10 Hidden Creature Features from the ’90s You Must Watch Now

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The creature feature genre reached its peak during the 1990s, following the surge of popularity in monster movies from the 50’s, reaching new heights with films like Jaws and Alien in the 70’s, and being further propelled by the rise of body horror fads in the 80’s. It took an odd yet captivating direction during this period.

The rapid progress of technology and the emergence of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) led the horror genre to a significant juncture. Some filmmakers and major production houses opted for creating grandiose blockbusters, characterized by high-quality visual effects as seen in films like Jurassic Park and Godzilla. In contrast, others chose to maintain the raw, tactile style that was characteristic of the ’80s horror genre.

Regardless of your choice, it’s hard to deny that the ’90s gave birth to some of the most iconic creature movies ever made, such as Anaconda, Starship Troopers, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Tremors, and Deep Blue Sea. In this discussion, however, we’re zeroing in on those that ended up forgotten in discount sections and late-night television slots.

Here are 10 forgotten creature features from the ’90s that deserve to be rediscovered.

10
‘Ticks’ (1993)

In 1993, the movie “Ticks” premiered, featuring a young and vibrant Seth Green. The story revolves around a band of troubled adolescents who were led on what was supposed to be a peaceful hike in nature by their social workers. To their dismay, they become the prey for a swarm of aggressive, genetically mutated ticks. Predictably, chaos breaks out, and the group meets a gruesome end one by one.

This Direct-to-Video Release Garnered Surprisingly Strong Reviews

In terms of low-budget horror films, there’s a delicate balance between being appallingly frightening and surprisingly effective. Luckily, it appears that the movie Ticks leans more towards the latter category. The concept might be laughably absurd, but the extravagantly excessive practical effects and imaginative kill scenes compensate for the scanty narrative beyond the initial plot setup. (Although we eventually discover that the ticks have evolved due to a chemical leak from a local marijuana grower using steroids to boost his crop, this is about as much explanation as we receive.)

The movie titled “Ticks” is made even more appealing by strong acting from actors like Alfonso Ribeiro, Clint Howard, and Seth Green. This helps it stand out among similar films. Consequently, “Ticks” has earned a noteworthy 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

9
‘The Relic’ (1997)

In a different scenario, actor Tom Sizemore portrays a hard-boiled homicide detective who partners with a resourceful biologist, characteristically played by Penelope Ann Miller. Together, they pool their unique abilities to confront and subdue a ferocious beast that’s terrorizing the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, leaving a trail of destruction behind.

Unoriginal but Enjoyable

The Relic may not offer groundbreaking innovations in the creature feature genre, but it certainly provides an enjoyable experience. By adhering to a proven formula, The Relic leverages its substantial budget of around $40 million, offering a skillful combination of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and practical effects. This blend results in one of the more authentic monster designs prevalent during that period. Additionally, Tom Sizemore and Penelope Ann Miller deliver dedicated performances in their roles, making them a pleasure to watch on screen.

8
‘Mimic’ (1997)

Guillermo del Toro, a well-known film director, oversaw the making of Mimic. This movie centers around the development of a genetically altered bug intended for combating a plague of infected cockroaches. However, this creature quickly adapts and starts preying on humans instead. The film received varied responses from critics and unfortunately didn’t earn enough money at the box office to cover its production expenses.

‘Mimic’ Has Been Overshadowed by Bigger and Better Movies by del Toro

Prior to his Oscar victories and worldwide recognition, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro had already established a reputation as a pioneer in the genres of science fiction and horror, starting with the release of his groundbreaking body horror film “Cronos“. Although “Mimic” is not a poor movie, it fell short of its initial expectations and was criticized for lacking the emotional depth that del Toro is now known for. However, he more than made up for it with his Academy Award-winning films such as “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water“.

7
‘Bats’ (1999)

Have you encountered a storyline like this before? A researcher and an officer team up to confront horrifyingly altered creatures, which in this case are bats, wreaking havoc. This movie, titled Bats, carries the essence of a low-budget production, so your enjoyment will likely hinge on your fondness for B movies with similar characteristics.

So Bad It’s Good (or Just Bad?)

This film has an inconsistent tone, and its CGI effects, even by ’90s standards, leave much to be desired. The plot is remarkably predictable, and the acting feels stiff. However, despite these flaws and a low 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, fans of so-bad-it’s-good movies will likely find enjoyment in the unintentional humor that arises from the corny dialogue and outlandish action scenes.

6
‘Deep Rising’ (1998)

Upon stumbling upon a solitary cruise ship in the heart of the ocean, it swiftly becomes evident that this vessel conceals mysteries beyond its initial appearance. The film Deep Rising combines elements of action, terror, and a subtle dose of dark comedy as spectators are treated to a chilling sequence of violent assaults inflicted by terrifying cephalopod-like creatures. These monstrosities drain their victims of vital fluids before expelling their lifeless remains in a pool of gore.

