10 Terrifying Sci-Fi Horror Movie Monsters With Very Little Screen Time

10. The Creature By the Road Side - Xtro

Low-budget British horror Xtro opens with a father, Sam, abducted by an unknown light in the sky. Three years later, the light returns and plants a seed in the woods, and that seed quickly sprouts into a creature made from the DNA of Sam and an alien. (This is a weird film, by the way.)

Even though this is meant to be a gripping scene, the cheap, rubbery costume of the monster undercuts the tension. After seeing this laughable outfit, viewers shouldn't have high hopes for what's to come.

Having said that, there's one jump-scare that catches many first-time watchers off-guard. While the extra-terrestrial crawls around the forest, the camera cuts to a couple driving on a countryside road. As they listen to tranquil music on the radio, it's easy to momentarily forget about the little critter.

With no warning, the camera cuts to the alien on the roadside, just before it collides with the vehicle. To ensure viewers jump out of their skin, the shot is accompanied by a deafening synthesised sound.

The creature doesn't look great, but the way it's revealed here is flawless.