10 Horror Movies Where The Monster Isn’t The Scariest Part
There are times when humans can be worse than any monster. MUCH worse.
Monsters encapsulate humanity's natural fear of the unknown, which is why they regularly play a role in horror stories. For this reason, the scariest films often centre around aliens, zombies, or some supernatural entity. So, while watching a creature feature, the most terrifying part of it should, of course, be the creature.
But it doesn't always pan out that way. Monsters invoke paranoia, panic, and mob mentalities, which can be more destructive than any extra-terrestrial or demon. Even if it's not intentional, these situations can often lead to unwanted chaos. Other times, people look for a way to benefit from the monster, either by making a profit, putting themselves in power, or using it as an excuse to give into their primal cravings.
It's also worth mentioning that movie monsters aren't necessarily evil, since their actions often stem from instinct. On the other hand, humans can be fully aware of the consequences of their behaviour, yet may not hesitate to commit atrocities so long as they have something to gain.
Although monsters are inherently skin-crawling, the entries on this list demonstrate that humans can be much, much worse.
10. Night Of The Living Dead
George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead didn't just pioneer what would become the zombie subgenre, but it also highlighted that people can be their own worst enemies, too.
The story begins with Ben and a group of strangers being attacked by reanimated corpses, urging them to seek refuge in a nearby farmhouse. Ben boards up the windows and doors to keep the flesh-eating ghouls at bay while he formulates a long-term plan. Despite facing an unprecedented threat, Ben shows formidable inner strength, taking control of the situation and devising practical solutions to secure the safety of the group.
But Ben's actions are all for nought, since he's repeatedly disregarded and contradicted by his peer, Harry, who's desperate to showboat his authority. Harry's interference leads to a breakdown of trust, allowing the 'ghouls' to overwhelm them, proving that a single weak link can break the chain.
Although Ben is the sole survivor of the night, he's fatally shot the following morning by a local after being mistaken for a zombie. This tragedy further establishes how a lack of communication in a crisis can be more dangerous than the crisis itself.