The Best Creature Feature Movies of the 2000s

Best Monster Movies of the Noughties

The decade 2000-2010 was actually a pretty stellar year for horror. With a number of trends from J-Horror inspired and Spanish-language supernatural chillers to the ultra-violent French New Wave Horror. Found footage, torture porn (blurgh) and bucket loads of excellent Zombie movies!!!!

I think the naughties were less great for Creature Features, at least of the cheesy, big-budget kind that floats my boat. Still, there were definitely some corkers that are worth dusting off every once in a while. Including in my humble opinion one of the best horror movies of all time – The Descent.

There were lots of sequels in the 00’s – Various Anacondas, giant lake-based crocodiles, Sand snakes, Alien vs. Predator (which I seem to recall was shit but I enjoyed it anyway). A couple of Mimic sequels, but none of these make the list.

Some of the better creature feature offerings from the noughties (in date order) include:

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Ginger Snaps (2000)

Werewolves innit.

Ginger Snaps” is a refreshingly dark and twisted take on the coming-of-age horror genre. The film brilliantly explores themes of sisterhood, puberty, and lycanthropy, blending them into a unique and thought-provoking narrative. The film’s sharp wit, gruesome effects, and feminist undertones have made it a cult classic.

Pitch Black (2000)

Vin Diesel fights a planet full of light phobic nasties.

When a transport ship crashes on a remote desert planet, the passengers and crew find themselves at the mercy of voracious, light-sensitive creatures that emerge in the planet’s perpetual darkness. As tensions flare and trust wanes, the enigmatic and dangerous Riddick (Vin Diesel) emerges as an unlikely leader, offering both his ruthlessness and unique abilities to help the survivors escape the deadly predators and the planet’s impending solar eclipse.

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

If a film featuring Elvis living in a retirement home and fighting off a soul-sucking, cowboy/reanimated Egyptian mummy, with what may or may not be John F Kenedy, based on a novella by Joe R. Lansdale, floats your boat (and really why wouldn’t it) then Bubba Ho-Tep may be just the film for you.

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Scottish soldiers vs Werewolves.

When a group of British soldiers becomes trapped in a remote forest in the Scottish Highlands, they discover that they are not alone. Hunted by a pack of ferocious and bloodthirsty werewolves, they must band together to survive the night and fight for their lives.

Eight Legged Freaks (2002)

Toxic Waste (what else!) causes spiders in a small American mining town to grow to monstrous proportions and attack David Arquette This homage to the B-movies of the 50s feels like it should have been made in the 90s. And I mean that with affection.

King Kong (2005)

An ambitious filmmaker and his crew hire a ship to travel to the mysterious Skull Island. Where they encounter Kong, a giant gorilla who they capture and take back to New York. And well, you know the rest.

I actually liked this in an over the top, cheesy, big-budget kind of way (for which I’m a sucker.)

The Decent (2005)

Nightmarishly claustrophobic story of six women trapped in an unexplored cave system when a rockslide blocks their exit route. If that wasn’t bad enough, there is something else down there with them. Something horrifying. If you only watch one film on this list, watch this one!

The Cave (2005) and Creep (2004) are slightly less good variations on this theme, but still worth a watch.

Feast (2005)

Low budget but fun Horror Comedy set in a local bar in Nevada that is suddenly attacked by monstrous creatures.

Slither (2006)

A small town in South Carolina becomes invaded by a malevolent alien parasite.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Nuff said.

A hilariously absurd and over-the-top action-comedy that does exactly what it says on the tin. When a cargo of deadly snakes is unleashed aboard a passenger plane mid-flight, it’s up to Samuel L. Jackson, playing a no-nonsense FBI agent, to save the day. As the serpentine chaos ensues, the film serves up a delicious blend of campy thrills, cringe-worthy one-liners, and a whole lot of slithering surprises. Snakes on a Plane embraces its absurd premise with gusto, making it a perfect choice for a night of popcorn-fueled, B-movie fun.

The Host (2006)

Giant mutated monster emerges from the River Han and wreaks havoc on Seoul.

What makes The Host stand out is its brilliant blending of genres – it’s equal parts horror, comedy, family drama, and social commentary. The creature effects are great and the film’s suspenseful sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. Yet, it’s also filled with moments of genuine humor and poignant family moments, making it an emotionally resonant experience. Bong Joon-ho’s storytelling prowess is on full display here, and The Host is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fresh and entertaining take on the creature-feature genre.

Definitely one of my favourites from this list

The Mist (2007)

Stephen King adaptation

Members of a small town in Maine are trapped in a supermarket after an unnatural mist rolls in, enveloping the town. Lurking in the Mist, some extremely nasty, Lovecraftian surprises wait to greet them!

Rogue (2007)

A group of tourists in Australia are stalked by a giant, man-eating crocodile. I’m a sucker for anything that features the description giant man-eating…

There’s also Tobe Hooper’s direct to video Crocodile which was released in 2000 if you’re feeling particularly trashy.

30 days of night (2007)

Based on the comic book miniseries of the same name, 30 days of night is set in an Alaskan town as it enters into a thirty-day long polar night. Basically no daylight for thirty days. Good news for vampires.

Cloverfield (2008)

Massive monster, on the rampage in Manhattan. Found footage, but don’t let that put you off.

Splinter (2008)

A young couple, an escaped convict and his junkie girlfriend find themselves trapped in a Gas Station by a parasitic organism.

Have I missed any Gems? What is your favourite Creature feature from the 2000s?