Five Movie Monsters Which Terrified Us As Kids

Childhood is a time of wonder and imagination, but it's also a time when our innocent minds can be easily frightened by the fantastical creatures we encounter on the big screen.

From towering monsters to eerie supernatural beings, certain movie creatures have haunted our dreams and sent shivers down our spines long after the credits rolled. Here are five movie monsters that terrified us as kids, leaving an indelible mark on our memories...

Please note clips may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

1. The Xenomorph (Alien franchise):

Ridley Scott's "Alien" introduced audiences to the nightmarish Xenomorph, a relentless and deadly extra-terrestrial creature that haunted the corridors of the spaceship Nostromo. With its sleek, biomechanical design, razor-sharp claws, and acidic blood, the Xenomorph embodies pure terror as it stalks and kills the crew members one by one. From its unsettling appearance to its horrifying lifecycle, including the face hugger and chest burster stages, the Xenomorph left an indelible impression on audiences, forever cementing its status as one of the most iconic and terrifying movie monsters of all time.

2. Pennywise the Dancing Clown (It):

Based on Stephen King's novel, "It" brought to life one of the most chilling and memorable movie monsters in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Portrayed by Tim Curry in the 1990 miniseries and later by Bill Skarsgård in the 2017 film adaptation, Pennywise embodies the embodiment of childhood fears, luring unsuspecting children into the sewers of Derry, Maine, where it feasts on their deepest fears. With its sinister grin, haunting laughter, and shape-shifting abilities, Pennywise terrorized generations of viewers, instilling a fear of clowns that persists to this day.

3. The Predator (Predator franchise):

In the 1987 film "Predator," audiences were introduced to the titular creature, an extra-terrestrial hunter with advanced technology and a ruthless instinct for tracking and killing prey. With its menacing appearance, including mandibles, camouflage capabilities, and deadly weapons, the Predator struck fear into the hearts of viewers as it stalked a team of elite soldiers in the jungles of Central America. As the franchise expanded with sequels, crossovers, and spin-offs, the Predator continued to terrify audiences with its relentless pursuit of human prey and its iconic battle cry.

4. The Velociraptors (Jurassic Park):

While the T-Rex may have been the standout star of the iconic "Jurassic Park," the Velociraptors also left a lasting impression with their intelligence, agility, and relentless pursuit of prey. These cunning predators hunted in packs, coordinating their attacks with frightening precision as they stalked the film's human characters through the jungle and the visitor centre. With their slashing claws, piercing shrieks, and calculated movements, the Velociraptors kept viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the terrifying power of nature unleashed.

5. Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street):

In Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street," Freddy Krueger emerged as one of horror cinema's most iconic and terrifying villains. A vengeful spirit who haunts the dreams of teenagers on Elm Street, Freddy's burned visage, razor-blade glove, and sadistic sense of humour made him a nightmare-inducing figure for generations of viewers. With the ability to invade his victims' dreams and manipulate reality, Freddy turned the realm of sleep into a battleground of terror, leaving audiences afraid to close their eyes for fear of what lurked in the darkness of their own nightmares.