away from the water for years after its initial release. It’s the movie thatput legendary director Steven Spielberg on the map, and, being the ultimate “killer shark” movie, created an aquatic movie monster that has yet to be topped. While the menacing, lifeless eyes and colossal body of the beast is iconic, a large part of what makes it so memorable and truly terrifying is how little of the creature Spielberg actually allows us to see.As Roger Ebert notes, “floating objects are used all through the movie to suggest the invisible shark,” and “in the crucial action sequences at the end, we are often looking at kegs and not at a shark, but the premise is so well established that the shark is there.” Spielberg’s adept direction and precise ratcheting of tension not only launched him into the limelight, but also elevated this character-driven horror-adventure to monster masterpiece status.
1980s – John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982)
No monster movie encapsulates the technological advancements, cultural significance, and era-specific paranoia of its respective decade quite like John Carpenter’sThe Thing. It is theultimate‘80s monster movie, dripping with slime and loaded to the brim with stunning (and grotesque) monster designs and chunky gore. To put it simply, the film represents the pinnacle of practical creature effects, and stands as a benchmark against which all subsequent effects-fueled horror films – even today – are judged. It’sone of Carpenter’s best movies, not just because of the top-notch effects, but also due to his masterful direction and its cast of incredible actors. The monster itself – a shape-shifting extraterrestrial – is one of the scariest creatures in horror history, and remains an icon despite not having a standard, recognizable form.
1990s – Tremors (1990)
While there are many great monster movies from the ‘90s, including some awesomeGodzillaflicks and the satiricalStarship Troopers,Tremorstakes the cake for its ingenious blending of a campy ‘50s creature feature premise with modern sensibilities. The monster-comedy is a silly tribute to B-movies and a thrilling spectacle, complete with a rock-solid script and some fine acting from screen legends Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward. The monsters themselves are both imposing and bizarre, cleverly and creatively designed, making them the most unique monsters of the decade.
Related:Tremors: Every Movie in the Franchise, Ranked
2000s – The Host (2006)
One ofParasitedirectorBong Joon-ho’s best films,The Hostis a brilliant little monster movie that melds genres and tones that might otherwise seem at odds with each other with stylish ease. Part creature feature, part social satire, and part dramedy, this riveting South Korean take on the kaiju flick gives the genre a fresh coat of paint and remains one of the most inventive films of its ilk. Without a doubt,The Hostis a modern monster masterpiece.
2010s – Shin Godzilla (2016)
Shin Godzilla, Toho’s 2016 reboot of theGodzillafranchise, is not justone of the bestGodzillamovies, but easily the best monster flick of the 2010s. The film combines the requisite kaiju carnage with a welcome dose of biting political satire, making this update to the classic franchise anything but a run-of-the-mill monster movie. The film is well-acted and bursting with stunning special effects, the most notable of which being the rendering of the titular kaiju, who looks more menacing and frighteningly realistic than he ever has before.
2020s (so far) – Prey (2022)
Although we’ve got a ways to go before we can officially declare what the best monster movie of the 2020s will be, future creature features will be hard-pressed to beat 2022’sPrey. Perhaps theonly genuinely great follow-up toPredator(though a case can be made for the misunderstoodPredator 2),Preyis a clever prequel that boldly shifts the action to the 1700s, and follows a Comanche woman who defends her tribe from the bloodthirsty alien warrior. The creature is fearsome and memorable, and the new setting and characters are both refreshing and a triumph for Native representation in Hollywood.
