Movies
8 American Kaiju Films Every Horror Fan Should Watch
One of the best qualities of nerd fandom is its ability to form iterations through influence. Fans foreign to Japanese kaiju culture have adopted the kaiju style, and from that we’ve gotten a handful of worthy contenders; some stronger than others. Although many American renditions of Godzilla and other Toho properties have been licensed and watered down, there are some original kaiju- type concept movies that aren’t half bad! Consider this a list of eight American-born kaijus that won’t disappoint.
According to the nerd bible, AKA Fandom Wiki, “Kaiju” is a Japanese word meaning “strange beast”. When we use the term in fandom, we are likely referring to the monsters of the giant variety who walk in the footsteps Godzilla created in 1954, and solidified by the Japanese “Tokusatu” style of cinema.
The criteria for kaiju monsters is relatively loose, but most of them are over 20 meters tall (larger than any naturally occurring animal), possess a certain immunity to human weaponry, and pose a threat to human life and society, which is commonly demonstrated by the destruction of cities and metropolitan areas.
“Monsters are tragic beings. They are born too tall, too strong, too heavy. They are not evil by choice. That is their tragedy. They do not attack people because they want to, but because of their size and strength, mankind has no other choice but to defend himself. After several stories such as this, people end up having a kind of affection for the monsters. They end up caring about them” -Ishiro Honda (Director, Godzilla 1954)
One of the best qualities of nerd fandom is its ability to form iterations through influence. Fans foreign to Japanese kaiju culture have adopted the kaiju style, and from that we’ve gotten a handful of worthy contenders; some stronger than others. Although many American renditions of Godzilla and other Toho properties have been licensed and watered down, there are some original kaiju- type concept movies that aren’t half bad! Consider this a list of eight American-born kaijus that won’t disappoint.
8 Kaiju Movies Fans of the Genre Should Watch
Cloverfield (2008)
Let’s start with the obvious here. Cloverfield, directed by Matt Reeves, might be as good as it gets when it comes to American-born kaiju monsters. With a found footage bonus, the story follows a group of friends in New York City as they try their hardest to survive the creatures and crumbling infrastructure aftermath of a giant alien invasion. If you haven’t seen this film yet, consider this your homework, due immediately. This film is bleak- and captures the true terror of survival in a kaiju attack. Japanese kaiju fans love it for a reason.
Pacific Rim (2013)
Guillermo Del Toro directing should be enough to get you interested, as the man has a seasoned history with monster movies (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, Mimic). Pacific Rim is pretty classic in its influences, too. The movie is considered an ode to Japanese kaiju and mecha media. In this version of reality, a horde of kaiju monsters emerge from the ocean and threaten the safety of coastal cities. Humanity responds with the use of “jaegers” which are human operated mech suits with the power to fight back. Although a little on the cult appreciation side, the film is well loved and features some seriously polished and stunning CGI.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
King Kong may be a little too on the nose for this list, but I have no choice but to throw its sequel, Kong: Skull Island into the ring. As far as criteria goes, the movie doesn’t check all the boxes, as it doesn’t take place in a metropolitan area, but serving as the 11th movie in the King Kong IP, we already know good and well that the ape prince of destruction has earned his kaiju title. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the film is set in 1973 and follows a team of Monarch (it’s like the CIA but for kaijus) experts carrying out a research mission on Skull Island to confirm any MUTO (massive unidentified terrestrial organisms) activity. Not only are they met with Kong, but through exploring his territory, the crew comes face to face with other kaiju level threats that never made it off the island.
Rampage (2018)
On the topic of giant apes, Rampage ain’t half bad either. Starring Dwayne Johnson, and directed by Brad Peyton, Rampage is a loose adaptation of the video game series first released in 1986 where players act as kaiju monsters working to destroy cities while surviving military attacks. In the movie, The Rock plays a primatologist with a close connection to an albino gorilla named George, who is the unfortunate subject of an experiment gone rogue, turning him into what we might call a “kaiju”. Is it the greatest kaiju movie you’ve ever seen? Far from it. Is it a fun, high-stakes adventure with cool monster fights? Absolutely.
The Mist (2007)
Back in 2007, Frank Darabont directed a movie that has burned the brains of horror fans for the foreseeable future. If you haven’t crossed this one off your list- tread lightly! A single location banger based on the work of Stephen King, The Mist tells the story of ordinary people in a supermarket when an “unnatural fog” hiding a variety of terrifying creatures traps them inside. One creature in particular that fans have named “The Behemoth” is sure to shock you in true lovecraftian kaiju fashion. There are two versions of this film. If you can, watch it in black and gray for some extra unease.
