The Best Horror Movies About Killer Insects

Ranker Film
Updated May 3, 2024 25.7K views 27 items
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Spiders aren't insects! They have their own list, which is linked below in the description.

The eerie world of horror movies about killer insects has long captivated audiences with chilling tales of powerful bugs wreaking havoc on humanity. Located at the intersection of fear and imagination, the best movies about killer insects offer spine-tingling narratives and unforgettable characters. Each great film in this category introduces new and fresh ideas, resulting in groundbreaking movies about killer insect. The creativity and innovation of these films have made them stand outs of the genre earning them a well-deserved spot among the greats. 

Delving into the eerie world of these insect-infested films, a few examples stand out for their masterful storytelling and the unnerving plotline that captivate viewers. Titles such as Them!, The Fly, and Mimic are among the finest bug horror movies. Them!, a classic tale of giant, terrifying ants, showcases an imaginative spin on the fear of insects, while The Fly presents a disturbing fusion of human and insect through a brilliant scientist's experiment gone wrong. Lastly, Mimic unveils a hidden world of genetically engineered insects that evolve beyond human control, creating a living nightmare. These films exemplify the ingenuity and mastery of storytelling found in all of the best movies about killer insects. 

The powerful and intriguing horror movies about killer insects continues to appeal to audiences and resonate through the film industry, suggesting that these creepy crawlers are here to stay. With their ability to grip audiences with fear and curiosity, these killer insect films remain deeply ingrained within the realm of horror cinema. 

Most divisive: Phase IV
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Horror Movies About Killer Insects
  • Them!
    1
    James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon
    80 votes

    A titanic-sized dose of fear is injected into this classic black-and-white flick about gigantic irradiated ants wreaking havoc in New Mexico. With the military left struggling to keep these monstrous insects under control, audiences are treated to unnervingly realistic scenes of chaos and destruction. In addition to being a scream-fest, this timeless tale also serves as an allegory for the potential dangers of nuclear power and irresponsible scientific advancements.

  • The Fly
    2
    Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz
    98 votes

    In this chilling, yet poignant tale, a brilliant scientist's experiment goes horrifically wrong, leaving him with some truly diabolical DNA from a common house fly. As the transformation slowly takes over his body and mind, viewers can't help but feel for the man once known as Seth Brundle. With its cutting-edge special effects and abject terror that leaves one questioning the limits of science, this film is bound to make your skin crawl with absolute dread.

  • Mimic
    3
    Mira Sorvino, Jeremy Northam, Josh Brolin
    76 votes

    Just when things couldn't get more sinister, along comes a film that combines diabolical genetic engineering with humanity's innate fear of creepy-crawlies. A mutated strain of cockroaches begins replicating humans at an alarming rate, creating some seriously spine-tingling doppelgängers that'll make you squirm in your seat. With its gritty atmosphere and striking visuals, this eerie experience will have you constantly double-checking the people around you for any signs of insect imitation.

  • The Fly
    4
    David Hedison, Patricia Owens, Vincent Price
    63 votes

    This pulse-pounding classic tells the tale of a scientist whose failed teleportation experiment leaves him with far more than he bargained for: a fly's head and appendage. As he desperately searches for a way to reverse the transformation, thrilling suspense ensues, ensnaring audiences with every ill-fated move. With its haunting visuals and gut-wrenching tension, getting caught in this movie's web of terror is practically inevitable.

  • The Swarm
    5
    Michael Caine, Katharine Ross, Richard Widmark
    50 votes

    A force as irresistible as it is deadly delivers a sting like no other in this classic disaster film, where African killer bees descend upon Texas en masse. As the military and scientists grapple to halt their unstoppable advance, the sheer scale of the impending doom keeps viewers biting their nails. With a star-studded cast and a unique premise, this flick's terror-inducing buzz is sure to reverberate for many sleepless nights.

  • The Deadly Mantis
    6
    Craig Stevens, William Hopper, Alix Talton
    56 votes

    When it comes to heart-pounding terror on a gargantuan scale, few films can top this bone-chilling classic. Showcasing a gigantic prehistoric mantis awakened from its icy slumber, the ensuing destruction and chaos manage to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Combining thrilling creature-feature action with stunning visuals, this masterpiece will leave fans of all things creepy crawling back for more.

  • The Black Scorpion
    7
    Richard Denning, Mara Corday, Carlos Rivas
    43 votes

    Unleashing an ancient horror from deep within the Earth's crust, this terrifying tale revolves around a horde of massive scorpions driven to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Armed with pincers that can slice through metal and venomous stingers poised to strike, these monstrous creatures leave anguish and devastation in their wake. Boasting some truly chilling stop-motion effects, this old-school thriller will leave you shivering uncontrollably.