‘Deep Rising’ Was a Box Office Flop but Is Considered a Cult Classic by Many

With an exhilarating tempo and intense energy, “Deep Rising” delivers a full-throttle, unapologetic creature movie. It’s not shy about its graphic violence and gore, and it boasts some stunning visual effects. Although some viewers criticized its similarity to other works—Roger Ebert describing it as “basically an Alien remake with a new coat of paint”—the movie offers enough suspenseful moments and gory deaths to keep most horror enthusiasts satisfied.

5
‘Split Second’ (1992)

1992 saw the release of a science fiction thriller titled “The Hitcher,” starring Rutger Hauer and Kim Cattrall. This film, filled with unforeseen plot twists, was often overlooked by mainstream viewers. It centers around a disheartened detective pursuing a monstrous serial killer, whose brutal actions have left a trail of destruction on the grimy streets of London.

‘Split Second’ Takes Place in a Bleak Dystopian London Future

In a blend of science fiction and detective mystery, the film “Split Second” offers a consistently rain-soaked, dismal, post-apocalyptic London backdrop, which stands out as more ominous than many of its peers and sets the stage for this edge-of-your-seat thriller. Although it didn’t shine in box office success, its unique atmosphere, genre fusion, and powerful acting by Rutger Hauer have earned it a coveted spot as a hidden treasure amidst the crowded landscape of creature feature films.

4
‘The Borrower’ (1991)

The Borrower is an intriguingly peculiar movie that often fails to receive the acclaim it merits. It tells the story of a malevolent extraterrestrial being who is exiled to Earth as retribution for his serial-killing ways. At first, he assumes human form, but intermittently, his head detonates, and his body starts dissolving. To prevent this, he frequently requires ‘borrowing’ human body parts, resulting in a grotesque and extremely hazardous alien entity.

‘The Borrower’ Is Bonkers in the Best Way

Under a playful wink, “The Borrower” offers an oddball blend of science fiction and horror, seamlessly merging grungy city ambiance with eccentric extraterrestrial turmoil. It boasts a daring narrative, convincing practical effects, and the distinctive charm of the early ’90s – an ideal choice for aficionados of peculiar creature features who appreciate their horror tinged with a dash of strangeness and surprise.

3
‘Proteus’ (1995)

1994 saw the debut of the movie, Proteus. This film focuses on a gang of illicit heroin smugglers who, after their ship sinks, seek refuge on an abandoned oil platform. It turns out that this rig is hiding a biological experiment – a shape-shifting creature that feeds off its victims’ memories.

‘The Thing’ at Sea

Although it shares similarities with John Carpenter’s iconic 1982 film The Thing, the movie Proteus successfully establishes its own identity, primarily through its innovative oil rig setting. The grimy, ominous metal structures, shrouded in darkness and suffocating corridors, along with the relentless, stormy seas encircling the rig, collectively generate a nerve-wracking and singular ambiance.

2
‘The Suckling’ (1990)

In my humble opinion, “The Suckling” is a chilling, budget-conscious horror film that primarily unfolds within an unsavory underground abortion clinic. A fetus exposed to hazardous waste undergoes a startling transformation into a grotesque, misshapen beast. This production artfully blends gritty exploitation elements with the unsettling genre of body horror, earning its place among the most disquieting creature features of its time.

‘The Suckling’ Leaves a Lasting Impression (If You Can Make It to the End)

Watching “The Suckling” isn’t a breeze – it’s challenging not only due to its unsettling theme but also its modest production quality. Made on a budget roughly equal to $50,000, this film doesn’t boast big-name actors, breathtaking scenery, or state-of-the-art visual effects. If you can look beyond the limited resources, however, “The Suckling” offers a haunting, symbolic narrative about guilt and retribution that will stay with viewers who persevere to the end.

1
‘Freaked’ (1993)

Embracing over-the-top gory visuals and quirky humor, the film Freaked is a chaotic blend of comedy and horror that has unfortunately become less known since its debut in 1993. Shared directing duties by Alex Winter, it focuses on an actor who stumbles upon a bizarre freak show controlled by a mad scientist. With its surreal, playful, and delightfully entertaining elements, Freaked is packed with outrageous practical effects, infectious enthusiasm, and cartoonishly absurd scenes.

‘Freaked’s Oddness Was Its Making—and Its Downfall

Initially, the film Freaked faced production hurdles right from the outset. Numerous studios rejected it due to its perceived oddity and incomprehensibility. After multiple revisions, it was eventually acquired by 20th Century Fox—yet the challenges persisted. From enforced title modifications to reduced budget allocations, Fox ultimately opted to withdraw the film from a nationwide premiere and trim its promotional spending. Debuting in only two cinemas, the movie bombed at the box office. However, fortunately, it has since been rediscovered by new fanbases who admire its unique mix of horror, comedy, and musical theater.

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2025-05-05 03:39