Buzz
When we last explored the theme of movies where "animals attack," we highlighted films with a humorous twist. These weren’t the exaggerated, absurd comedies like those from the creators of Dinocroc or Sharknado, but rather the clever, witty charm found in classics such as Slugs, Piranha, and Black Sheep.
However, after showcasing so many lighthearted films where humans fall prey to ravenous creatures, we felt it was only fair to spotlight the genuinely terrifying "animal attack" movies. While the films listed below may still contain moments of humor, their primary goal is to unsettle and frighten, not to entertain with laughs.
Warning: As the following films belong to the horror genre, some trailers may include content that could be too intense or graphic for certain viewers.
1. The Birds (1963)
You’ll undoubtedly excuse the predictability of this (and the next) entry, but it’s impossible to discuss top-tier "animal attack" films without acknowledging Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 masterpiece, The Birds. Before this brilliantly tense horror film debuted, stories of animal attacks were typically approached with a lighter, often more comical tone. It required a visionary like Hitchcock to demonstrate just how terrifying a "simple" animal could truly be.
From the gradual buildup and crucial character development to unforgettable scenes—like the chilling moment when crows swarm a schoolyard—"The Master of Suspense" revels in delivering sheer terror, awe, and shock. Yet, true to Hitchcock’s style, the film maintains an air of sophistication, subtlety, and clever wit. Additionally, its special effects, groundbreaking for the early 1960s, remain impressively effective even by today’s standards.
2. Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is not only a groundbreaking, wildly popular, and thoroughly engaging example of early blockbuster filmmaking, but it also stands as one of the greatest horror films ever made. (Let no one convince you otherwise.) Rather than focusing on its countless imitations, forgettable sequels, or its monumental cultural impact, let’s zero in on the essential truth:
This film is absolutely terrifying.
It’s safe to assume that humans are born with an innate fear of being devoured by a massive predator—and few films capture that primal terror as effectively as this one. From the frantic screams of Chrissy as she becomes the shark’s first meal to Quint’s gruesome end in the climactic showdown, Spielberg masterfully conveys the horror of a shark attack. Yet, he balances the terror with humor, heart, and rich character development. We become deeply invested in Chief Brody, his family, the townspeople, and his allies as they battle a relentless predator. This emotional connection amplifies the film’s scares, which is why Jaws remains as beloved today as it was four decades ago. If it’s been a while since your last viewing, it’s time to dive back in.
3. Day of the Animals (1977)
While undeniably a B-movie designed for drive-in audiences, this low-budget creature feature has a peculiar charm and a genuinely unsettling vibe. Directed by William Girdler (who also brought us the solid 1976 flick Grizzly), the film draws inspiration from classics like The Birds, Jaws, and Irwin Allen’s disaster spectacles. The result is a gritty tale where a group of (somewhat) famous faces faces off against a variety of enraged wildlife.
If the idea of Leslie Nielsen fighting a bear doesn’t grab you, how about Christopher George, Lynda Day George, Richard Jaeckel, and Andrew Stevens battling mountain lions, snakes, birds, rats, and dogs? Day of the Animals delivers a chaotic animal showdown, and while it’s a campy relic of 1970s genre cinema, it stands out as one of the first eco-horror films to blame the destruction of the ozone layer for its carnage. Pretty forward-thinking for a quirky little horror flick, don’t you think?
(For another obscure example of animal chaos, check out the delightfully silly 1978 TV movie The Beasts Are on the Streets. Yes, that’s the real title.)
4.
Long Weekend (1978)
Despite being largely ignored when it first came out, this underrated Australian gem has since gained a loyal fanbase, primarily due to its eerie, enigmatic atmosphere and a masterful buildup of suspense. On the surface, the premise seems straightforward: a city couple ventures into the wilderness for a camping trip, only to demonstrate a complete lack of respect for nature. Soon, strange and unsettling events begin to unfold...
While it could be seen as a more nuanced and intellectual counterpart to films like Day of the Animals, Long Weekend stands out by steering clear of typical "animal attack" clichés. Instead, it prioritizes character development and atmosphere over unnecessary exposition, delivering a thought-provoking, almost sci-fi-like take on a concept often reduced to cheap thrills. Though it may lack the action of other entries on this list, it more than makes up for it with its chilling tone.
Note: The 2008 remake, also known as Nature's Grave, pales in comparison to the original.
