10 Best Crossover Monster Movies

Human versus monster match-ups can be fun, scary, and tense, yet things tend to get even more interesting when two creatures are fighting each other or teaming up. There is some debate as to what exactly qualifies as a monster. Some arguments limit the definition to gigantic mammals or reptiles, while others extend the definition to anything that is overpowered. This includes supernatural or scientifically-enhanced human-sized characters. For this list, we shall go with the latter.

Over the years, several monster movie crossovers have been made, but only a few of them can be labeled outstanding. These films combine action, dread, destruction, and detailed storytelling, resulting in wildly entertaining sagas. And despite being monster stories, these films also feature well-developed human characters who don’t just exist as mere spectators or potential victims.

Here are the best monster movie crossovers.

10 Godzilla Vs Kong (2021)

The mayhem in Godzilla Vs Kong begins when Godzilla attacks a research center that’s housing a robotic monster named Mechagodzilla. Scientists then attempt to use Kong to access the Hollow Earth (where other giant creatures reside), so that they can use some of them in the war against Godzilla. However, things become complicated when Godzilla attacks the ship transporting Kong.

Best Battles in the Franchise

Of all the installments in the two franchises, Godzilla Vs Kong undoubtedly has the best battles, hence the reason it became a box office hit, even during the pandemic. Part of it concerns the fact that King Kong is now fully grown (the biggest version of the character ever seen on screen), and is now faster. This makes him more competent against the deadlier Godzilla.

Besides that, the film is a treat for science buffs as it explains the Hollow Earth dynamics much better. Audiences get educated about topics such as the reverse-gravitational effect and hyperloop transport, leaving them feeling as wise as the characters in white lab coats.

9 Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is the first of comic duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costell’s numerous horror-comedy flicks for Universal Pictures. Here they play railroad station baggage attendants, Chick and Wilbur, who mess up after receiving a shipment of crates from McDougal’s House of Horrors museum.

Their curiosity causes them to open the crates and upon doing so, they unleash Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster. Larry Talbot tries to contain the situation, only to turn into the Wolf Man when the full moon appears.

Overflowing with Hilarious Scenes.

Great comedies have an overabundance of hilariously memorable scenes, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. One such scene involves Dracula turning into a bat and trying to fly away upon realizing he is losing a fight. Obviously, it doesn’t work. Another scene involves Mr. Talbot turning into a werewolf as he is speaking on the phone, and the person on the other end thinking Talbot has put the receiver on his dog’s mouth (because of the growling).

Such funny scenes, and many more, earned the movie a spot on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Funniest American Movies. Quentin Tarantino also named it one of his favorites.

8 Lake Placid Vs. Anaconda (2015)

In Lake Placid Vs. Anaconda, scientists try to crossbreed an anaconda with a giant crocodile. As movie fate would have it, both creatures escape and begin killing locals. The onus thus remains on the sheriff to stop the two creatures before they do more damage. It is the first and only crossover between the Lake Placid film series and Anaconda film series, and the fifth installment in both franchises.

Guilty Pleasure VIewing

Lake Placid Vs. Anaconda is best approached with low expectations as it’s a standard B-movie where there is no attempt to be artsy or creative. It’s all about fights between giant crocodiles and giant anacondas.

To spice things up, there are human victims too, all of whom are painted as mean girls/boys first to make them unlikable. When they are finally attacked, there is little reason to pity them. The cast isn’t bad either, as the film sees the return of the horror icon, coupled with decent performances from the likes of Corin Nemec and Yancy Butler.

7 Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)

In Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, Lawrence Stewart Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) becomes bothered after learning that he has a genetic malfunction which causes him to turn into a deranged werewolf at dusk. Eager to get rid of the ailment, he sets out to search for the mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein.

Regrettably, he learns that Frankenstein is dead. Still, he tries to get Frankeinstein’s daughter, Baroness Elsa Frankenstein (Ilona Massey), to help him. Soon, he finds himself pitted against Frankenstein’s monster.

Retcons and the Establishment of New Lore

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man serves as a sequel to The Ghost of Frankenstein and The Wolf Man, yet the writers deserve credit for retconning a few unappealing elements from those films. In the crossover, Talbot only morphs into a werewolf when the full moon appears, rather than every single night as was originally the case. This change would become a key part of werewolf lore and has been used ever since.

Today, the film’s legacy remains strong. It was the first among the so-called “Monster Rally Films,” and has been excerpted numerous times ever since it was released. Notable movies that feature clips of the ‘40s classic are Alien Vs Predator and Mad Dog and Glory.

6 Alien Vs. Predator (2004)

Alien Vs. Predator presents another case of curious humans travelling to an unsafe location only to be surprised when they run into danger. Here, billionaire Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen) leads an expedition to Antarctica, hoping to find the source of a mysterious heat source.

There, they encounter parasitic aliens, and before they can figure out whatever is going on, the infamous extraterrestrial species, commonly known as Predators, show up to kill the other aliens. The humans thus get caught up in the chaos.

