[Editorial] Creature Features: Best 15 Horror Films with Animals

Throughout the horror genre, animals are used as a tool for fear (and occasionally humour), some more effectively than others. As a big fan of all things that crawl, slither, swim and scuttle (except spiders, but more on that later), have a gander at my list of Horror Films with Animals.

To specify, only real animals will be featured on this list (sorry werewolves). Saying that, the effect of experimental drugs, zombification, or downright possession from Satan himself won’t disqualify any candidates. Furthermore, as much as I love the bees in Candyman (and Tony Todd’s dedication to the role by using the real deal), they won’t be included here as this list holds a primary focus on animals as villains (however unjustified) in their own right. Finally, inclusion on this list does not mean that all the films are good films. Some below are counted as the best because they are the best of the bad, the tacky, and the terrible. And that, dear reader, is why they’re so enjoyable. So, settle in and peruse these beastly creature features.

15) Piranha (Franchise: 1978 - 2012)

That’s a lot of Piranha films, and the premise is pretty much the same for all of them so I couldn’t just mention one. Swarms of killer piranhas descend on a body of water and frenzied eating ensues. These films all have their merit of blood, boobs and boatloads of bodies. There’s not much more to say about them to be honest, just sit back and enjoy the chaos.

14) Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Snakes on a Plane is exactly what it says on the tin. Snakes. On a Plane. The end. To be honest I usually forget the actual plot, I just stick it on to laugh at the terrible CGI snakes biting and constricting people. It’s a great film to watch with friends and of course, it’s hard not to quote along to Samuel L. Jackson’s classic motherfucking line. 

Special shout out to Anaconda (1997) too, yet another terrible CGI big boy danger noodle who crushes Owen Wilson to death (wow) and swallows Jon Voight whole (that interior shot is wild). 

13) Black Sheep (2006)

The writing and directing debut for Jonathan King, Black Sheep is a hilarious dark comedy hailing from New Zealand, which sees sheep become bloodthirsty killers through genetic experimentation on a farm. Those who have seen this film in its entirety may argue that certain elements may disqualify it from this list (spoiler: humans bit by the sheep become zombie sheep people… or sheeple) but the original flock justifies their right to be here in my opinion. With great special effects by Wētā Workshop, Black Sheep never takes itself too seriously, but how could it with the taglines, “Get Ready for the Violence of the Lambs” and “Get the Flock Out of Here”. 

Special mention to Zombeavers (2014) which is an equally oddball take on zombified animals with an equally wild tagline, “They’ll Dam you to Hell”. 

12) Willard (1971 & 2003)

I recently watched Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022), a gorgeous anthology series on Netflix which featured an episode titled Graveyard Rats. This spooky romp featuring rampaging rodents reminded me of an old love of mine, the 2003 remake of Willard with Crispin Glover in the titular role. Although both films are incredibly enjoyable, Glover wins me over with his oddball whimsical friendship with a plague of rats. If the original and remake aren’t enough to satiate your gnawing needs, there is also the 1972 sequel Ben, which follows the loyal rat after his days with Willard. 

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11) Cat People (1942)

I know I said no werewolves. But Cat People, particularly the 1942 original, is different. Irena Dubrovna (played by the incredible Simone Simon) transforming into an actual big cat when aroused isn’t her turning into a mythical half wolf monster by moonlight. She’s a horny panther and she will rip you apart. Female sexuality encapsulated in feral animalistic passion deserves a seat at this metaphorical table, and a definite rewatch from me. 

10) Resident Evil (2002)

Cerberus is basically a good boy gone bad by way of the T-virus. Yes, these zombified dogs turn up throughout the film series, but the original ones in the first Resident Evil film are by far the best. Using real dogs in practical effects for most of the scenes (if you’re able to hunt down the video of the adorable Doberman Pinschers being trained for this it’s well worth a watch), Resident Evil turned dog attacks up to eleven in aggression and speed. 

9) Crawl (2019)

Alligators, generally speaking, are scary. Alligators dragged up from the depths by a massive hurricane that’s flooded your house are even scarier. As someone who lives in the UK and therefore does not have to live my life in fear of a gator attack or a hurricane (at least most of the time), this is nicely distanced from reality. However, if I lived in Florida, I don’t think I’d leave the house in case I encountered either of these terrors.

