Horror’s Greatest Animal Attacks – Shudder Season 2

Horror’s Greatest returns with its second season, premiering on December 31, 2024, on Shudder. The inaugural episode, titled “Animal Attacks,” delves into the primal fear of nature turning against humanity, showcasing a curated selection of films where animals become the harbingers of terror.

Hosted by genre top dogs, such as Kate Siegel, Jenn Wexler, David Dastmalchian, and Tananarive Due, the episode offers an enthusiastic exploration of animal attack horror films. Their passion for the genre is palpable as they dissect each film, providing insights that both seasoned horror fans and newcomers will appreciate. Most of the segments present as something similar to an awards ceremony. Film stars and animal actors alike stamp their status into our movie fan brains.

Like a kid in a candy shop, AMC+ and Shudders brand new horror series lines up guests like Ted Geoghegan, Joe Hill, Tom Holland and Dewayne Perkins, who all put in their two cents. And we couldn’t be more thrilled.

Swarming Nightmares: Creepy Critters and Small Things That Bite

When tiny creatures go rogue, their size only magnifies the fear. A premise that lends itself to the idea that anything in large numbers is scary. In between montages of the most well known films to independent obscure flashes of genius, if you can think of any creature feature, it will probably be mentioned in Shudder’s Horror’s Greatest Animal Attacks 2024.

• Piranha (1978)
  Joe Dante’s campy killer-fish flick is a blood-soaked delight. Equal parts chaos and charm, Piranha sets the bar for aquatic horror.
• Arachnophobia (1990)
  Blending comedy with visceral fear, this spider-filled scare fest is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt their skin crawl.
• The Swarm (1978)
  Bees take center stage in this disaster horror, proving that even the smallest creatures can inspire the biggest nightmares.

Rodent Revenge: Tales of Tiny Terror

Who knew rodents could be this unsettling? These films showcase their unexpected ability to unsettle. Some of the most bizarre but strangely addictive absurd horror, Willard and The Crips were spoken of fondly. If you were looking for a creature feature that no one has heard of, add either of these titles to your watchlist.

• Willard (1971)
  A man befriends rats in this drama-horror hybrid, using them for revenge in a story that’s as chilling as it is strangely poignant.
• The Crips (1982)
  Sinister rodents take over ordinary spaces, turning mundane settings into a theater of dread.

Pets Gone Wild: Domesticated Gone Deadly

Our furry friends aren’t always man’s best friend. Horror’s Greatest Animal Attacks services the well-established favorites. The types of films that marked pivotal moments in cinematic history. Just another reason to get into this excellent series. If not to bare witness, then, to just be better at the local trivia game at the pub.

Some of the nominees for Best Horror Pets are:

• Cujo (1983)
  Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, this story of a rabid St. Bernard is as terrifying as it is tragic, anchored by a stellar performance from Dee Wallace.
• Ella (1988)
  In Monkey Shines, a service monkey turns deadly in this unsettling thriller that questions the boundaries of human-animal relationships.
• Zowie (1992)
  In Pet Sematary 2, Zowie the resurrected dog. Who could forget him?

Highlights from the Episode:

• “The Birds” (1963): Alfred Hitchcock’s classic transforms the ordinary into the terrifying, as flocks of birds inexplicably assault a quiet town. The hosts delve into the film’s suspenseful build-up and its lasting impact on the genre.
• “Crawl” (2019): A modern thriller where a daughter and her father are trapped by alligators during a hurricane. The episode examines the film’s blend of natural disaster and creature horror, highlighting its intense pacing and practical effects.
• “Day of the Animals” (1977): This cult favorite depicts wildlife turning against humans due to environmental changes. The discussion touches on the film’s ecological themes and its place in 1970s horror cinema.
• “Jaws” It always comes back to Jaws.

The hosts’ scary movie discussions and personal anecdotes hit the sweet spots of the viewing experience. The whole production offers a deeper understanding of what makes these films resonate.

Their enthusiasm is infectious, making this episode a super fun watch for horror enthusiasts eager to explore the wild side of the genre.

“Horror’s Greatest” continues to be a treasure trove for fans, providing thoughtful analysis and uncovering hidden gems within the horror landscape.

Don’t miss the “Animal Attacks” episode to gain new perspectives on these epic films. It certainly is horror’s greatest.

For a review of the Horrors Greatest “Queer for Fear” episode, read our review.

For more information and to watch the episode, visit Shudder’s official website.

Horror’s Greatest Animal Attacks Season 2, Episode 1

is rated

4 Horror Cinema events out of 5

Quiz! Animal Attack Trivia

Title: “Test Your Animal Horror Knowledge!”

 

Results

You’ll get ’em next time kid!

HD Quiz powered by harmonic design

#1. Which Hitchcock film popularized the ‘birds attacking humans’ trope?

Psycho

The Birds

Vertigo

#2. What type of animal is featured in Monkey Shines?

Dog

Monkey

Cat

#3. Which killer fish movie was directed by Joe Dante?

Crawl

Piranha

Lake Placid

#4. What famous Alfred Hitchcock film popularized the concept of birds as terrifying killers?

Crows

The Birds

Ravens

Flight of Terror

#5. In Cujo, what breed of dog goes on a terrifying rampage?

Golden Retriever

St. Bernard

Rottweiler

German Shepherd

#6. Which Stephen King adaptation features a cat named Church?

Pet Sematary

The Shining

It

Carrie

#7. Who wrote the screenplay for Piranha, one of the greatest aquatic horror films?

James Cameron

John Sayles

Steven Spielberg

Wes Craven

#8. In the 1999 film Lake Placid, what type of animal terrorizes a small Maine community?

Giant Crocodile

Killer Shark

Mutant Bear

Venomous Snake

Giant Crocodile

#9. Which 1977 film directed by William Girdler features an enraged grizzly bear attacking campers in a national park?

Night of the Grizzly

Grizzly

Day of the Grizzly

Bear Attack

#10. What was the monkey’s name in Monkey Shines?

Litle Fella

Nigella

Nutella

Ella

Natalia

Previous

Finish

Conclusion

From massive animal attacks to the tiniest creepy critters, Horror’s Greatest Animal Movies on Shudder offers a treasure trove of terrifying tales. Explore this fascinating subgenre, discover hidden gems, or revisit timeless classics.

Don’t forget to check out Mother of Movies for more recommendations and horror trivia. This episode, alongside others like Stephen King Adaptations (2024) and Horror Comedies (2024), is a must-watch for fans looking to expand their watchlist.

Horrors Greatest Streaming Here

For even more recommendation for all things animal in film, check out these reviews: Rippy The Red Movie Review | Santa Jaws (for those in the festive spirit) | The Tank and Crocodile Vengeance can tick all the right boxes.