10 Recent Horror Movies That Hooked You Instantly

Mary Shelley ushered in a new era of sci-fi horror two centuries ago with her Gothic novel, Frankenstein. Due to its ongoing legacy, skepticism surfaces every time an adaptation is announced, but based on the first few minutes of Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, it's clear the Oscar-winning auteur understood the source material perfectly. 

The Netflix exclusive opens during the aftermath, with Arctic sailors discovering a heavily injured scientist in the snow, Baron Victor Frankenstein. After transporting him to their vessel, the crew is attacked by a colossal hooded creature, who shuffles off bullets with ease. Though the Creature is seemingly defeated, Victor knows it isn't dead, admitting he's the one who created it. 

There's a lot to unpack here, but there are several key aspects that stand out. The Creature is staggeringly tall and kills several men with a single blow, suggesting it's inhuman and mindless. However, the Creature recognises Victor and calls him by name, highlighting its intelligence and confirming the pair's shared history.

The movie then cuts to a flashback, establishing everything that led up to this defining moment. Although the Creature isn't seen again for an hour, the action-crammed opening should have viewers' undivided attention.