40 top cryptid movies with creatures of all shapes and sizes that have earned their place in the cryptid zeitgeist. Sasquatch, mothman, wendigo, chupacabra, new jersey devil, loch ness, folklore and sirens, they’ve all found a place on this list.
Ok, so I love horror, I love sci-fi, and I definitely love a good cryptid mystery!
So, if you’re looking for a truly stellar cryptid movie for your next movie night, than checkout this list of the top 40 cryptid movies of all time for inspiration.
I’ve included creatures of all shapes and sizes that have earned their place in the cryptid zeitgeist. Sasquatch, mothman, wendigo, chupacabra, new jersey devil, loch ness, folklore and sirens, they’ve all found a place on this list.
All the best cryptid movies in one place! Grab the free interactive cryptid movie checklist so you can keep track of the movies you have seen.
There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.
Links included below to the where the movies are streaming FREE (where available).
Cryptids are creatures thought to be living in the wild based on reported sightings or trace evidence. However, these animals have not been proven through verified methods to exist. Cryptozoologists try to use science to prove the existence of cryptids through the scientific evaluation of purported evidence.
What information is provided about each cryptid movie in this selection?
The movie title and release year
Image of movie
Director
A list of actors in the movie
Link to the movie in IMDb – For movie reviews, where to stream, ratings, trailers and lots more.
A movie summary
Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST to keep track of what movies you want to watch!
The 40 Best Cryptid Movies for Believers and Skeptics
1. Antlers (2021)
Director: Scott Cooper
Actors: Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons, Jeremy T. Thomas
“Antlers” is a chilling horror film about the mysterious and terrifying world of ancient Native American folklore. Set in a small Oregon town, the movie follows a middle school teacher and her sheriff brother as they uncover a dark secret involving one of her students. This student harbors a dangerous supernatural entity, leading to a series of horrifying events.
“The Mothman Prophecies” is a supernatural thriller based on true events about a reporter who, after the sudden death of his wife, finds himself drawn to a small town in West Virginia. There, he encounters mysterious sightings of a bizarre, winged creature known as the Mothman. As he delves deeper, he discovers a series of strange occurrences and prophecies that foretell disastrous events.
“Anaconda” is an adventure horror film set in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. A documentary film crew embarks on a journey to capture footage of a long lost indigenous tribe. However, their expedition takes a deadly turn when they encounter a massive, deadly anaconda. With one of the crew leading the charge to capture the snake for his own gain, they face a relentless battle for survival against one of nature’s most formidable predators.
5. Bigfoot (2012)
Director: Bruce Davison
Actors: Danny Bonaduce, Barry Williams, Sherilyn Fenn
“Bigfoot” is a campy sci-fi horror film that pits rival 1970s celebrities against a legendary creature in the Pacific Northwest. Danny Bonaduce and Barry Williams star as feuding former musicians who must set aside their differences when a monstrous Bigfoot emerges from the forest, terrorizing the local community. With its blend of tongue in cheek humor and over the top action and special effects, “Bigfoot” hits like a ride through classic monster movie territory.
5. Troll Hunter (2010)
Director: André Øvredal
Actors: Otto Jespersen, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Mørck
“Troll Hunter” is a Norwegian dark fantasy film presented in a found footage style. The movie follows a group of university students who are investigating a series of mysterious bear killings. They soon stumble upon a government conspiracy and an experienced troll hunter. The hunter reveals the existence of trolls and takes the students on a dangerous journey to document the creatures.
6. Big Legend (2018)
Director: Justin Lee
Actors: Kevin Makely, Todd A. Robinson, Amanda Wyss
“Big Legend” is an independent man vs nature horror film that follows Tyler, an ex soldier, on his quest to find out what happened to his fiancée, who disappeared during a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest. Tyler sets out on a journey into the wilderness where he encounters the legendary creature known as Bigfoot. As he ventures deeper into the forest, he must face the terrifying reality of the creature’s existence.
“Exists” is a found footage horror film that brings the legend of Bigfoot to terrifying life. Directed by Eduardo Sánchez, co-director of “The Blair Witch Project,” the movie follows a group of friends on a camping trip in the remote Texas woods. Their adventure takes a horrifying turn when they encounter a monstrous creature. As they struggle to survive, their cameras capture every terrifying moment. “Exists” delivers intense scares and a relentless pace, making it a must watch for fans of cryptid horror.
8. The Ritual (2017)
Director: David Bruckner
Actors: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
“The Ritual” is a chilling horror film that blends psychological terror with Norse mythology. Four college friends reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness to honor a deceased friend. When they take a wrong turn, they find themselves lost in an ancient forest. As they hike deeper into the forest, they are haunted by a menacing presence linked to an ancient pagan cult.
9. Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
Director: Christophe Gans
Actors: Samuel Le Bihan, Mark Dacascos, Vincent Cassel
“Brotherhood of the Wolf” is a stylish and thrilling French film that combines elements of horror, mystery, and historical drama. Set in 18th century France, the story follows the exploits of Grégoire de Fronsac, a royal taxidermist, and his Native American companion, Mani, as they investigate a series of brutal killings attributed to a legendary beast. The film is known for its lush cinematography, intricate plot, and thrilling action sequences, blending folklore with a rich historical backdrop. It offers a unique and captivating take on the cryptid genre.
10. The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
Director: Charles B. Pierce
Actors: Vern Stierman, Chuck Pierce Jr., William Stumpp
“The Legend of Boggy Creek” is a docudrama horror film that explores the legend of the Fouke Monster, a Bigfoot like creature reported to inhabit the swamps of Fouke, Arkansas. Blending documentary style interviews with dramatic reenactments, the film captures the eerie atmosphere of the rural setting and the fear it instilled in the local community. With its low budget charm and effective storytelling, “The Legend of Boggy Creek” became a cult classic and helped popularize the cryptid horror genre.
“Lake Placid” is a comedic horror film that revolves around a giant, man eating crocodile lurking in a tranquil Maine lake. The film follows a group of characters, including a game warden, a paleontologist, and an eccentric mythology professor, as they team up to capture or kill the beast.
12. Cryptid (2022)
Director: Brad Rego
Actors: Nicholas Baroudi, Ellen Adair, Chopper Bernet
“Cryptid” is an independent horror thriller that centers on a small town journalist and his friend who investigate a series of brutal murders. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover evidence pointing to a monstrous cryptid responsible for the killings. With a strong focus on character development and a suspenseful narrative, “Cryptid” offers a fresh take on the genre.
13. Willow Creek (2013)
Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
Actors: Alexie Gilmore, Bryce Johnson, Laura Montagna
“Willow Creek” is a found footage horror film that follows a young couple, Jim and Kelly, who venture into the woods of Northern California in search of the legendary Bigfoot. As they retrace the steps of the famous Patterson-Gimlin film, their trip quickly turns from an adventurous quest into a terrifying ordeal.
14. The Relic (1997)
Director: Peter Hyams
Actors: Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, Linda Hunt
“The Relic” is a science fiction horror film set in the dark, labyrinthine corridors of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History. When a mysterious creature starts killing people in the museum, a biologist and a police lieutenant team up to stop the monster before it escapes into the city. The creature, a result of a gruesome blend of genetics and ancient superstition, is brought to life with impressive special effects.
15. Sweetheart (2019)
Director: J.D. Dillard
Actors: Kiersey Clemons, Emory Cohen, Hanna Mangan Lawrence
“Sweetheart” is a survival horror film that follows Jenn, a young woman who washes ashore on a deserted island after a shipwreck. As she struggles to survive alone, she discovers that she is not alone on the island. There is something sinister that lurks in the surrounding waters and comes ashore at night. The film builds tension through its isolation and the ever present threat of the creature.
16. The Hallow (2015)
Director: Corin Hardy
Actors: Joseph Mawle, Bojana Novakovic, Michael McElhatton
“The Hallow” combines traditional folklore with modern horror about in a film about the eerie mythology of Ireland’s forests. The story follows a conservationist and his family who move to a remote village and soon discover that the woods surrounding their new home are inhabited by malevolent, supernatural creatures. As they encounter these ancient horrors, they must fight for their survival against the relentless and terrifying forces of the Hallow.
17. Thale (2012)
Director: Aleksander Nordaas
Actors: Silje Reinåmo, Erlend Nervold, Jon Sigve Skard
“Thale” is a Norwegian fantasy horror film about the mysterious world of Scandinavian folklore. The story follows two crime scene cleaners who discover a hidden cellar containing Thale, a mythical creature known as a huldra. As they uncover more about her origins, they become entangled in a web of ancient secrets and supernatural dangers.
18. The Retreat (2020)
Director: Bruce Wemple
Actors: Grant Schumacher, Dylan Grunn, Chris Cimperman
“The Retreat” is an independent horror film that combines elements of the supernatural with the classic wilderness survival story. It follows two friends who embark on a hiking trip in the remote Adirondacks. Their adventure takes a terrifying turn when they encounter a mysterious and deadly presence in the forest. As they struggle to escape, they uncover the horrifying truth behind the legends of the area.