5. Cujo (1983)
Stephen King has never hesitated to voice his thoughts on film adaptations of his novels (a quick search of his initial reaction to Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining will confirm this). He has repeatedly stated that Cujo is one of his all-time favorite adaptations. Pleasing someone as discerning as King is no small feat. (Though, to be fair, King himself directed Maximum Overdrive...)
Dog enthusiasts, take note: Cujo tells the harrowing tale of a mother and her young son trapped in a broken-down car in the sweltering heat, with a rabid dog lurking nearby. While it’s more of a tense psychological thriller than a relentless animal attack film (though the deranged dog does claim a few victims), Cujo remains effective to this day. Its success lies in both its expertly crafted scares and the compelling performances by Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro, who convey the growing terror with every passing moment.
6. Razorback (1984)
Few creatures are as intimidating as a wild boar—not only because they’re vicious and aggressive, but also because they’re downright repulsive. While a giant tusked pig might not evoke the same primal fear as a shark or tiger, you’d still want to steer clear of one.
Arguably one of the most visually striking and self-assured among the many Jaws imitators of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Australian horror film Razorback centers on a massive wild boar wreaking havoc in a remote outback town. This monstrous pig is truly terrifying. Directed by Russell Mulcahy (who later gained fame for Highlander, largely due to his work here), Razorback excels by delivering a horrifying creature and relatable characters, but it’s best remembered for its gritty tone and unexpectedly stunning visuals.
And let’s not forget, that pig is absolutely terrifying.
7. Monkey Shines (1988)
When George Romero’s name comes up, most people immediately think of zombie masterpieces like Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. As the godfather of the zombie genre, it’s easy to overlook his other contributions to horror, such as Martin (1977), Creepshow (1982), and Monkey Shines, a bizarre yet undeniably gripping thriller featuring the most sinister Capuchin monkey since the one in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
On paper, the premise might seem absurd (or even slightly offensive)—a paraplegic man gradually discovers that his service monkey is a genetically enhanced super-primate with a vengeful streak and a willingness to kill anyone who crosses her owner. However, thanks to a talented cast and Romero’s skillful blend of drama, tension, and classic sci-fi horror, Monkey Shines delivers a surprisingly effective and chilling experience.
For more films featuring murderous primates, consider checking out Link (1986) or Shakma (1990).
8. Black Water (2007) // Rogue (2007)
While most killer crocodile (or alligator) films lean toward humor (Alligator, Lake Placid) or outright absurdity (Dinocroc, Croczilla), a handful of independent movies treat the concept of massive, hungry reptiles with genuine seriousness—and several of these emerged in 2007.
Australian filmmaker Greg McLean, fresh off the success of his brutal festival hit Wolf Creek, delivered Rogue, a gripping thriller about tourists trapped in a swamp with a voracious crocodile. That same year, Andrew Traucki and David Nerlich’s Black Water (also Australian!) presented a true-story-inspired account of friends who choose the worst possible fishing spot. Both films excel by prioritizing tension and suspense over cheap laughs or mindless violence, and each features genuinely harrowing crocodile attacks.
For a triple feature, consider adding Michael Katleman’s Primeval, also released in 2007. While not quite as strong as the other two, it offers stunning visuals, a mostly serious tone, and plenty of gruesome action.
9. Open Water (2003) // The Reef (2010)
Contrary to popular belief, there are actually some solid shark movies beyond Jaws (and, yes, Jaws 2). While we often get silly entries like Deep Blue Sea or Shark Night 3-D, and downright absurd ones like Sharktopus and Sharknado 3, there are exceptions.
Open Water is a nerve-wracking tale about a couple accidentally abandoned during a Caribbean scuba diving trip—in waters teeming with sharks. Like many indie films of its kind, Open Water is based on true events, which amplifies the tension. While not much action occurs, the film remains incredibly gripping.
The Reef, directed by one of the minds behind Black Water, also draws from real-life incidents. It follows a group of friends forced to choose between staying on a sinking boat or swimming through shark-filled waters off an Australian reef. This trend suggests that shark (and crocodile) movies based on true stories tend to be crafted with care and restraint, while fictional ones often prioritize humor, spectacle, and chaos.
10. Backcountry (2014)
Aside from 1997’s The Edge, which remains a standout, there have been few well-executed killer bear films over the years. Adam MacDonald’s understated yet tense Backcountry stands out as a rare exception, offering a killer bear movie that doesn’t rely on being a "guilty pleasure." Inspired by true events, Backcountry follows the Open Water formula, introducing us to a relatable couple, lulling us into comfort, and then delivering shocking, intense, and sustained suspense.