Special mention to other gator focused frenzies with Alligator (1980) which taught families everywhere to not flush their pets down the toilet as they will grow in the sewers and attack workers, and Lake Placid (1999) which features a surprisingly stellar cast with Bill Pullman, Brendan Gleeson and Betty White.  

8) The Birds (1963) 

How could you have a list of terrifying animals without this Hitchcock’s classic? The Birds is best described as a natural-horror, as a series of unprecedented bird attacks leave people running for their lives. Unfortunately this film comes with a heap of controversy due to Hitchcock’s behaviour towards Tippi Hedren in real life. The fact that Hedren filmed scenes of all too real terror whilst live birds were first hurled at her, and then tied to her garments is no way to treat any person (or bird for that matter), so this entry always comes with a pinch of sadness towards the mistreatment of actresses at this time.  

7) Jaws (1975)

The film that inspired so many other creatures to appear from the depths, including entry 15 on this list, Jaws made an entire generation terrified of the ocean.  The special effects still stand the test of time, even though the production was a little rocky (seek out the play The Shark is Broken if you get the chance, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the behind the scenes of this film written by Ian Shaw (Robert Shaw’s son). 

Big shout out to other shark flicks including Sharknado (2013) and Ghost Shark (2013), both of which take the ocean’s most vilified fish and put it in some unconventional settings, namely a tornado and beyond the grave (Ghost Shark comes out of a man after he drinks a cup of water – genius). Another shout out to The Meg (2018) which is just as enjoyable as many of the films on this list but I simply couldn’t just name shark films for this!

6) Cocaine Bear (2023)

A bear on cocaine. What other explanation do you want? If you haven’t seen this yet, seek it out. It’s the most recent film on this list and it’s a doozy in all the best ways. Funny enough for the comedy fans, dark enough for the horror fans, and drug fuelled enough for… that crowd. You won’t be sorry. 

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5) Arachnophobia (1990)

People that know me know I hate spiders. They terrify me more than any thoughts of murderers or monsters that go bump in the night. This film did not help with my fear growing up. I do not see the humour in Arachnophobia, just fear. But that’s what makes it a great film for me.

A special (and just as terrified) shout out to Eight Legged Freaks (2002) which had the exact same effect on me as a kid. I don’t think I’ll ever be ok with spiders…

4) Nope (2022)

This is a public appeal for Jordan Peele to make us a spin-off Gordy movie. All I want is more of that murderous chimp. Poor animal didn’t deserve what he got but I’m (unjustly) calling him a villain on this list since he did murder a bunch of people. Justice for Gordy (and a film deal). 

Special mention to another ape on a rampage, Shakma (1990). This is not a good film, in my opinion, but that baboon knows how to murder.

3) Pet Sematary (1989 & 2019)

I love both versions of this film (and the book they’re adapted from, all hail Stephen King). And I love Church the most. That cat is an undead little shit. I also know from my friends who are cat owners that if their beloved pets unfortunately expired, they would be sprinting to the graveyard to bury their fur babies to bring them back to life, no matter how gross they were afterwards. 

2) Cujo (1983)

Another banger of a Stephen King adaptation. Cujo is not to be trifled with, that rabid dog will straight up murder you. As a dog lover I always enjoy watching them being scary onscreen, because you know that, in reality, those adorable canines are having the best time playing on set, not realising that on film they’re going to be terrifying. Also, a moment of appreciation for the poster of Cujo in this list, St Bernard’s naturally have very cute droopy eyes that add to their sweet demeanour, and yet the designer of this poster made the bold decision to give the titular pup some crazy almost human sockets, something I think adds to the uncanny terror (and humour). 

1) The VVitch (2015)

If Satan embodied a goat on my family’s farm and asked me if I wanted to live deliciously I would say hell yes without a second thought. He may not be as horrifying as some of the animals on this list, but he’s manipulating people with his dark whispers, so if anything he’s the most dangerous of all. Hail Satan. Hail Black Phillip. I love goats and the taste of butter. 

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