Top 10 Creature Features To Watch This Spooky Season

TV & Film

Sep 7

The most underrated subgenre of horror is creature features. These were hugely popular in the 30s and 40s but sadly started to die off, being replaced by supernatural and slasher films. We still get a few every once in a while, but it is a subgenre that I would like to see get a resurgence as horror films rise in popularity. A creature feature is defined as a monster or animal being the main antagonist or villain of the film. Many classic horror films fall into this, but now that supernatural horror and slashers are so prevalent, we sometimes see films categorized as something other than a creature feature such as monster movies. Let’s take a look at ten creature features that you should add to your spooky season watchlist this year!

10. ‘An American Werewolf In London’ (1981)

This film follows two American college students who are backpacking through Britain. Unfortunately, they are attacked by a large wolf, and after one of them dies, the other is left with horrifying nightmares. He soon realizes that he was attacked by a werewolf, and he is now turning into one. This film has arguably one of the most impressive transformations in cinematic history.

An American Werewolf in London is available to watch on Tubi.

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9. ‘The Descent’ (2005)

This is a film that many might not think of when talking about creature features, but thanks to the terrifying crawlers, it falls perfectly into the subgenre. The film follows a group of friends who embark on a spelunking trip that takes a horrifying turn when the group’s leader takes them to an unknown cave that doesn’t appear on any maps. The tension in the group is palpable and only worsens as they discover disturbing cave drawings and realize that they are being hunted.

The Descent is available to stream on Max.

8. ‘Frankenstein’ (1931)

This is arguably one of the most recognizable creature features of all time. While I am not the biggest fan of the film due to the treatment of Frankestein’s Monster, I do feel that it is a classic that everyone should see at least once. The film follows Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to create life by sewing together the body parts of the dead. There are plenty of remakes, but if you are going to watch one Frankenstein film then it needs to be the original.

Frankenstein is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

7. ‘Silent Hill’ (2006)

Most people know of this film thanks to the video game that it is based on. The film follows a mother who refuses to accept that her young daughter is dying. While on the way to take her to see a healer, they drive through a portal that leads them directly into Silent Hill. The town is plagued by darkness and is filled with horrifying creatures that hunt the few remaining humans.

Silent Hill is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

6. ‘Van Helsing’ (2004)

This may not be a favorite for everyone but it is one of my favorite creature features to watch this time of year. The film includes everything from werewolves to vampires to Frankenstein’s Monster. It follows monster slayer Van Helsing as he teams up with a young woman to try to help her find her brother and defeat Dracula. The film is full of great action sequences, and the casting is spectacular.

Van Helsing is available to stream on Peacock.

5. ‘Dracula’ (1931)

While many people may not consider vampire movies creature features, they technically fit within the definition of the subgenre. There are so many great movies that you could watch if you want to see Count Dracula such as 1992’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula or 2023’s Renfield, but for this list, I stuck with Bela Lugosi’s classic take on the character. The film follows Count Dracula as he makes his way to London to live in a castle and feast on the blood of young women. As he sets his sights on his next victim, he gains the attention of Van Helsing who is determined to kill the monster before he can claim another victim.

Dracula is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

4. ‘Lake Placid’ (1999)

This is one of my favorite movies ever, but it is also one of my favorite creature features. The film follows a game warden, sheriff, and paleontologist as they attempt to track down a massive reptile that has attacked and killed a man in a Maine lake. They soon discover that the creature was put into the lake by a local, and she has been feeding it and its young for decades.

Lake Placid is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

3. ‘Gremlins’ (1984)

This is another classic film and while I typically watch this one at Christmas, it couldn’t be left off a list of the top ten creature features! The film follows a young man who was gifted a Mogwai by his father for Christmas. The small furry creature comes with specific instructions, and when an accident breaks one of those rules, chaos ensues!

Gremlins is available to rent on Apple TV.

2. ‘Alien’ (1979)

This may honestly be the most recognizable film on the entire list. It follows the crew of the Nostromo who are awakened early from their cryo-sleep capsules to investigate a distress call coming from an alien ship. As they enter the ship they encounter a nest of eggs, and a horrifying creature burst from one of them attaching itself to a crew member.

Alien is available to stream on Hulu.

1. 'Creature From The Black Lagoon’ (1954)

While this film is a classic, I feel like it typically flies under everyone’s radar. The film follows a group of marine biologists who are tasked with searching a lagoon after the remains of a mysterious creature are found buried in sediment next to it. As they search for what they believe will be more remains, they quickly discover that something is lurking in the depths hunting them.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

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