10 More Horror Movies With The Worst Monster Reveal
Did ANYONE find these monsters scary?
While putting together a horror flick, filmmakers should focus on atmosphere, lighting, and timing to ensure the scares are as effective as possible. But when it comes to a monster movie, the most important part is obviously the monster. It doesn't matter whether the critter is brought to life with a puppet, CGI, or a robot, so long as it looks distinctive, frightening, and authentic.
As has been mentioned in our previous 10 Horror Movies With The Worst Monster Reveal list, the monster can at times be a major letdown. Even though the beast should receive a ton of attention and care, there are all sorts of reasons why it doesn't come together. If an animatronic malfunctions, the special effects aren't up to snuff, or the crew don't have enough money or material, the end result tends to be a really crappy creature.
Sometimes, filmmakers try to work around these setbacks by only showing the big, bad monster briefly. However, this can leave the audience infuriated, since the beast is barely visible or only on-screen for a few seconds.
The ogres, ghosts, and kaijus on this list may be memorable, but it's for all the wrong reasons.
10. The Hatbox Ghost - The Haunted Mansion
2023's Haunted Mansion was among the biggest flops of the year, which is a major achievement considering the stiff competition. By no means terrible, this spooky remake was pretty bland, thanks to the unambitious plot and cookie-cutter characters.
However, nothing is as generically forgettable as central antagonist Alistair Crump, aka the Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto). Although there's nothing particularly awful about this sinister spectre's design, it's not much to write home about. Considering The Haunted Mansion is a huge Disney attraction and the Hatbox Ghost is a well-recognised character, fans assumed The House of Mouse could cook up something better than... this.
The Hatbox Ghost from the theme park ride has more personality than this version. Heck, the Hatbox Ghost from The Muppets Haunted Mansion looks better!
Even though this villain seems like a character Leto could really sink his teeth into, the Thirty Seconds to Mars musician was given nothing to work with. As such, viewers have to wonder why Leto was cast in the first place, if the Oscar-winning actor's performance was going to be covered up with unconvincing CGI.