Top 5: Genre Bending Giant Monster Movies

List curated by Anthony Cleveland

Pretty much ever since the original King Kong, the general masses has been drawn in by the giant monster phenomena. Which, generally speaking, comes loaded with action and suspense and the tendency to take us to exotic and imaginative places, almost always leading up to a climactic showdown between two giant monsters. Like most genres, the giant monster movie has became saturated with a lot of sameness and mediocrity, resulting in regurgitations of past successes without the gusto and bravado of its predecessors. There are, of course, occasional exceptions and bends in the conventional genre mold. Below is our top 5 genre bending giant monster movies: 

• 5: The Host

Not to be confused with the 2013 film of the same name, Bong Joon-ho's The Host manages to be a horror thriller, a political satire, a dysfunctional family comedy, and a touching melodrama, all within the giant monster wheelhouse. Currently, The Host is available for streaming on Netflix. 

• 4: The Valley of Gwangi 

This film plays upon the Western genre with the addition of giant claymation dinosaurs. These once state-of-the-art visual effects come courtesy of the stop-motion animation legend, Ray Harryhausen, known predominantly for Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans, amongst other classic 50s and 60s action adventure films. 

• 3: Daimajin 

This film is just gorgeous and doesn't fall back on the giant monster for its saving grace. In fact, there's no giant monster mayhem until the last 20 minutes, allowing the story and actors to drive the narrative forward. 

• 2: The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant brings the giant monster to the realm of animation. It's a powerful story of understanding and friendship, wherein the giant is more altruistic than monstrous. The Iron Giant is currently available for streaming on Netflix. 

• 1: Starship Troopers

Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers is a campy, badass war film with a giant monster slant. At times, it's satiric bite touches the likes of greats like Dr. Strangelove with regard to its play on fascism, xenophobia and war, all the while dipping its toes heavily into the lowbrow.

That's our top 5 genre bending giant monster films. What did we miss? Is there anything you'd add to the list? As always, be sure to share them thoughts and feelings in the comments.