Much like the minimal anxiety surrounding Y2K, there was also little apprehension that the year 2000 would mark the decline of monsters in popular culture. The first decade of the new millennium delivered an impressive array of fantastic monster movies, with notable entries stemming from the Godzilla Millennium era, which officially commenced in 1999 and continued until 2004. It wasn’t until 2014 that fans saw another feature film starring Godzilla, reigniting the franchise’s legacy.

However, it wasn’t just the iconic Godzilla who commanded the spotlight; various other colossal creatures, as well as some smaller monsters, emerged throughout the 2000s. While many of these films fall under the category of kaiju, a selection also features stories about creatures of more standard sizes, ensuring a diverse ranking that doesn’t overly favor Godzilla. Yes, we acknowledge your status as the king of monsters, dear Godzilla. There’s no need for concern; your reign is secure.

10

‘Dog Soldiers’ (2002)

Directed by Neil Marshall

This film cleverly showcases werewolves as the primary monsters, which should not come as a surprise to audiences familiar with the genre. What truly sets this film apart is how it innovatively portrays werewolves, making them grotesque and terrifying as they confront a team of soldiers engaged in military exercises deep in the forest. While the soldiers are equipped with firearms and tactical gear, the werewolves prove to be equally formidable, demonstrating a brutal capacity for violence and killing.

The narrative is straightforward: well-armed soldiers are caught off guard and must defend themselves against these vicious, albeit somewhat familiar, supernatural creatures. Dog Soldiers injects just enough grit and style into the mix to transform it into a refreshing take on classic horror tropes, which arguably qualifies it as an underrated gem. However, the film’s director, Neil Marshall, would later surpass himself with an even more impressive monster film three years later. More on that to come.

9

‘Slither’ (2006)

Directed by James Gunn

Before James Gunn gained widespread acclaim for his superhero films, he was already carving out a niche for himself with cult-classic B-grade films and genre-bending comedy/horror projects. Slither is a perfect example of his earlier work, combining elements of horror and dark humor to create a gooey, comedic experience that revolves around alien parasites.

In classic horror fashion, this film sees a small town overrun by these alien creatures, with chaos gradually escalating until it reaches a fever pitch during the final act. While Slither is nearly successful throughout, there are moments where it feels slightly off-balance. Nevertheless, it still delivers a decent experience, and for anyone familiar with how poorly monster movies can go in less capable hands, even the moderately successful ones are worth celebrating.

8

‘Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla’ (2002)

Directed by Masaaki Tezuka

As hinted earlier, Godzilla is going to appear multiple times in this ranking, and Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla is one of those entries. MechaGodzilla has long been established as a formidable rival within the franchise, making his first appearance almost thirty years prior to this film’s release. However, Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla presents a fresh and arguably more intense interpretation of this iconic antagonist.

This film’s title succinctly encapsulates its premise. Essentially, it features a showdown between Godzilla and MechaGodzilla, which can be boiled down to a straightforward conflict. However, the story does not conclude here; it sets the stage for the sequel, 2003’s Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., which continues the narrative established in this film. When both films are viewed together, they create a captivating duology, with Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla slightly edging ahead in quality.

7

‘Big Man Japan’ (2007)

Directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto

For those who pride themselves on their extensive monster movie knowledge, you might think you’ve seen it all. However, if you haven’t experienced Big Man Japan, then there are still uncharted territories within the realm of giant monster films. The terms “bizarre” and “unique” hardly encapsulate the essence of this movie.

This film serves as a parody of kaiju movies, a mockumentary, and a surreal exploration of existential themes, all wrapped in a package that is as intriguing as it is perplexing. If you are adventurous, consider giving it a try. There’s nothing else quite like it, boasting an outrageous energy that oscillates between emotional detachment and over-the-top absurdity. Ultimately, it’s a tedious, bizarre, hilarious, and trippy nightmare of a film.

6

‘The Descent’ (2005)

Directed by Neil Marshall

Director Neil Marshall made an impactful statement with Dog Soldiers, but he took it a step further in <em>The Descent</em>, which features a terrifying breed of crawlers—unique creatures that have evolved to thrive in dark, confined spaces. These creatures are both blind and horrifying, showcasing a terrifying adaptability to their subterranean habitat, leaving the film’s protagonists at a severe disadvantage.

During a spelunking expedition gone awry, a group of adventurers find themselves trapped underground with these nightmarish creatures. The mounting tension throughout the film is palpable, making The Descent an absolute must-watch for those who harbor fears of darkness and confined spaces. Additionally, the film offers a surprisingly poignant exploration of grief, juxtaposing emotional depth with visceral horror, thus delivering a multifaceted cinematic experience.

5

‘King Kong’ (2005)

Directed by Peter Jackson

While the original King Kong is an enduring classic, it was released seventy years too soon to be categorized among the finest monster movies of the 2000s. Instead, audiences must appreciate what could arguably be the second-best King Kong film: the remarkable remake directed by Peter Jackson. This adaptation takes the foundational story and expands it significantly, though at times it may feel excessively prolonged; yet, when it shines, it truly captivates.

Thanks to the seventy-year gap between the original and this remake, advancements in technology have vastly transformed the viewing experience into something distinctly different. While the 1933 film is arguably more concise and groundbreaking in its technical achievements, King Kong (2005) remains a stunning showcase of visual effects and filmmaking prowess, making it a worthy watch for anyone with the time and inclination.

4

‘The Mist’ (2007)

Directed by Frank Darabont

While The Mist may not be deemed a flawless adaptation of a Stephen King story, it certainly presents a strong case as one of the best. This film expands upon the novella’s premise in engaging ways, particularly in its climactic scenes, which are often the focal point of discussions surrounding the film. However, the movie also shines in its portrayal of supernatural threats within a confined space.

As a mysterious mist envelops a small town, residents are trapped in a supermarket, where they confront various creatures, some deadly and others surprisingly massive. This marks Frank Darabont’s third foray into adapting Stephen King‘s works, and he skillfully elevates the original short story, culminating in a compelling narrative that diverges dramatically in the closing moments.

3

‘Godzilla: Final Wars’ (2004)

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