For decades, cryptids have prowled across the big screen, brought to life by the wild imaginations of many well-known filmmakers. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a cryptid is "an animal (such as Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster) that has been claimed to exist, but never proven to exist." With roots in the shrouded realities of nature and generations of folklore from all different cultures and countries, these creatures can sometimes feel as real as the everyday deer or squirrel one could expect to see roaming the woods. While some believers have already declared their definite existence, others need a little convincing. That's where movie magic comes in, helping audiences to visualize these well-worn stories through a creative lens.
Blending the more obvious elements of the horror and sci-fi genres in with other subtypes, such as comedy and action films, successful cryptid movies focus on emphasizing the mystery of these otherworldly creatures. This is accomplished through showcasing the relationship that each of these beasts has with the world that surrounds them, and of course, the average nosy humans who often get in the way. Check out our list of the best movies about cryptids, ranked.
8 The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
The Legend of Boggy Creek centers around the legend of the mysterious Fouke Monster, which can allegedly be found in Fouke, Arkansas. This gigantic, hairy creature – very similar to Bigfoot – has made a mark on locals, who are interviewed throughout the story amidst reenactments of their sightings and stories. The film is captured in a documentary style, making it seem somewhat scientifically sound to younger viewers, especially with its G rating. Its low-budget nature and slow climactic build have both drawn audiences away and attracted a few dedicated fans. Either way, the story went on in the film's two sequels: Return to Boggy Creek and Boggy Creek II: The Legend Continues.
7 Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
Another homage to the ongoing legacy of Bigfoot, Harry and the Hendersons stepped away from turning into a scary story and instead became a family-oriented adventure. After a camping trip, George Henderson (John Lithgow) heads home with his family when he suddenly strikes what appears to be a Sasquatch with his car. Hoping it's dead, and also their ticket to fame, they tie the beast to the roof rack and go on their way. They get more than they bargained for when the creature turns out to be alive, and even more surprisingly, friendly. They decide to name him Harry (Kevin Peter Hall) as they dodge all kinds of inquiries about the apparent existence of Bigfoot. Combining typical '80s cheesiness with special effects suits, this film stands as probably the most campy within the world of cryptid films.
6
Skinwalker Ranch (2013)
This found-footage freak show might make you steer clear of wide open spaces. Skinwalker Ranch illuminates the time-honored folklore of its titular cryptid, as well as a real location in Utah of the same name that has been the vantage point of apparent UFO sightings. A cattle ranch owner's (Jon Gries) son vanishes, and the case attracts an investigative team who turns up to solve the mystery. Reminiscent of the ominous vibes conjured up by similar films like Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project, this one similarly invokes otherworldly guests that arrive to shake things up on Earth. With some skin-crawling moments and a rather realistic filming style, it's no wonder that this film has been regarded as truly unsettling.
5 Abominable (2006)
Abominable is a harrowing tale that hinges on the power of belief. Preston Rogers (Matt McCoy) becomes disabled after an accident and decides to rehabilitate in a cabin surrounded by deep dark woods, where he previously lived with his late wife. His neighbor Karen (Ashley Hartman) is terrorized and taken by a hulking, hairy beast, but no one seems to take Preston's word for it as he starts to unravel the mystery and get in touch with the police. A bloody reckoning ensues, drawing the creature out from the depths of the forest. A review from Variety reads, "'Abominable' goes completely over the top into an Ed Wood-meets-'Rear Window' subspecies of giddy, gory amateurish abandon."
4
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Things definitely get hairy in Dog Soldiers, a classic entry into the werewolf subgenre. A military training exercise in the dead of night goes horribly wrong when British soldiers come face to face with their fiercest enemy yet. The squad is brutally attacked by what they soon find out to be bloodthirsty werewolves. This begins the longest night of their lives as they anticipate sunrise, waiting for the wolves to turn back into their human form. This is a rollicking ride of a film, combining mythological creatures with the militia, as many good cryptid films do. A second installation of Dog Soldiers is anticipated from the first film's director, Neil Marshall, who hopes to bring the story back to the big screen soon.
Best Movies about Werewolves, Ranked
3
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007)
This warm-hearted film is a family-friendly adventure through the Scottish Highlands, following one boy's curious journey to protect a mythical creature in danger. The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep tells the story of Angus MacMorrow (Alex Etel) who lives on the edge of Loch Ness. When he comes across a strange, gooey egg, he scoops it up and waits for it to hatch. Out pops a squealing, benevolent beast who Angus names Crusoe, and thus begins the struggle to keep him hidden from prying eyes who seek to hunt the fabled creature that haunts the Loch. Offering a sweeter spin on the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, this movie is a tumultuous tearjerker that might encourage you to peer into the deep the next time you go out on the water.
2 The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
The Mothman Prophecies somehow puts an even darker spin on a big winged being that goes bump in the night. This horror film follows John Klein (Richard Gere), a journalist who is led to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and ends up looking into unexplainable happenings that have gripped the town. After his wife's (Debra Messing) tragic death, during which she drew and spoke of a similar creature, John hoped to put the past behind him, but it soon comes back with a bite. Set against a backdrop of prophetic dreams, the Mothman waits in the shadows. An Empire Online review stated, "The film offers a sustained deployment of weirdness connected by mood and imagery, including buzzing phone messages from something which calls itself 'Idris Gold' and ambiguous sightings of the Mothman."
1 An American Werewolf in London (1981)
An American Werewolf in London is a classic example of a creature feature done right. During an unassuming backpacking trip through England, two American students are ambushed by a huge wolf. Jack (Griffin Dunne) loses his life in the bloody battle, but David (David Naughton) lives and sustains a bite. Visiting him in horrific dreams, Jack tells David that he's doomed to turn into a werewolf. Naturally, David is terrified by the truth, and grapples with his fate before the full moon rises. Perhaps the most memorable moment from this film is its hideous, skin-crawling transformation scene, in which David finally becomes his worst nightmare. Understandably, this masterpiece has attracted a cult fan following. Premiering in 1981, the film reached its 40th anniversary last year, celebrated by hordes of howling fans.