Underwater (2020)
Speaking of lovecraftian, Underwater has got to be one of my favorite American- born kaiju films. Released in 2020, I fear that the COVID pandemic stunted its box office potential. William Eubank directs, and Kristen Stewart stars in a modern day Cthulhu story set miles beneath the surface on a deep sea drilling rig. It’s Alien, and The Abyss wrapped tightly in its Japanese monster and mecha media influences. Need I say more?
Super 8 (2011)
Another one that flopped in numbers but stays strong in the hearts of monster fans is Super 8, directed by JJ Abrams with a sneaky Steven Spielberg credit on top. One thing about Americans; we love our nostalgia. This movie is another ode to the 80s, but who’s really complaining? The story follows a group of youths passionate about filmmaking who witness a train collision, unleashing something extra large and extraterrestrial on their hometown. Again, the criteria for a traditional kaiju are not all met, but it’s too much fun, and too much catastrophe to leave off this list.
Q (The Winged Serpent) (1982)
I’ve got to close out this list with a deep cut. New York horror legend Larry Cohen wrote and produced this extraterrestrial crime thriller that is truly one of a kind. The monster in question is called Quetzalcoatl, or Q for short. It’s a winged beast that has found a home nesting on the rooftops of New York City. Oh, and there’s a serial killer running around too, just to make things more interesting. Classic uncle Larry…
Movies
The Best Horror You Can Stream on Shudder in November 2025
Halloween season is over, and many streamers have forgotten about us horror kids. While they take their 11-month hiatus from the genre, we can be grateful that we still have an app that cares. We are so lucky that Shudder remains that girl year-round. Whether you’re finishing their new original show Guts & Glory, catching up on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans, or running at some of their deep cuts like I am, Shudder has your best interests at heart. As usual, she has quite a few titles fighting for our attention. Which is why I am here with five titles I think should be at the top of all of our watch lists this November. So, cancel your holiday plans and pick up your remote because we have got horrifying things to watch.
The Best Movies to Stream on Shudder This Month
Habit (1995)
An alcoholic unwittingly enters into a relationship with a succubus in New York City. If you ever wondered what Larry Fessenden was getting up to in his youth, you need to see this ’90s gem. I lucked out and caught it at Brooklyn Horror Film Festival last year, and I lived my best life. While watching it on the small screen will not be the same, I plan to hit play anyway. Mostly because I love to see 1990s succubi leaving their mark on men…and also the horror genre. Shudder is also adding The Last Winter and Depraved, so we can spend a whole day with Uncle Larry’s work.
Sew Torn (2024)
A seamstress happens upon a failed drug deal and steals a briefcase. She soon finds herself caught in a deadly situation where all roads lead to death. I caught Sew Torn at SXSW last year and have been wondering what happened to it. So, I am very happy this odd little bird has found her way to Shudder. I cannot wait to make my friends who are looking for something cute and deadly watch. I knew nothing when I hit play on this, and I encourage you to know as little as possible, too. I fear I have already written too much in this blurb to be completely honest.
You can watch Sew Torn on November 1st.
The Retreat (2021)
A couple goes on a pre-wedding retreat and unwittingly becomes targets of a group of serial killers. We have seen too many movies about retreats, and I thought this one would be more of the same. This title does not completely reinvent the wheel, but it does set itself apart within this oversaturated subgenre. The Retreat is a surprisingly fun and tense little thriller that feels made for the winter watches. Come for the lesbian characters leading the film, and stay for the violence. I also encourage you to check it out while it is on Shudder, because it is usually on apps with ads.
You can watch The Retreat on November 1st.
The Creep Tapes (Season 2)
Peachfuzz returns with more tapes, chaos, kills, and WTF moments. Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice have reentered the TV arena and are making things weird again. If award shows were real, this duo would be leading the Emmys charge. I saw the first three episodes, and Josef/Peachfuzz is still the serial killer after our own hearts. Our Wolfie is still cutting up (literally and figuratively) in the most amazing ways. Guest stars in danger this season include David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Katie Aselton (The League), and Robert Longstreet (The Haunting of Hill House).
You can watch The Creep Tapes (Season 2) on November 14th.
Krampus (2015)
A kid accidentally summons demons during the holidays in this horror comedy. Krampus remains one of the top-tier Christmas horror titles for me. It is also my favorite Michael Dougherty film. Not only because it has the star power of Adam Scott and Toni Collette, either. This movie is wicked, and even the kids are in danger. I do not have many holiday horror movies I revisit every year, but Krampus is one of the very few. It still holds up, and I cannot wait to rewatch it with a festively boozy beverage.
