There was a time when killer animal movies were practically a guarantee of financial success. For example, one of the biggest box office successes in the history of cinema, and one of the main people responsible for popularizing blockbusters, is “Jaws” (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg.
However, currently, this type of film no longer arouses the same interest in the public as it did in the past. Even before animal films became popular, productions featuring giant insects were successful in the 1950s.
Over the years, films featuring murderous arthropod protagonists emerged and conquered the public, generally associated with B series productions, alongside works that had giant animals and monsters as antagonists.
If you like this film genre, below we highlight the 10 best films with killer insects.
The best movies about killer insects
In this disaster movie, a swarm of killer bees threatens humanity. Upon its release “O Enxame” was massacred by audiences and critics, but later became a cult.
The plot follows an entomologist who leads a task force to contain the spread of these super-resistant killer bees.
The cast includes a group of famous actors such as Michael Caine, Katharine Ross, Richard Widmark, Richard Chamberlain, Olivia de Havilland, Ben Johnson, Lee Grant, José Ferrer, Patty Duke, Slim Pickens, Bradford Dillman, Henry Fonda and Fred MacMurray.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, “Mutation” had production problems and was a box office failure. However, currently, the film has a good critical and public rating.
In the story, an epidemic spread by cockroaches kills about a thousand children. Meanwhile, a scientist (Mira Sorvino) creates a genetically modified insect that manages to eradicate the plague.
However, years later, these insects end up evolving in unexpected ways, becoming huge, carnivorous and with the ability to imitate humans.
The film also stars Josh Brolin, Murray Abraham and Norman Reedus. It also won two sequels.
Mixing horror and drama, the French film “The Cloud” tells the story of a single mother with financial difficulties who raises and sells crickets as a source of protein. However, when they stop breeding, she discovers that crickets are interested in human flesh and blood.
Mixing horror and comedy (terrir), the film “Arachnophobia” follows a small town overrun by killer spiders uncommon in the region.
In the story, a nature photographer working in a forest in Venezuela dies from a spider bite. When his coffin is sent back home, a spider ends up hitching a ride.
Dr. Ross Jennings (Jeff Daniels), an arachnophobic, has just moved there with his family. And it is he who begins to suspect spiders when his patients begin dying frequently.
Another “terrible” film with spiders, this work has a cast that includes names like David Arquette (of the “Scream” series), Kari Wuhrer, Scott Terra, Doug E. Doug and Scarlett Johansson.
In the film, a city in the United States is attacked by ferocious spiders that have become giants due to contact with mutagenic toxic waste.
The first film to use insects as monsters, “The World in Peril,” addresses the fear of nuclear radiation in the context of the Cold War.
In the film, a nest of giant mutant ants is discovered due to exposure to nuclear radiation in the New Mexico desert.
When two queen ants escape to establish new nests, a national threat is established, leading to the search for and extermination of the ants.
Directed by noted science fiction director Jack Arnold, “Tarantula” is one of the most popular “Big Bugs” productions of the 1950s.
In the plot, a scientist works on an artificial nutrient that promises to provide an unlimited supply of food to humanity. However, the experiment causes extraordinarily rapid growth in the test subjects. When one of them, a tarantula, escapes, a deadly problem arises as it grows bigger and bigger.
This sci-fi/horror film, about super-intelligent ants, was a commercial failure. However, “Phase IV – Destruction” is yet another case of films that have gained cult status over the years.
In the plot, a team of scientists investigates strange behavioral changes in ants after the passage of a cosmic phenomenon. Apparently, the event triggered accelerated evolution in the ants, making them more intelligent and cooperative. Soon a conflict begins between ants and humans
Directed by Edward Ludwig, “The Black Scorpion” is a science fiction horror film that features giant scorpions. To create the monsters, special effects master Willis O’Brien used stop-motion animation.
In the story, volcanic activity releases giant prehistoric scorpions from the Earth. The creatures begin to threaten the local population, causing chaos and destruction.
Starring none other than William Shatner, Star Trek’s eternal Captain Kirk, “The Spider Empire” uses real spiders.
In the film, a veterinarian (played by Shatner) investigates mysterious animal deaths in a rural area of Arizona. He soon discovers that several killer spiders have taken over the city and are attacking animals and humans.
The 10 best movies featuring bees, spiders and other killer insects appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
