Monster movies have been a staple of cinema for decades, dating all the way back to 1915’s The Golem. These films can offer some of the most intense action and special effects ever seen, while also serving up classic horror scares. The genre is surprisingly flexible, with movies like Alien and Gremlins proving that monsters come in all shapes and sizes.
With so many monster movies out there, picking the best can be tough. This list will explore some of the best monster movies from the past five years, showcasing a variety of subgenres and ranking them based on entertainment value and critical reception.
Here are some of the best monster movies to catch up on:
- Godzilla Minus One (2023): This Japanese film takes Godzilla back to its roots, set in post-WWII Japan. This period piece offers a fresh take on the classic monster, with stunning visuals and a return to Godzilla’s villainous roots.
- Prey (2022): This prequel to the Predator franchise throws the iconic alien creature into a fight with a skilled Comanche warrior. Prey boasts a unique setting and a terrifying new Predator design, making it the best entry in the series since the original.
- Love and Monsters (2020): This post-apocalyptic comedy-adventure follows a man on a quest to find his lost love amidst a world overrun by giant monsters. Love and Monsters offers impressive visuals, a heartwarming story, and a unique twist on the monster movie genre.
- Nope (2022): Jordan Peele’s latest film blends sci-fi, horror, and monster movie elements into a terrifying and thought-provoking story. The film’s unique “cloud monster” and eerie atmosphere make Nope a must-watch for horror fans.
- A Quiet Place Part II (2021): John Krasinski returns to direct the sequel to his critically acclaimed horror film. A Quiet Place Part II expands on the world-building of the first movie and delivers even more scares with its terrifying sound-based monsters.
- Barbarian (2022): This chiller takes a more intimate approach to the monster movie, focusing on a terrifying creature lurking in a seemingly ordinary house. Barbarian is full of shocking twists and turns, proving that monsters don’t always have to be giant or city-destroying.
- The Sea Beast (2022): This Netflix animated film offers a family-friendly monster movie adventure. The Sea Beast explores the relationship between monster hunters and their prey, questioning the traditional narrative and offering a beautiful animation style.
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021): This MonsterVerse film delivers exactly what fans want: a giant brawl between two iconic movie monsters. Pure fan service with spectacular fight scenes, Godzilla vs. Kong doesn’t skimp on the action.
- The Suicide Squad (2021): While primarily a superhero movie, The Suicide Squad features a giant, starfish-like alien monster as the main villain. The film offers a fun monster brawl scene and witty humor, making it enjoyable for monster movie fans as well.
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024): The latest entry in the MonsterVerse pits Godzilla and Kong against a common enemy. This film focuses on over-the-top monster action and is a fun popcorn flick for fans of the franchise.