For the past decade, directors and creature designers have been haunting the minds of audiences. The 2010s have been a great decade for exploring the genre, as it has offered brand new stories and creatures as well as reimaginings of ones from classic franchises.
Yet, not every monster of science fiction comes from a space ship or has sharp fangs. Sometimes, the human characters can be the scariest monsters of all, a lesson all too familiar in a genre defined by holding a mirror up to society. Looking back on the past decade, here are the best monsters to appear in Science Fiction.
The Engineers - Prometheus
To say Prometheus is controversial would be an understatement. This prequel to Ridley Scott’s Alien remains one of the most scrutinized franchise follow-ups in years. Many audiences and critics remarked on the lack of logic behind decisions, as well as the little to no ties to the later films.
But, one thing most people can get behind was the creature designs and body horror elements of the film. One of the more imposing Science Fiction beings to appear on screen in the past decade has to be the Engineers. These gargantuan beings are so uncanny in their design, closely resembling humans, but not enough to make us feel very safe. The fact that they are as violent as they are certainly doesn’t help.
The Aliens - Attack the Block
Attack the Block gave us some brand new faces to follow in the entertainment business. Out of this film, audiences were introduced to now Star Wars actor John Boyega, as well as British director Joe Cornish. It served as one of the best genre comedies to come from Britain since Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy.
But, another glaringly amazing element of the film has to be the creature design. The actual aliens of the film are anything but little green men. Covered in pitch-black fur, with glowing blue fangs, the aliens of Attack the Block are ferocious and amazing to watch. Anyone would hate to run into one of these things, but watching them on screen is beyond exciting.
The Tethered - Us
Although Us was only released this year, its impact can still be felt. Jordan Peele’s sophomore picture wasn’t as big a phenomenon as his first film Get Out, but he has now reached event filmmaker status, with most audiences heading straight to the box office for a new film from him. He crafted some iconic new science fiction/horror characters in Us with The Tethered.
Though their plight becomes far more sympathetic by the end of the film, there is no denying their presence is unnerving. Beyond the doppelgänger aspect of their appearance, the characterization of each copy is so creepy. Lupita Nyong’o crafted a science fiction performance that we will be appreciating for decades to come.
Luv - Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049, the follow-up to the iconic Ridley Scott film, was one of the biggest box office disappointments of any returning property. Yet, critically, the film was an utter success. Who knew that one could make such a fascinating sequel to one of the most revered science fiction films ever made?
An outstanding performance in the film is, without a doubt, was Sylvia Hoeks as the replicant Luv. As a hitman, Luv was one of the most imposing and frightening android characters to appear in a science fiction film. Her ability to inflict violence on others was anchored through a layered and thoughtful performance by Hoeks as well.
The Creatures - A Quiet Place
A Quiet Place was one of the best original science fiction films of the decade. Directed by The Office’s John Krasinski of all people, the film was a tense horror thriller with sci-fi elements.
Apart from the fantastic performances was also a great use of creature tension. The monsters of A Quiet Place were somewhat an amalgamation of many we have seen, including the Demogorgon from Stranger Things and the monsters of the Cloverfield universe. Though their design isn’t revolutionary, it was their sparse screen time and implied presence that truly made them scary. Krasinski was right to pull a Jaws and hide these monsters from view.
The Being - Annihilation
Annihilation remains one of the most complicated and compelling works of science fiction in recent memory. The body horror elements in this Cronenbergian hellscape are some of the most engaging in recent memory. Yet, it is one being who delves into the uncanny territory that really strikes fear into viewers.
The alien being at the end of the film who Natalie Portman encounters is so unnerving in its presence. The faceless human-like silhouette is disrupted by its metallic skin. This is something like us, but, at the same time, so far removed. Its mirroring of Portman’s movements only added to such creepiness.
Howard - 10 Cloverfield Lane
As stated before, monsters and aliens are certainly terrifying and hold their own strong presence in the genre. However, for many science fiction films, it is the humans who should be feared. Their actions are the ones often being critiqued as opposed to those of the monsters'.
One of the most frightening human monsters to appear in the genre is John Goodman’s Walter from 10 Cloverfield Lane. This is a movie with a clear monster antagonist, but, instead, it focuses on the manipulative and sickening presence of Walter, who entraps these characters in his apocalyptic bunker. Goodman gave a career-best performance with his work in this film.
Immortan Joe - Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road might be the most lauded piece of Science Fiction of the past decade. George Miller’s remaining of his iconic Road Warrior franchise injected a new blend of creativity and energy into blockbuster filmmaking. It also served as a direct evaluation of our present times, with the treatment of women as the main focus.
No character embodies the sickening misogyny embedded in our society more than Immortan Joe. This slimy monstrous being is a physical interpretation of the tenant of anti-women ideology. His actions and appearance are sickening as well as frightening,
Koba - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The biggest surprise franchise of the decade might just be the reimagining of The Planet of the Apes. Lead by the incomparable Andy Serkis, this motion capture heavy franchise turned its franchise on its head and redefined what a reboot could be.
The series was filled with great villains and monsters, but Koba from the second film, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, was obviously the best. Toby Kebbell’s performance as the evil ape arguably surpassed Serkis’ at times. Filled with unpredictability, Koba was the perfect foil to Cesar, who was defined by clear-headedness and a strong moral center.
The Skeleton Bear - Annihilation
It might be considered cheating to include a creature from a film already mentioned, but we’ll give Annihilation a pass. This film was defined by its monsters, and none were scarier than the decaying body of the skeleton bear.
When this monster appeared on screen, there was more tension than one could imagine in a theater. The sequence itself was terrifying, as you never knew exactly what the bear would do. Apart from the frightening appearance of the creature, it was actually the sound design of its call that really struck fear. Instead of a roar, the bear would mimic the screams of cries of its victims. What’s more terrifying than that?
