Movies

10 Underrated Monster Movies You’ve Somehow Missed

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A diverse array of actual and fictional beasts find their way into some of the most celebrated films ever made. Movies such as Aliens, Jaws, Godzilla, and Cujo are a few examples among countless others that garner plenty of attention. Even lesser-known titles like Attack the Block and Slither have gained cult followings. However, there remain underrated creature movies that seem to have slipped under many fans’ radars.

Lesser-known monster flicks span a wide range in terms of quality. Some intentionally offer campy charm, while others manage to be impressively crafted despite modest budgets. It’s high time horror enthusiasts didn’t overlook these hidden gems anymore.

Released 1998

  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Runtime: 102 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57%

The carefree summer vacation depicted in “The Faculty” seems much more intriguing now, considering that it takes place in a high school where teachers have been replaced by extraterrestrial beings who’ve invaded their bodies. A group of students from diverse social circles join forces to combat this alien threat and ensure their survival.

The Faculty is often unfairly underestimated. Many dismissed it as just another typical film in the teen horror genre that’s overcrowded in the market. However, it’s a pity because it delivers non-stop action from beginning to end, features parasitic aliens, has well-developed characters, and boasts surprising cameos by Jon Stewart and Salma Hayek.

Released 2017

  • MPAA Rating: Not Rated
  • Runtime: 105 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 47%

In the lesser-known film titled “Boar“, an unruly wild boar is causing chaos. The story unfolds as a family embarks on a road trip, only to encounter this destructive boar after he wreaks havoc among some campers. From then on, they find themselves in a desperate struggle for survival as the boar pursues them relentlessly.

In various creature flicks, it’s common to find a variety of monstrous characters taking center stage. We’ve seen plenty of bugs and extraterrestrials, so it’s nice to encounter a fresh monster in the film “Boar“. Although the movie may not delve deeply into character development, it certainly offers pulse-pounding chase sequences set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian wilderness and intensely realistic, gory scenes. However, be warned: the camera work can get quite shaky and might make your stomach turn!

Released 2014

  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Runtime: 86 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 39%

In a manner reminiscent of numerous horror films, a gathering of companions arranges for a weekend filled with camping and revelry at a secluded cabin in Texas. However, their enjoyment is disrupted by an ominous, abnormally powerful beast residing within the surrounding forest.

In the film “Exists,” Bigfoot is portrayed as more terrifying than one might expect. Surprisingly, this movie seldom gets mentioned, even though it features an impressive creature design and a series of gruesome, imaginative deaths. The movie offers non-stop action within its compact 86 minutes and should not be rated as low as its 39% score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests.

Released 2015

  • MPAA Rating: Not Rated
  • Runtime: 87 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%

Unbeknownst to many, there’s a hilarious creature-feature film titled something other than the spider movie “Sting”. This time, it revolves around a swarm of wasps that take over a garden party, causing quite the buzz! The caterers at the estate must quickly address the situation before all the guests transform into terrifying, mutant insects with parasitic tendencies.

Individuals who appreciate a bit of quirky charm in their monster movies will find Stung delightful. This film boasts surprisingly sophisticated special effects for its size, and it manages to be genuinely humorous, satirizing the upper-class customs at the garden party with wit. The movie thoughtfully delves into social classes, all while serving up an ample amount of action-packed excitement.

Released 1989

  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Runtime: 142 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

As a captivated observer, I might liken Leviathan to an aquatic counterpart of the chilling Alien film. In this cinematic masterpiece, Peter Weller portrays Steven Beck, a meticulous geologist embarking on a three-month voyage aboard a freighter, overseeing a mining mission. Unbeknownst to the crew, their peaceful endeavor is about to be disrupted by an immense marine creature of legend.

It’s rather unexpected that the film Leviathan, with its breathtaking creature design and a plot similar to popular horror classics like The Thing and Alien, hasn’t garnered as much attention as other movies. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given it a high rating of 97%, indicating that they believe this monster movie is unfairly overlooked.

Released 2014

  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Runtime: 77 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

Beavers, not typically feared like sharks or alligators, are the subject of concern in the film “Zombeavers”. The story follows a group of friends who go for a weekend retreat at a secluded cabin, but their peaceful getaway is disrupted when they encounter beavers that have been contaminated by toxic substances.

Despite its humorous title, “Zombeavers” delivers as a skillfully crafted creature feature, seamlessly integrating laughter with genuine frights. The college student characters may lack depth, but who watches for character development in a film like this? Instead, audiences can expect an exhilarating ride filled with thrilling action and spectacular beaver-related gore!

Released 2015

  • MPAA Rating: Not Rated
  • Runtime: 88 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 53%

Title “Bite” might have been overlooked even by ardent aficionados of the creature-feature genre. The story revolves around a character named Casey (Elma Begovic), who experiences an insect bite during her bachelorette party weekend. Over time, she starts exhibiting traits reminiscent of the bug that bit her.

In many instances, boundaries become unclear, much like the Canadian horror film titled “Bite“. Despite its meager $500,000 budget, it showcases remarkable practical effects. The transformation of Casey from a regular girl to a terrifying bug is both unsettling and captivating. It’s surprising that this film hasn’t received more recognition in the horror community.

Released 2008

  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Runtime: 91 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 51%

In Scott Smith’s book titled “The Ruins“, a story unfolds about a group of friends exploring ancient Mayan ruins located in Mexico. Ignoring the advice given by the locals, they find themselves trapped within the ruins, where they face an unusual threat – sentient vines that relentlessly attack them.

In the film “The Ruins“, although the creature design may not be as intricate as in other movies, it remains a crucial watch for horror enthusiasts due to its ability to create an unsettling, claustrophobic atmosphere similar to films like “The Descent” and “As Above, So Below“. Viewers will find themselves drawn into the struggle of the main characters as they fight to free themselves from the menacing surroundings.

Released 2022

  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Runtime: 104 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%

In the story titled “Unwelcome“, a young couple finds themselves settling into a peaceful countryside home in Ireland. Unbeknownst to them, their new abode is guarded by peculiar creatures resembling gnomes within its garden. Despite the seemingly serene setting, there’s an ominous undertone and a history tainted by sorrow hidden beneath this idyllic façade.

In no way should anyone confuse Unwelcome with a light-hearted or trivial film. Instead, it’s a serious production that delivers an intense climax brimming with violence and destruction. The final scene, set in the rain, is particularly chilling and stands out as one of the most gripping in recent times. Any horror enthusiast, especially those who are fans of creature features, will find this movie captivating.

Released 2022

  • MPAA Rating: Not Rated
  • Runtime: 87 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

It’s unwise to introduce a puzzling egg inside your home and keep it beneath your bed. Tinja (Siiri Solalinna) discovers this the hard way when something horrifying emerges from it. This replica of Tinja is grotesque, ready to inflict harm and kill anyone who harms her, even her own kin.

As a film enthusiast, let me tell you, the concept of having a doppelgänger is already spine-chilling on its own. But imagine doubling that terror, and voila! That’s what you get with the 2022 movie, “Hatching”. This film created quite a stir in its release year, but unfortunately, it seems to have faded from the limelight. It’s really unfortunate because it boasts breathtaking cinematography, an intriguingly designed creature, and a plethora of distinct, captivating visuals. Definitely worth giving a watch if you haven’t already.

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2025-04-27 01:28

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