  • Tarantula
    8
    John Agar, Mara Corday, Leo G. Carroll
    39 votes

    Arachnophobes beware: This classic creature feature offers some seriously spine-chilling moments as a massive mutated tarantula ravages the desert landscape. Featuring ingenious special effects and a non-stop barrage of eerie imagery, this colossal nightmare is sure to leave your skin crawling in terror. With its pulsating suspense and hair-raising thrills, this arachnid-infused classic is a must-watch for fans of all things creepy.

  • Killer Bees
    9
    Kate Jackson, Gloria Swanson, Craig Stevens
    40 votes

    When a small-town California vineyard becomes ground zero for a terrifying invasion of murderous Africanized bees, all hell breaks loose. As the tension mounts with every swarming attack, audiences can't help but feel the relentless buzzing terror that engulfs our hapless heroes. Chock-full of suffocating suspense and nail-biting action, this film's sting is sure to linger long after the credits roll.

  • Empire of the Ants
    10
    Joan Collins, Robert Lansing, John David Carson
    41 votes

    H.G. Wells' chilling tale comes to life in this horrifying film about gigantic mutated ants taking over an island community. In spite of its campy B-movie status, the relentless action and mind-blowing creature effects offer up plenty of scares for even the most seasoned horror fan. Grab some popcorn and lock those doors because the ants are coming!

  • Phenomena
    11
    Jennifer Connelly, Daria Nicolodi, Dalila Di Lazzaro
    67 votes

    Italian maestro Dario Argento takes an undoubtedly unconventional approach to insect-based horror with this gory, yet strangely enchanting film. A telepathic girl navigates her way through murderous mysteries while communicating with insects, crafting an eerie tale full of unsettling twists and turns. With its surreal visuals and sinister atmosphere, this bizarre experience will have you clutching your seat in abject unease.

  • The Wasp Woman
    12
    Anthony Eisley, Susan Cabot, Roy Gordon
    45 votes

    A terrifying blend of science gone awry and skin-crawling insect horror, this thriller follows the twisted tale of a cosmetics queen who turns to deadly wasp enzymes in an attempt to maintain her youth. As her transformation into a bloodthirsty half-woman, half-insect monster ensues, viewers can't help but feel their hearts racing in terror. A chilling cautionary tale of vanity and desperation, this gripping film will stick with you long after the final scene.

  • Phase IV
    13
    Nigel Davenport, Lynne Frederick, Michael Murphy
    40 votes

    In what can only be described as an intellectual nightmare, this cerebral thriller delves into the terrifying potential of intelligent ants hellbent on conquering the human race. With scientists racing against the clock to outsmart these cunning insects, mind-bending scenes unravel before viewers' eyes. Featuring ground-breaking visuals and tense drama, this chilling tale will have you questioning even the most insignificant creatures.

  • It Happened at Lakewood Manor
    14

    It Happened at Lakewood Manor

    Suzanne Somers, Myrna Loy, Brian Dennehy
    31 votes

    Creeping and crawling their way into your nightmares comes an army of lethal venomous ants with insatiable appetites for human flesh in this nerve-racking made-for-TV movie. As the inhabitants of Lakewood Manor struggle to survive the onslaught, audiences are faced with skin-crawling scenes that'll leave them feeling anything but safe in their own homes. With its tense atmosphere and gripping action, this insect-infested fright-fest is not to be missed.

  • The Naked Jungle
    15
    Eleanor Parker, Charlton Heston, Abraham Sofaer
    35 votes

    Set within the depths of a lush South American rainforest, this action-packed adventure offers up an insect fear fest like no other. A plantation owner must defend his land against hordes of flesh-eating army ants, providing edge-of-your-seat excitement that won't soon be forgotten. Combining survivalist thrills with a palpable sense of dread, this jungle-set nightmare is one wild ride indeed.

  • Beginning of the End
    16
    Peter Graves, Peggie Castle, Richard Benedict
    34 votes

    The ultimate eco-horror experience unfolds when massive, ravenous grasshoppers threaten to devour all in their path. Nightmarish swarms of these gluttonous insects cast a menacing pall over each scene, building tension to unbearable levels. With its gut-wrenching nerve and powerful imagery, this chilling film serves as a frightening reminder of nature's capacity for revenge.

  • Ticks
    17
    Seth Green, Clint Howard, Alfonso Ribeiro
    42 votes

    For many, ticks are already a real-life horror – so when their size gets amplified to monstrous proportions and they're driven to feast on human flesh, it's safe to say that sheer panic ensues. This gruesome movie doesn't skimp on gore or terror as these blood-sucking parasites bite their way to the top of your most feared insects list. Brace yourself – you may never look at ticks the same way again!

