Top 10 Scariest Natural Horror Movies

#10: “Cujo” (1983)

It might’ve been easy for Stephen King to simply craft a story about a bad dog, but there’s thankfully a deeper tragedy at play when it comes to this 1983 adaptation of King’s novel, “Cujo.” The titular St. Bernard doesn’t start out life with any evil or malice. This is a dog that unfortunately just acquires rabies via misadventure, an accident with a bat that leaves Cujo forever changed. The film vacillates between the human drama of marital infidelity and Cujo’s inevitable rampage, to the point where the latter doesn’t even feel like “(wo)man versus dog,” but rather a familial struggle against the dark side of nature itself.

#9: “Phase IV” (1974)

The 1970s and ‘80s were halcyon periods for “when animals attack” movies that combined disaster tropes with natural revenge. “Phase IV” was something substantially different, however, the sole directorial credit for legendary Hollywood graphic designer Saul Bass. His creative eye is set on full display here with “Phase IV,” a film that sets up a “what if” scenario of intelligent, collaborative ant colonies. Dick Bush’s cinematography is a revelation here, getting up close and personal with the ants, to the point where their scripted motivations feel believable and honest. Meanwhile, the stark setting and equally spacious musical score builds dread and suspense from the first frame to that final, ambiguous ending.

#8: “The Ruins” (2008)

This film from 2008 is one that seems to come up again and again when it comes to standout examples of eco-horror from the late aughts. “The Ruins” could’ve easily ventured into cheese territory with its plot of homicidal jungle vines, out for blood. Instead, this adaptation of Scott Smith’s 2006 novel wisely makes time for slower, dread-inducing moments and violent creature set pieces. This decision is likely what enabled “The Ruins” to endure, not only within the minds of those that caught it during its theatrical run, but also horror fans who gave it a shot on home video.

#7: “Long Weekend” (1978)

Karma may not come for us all, but it definitely arrives within the narrative of Colin Eggleston’s 1978 film, “Long Weekend.” This cult classic focuses upon a couple whose relationship is falling apart, but the real acts of vengeance are taken by the pair’s natural surroundings. This is due to the carelessness with which John Hargreaves’ Peter and Briony Behets’ Marcia treat their getaway destination. Discarded cigarettes, dead animals, and more all come back to haunt Peter and Marcia, as their titular “long weekend” turns into a nightmare where the environment strikes back. Was it all coincidence or cosmic malice that destroyed Peter and Marcia during their ill-fated trip? We may never know.

#6: “Willard” (1971)

The concept of an outsider seeking friendships in strange places is a venerable one, with numerous unique and quirky examples to this end. The “Willard” franchise is one that’s endured in the minds of horror fans since that first entry back in 1971. This story of a lonely and maladjusted young man who makes friends with rats takes its subject matter seriously, a decision amplified by lead Bruce Davison’s inherent likability as Willard. Davison’s character eventually clashes with the head rat, Ben, who was not only the subject of a 1972 sequel, but also a hit song from a young Michael Jackson. Finally, a loose remake from 2003 reignited interest in this tragic tale, reintroducing Willard and The Rats for a whole new audience.

#5: “Them!” (1954)

It’s an OG of the irradiated monster set, a pioneering film when it comes to humbling humanity in the face of a towering natural threat. Indeed, the stars of “Them!” are definitely the giant ants, which served as a great example of the burgeoning special effects industry. Movies like this one and “Tarantula” from 1955 helped ensure that just about any naturally occurring animal or plant life could be blasted with atomic power and turned into a threat. “Them!” helped codify an entire industry in the United States, just as the original “Godzilla” was making waves over in Japan.

#4: “Arachnophobia” (1990)

There’s always existed a certain subset of scary movies that have served as great introductory points for young children. Films like “Arachnophobia” from 1990 that manage to retain their fear quotient, while also coming across as “Spielbergian” and family friendly. This is no accident, of course, since the creative hands of not only Steven Spielberg, but also Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall were all over this thing back in the day. “Arachnophobia” successfully incorporates the fear those of us that are scared of bugs feel when confronted by these beasties. It also never forgets to include some lighter moments, as well, before going all-out for a memorably intense climax.

#3: “The Host” (2006)

The messages of classism and environmentalism exist at the forefront of this monstrous 2006 effort from writer/director Bong Joon Ho. Perhaps this explains why the CGI rendering of this monster seems to take a backseat, while still managing to capture the collective imaginations of some film fans out there in the world. “The Host” is a film that sets Joon-ho’s genre cinema pedigree on full display here, embodying love of the past with a vision of the future. The fishy monster action is balanced here against compelling narrative and memorable characters, and it’s a win-win on all fronts.

#2: “The Birds” (1963)

We’re not quite sure if audiences were ready for director Alfred Hitchcock to unleash “The Birds” on them back in 1963. Conversely, star Tippi Hedren has gone on record in the past about her own horrifying experiences filming this Hitchcock classic. Experiences not only with the director’s alleged overtures and resulting attempts to blackball Hedren in the aftermath of her refusal, but also Hitch’s decision to utilize real birds during an attack sequence. This was allegedly done despite (or, perhaps, due to) knowing about Hedren’s real-life phobia of the creatures. Stories such as these have impacted the legacy of “The Birds,” certainly, but we also wouldn’t be discussing Hitchcock’s film if it wasn’t also an outstanding slice of “nature run amuck” cinema excitement.

#1: “Jaws” (1975)

It’s remarkable to research the impact of “Jaws” after its ushering in of the summer blockbuster. “Jaws” may have walked in the footsteps of other kaiju movies that came before, but it also set up plot points that are utilized to this day. The character of a single-minded bureaucratic figure, for example, determined to see his plans through, regardless of any public danger. Or, of holding back on revealing the true nature of exactly what’s embodying said danger. This was a movie that was forced to adapt to a shark that, frankly, wouldn’t work, while also banking upon the talents of its cast. Actors like Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and particularly Robert Shaw, all of whom breathe new life into author Peter Benchley’s source material.

What, to you, would be the worst sort of creature to rampage across a city? Let us know in the comments!