20 February 2012

Sci-Fi’s Best Killer Giant Insect Movies

The genre of bug movies was first introduced in the 1950’s, and has spawned hundreds of films over the years. From man eating spiders to gigantic roaches, this unique kind of appalling filmmaking has dealt with perhaps the most unattractive and terrifying assembly of characters.

We all love a good scare every now and then, which is why many of these horrific “bug” movies top the box office decade after decade. From the early years of cinema up till now, this subgenre of horror films has brought many movie-goers to their knees shaking and screaming in fear, and here we round up 5 of the best in bug movies.


1. The Fly (1986)

This remake of the Vincent Price original is one of the most memorable and touching bug movies to date, and is a far cry from the typical unintelligent sci-fi films that are out only to spread fright and terror.


With a cast of acclaimed actors such as Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, the Fly revolves around Seth (Goldblum), a scientist who is working on a teleportation device that accidentally transforms him into a terrifying man-fly. As he struggles to regain his humanity, the audience is taken on a bittersweet story of love and sacrifice.


2. Them! (1954)

No round up of bug movies would ever be complete without mentioning the film that started it all. Them! is the first movie of its kind to make it to the big screen. Harping on the people’s fear of nuclear bombs, the film sent mobs of the moviegoers through a horrific journey involving ants that threaten to eliminate mankind.


3. Arachnophobia (1990)

One of the most acclaimed bug films of all time, Arachnophobia made millions of audience members scream in fright. Garnering a Saturn Award for the best horror movie of the year, this film is just one of the few that won the accolades of film critics.


Preying on man’s innate fear of spiders, Arachnophobia relates the story of a scientist who was mysteriously killed in the Amazon by a venomous spider. As luck would have it, the same spider, which stayed hidden inside the dead scientist’s backpack, was transported back into the US causing a string of deaths. A local doctor (Jeff Daniels) who ironically is an arachnophobic, enlists the help of an exterminator (John Goodman) to save their town.


4. Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)

A movie that features an army of giant tarantulas is definitely a good one for the screams. With a powerful cast headed by William Shatner who plays veterinarian Rack Hansen, the movie centers on his exploits involving a group of deadly tarantulas.


5. Creepshow (1982)

From Stephen King, the master of horror fiction himself, comes a frightening psychological tale about a man and his battle with cockroaches.


Directed by acclaimed director George Romero, Creepshow takes audiences on an eerie ride via a masterfully written script that is bound to tickle your imagination and call up your worst fears.


As a final note, we do warn the faint of heart to think twice about watching these films, as they can leave you shrieking and shaking in your seat.

Creepshow
Creepshow (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

About today's Post:
If you’d like a look at the damage a real menace can cause, check out these bed bugs bite pictures and bed bug rash pictures for a horror story that can get a little too close to home.


The Fly (1986 film)
Image via Wikipedia

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