Many films throughout history have depicted the wild nature of animals, maybe none more so than a bear outraged after eating a ludicrous amount of cocaine. Some of these films are humorous, and some are terrifying, but they are all great in some manner.
These films depict the dark side of animals or at least a fictitious dark side. Whether it’s sharks flying over Los Angeles in waterspouts or ferocious grey wolves in the Alaskan mountains, these films make us feel both terrified and exhilarated at the prospect of what these animals are capable of.
1. The Shallows (2016)
Similar to the Deep Blue Sea, we encounter a shark in The Shallows that is too intelligent for humanity to live. Nancy Adams (Blake Lively) is on vacation in Mexico when she is attacked and injured by a great white shark while surfing. After being forced to spend the night injured and terrified on a reef, she must devise a plan to outwit the shark.
She did, after all, name a seagull “Steven Seagull.” There are numerous instances of acute anxiety, as well as several hilarious ones (she did name a seagull “Steven Seagull”). This film ultimately provides heart-pounding moments of action, excitement, and utterly terrifying dread. Although a really enjoyable film, it may cause you to reconsider your next surfing trip.
READ MORE: Top 10 Adventure TV Shows to Watch in 2023
2. Deep Blue Sea (1999)
In Deep Blue Sea, as opposed to the natural fear of Jaws, we confront a group of doctors performing study and testing on sharks in an attempt to find a treatment for Alzheimer’s – a formula for disaster, as genetic testing never goes according to plan in films.
When scientists expand the size of the sharks’ brains to make them smarter and deadlier, the sharks being tested become more intelligent and lethal. This film, starring Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J, and Samuel L. Jackson, delves headfirst into thrill and adventure, demonstrating that we should never mess with sharks because they will mess back.
3. Squirm (1976)
In what is arguably one of the most absurd animal attack films of all time, Squirm presents the exceedingly awkward concept of power line-mutated blood worms. Yeah, it is as strange as it sounds, but it is also shockingly horrifying.
The film’s performances and production earned less-than-stellar reviews when it was released in 1976, but it has since become a cult favorite. It has been referenced in different media throughout the years, including an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 from 1999. Although not necessarily the most terrifying film of all time, there are moments of pure fear.
4. Crawl (2019)
Crawl is an amalgamation of all the worst events occurring together. There is floods, a hurricane, looters, and alligators that are dangerous to humans. What else could they possibly add? Literally, everything that could go wrong happens.
College swimmer Haley Keller, portrayed by Kaya Scodelario, checks on her father’s (Barry Pepper) Florida home as a category 5 hurricane approaches. Flooding, alligators, looters, and being trapped in the house’s flooded crawlspace all result in brave, spectacular rescues and thrilling moments of suspense. The film garnered generally favorable reviews, and it is highly recommended.
YOU MAY LIKE: Top 10 Best All-Time Action Movies on Netflix
5. Beast (2022)
This film is neither corny nor ludicrous, yet it deserves consideration regardless. After a traumatic separation, a father (Idris Elba) sends his two kids on vacation to South Africa to reunite with them. While there, they travel to the Mopani Reserve with a wildlife biologist friend (Sharlto Copley) to observe the wildlife. Everything goes awry when they confront a lion that has gone rogue.
Following a series of brutal attacks, the group manages to elude the man-eating lion for just long enough for an unusual group to arrive, but would that be enough? This heart-pounding, suspense-filled picture will keep you on the tip of your seat, and Elba’s performance as a father who will do anything to save his daughters is genuinely outstanding.
6. The Grey (2011)
In this picture of nonstop suspense and action, we are confronted with several questions about our capabilities, skills, and flaws. Liam Neeson leads the fight as a sharpshooter who kills grey wolves in Alaska that endanger oil drillers for a profession. However, his plane crashes as he flies home, and he guides the survivors on a harrowing trek.
In addition to Neeson, the cast of this picture includes Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Dallas Roberts, and Joe Anderson. The Grey’s intense suspense and empathetic performances combine for a horrifyingly enjoyable viewing experience.
7. Piranha 3D (2010)
2010 saw the release of the quasi-remake of the 1978 dark comedy classic Piranha, Piranha 3D. Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott, Jerry O’Connell, Ving Rhames, Christopher Lloyd, and Richard Dreyfus all contributed to the box-office success of this unexpected film.
After an earthquake in Arizona, a lake floor cracks, releasing prehistoric piranha into the water and destroying Spring Break. Akin to the film Jaws, the partygoers ignore the advice of their leaders until the piranhas begin devouring everyone, at which point a frenzy ensues and the craziness continues.
8. Sharknado (2013)
Sharknado was created when a series of extraordinarily powerful freak cyclones began to collect lethal sharks in waterspouts and flood the metropolis of Los Angeles. Since 2013, this film series has spawned almost a half-dozen sequels and spin-offs, even though its premise sounds completely implausible.
With Ian Ziering and Tara Reid as the series’ major characters, there are never any dull moments. This too-ridiculous-to-be-true film series is entertaining, wacky, and possibly a little bit nuts. Yet, it is one of the most genuinely entertaining bits of comedy you may ever encounter!
9. The Birds (1963)
Even now, most people would likely chuckle at this concept for an animal attack film, as it sounds the complete opposite of frightening. A flock of birds appears to be little more than a minor irritation that necessitates a frequent car wash. But, Alfred Hitchcock demonstrated to the world how truly terrifying birds can be.
In 1963, Hitchcock demonstrated that even something as subtle as birds may be the most terrifying thing ever. Following a series of inexplicable severe bird attacks in the Northern California hamlet of Bodega Bay. The Birds has left such an indelible mark on the world of cinema that it was chosen for preservation by the United States Library of Congress in 2016.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Best Martial Arts Movies of All Time
10. Jaws (1975)
Having one of the most iconic film scores in cinematic history, Jaws is undoubtedly a contender for the top spot. The story of a bloodthirsty killer shark in the little New England village of Amity Island. The shark attacks continue, and the carnage is beyond description.
Jaws, starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw, was the first film of its kind to be made on such a big scale. The picture boasted the distinction of being the highest-grossing film of all time until the debut of Star Wars two years later. It is a fascinating and disturbing film that may make you reconsider nighttime swimming.