While horror has consistently called on fictional creatures to emulate people’s nightmares, there is a sub-genre that villainizes the world around us. “Natural horror films” craft stories where humans are placed at the bottom of the food chain, forced to fend off crazed animals that wish to eat them alive.
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Killer animal movies have existed since films were first produced, though the genre was popularized thanks to the efforts ofAlfred HitchcockandStephen Spielbergwith their filmsThe BirdsandJaws. Pretty much every animal has graced a horror movie poster in the decades since, fromZombeaverstoSnakes on a Plane, and the upcomingBeastis set to join the list. While we wait to seeIdris Elbapunch a lion in the face, let us look back on the greatest films in the genre.
‘Cujo’ (1983)
The bloody prequel toBeethoven,Cujofollows a rabies-infected St. Bernard who torments a mother (Dee Wallace) and her young son. Trapped in their car in the middle of a heatwave, the pair must contend with the blistering sun as the misunderstood good boy lurks outside, mauling anyone who attempts a rescue.
Based on the novel byStephen King, the film remains one of his favorite adaptations of his work. While the film itself does not do anything particularly special, the concept of man’s best friend becoming the villain is interesting enough to keep this taut thriller barreling on. Just be prepared to “aww” a lot asCujomurders his victims.
‘The Birds’ (1963)
Hot on the heels ofPsycho, the “master of suspense"Alfred Hitchcockfollowed up his horror classic withThe Birds. When a wealthy socialite follows a love interest to California, they become trapped in a whirlwind of violence as birds begin to attack people.
The Birdsbuilds tension by starring a villain that is not so easy to avoid, especially when the swarm begins to shatter through windows. It all comes together to createone of Hitchcock’s best films, and a scenario more terrifying than being harassed by the seagulls at the beach during lunchtime.
The Birdsis available to stream on Showtime.
‘Crawl’ (2019)
Part of the sub-genre that combines killer animals with natural disasters,Crawladds alligators into a hurricane (take thatSharknado). Learning that her father’s home lies in the eye of the storm, professional swimmer Haley (Kaya Scodelario) drives out to check up on him. The weather worsens, however, and soon the duo discovers numerous alligators lurk in the rising floodwaters.
Directed by modern horror maestroAlexandre Aja(The Hills Have Eyes,Piranha 3D),Crawlscales back on his trademark gore to instead ramp up the tension as Haley evades the deadly predators throughout the flooded home. The result is an effective thrill ride that never lets up, makingCrawlone of the best horror films in recent years.
‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)
The best shark movie sinceJaws,Deep Blue Seais a wildly entertaining thriller. Set in an underwater facility where sharks are being genetically engineered to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, the situation becomes dire when the highly-intelligent creatures escape and target the trapped employees. The gathering of scientists, investors, and support staff are forced to work together as they try to live long enough to reach the surface.
Basically a B-movie with a big budget,Deep Blue Seanever takes itself seriously while delivering plenty of action and memorable death scenes.Renny Harlin(Die Hard 2,Cliffhanger) brings an assured direction to the film, while a great cast featuringSamuel L. Jackson,Thomas Jane,LL Cool J, andStellan Skarsgardelevates it to cult classic status.
Deep Blue Seais available to stream on HBO Max and Tubi.
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‘Black Sheep’ (2006)
ForgetPeter JacksonandTaika Waititi,Black Sheepis New Zealand’s greatest export. When meek Henry returns to his childhood home to sell his share to his brother Angus, he discovers that his sibling has been running illegal experiments on sheep. The study turns the usually docile animals into carnivorous predators, and the man-eating animals predictably break loose.
A throwback to the early work of Jackson, such asBad TasteandDead Alive/Braindead,Black Sheeppiles on the gore as the zombie sheep terrorize the New Zealand countryside, devouring anyone they cross paths with. The film adds a helping of humor to the mix to create a memorable horror-comedy that is far from baaaaad.
Black Sheepis available to stream on Tubi.
‘Eight Legged Freaks’ (2002)
A throwback to the campy monster movies of the 50s,Eight Legged Freaksis a guaranteed good time. The film follows the residents of a fictional mining town who are overrun by giant spiders that have been exposed to toxic waste. The arachnids come in a variety of forms, from jumping spiders to creepy trap-door spiders, causing a variety of problems for the survivors as they combat the threat.
StarringScreamalumDavid Arquetteand a teenageScarlett Johansson, the film is a bloodless affair that works well as a gateway movie for parents to introduce their children to the horror genre.
Eight Legged Freaksis available to stream on Tubi.
‘Razorback’ (1984)
Further proving that everything in Australia wants to kill you,Razorbackfollows a giant boar as it carves a path of destruction through the outback. After his wildlife reporter wife falls victim to the man-eating creature, American Carl Winters travels to the sunburnt country to investigate her disappearance, ultimately encountering the massive beast.
A cult classic,Razorbackhas endured as one of Australia’s most popular horror films. The animatronic killer pig is terrifying as it towers over its human prey, and the combination of this monster with the well-documented dangers of the Australian outback creates a harsh atmospheric thriller.
‘Mimic’ (1997)
Somehow making cockroaches worse by giving them the ability to kill you,Mimicis nightmare fuel for anyone who fears the sight of the creepy crawlies. When scientists discover a new form of insect is killing people underneath New York, they journey into the claustrophobic subway tunnels to save the city.
The Hollywood debut ofGuillermo del Toro,Mimicis an early example of the master filmmaker’s talent for creating unforgettable creature designs. The killer roaches are as gross as expected, and their disturbing appearance heightens the tension as our heroes fight to survive without the aid of bug spray.
Mimicis available to stream on HBO Max.
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‘Willard’ (1971)
A character study of a lonely young man and his pet rats,Willardexplores how far our animal companions will go to protect their masters. Social misfit Willard (Bruce Davison) is mistreated by his mother and his boss, instead finding solace in the swarm of rats that have made a home in his backyard. When events push him to his breaking point, Willard uses his new friends to harm those who have hurt him.
The film was remade in 2003, directed byThe X-FilesandFinal DestinationscribeGlen Morganand starringCrispin Gloverin the lead role. Rather than a direct remake, this film operates as a reimagining of the core themes of the original and is a worthy companion piece.
Willardis available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Tubi.
‘Jaws’ (1975)
The ultimate creature feature,Jawsis an undisputed masterpiece. When a great white begins to feast on the residents of Amity, a small island town, the sheriff is forced into action to save his charges. Joining forces with a marine biologist and a shark hunter, the three men travel out to see to slay the dangerous creature.
The original summer blockbuster,Jawswas a massive success and set precedents that films and their marketing campaigns still follow today. It remains one ofStephen Spielberg’s best films and has been immortalized in popular culture thanks to its instantly recognizable theme music and the line “you’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Jawsis available to stream on AMC+ and Tubi.