19. Abominable (2006)
Director: Ryan Schifrin
Actors: Matt McCoy, Jeffrey Combs, Lance Henriksen
“Abominable” is a horror film that follows the story of Preston Rogers, a paraplegic man who returns to his cabin in the woods after a traumatic accident. As he struggles with his limitations and the memories of his past, he and his caretaker soon discover that a monstrous Sasquatch like creature is stalking the area. As the creature begins to terrorize the nearby residents, Preston must find a way to warn them and survive the night.
20. The Lure (2015)
Director: Agnieszka Smoczyńska
Actors: Marta Mazurek, Michalina Olszańska, Kinga Preis
“The Lure” is a unique Polish horror musical that combines elements of fantasy and dark fairy tales. The film follows two mermaid sisters, Silver and Golden, who emerge from the sea and find themselves in a Warsaw nightclub. While they captivate audiences with their singing, they must navigate the complexities of human life and their own monstrous instincts. As one sister falls in love with a human, their bond is tested by their predatory nature.
“Wildling” is a dark fantasy horror film that explores the coming of age story of Anna, a young girl who has been kept in isolation by a mysterious man she calls “Daddy.” As she reaches adolescence, Anna is released into the world and placed in the care of the local sheriff. She begins to experience strange transformations and discovers her true identity as a wildling, a mythical creature feared by humans. As her primal instincts awaken, Anna must confront the secrets of her past and the dangers that come with her true nature.
22. Prophecy (1979)
Director: John Frankenheimer
Actors: Talia Shire, Robert Foxworth, Armand Assante
“Prophecy” is an eco horror film that tackles the consequences of environmental pollution. The story follows Dr. Robert Verne, an environmentalist who is sent to Maine to investigate the effects of a paper mill’s pollution on the local environment. He discovers that the chemicals have mutated local wildlife, including a monstrous bear like creature terrorizing the area.
23. Incident at Loch Ness (2004)
Director: Zak Penn
Actors: Werner Herzog, Kitana Baker, Gabriel Beristain
“Incident at Loch Ness” is a mockumentary that blends comedy, horror, and mystery. The film features famed director Werner Herzog, who plays himself, embarking on a journey to make a documentary about the Loch Ness Monster. What starts as a serious endeavor soon spirals into chaos as bizarre and inexplicable events unfold. The film cleverly blurs the lines between reality and fiction, delivering a witty and entertaining exploration of the legend of Nessie and the absurdity of filmmaking.
“Siren” is a supernatural horror film that expands on a segment from the anthology horror film “V/H/S.” It follows a group of friends who, in search of a wild bachelor party, end up at a secluded and mysterious club. There, they encounter a beautiful and enchanting woman who is actually a dangerous siren. As they try to escape her deadly allure, the friends face a night of terror and must find a way to survive.
“Beyond Loch Ness,” also known as “Loch Ness Terror,” is a made for TV horror film that imagines a scenario where the legendary Loch Ness Monster terrorizes a small lakeside town in North America. The story follows cryptozoologist James Murphy, who is on a quest to hunt down the creature after it killed his father years ago. As the monster starts wreaking havoc, James teams up with the local sheriff and townspeople to stop the deadly beast.
“The Monster Project” is a found footage horror film that follows a group of aspiring filmmakers who set out to document real life monsters. They interview three individuals who claim to be a skinwalker, a vampire, and a demon possessed woman, and invite them to a secluded mansion to film their transformations. As night falls, the crew realizes that these creatures are far more dangerous than they imagined.
“The Last Broadcast” is a pioneering found footage horror film that predates “The Blair Witch Project.” It centers around a documentary filmmaker investigating the mysterious deaths of a cable TV crew who ventured into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to search for the mythical Jersey Devil. The film combines interviews, real time footage, and recreated scenes to unravel the chilling events leading up to the crew’s demise.
28. Indigenous (2014)
Director: Alastair Orr
Actors: Zachary Soetenga, Lindsey McKeon, Sofia Pernas
“Indigenous” is a horror film that follows a group of American friends on a vacation in Panama. They venture into the dense, forbidden jungle in search of adventure, only to encounter a legendary, bloodthirsty creature known as the Chupacabra. As the friends become trapped and hunted by the creature, their vacation turns into a desperate fight for survival.
29. Animal (2014)
Director: Brett Simmons
Actors: Jeremy Sumpter, Joey Lauren Adams, Elizabeth Gillies
“Animal” is a creature feature that follows a group of friends on a weekend getaway in the woods. Their trip takes a deadly turn when they find themselves stalked by a ferocious, unidentified beast. Seeking refuge in a secluded cabin, they must fend off the relentless attacks of the creature while trying to find a way out of the forest.
