Top 10 Modern Monsters in Movies

Script written by Q.V. Hough

Top 10 Modern Monsters in Movies

These are the fantastical freaks of modern horror. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Modern Monsters in Movies.

For this list, we’re focusing on the most recognizable or impactful movie monsters from the year 2000 to the present. We are also omitting pleasant monsters, like Mike and Sully of “Monsters, Inc.”, as those are monsters we’d like to have a beer with rather than run away from...

#10: Creatures of The Mist
“The Mist” (2007)

In one of the most depressing films of modern times, a government experiment known as the “Arrowhead Project,” takes a turn for the worse, thus spawning a bunch of enormous creatures among the mist. These things are not your average 4-legged or even 8-legged pests, and they’re a tiny bit larger than your typical human being. In fact, they’re so damn big that even their victims had no choice but to gawk at their “mist”-ical prowess. Unfortunately, they weren’t just passing through; they were killing with no regard for human life.

#9: Kaijus
“Pacific Rim” (2013)

Set in the not-too-distant future, and by that we mean the 2020s, these massive terrorists emerged from the lower depths of the Pacific Ocean to thoroughly destroy everybody’s weekend plans. As humans were left with no option but to create their own super robots named “Jaegers,” the Kaijus effectively said “F that noise” and cut them down with little effort. In essence, the Kaiju clan operates by a unique set of rules. That means they whoop some ass from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, much like the MUTOs of 2014’s “Godzilla.” Of course, the Kaijus aren’t totally unbeatable, and good ol’ Raleigh Becket would end up facing the biggest challenge of his lifein “Pacific Rim.”

#8: Mutated Fish Creature
“The Host” (2006)

When this phat amphibian emerged from the waters, South Korean moviegoers literally wet themselves in theaters, and made “The Host” South Korea’s most financially successful film of all time - to that point. Why? Well, because of this horror of the Han River, the little fishy that swallowed everybody whole. While the locals may have had dreams of a fish fry to end all fish frys, the aquatic monstrosity must have felt annoyed, as the slimy thing flipped the script and had its own party.

#7: Humanoid Crawlers
“The Descent” (2005)

In a film centered on haunting past events, the main characters quickly realize that cave-dwelling uglies of the Appalachians would play a major role in the new worst day of their lives. The “Crawlers” weren’t blessed with good looks or even the ability to see, but they run in packs and like to feast on and scare humans, or pretty much anything unlucky enough to wind up in their domain. More than just a bunch of giant pale rats, these monsters can chase down victims and knock them on their asses with the agility of a UFC fighter. But there’s no tapping out when fighting the Crawlers, because they will eat your face clean off.

#6: The Creeper
“Jeepers Creepers” (2001)

When roaming the backcountry roads of the American Midwest, you’re bound to find a creeper or two, but in this case, it’s an ancient creature that feasts on humans. Unfortunately for Trish and Darry, it was their very fear that attracted The Creeper, a monster that is not only physically fit, but that also has a liking for ten-gallon hats. Even more important is the fact that he likes to take human organs and use them as personal pieces of flair. Then again, he only comes around every 23 years, so at least he’s not causing mayhem on an annual basis.

#5: Mister Babadook
“The Babadook” (2014)

At first glance, he may not look too frightening on a storybook page, but when Mr. Babadook appears in the night – in your own home – you just may lose your mind. In Jennifer Kent’s 2014 masterwork of horror, it’s the young kid that initially causes concern for both the audience and his own family. However, it’s not long until the monster plays mind games with Mommy Dearest, before revealing himself and taking control. Cooky and cocky, Mr. Babadook will penetrate your dreams and mind screw your entire life.

#4: Sam
“Trick ‘r Treat” (2007)

It’s always cute when a tiny little creature turns its head in confusion, but in Michael Dougherty’s 2007 horror flick, this signaled impending doom - courtesy of a burlap sack-wearing goon. Functioning as the deadly enforcer of Halloween traditions, this little guy wears comfy PJs. However, Sam is no child - he’s some type of demonic being, a fusion of pumpkins and God knows what. The rules are rather simple: obey Halloween traditions and you won’t have your head put on display.

#3: Clover
“Cloverfield” (2008)

As the titular character of Matt Reeves’ found footage flick, this monster decapitated Lady Liberty and launched her head into the streets - quite a unique way to announce one’s arrival. The Department of Defense called this thing an “LSA” or a “large scale aggressor,” which is the polite way to say that it’s a giant killing machine. Looking at the size of this slimy being lets you know you don’t have too many options when Clover shows up… mainly because it’s bigger than most skyscrapers, thus all the screaming and whimpering.

#2: Pale Man
“Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)

Now here’s a modern monster that would seemingly be fun to be around if he didn’t like to munch up little children for breakfast. Like any classic freak of cinema, the “Pale Man” resides in his own lair, complete with a gorgeous fireplace. In Guillermo del Toro’s story of post-war Spain, young Ofelia finds herself intrigued by the setting and the food, only to wake up the elastic-skinned being and draw his wrath. Sure, there must be plenty of stuff that Pale Man enjoys, but above all, he enjoys eating kids, and it’s never a good thing when this monster makes eye contact.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Bubba Ho-Tep
“Bubba Ho-Tep” (2002)
- Indominus Rex
“Jurassic World” (2015)
- Dren
“Splice” (2009)
- Lily
“V/H/S” (2012)

#1: Lipstick-Face Demon
“Insidious” (2010)

In the ‘80s, there was Freddy Krueger and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and in 2010, moviegoers were introduced to a seemingly long-lost relative in James Wan’s “Insidious.” Under the impression that their house is haunted, a young couple discovers that their little son actually functions as an astral vessel for a plethora of monsters, one being a lip-stick wearing demon with an affinity for up-close-and-personal attacks, along with distinct creep techniques as well. He’s a menace in the tradition of classic horror monsters - a throwback to the heyday of ‘80s horror - and Red Face never fails to make us all tremble in the night.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite modern monster in movies? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.