  • The Bees
    18
    Gerald Ford, John Carradine, John Saxon
    31 votes

    Deadly swarms of African killer bees threaten the lives of countless victims in this pulse-pounding eco-horror flick. As scientists scramble to find a solution to the unstoppable onslaught, suspenseful encounters with these lethal insects provide heart-stopping moments that'll have audiences jumping from their seats. Guaranteed to make you think twice about stepping too close to any buzzing hive, this stingingly sinister movie is one to watch with bated breath.

  • The Fly II
    19
    Eric Stoltz, Daphne Zuniga, Lee Richardson
    47 votes

    Stepping back into an all-too-familiar nightmare, this chilling sequel explores the depths of a young man's struggle with his father's insect-infested legacy. As he grapples with horrifying transformations and dark revelations, viewers are left clinging to their seats in dread-filled anticipation. Equal parts heart-wrenching and skin-crawling, this haunting tale is sure to leave you rooted in terror.

  • Mimic 2
    20
    Alix Koromzay, Bruno Campos, Will Estes
    37 votes

    The nightmarish creatures return in this spine-chilling sequel, as genetically engineered cockroaches continue to mimic humans for nefarious purposes. With new characters thrown into the fray and even more grotesque insectoid action, this tension-filled fright-fest will have you second-guessing every shadowy figure lurking around the corner. Buckle up for another terrifying journey into the realm of scientific monstrosities.

  • Mimic 3: Sentinel
    21
    Karl Geary, Alexis Dziena, Keith Robinson
    36 votes

    In a world where the line between man and monster has been blurred beyond recognition, this jaw-dropping third installment in the Mimic series takes terror to new heights. With the nightmarish human-mimicking insects multiplying rapidly, one man discovers a horrifying secret that'll have audiences squirming in their seats. With its sinister subtexts and envelope-pushing scares, Mimic 3: Sentinel is every insect-phobe's worst nightmare.

  • Monster from Green Hell
    22
    Jim Davis, Barbara Turner
    31 votes

    A nightmarish combination of radiation experiments gone awry and colossal wasps eager to feed on human prey make for a heart-stopping adventure in this classic sci-fi horror flick. Alongside thrilling special effects and unnervingly realistic insect encounters, this movie delivers an unforgettable dose of fear that'll make you shiver with terror.

  • Black Swarm
    23
    Robert Englund, Sebastien Roberts, Sarah Allen
    26 votes

    Despite its made-for-TV status, this horrifying tale of flesh-eating bees rampaging through a small town will leave even the most seasoned horror fans trembling in their boots. From heart-stopping swarm attacks to pulse-pounding showdowns with these deadly insects, Black Swarm offers a harrowing experience that'll have you thinking twice about venturing outdoors. With its atmospheric tension and gripping storytelling, this fast-paced fright-fest proves that sometimes the deadliest menace can come from the smallest of creatures. Don't be fooled by its humble origins; Black Swarm is sure to deliver sleepless nights and lingering chills long after the final buzz fades away.

  • The Strange World of Planet X
    24
    Forrest Tucker, Alec Mango, Gaby Andre
    27 votes

    A thrilling blend of science fiction and chilling insect horror, this edge-of-your-seat film tells the tale of a small English village unwittingly disturbed by otherworldly experiments that unleash monstrous insects on the community. As the nightmarish creatures grow ever larger and more aggressive, scientists race against time to save humanity from the terror they've unleashed. Brimming with eerie atmosphere and unsettling imagery, this flick is an unforgettable journey into our unsettling fear of the unknown.

  • Infestation
    25
    Chris Marquette, Brooke Nevin, Ray Wise
    25 votes

    This high-octane survival thriller thrusts viewers into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by carnivorous insectoid creatures. With relentless action and heart-pounding suspense, it's clear that there's no shortage of nail-biting terror as survivors struggle to outwit their grotesque adversaries. Combining thrilling visuals with a dash of morbid humor, Infestation is a must-watch for anyone seeking a fear-induced adrenaline rush.

  • Bug Buster
    26
    Katherine Heigl, George Takei, Randy Quaid
    21 votes

    Equal parts campy fun and spine-chilling horror, this comedic creature feature explores the consequences of a bizarre genetic experiment gone wrong – resulting in an onslaught of ravenous insects with an appetite for human flesh. With its offbeat charm and relentlessly creepy atmosphere, Bug Buster keeps you laughing while simultaneously checking every corner for lurking critters. Perfect for those who love their scares with a side of humor, this movie offers an irresistible mix of thrills and chuckles.

  • Mosquito Man
    27
    Musetta Vander, Corin Nemec, Christa Campbell
    27 votes

    Body horror meets insect nightmares in this gruesome tale of a man transformed into a half-human, half-mosquito monstrosity. Driven by his insatiable bloodlust and newfound predatory instincts, he hunts down his prey in a series of grisly encounters that will leave audiences recoiling in terror. Injecting lashings of savage gore with raw psychological dread, Mosquito Man delivers a unique twist on classic creature features – ensuring you'll never look at mosquitoes the same way again.