You can watch Krampus on November 15th.
Those are a few reasons I am grateful for Shudder this holiday season. While the rest of you are fighting with your family and friends, I will be parked in front of my TV. You can have your turkey because I would rather gorge myself on episodes of The Creep Tapes anyway.
Let me know what Shudder shenanigans you have got your little eye on. I am nosy and want to make sure I am not missing anything on my favorite streamer.
Movies
The Best Horror You Can Stream on Netflix in November 2025
The year is winding down, and I don’t know about you, but I am trying to pack in as many 2025 horror movies as I can. Is this because I love making end-of-the-year lists? Yes. Is it because I am an unhealed overachiever? Also, yes. So, I am assuming some of you are also cruising the streamers to see what you may have missed. While Netflix has had my favorite new slasher Heart Eyes for a bit, and I have mentioned that in previous streaming guides, they also have other new horror titles to show you.
I do not talk about them as much because I did not have a good time with them. However, that does not mean you won’t enjoy some of these titles. That’s why I am taking the high road and finding something to be grateful for about each of them. That way, you will know there is a silver lining if you do watch them. Allow me to help you figure out what to prioritize this month and what to skip. Check out this chaotic Netflix hitlist below!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
28 Years Later (2025)
A group of survivors on a small island has built a fortress to protect them from the rage virus. However, a young boy discovers what is really outside the walls of their community and sets off to find a cure for his sick mother. We all loved 28 Days Later, and some of us liked 28 Weeks Later. So, 28 Years Later was never going to live up to the hype with almost thirty years of anticipation. While I didn’t love it, I did enjoy seeing Danny Boyle helm another zombie installment. What he does in the subgenre is top-tier, and we are welcome (even if the script left me wanting more). That might have gotten buried in all the talk about the dicks seen in the movie, though.
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
A group of girls competing for prom queen starts disappearing, leaving the underdog to figure out what is happening to her competition. I had a lot of thoughts about this lackluster installment in Netflix’s Fear Street adaptations. As someone who grew up reading Fear Street books and wanting to adapt them myself, I do not understand how this movie came out so badly. Which made it hard to find something nice to say about this title. However, the soundtrack slaps, and it is not the soundtrack’s fault that it was wasted on a low-energy bottom-tier slasher. So, if you hit play on this, you can at least look forward to hearing some retro bangers selected by music supervisor Nora Felder. If you are familiar with her work on Yellowjackets and Stranger Things, you know Felder does not miss.
Maa (2025)
To battle a demon’s curse, a mother transforms into the legendary goddess Kali. As usual, Netflix did not advertise an international horror movie that seemed to have some potential. If they had told us Maa was an Indian Hindi-language mythological horror movie, most people who yell for intersectionality and originality would have run at it. Instead, we had to find out about it months later while looking for something we hadn’t already seen on the app. This movie is too long, and I cannot say it is good by any stretch of the imagination. However, it also made me realize how little I know about the goddess of destruction. If you are a nerd like me, this might lead you down a cool rabbit hole. You can also say you gave a view to a horror movie starring Brown people. Who knows, maybe you could be one of the few who enjoy this chaotic film.
Until Dawn (2025)
A group of friends find themselves trapped in a time loop where they keep getting killed in gruesome ways. I love the video game and was so bummed this adaptation was so bad. However, the practical effects are very cool and should be celebrated more. I think the stuff that the SFX team pulled off might be the only reason to watch the movie personally. I’m happy the actors whose work I enjoy got paid, and that’s another positive thing I can say. However, if we want to see young people in deadly time loops, we have so many movies that do it better. Excuse me as I look right at Happy Death Day and all of the movies that have tried to copy her.
Ziam (2025)
A Muay Thai fighter battles through a zombie apocalypse to save the woman he loves. Netflix fumbled the advertising for this one too, because who doesn’t want to see a Thai zombie film? So, I was excited to watch it, but then sad I did not like it. However, I think this one is on me. It is an action-horror with a lot of heartfelt moments, and that’s not my bag. I wanted more violence and zombie action because I am a broken and heartless ghoul. So, Ziam might be the only movie on this list that does not deserve my bombastic side eye. I am waiting for other people to watch it and let me know if they have a better time with it, though.
While I was not the audience for these movies, I am assuming some of you will dig them. Worst-case scenario, you cross off a few more 2025 horror movies and have something to talk about at Friendsgiving. Happy Horrordays! I will see myself out now…