Last ‘Creature’ Standing

With Paul W. S. Anderson, audiences can always know what to expect. The Mortal Kombat and Death Race director rarely attempts to offer any clever plots. He is all about fights that are defined by the last-man-standing formula.

On this occasion, both man and creature have to fight for survival and everyone goes as hard as they should. The FX is wonderful too, hence the final product is both thrilling and pleasing to look at. Original fans might have a complaint or two regarding the characterization, but the film, in general, is worth the watch.

5 Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Monsters just wanna have fun and in Hotel Transylvania, they can count on Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) to give them a good time. Dracula is a Gatsby-like figure who keeps throwing the best parties at his lavish resort, Hotel Transylvania. This time, he invites The Mummy, the Invisible Man, and many others, to celebrate his daughter Mavis’ 118th birthday. However, complications arise when a human arrives at the monster party and falls for Mavis.

Excellent Voice Cast

Hotel Transylvania will likely appeal more to younger audiences than adults since it has basic jokes and no complex themes. Still, there are plenty of other things to admire, notably the voice cast. The film has a talented voice cast, each of them seemingly trying to outshine each other. Adam Sandler is excellent as Count Dracula, but a case can be made for Steve Buscemi, Selena Gomez, David Spade, Andy Samberg, and CeeLo Green being better than him.

4 Freddy Vs Jason (2003)

Professional interference is the major source of conflict between two of the greatest slasher villains in Freddy Vs Jason. Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) is concerned that the townsfolk have stopped fearing him. To fix the issue, he seeks the assistance of fellow serial killer Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger).

Together, the two orchestrate a fresh killing spree to show the residents who is boss, but beef emerges when Jason keeps killing Freddy’s intended victims, making him appear incompetent.

Killers Being Petty

Freddy Vs Jason is a fun crossover because it frees both killers from the robotic personality cage in which they are unusually confined. For once, both of them appear more human. It’s especially fascinating to see Jason having real emotions. He is not only desperate for recognition but is also full of envy, dishing out quotes like “He may get the blood, but I’ll get the glory.”

The stakes are also raised because potential victims remain in danger whether they are asleep or awake. While characters in the Freddy Krueger solo movies could delay their fates by avoiding their beds, the characters here have to stay alert at all times because Jason kills day and night.

3 Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)

When a meteoroid hits earth in Godzilla vs Mothra, it awakens Godzilla, giving humans a new reason to be scared. However, the meteorite also uncovers a Mothra egg. The egg hatches and Mothra comes out, putting the monster on a collision path with Godzilla. As all this is happening, a corporate villain tries to exploit both mobsters for monetary gain.

Pretty Gory

Godzilla vs Mothra’s cheap special effects have prevented the film from aging well, but the Japanese production is outstanding in the action and violence department. Though it’s labeled PG, the crossover picture is extremely gory. One shocking moment involves Godzilla killing Battra by biting out the creature’s throat, then blasting his atomic breath into the open wound. Luckily for the studio, such a scene, and many other similar ones, didn’t discourage parents from walking their children into theaters. Consequently, this became the highest-grossing Japanese film of 1993.

2 Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971)

Dracula vs. Frankenstein starts as a murder mystery movie before evolving into monster mayhem. After her sister disappears in Venice, California, Judith Fontaine (Reginna Carrol) begins searching for her before learning that she has been murdered by Groton (Lon Chaney), an axe-wielding killer working for Dr. Frankenstein’s last descendant, Dr. Durray (Naish). She also learns that Dr. Durray is performing experiments on the bodies of Gorton’s victims.

One of the Best Versions of Dracula

Horror movie fans often have a hard time picking their favorite Dracula actor. In most cases, Christopher Lee tends to be favored, and rightfully so. However, Zandor Vorkov deserves more recognition for his work in Dracula vs. Frankenstein. The character shines brighter than the sun he is trying to avoid, partly because of Vorkov’s performance and partly because he is granted a great arc.

This time, Dracula intends to get a serum that will make him immune to sunlight. Things don’t go as he wished, culminating in a showdown where he faces off against Frankestein’s monster. So brutal is the fight that both characters end up dead.

1 Destroy All Monsters (1968)

In the early stages of Destroy All Monsters, The United Nations Science Committee is shown to have come up with an effective way to deal with Earth’s kaiju problem. The organization has captured all the monsters, and is now holding them captive on Monster Island.

Surprisingly, the monsters all flee one day and go on a rampage in major cities. It’s then revealed that they are now being remote-controlled by an alien race. A team of astronauts is thus tasked with destroying the control satellite.

Blink It, Miss It

Destroy All Monsters requires the viewer’s full attention because a lot is going on at any given time. The film’s stuffed plot makes sense since there is a lineup of eleven monsters, all interesting in their own way. As expected, some of the monsters are efficient, while others, like Minilla, are so clumsy that they trip over themselves during fights. Audiences should also look out for the euphoric final brawl which feels like a battle in a medieval-themed movie.