10 Horror Movies Where The Monster Isn't The Villain
Never judge a book (or a gross monster) by its cover.
There are countless movies that emphasise how people should be judged for their actions, not for their appearance. However, things are a little different when it comes to horror.
If a plot involves a haunting ghost, a creepy alien, or a creature with a melted face, they're instinctively perceived as the bad guy. And when they're tormenting the locals or literally killing people, it's only natural to assume they have nothing but hostile intentions.
But just because a character looks like a monster doesn't mean they have to act like one. Some wretched critters harbour no ill will towards anyone, while other times they're exploited or controlled and can't be held responsible for their actions. Even when the monster in question commits the occasional murder, it can often be justified if the victim is utterly irredeemable.
Portraying a monster as anything but a villain isn't just refreshing, but a helpful tool to mislead viewers. While watching a creature feature, the audience will be so hyper-focused on the big scary monster, they won't notice the true villain working behind the scenes, making the big reveal all the more shocking.
They may be horrifying to look at, but the following so-called monsters ain't as bad as they seem.
10. Frankenstein
Mary Shelley literally wrote the book on the "the monster is not the villain" concept, so it'd be criminal not to include James Whale's film adaptation.
Although 1931's Frankenstein is drastically different from the source material, the core concept is the same. The film and the novel follow eccentric scientist Victor Frankenstein, who successfully reanimates a corpse whose abnormal appearance attracts unwanted attention, which leads to tragedy.
Even though the book depicts the Creature as sympathetic, there are moments where he's unjustifiably brutal (like when he rips out an innocent woman's heart). Fortunately, this adaptation excludes aspects like this and focuses more on the Creature's childlike innocence.
Sure, the bolt-necked monster performs a few murders, but it's never out of malice. For example, he throttles a doctor for trying to vivisect him and hangs Frankenstein's assistant after he viciously beat him. Then there's the infamous pond scene where, while throwing flowers into a pond with young Maria, the Creature notices the petals floating. Believing Maria will float too, he chucks her into the water, inadvertently drowning her. Yes, he committed a horrible act, but his intentions weren't evil.
If the Creature was raised with kindness instead of fear, these atrocities could've been avoided.