The Best Monster Movies On Netflix Right Now

Be it Creature from the Black Lagoon or The Host, monster movies have always been an important staple of pop culture. From Kaiju to vampires, monster flicks can confront anxieties that are largely unexplored in other genres, whether it be the societal fear of the unknown or themes of deep-rooted despair. While this darkness may be a turn-off for many, the macabre — represented in the form of a vampire, lake creature, or alien — allows for a symbolic discussion of societal fears in the media. On a less dramatic note, monster movies provide plenty of off-the-walls action, cool costuming, practical effects, and make-up designs that monster movie aficionados have come to love. 

Luckily for monster fans, Netflix has plenty of movies on hand for even the most seasoned of creature feature fans to enjoy. To help you find the best the streaming service has to offer, here is a list of the best monster movies that are on Netflix right now.

In 17th century Lithuania, a Jewish village is threatened when a neighboring group of Gentiles blames the residents for an outbreak of plague. The peaceful people of the village are no match for the heavily-armed group that comes for them. But one woman, Hanna, is determined to protect her village, so against the wishes of her husband and their rabbi, she uses the forbidden power of the Kaballah to create a golem. Even though there is tremendous power in the golem, Hanna is warned that the soulless creature is a monster that cannot be fully controlled. Despite this, Hanna comes to find that the golem, which takes the form of a small boy, is like a son to her.

The Golem is a cautionary tale in a similar vein to Frankenstein about mankind (in this case, a woman) playing God. The Golem is a terrifying creature in that it has no feelings or motivations, and that the power associated with it quickly spirals out of control. Aside from The Golem's frightfully effective title monster, the film also succeeds as a compelling period piece that highlights the real-world persecution of Jewish people. On top of all that, it's also an interesting examination of loss, motherhood, and traditional gender roles within Jewish society.

Directed by Kevin Smith, Tusk introduces Wallace, co-host of a podcast dedicated to ridiculing people online. The sick and twisted adventure begins when Wallace stumbles upon an ad offering a free place to stay in exchange for exciting stories. Interested, Wallace makes his way out to the mansion in the middle of nowhere to meet Howard Howe, an old man with plenty of wacky stories, but none stranger than that of Mr. Tusk, the walrus that saved him after he was shipwrecked many years ago. While Howard's stories entrance Wallace, the seemingly harmless old man is just a bit more obsessed with the walrus that saved his life than appears on the surface.

Tusk is a very strange film any monster movie fan should watch at least once. It's certainly an odd entry in the canon of the body horror subgenre, seeing that the horror is in watching a human transform into a walrus. It's clear that the film isn't meant to be taken entirely seriously, as the premise itself is ridiculous, but that's exactly what makes it fun. For anyone who likes campy, not-too-serious horror films, Tusk may just be the right up your alley.

If you remember the first segment from the horror anthology V/H/S and thought that was impressive, then you're going to want to check out Siren. Siren is a feature-length adaption of the short tale from V/H/S, but with some new twists and turns along the way. 

To celebrate his upcoming marriage, Jonah's brother Mac plans an excursion to a strip club for a night of debauchery. However, Mac finds the location not up to standard and takes the bachelor party to an underground strip club where Jonah is treated to an exclusive performance by a woman with an otherworldly, seductive voice. After her performance, Jonah becomes convinced that she is being held against her will, and with the help of his crew, he breaks her out. However, when the woman sprouts a tail and begins to eat her assailants, Jonah realizes that maybe there was a reason she was being kept locked in a cage.

The Monster focuses on the troubled relationship between Kathy and her ten-year-old daughter Lizzy. While Kathy is driving, a wolf runs across the road, causing their car to crash. Thinking that the dead wolf lying in the road is the worst the forest has in store for them, the mother and daughter pair wait while a repairman works on their broken car. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes clear that the wolf was running from something much, much bigger, and now Kathy and Lizzy are about to become the monster's next prey. 

Most of the film centers on Kathy and Lizzy's strained relationship and the tension bubbling to the surface while they are stranded and struggling to survive. However, there are also moments of warmth and genuine love shared between them as the two are forced to protect and care for each other against the bloodthirsty monster. There is a healthy blend of quiet, reflective moments and action-packed fight scenes against the intimidating monster that makes the film an enjoyable ride from start to finish. 

This remake of the 1973 television movie of the same name follows the Hurst family as they move into the dilapidated Blackwood Manor in an attempt to restore it to its former glory. However, the family finds that one facet of the manor is resistant to change. Sally, the eight-year-old daughter of architect Alex Hurst, finds that there is a creature that lives in the basement fireplace that is composed completely of ash. When the creature is found to be hostile, the family has to find a way to stay alive and survive this Gothic horror.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is a gloomy, spooky horror flick and produced and co-written by Guillermo del Toro. His involvement comes as no surprise, as there is definitely a unique fairytale aspect that you would find in his other works, such as Pan's Labyrinth. Most importantly, the little monsters who lurk beneath the house are creepy enough to keep even the bravest monster hunters from venturing into their basements for a long while.

In Backcountry, the monster isn't some man-made monstrosity or an other-worldly being; the monster in question is a little more realistic. Instead of the supernatural or the unknown, the beast is simply a man-eating bear. 

Based on a true story, Backcountry tells the tale of two hikers who take a camping trip in the remote wilderness. The hikers, Alex and Jenn, are taken into progressively dangerous situations due to Alex's pride, eventually finding themselves totally lost. As the film progresses, we also learn more about the couple's relationship, which only serves to add to the growing tension that builds as the two of them become more and more unsure of their bearings.

Backcountry has fared excellently among critics, and it's one of those movies where the less you know going in, the better. So if you haven't already, grab your survival gear and your bear mace and give Backcountry a look.