“Marebito” is a Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Shimizu, known for his work on “The Grudge.” The film follows Masuoka, a freelance cameraman obsessed with capturing fear on film. After witnessing a man’s bizarre suicide, he becomes intrigued by the man’s final words and descends into the subterranean world beneath Tokyo. There, he discovers a mysterious, feral woman chained up and takes her to his apartment. As he uncovers the dark secrets surrounding her existence, Masuoka’s grip on reality begins to unravel.
31. The Bay (2012)
Director: Barry Levinson
Actors: Will Rogers, Kristen Connolly, Kether Donohue
“The Bay” is a found footage horror film that explores the aftermath of a parasitic outbreak in a small Chesapeake Bay town during a Fourth of July celebration. Through a series of recovered videos and news reports, the film documents the chaos and horror as the infection spreads rapidly, causing grotesque mutations and claiming numerous lives. As the government scrambles to contain the outbreak, the true cause of the epidemic is revealed to be the result of ecological mismanagement.
32. Kampout (2017) (aka American Bigfoot)
Director: Glenn Martin
Actors: Richard Martin, Glenn Martin, Shannon McDonough
“Kampout” is a low budget horror film that follows a group of friends on a camping trip in the remote woods of Florida. As they settle in for the night, they are stalked by a deranged killer wearing a clown mask. As the body count rises, the survivors must band together to fight for their lives and uncover the identity of the mysterious assailant. “Kampout” pays homage to classic horror tropes while offering its own twists and surprises.
33. Hoax (2019)
Director: Matt Allen
Actors: Adrienne Barbeau, Brian Thompson, Ben Browder
“Hoax” is a horror thriller film that follows a team of paranormal investigators who set out to debunk a series of Bigfoot sightings in the Pacific Northwest. However, their skepticism is challenged when they encounter evidence that suggests the creature may be real. As tensions rise and the group becomes increasingly isolated in the wilderness, they must confront their own beliefs and fears as they come face to face with the legendary cryptid.
34. Hunting the Legend (2014)
Director: Justin Steeley
Actors: Christopher Copeland, Hannah Wallace, Jeff Causey
“Hunting the Legend” is a found footage horror film that follows a group of amateur filmmakers as they venture into the backwoods of Alabama in search of evidence of the legendary Sasquatch. Their expedition takes a terrifying turn when they encounter a violent and elusive creature that has been terrorizing the locals for years. As they document their harrowing experiences, they soon realize that they may have stumbled upon something far more sinister than they ever imagined.
“Mountain Devil” is a horror film inspired by true events. It follows the story of a group of friends who set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a hiker named Frank Peterson in the Pennsylvania mountains. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they uncover evidence of a terrifying creature known as the Mountain Devil. The film combines found footage and documentary style elements that explore the boundaries between myth and reality.
“Something in the Woods” is a family friendly horror film that follows the journey of a suburban family who encounter strange and inexplicable phenomena in the woods near their home. As sightings of a mysterious creature increase, the family must confront their fears and protect each other from the unknown dangers lurking in the forest. Inspired by true events and set in the 1960s, the film offers a nostalgic and suspenseful portrayal of a family’s struggle against the supernatural.
37. Monstrous (2020)
Director: Bruce Wemple
Actors: Anna Shields, Rachel Finninger, Grant Schumacher
Summary: “Monstrous” is a horror thriller that follows Sylvia, a young woman who sets out on a road trip to find her missing mother. During her journey through rural America, she encounters a mysterious creature known as the Skinwalker, which is rumored to be responsible for a series of disappearances in the area. Teaming up with a local hunter, Sylvia delves into the dark forests where the creature lurks, uncovering terrifying secrets along the way.
After the loss of their mother, a group of estranged siblings sets out to fulfill her request of scattering her ashes at their cabin outside Fouke, Arkansas. Along the way, the siblings are forced to hash out issues and reopen old wounds as they become stranded and stalked by a legendary monster that lurks in the woods.
“Dark Was the Night” is a supernatural thriller that follows Sheriff Paul Shields, who must confront a terrifying creature terrorizing the remote town of Maiden Woods. As the disappearances and strange occurrences escalate, the townsfolk become gripped by fear and paranoia. With the help of his deputy and a local environmental officer, Sheriff Shields sets out to stop the creature before it claims more lives.
40. Wendigo (2001)
Director: Larry Fessenden
Actors: Patricia Clarkson, Jake Weber, Erik Per Sullivan
“Wendigo” is a psychological horror film that blends elements of Native American mythology with a modern day tale of fear and paranoia. The story follows a family from New York City who retreat to the snowy wilderness of upstate New York for a weekend getaway. During their trip, they encounter a mysterious and malevolent force known as the Wendigo, a supernatural creature from Algonquian folklore. As tensions rise and their perception of reality becomes distorted, the family must confront their inner demons and the external threat of the Wendigo.
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. *****
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