Top Movies Like 'The Monkey' for Horror Fans

Top Movies Like 'The Monkey' for Horror Fans

10 Movies to Watch if You Loved The Monkey

Drawing from the eerie tales of Stephen King, 'The Monkey' follows two estranged brothers who confront a cursed monkey toy that haunted their childhood. Not only is the film an impressive King adaptation, but it also serves as a distinct endeavor for director Osgood Perkins. He shifts from his usual atmospheric horror to a gory dark comedy.

If you’re in search of films with malevolent toys or more blood-soaked horror comedies, here are the 10 top picks to enjoy if you loved 'The Monkey.'

M3GAN

'M3GAN' shares a similar atmosphere to 'The Monkey,' but with a futuristic touch. After losing her parents, Cady (Violet McGraw) lives with her Aunt Gemma (Allison Williams), who designs a companion for her using AI. What starts as an AI marvel quickly becomes a sinister foe. Despite the PG-13 rating, it maintains a dark comedic tone, winning it a sequel and a spinoff.

Creepshow

'Creepshow,' by Stephen King and George Romero, is packed with B-movie delight. Paying homage to 1950s EC horror comics, each segment carries a signature comic book flair. Whether it’s twisted revenge or campy creatures, there's something for everyone. King himself makes an appearance as Jordy Verrill, with a storyline involving a catastrophic meteorite encounter.

Gremlins

'Gremlins' showcases black comedy at its best, beginning with a peculiar Christmas gift. Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) finds himself in chaos when a water mishap breeds new, troublesome creatures. These mischievous mogwai escalate into town-wide havoc. Mixing violence with fun, 'Gremlins' pairs perfectly with the deranged humor in 'The Monkey.'

It Chapter One

While Tim Curry’s Pennywise is iconic, Andy Muschietti’s remake refreshes the story. Adapted from Stephen King, 'It Chapter One' follows kids confronting a fearsome being from the sewers. Like 'The Monkey,' 'It Chapter Two' revisits the grown-up kids battling Pennywise decades later after its deadly reemergence.

Fear Street Part One: 1994

From R.L. Stine’s work, Netflix’s 'Fear Street' explores a generational curse. The initial film, 'Fear Street Part One: 1994,' follows teens investigating the evil behind brutal Shadyside history murders. Though less gory than 'The Monkey,' it offers retro-slasher thrills. Following up with parts two and three is advisable for a complete experience.

Pet Sematary

The original 'Pet Sematary' embodies Stephen King’s New England horror themes. Unlike 'The Monkey’s' tone, it seriously addresses grief and trauma. After Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) loses his son, he resorts to a resurrection-ground. But the resurrected son returns with a thirst for blood.

Annabelle

For more spookiness, 'Annabelle' fits the bill. Inspired by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film crafts its tale about a new mother's cursed doll encounter. While not the best from 'The Conjuring Universe,' 'Annabelle' holds its place in the chilling dolls genre, akin to a sinister monkey toy.

Maximum Overdrive

'Maximum Overdrive' presents ultimate cheese, with a comet causing machines to rise, trapping survivors in a truck stop. Although headed by Emilio Estevez, Stephen King’s sole directorial venture fell prey to production woes and a messy script, adhering little to the original story. Despite this, it's a cult classic for B-movie fans.

Ready or Not

Though storylines differ, 'Ready or Not' shares 'The Monkey’s' extreme gore. Offering cynical views on marriage, Grace (Samara Weaving) finds her in-laws' acceptance challenging. An innocent game turns lethal when she discovers a family curse requiring her sacrifice by dawn.

Benny Loves You

For a lesser-known killer toy movie, 'Benny Loves You' might be the right choice. Following his parents' passing, Jack (Karl Holt) discards his toys, including Benny, who takes murderous measures to stay with him. This indie gem delivers heart under its campy exterior and refuses to take itself too seriously.