Scottish Sunday Staff: Neil Mackay

King Kong Voted as the Most Terrifying Movie Monster of All Time

Despite being over 70 years old, King Kong has been named the most terrifying movie monster of all time. In a poll conducted by the film magazine Empire, the iconic 50ft ape beat out other famous monsters such as T-Rex from Jurassic Park, The Thing, and the Alien from the 1979 sci-fi film.

The Reigning King of Monsters

Empire describes King Kong as "the boss" and highlights his terrifying yet human-like qualities that have captivated audiences since his debut in 1933. The giant ape, originally conceived as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by producers Merian C Cooper and Ernest B Schoedsack, continues to demand the total devotion of viewers.

A Classic Tale with an Upcoming Remake

The film, which tells the story of capturing the gigantic ape and bringing him to New York for exhibition, became an instant classic. Its most memorable scene of King Kong scaling the Empire State Building remains etched in the minds of film enthusiasts. Now, award-winning director Peter Jackson is set to remake the film with a £70 million budget in New Zealand, due for release next year.

Other Notable Monsters

While King Kong reigns supreme, other iconic monsters made the top 10 list. Second place went to the 100ft bronze Talos from Jason And The Argonauts, followed by the Alien from Alien and the T-Rex from Jurassic Park. Notably missing were Frankenstein's monster and Dracula, leaving horror film critic Robert Simpson surprised.

The Personal Favorites

Adele Hartley, director of Edinburgh's Dead By Dawn Horror Film Festival, shares her personal favorite monsters, including Jaws, Freddie Kruger, and Pinhead. While King Kong remains a classic, she believes these monsters brought their own unique terror to the screen. Monsters like Jaws had a realistic impact on audiences, even years after the initial viewing, as portrayed by their fear of swimming in the sea. On the other hand, Pinhead revolutionized horror and monsters by introducing the idea of begging for one's own demise.

A Timeless Classic

Despite advancements in computer technology and animation, the 1933 film King Kong still holds its place as the best and most terrifying movie monster. Angela Freeman, a senior manager at the Glasgow Film Theatre, highlighted the film's enduring popularity, evidenced by its recent sell-out screening and the emotional response it evokes.

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