The 10 Best Horror Movies That Feature Bigfoot

Estimated read time 9 min read
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Legends of mythical creatures, like Bigfoot, have captivated generations with evolving stories. Known by various names such as Yeti and Sasquatch, this creature’s existence remains a subject of debate. Regardless, the tales persist and have inspired numerous films. From successful hits to obscure creations, the cinematic exploration of Bigfoot spans various genres, including comedy and adventure. However, horror seems to be the most fitting genre, given the creature’s terrifying reputation. With an increasing number of reported sightings, there’s an opportunity to delve into the best Bigfoot-themed horror movies, each offering a unique take on the legendary creature.

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The 10 Best Horror Movies That Feature Bigfoot

Bigfoot — 1970

One of the early horror movies centered around the Bigfoot legend is “Bigfoot,” released in 1970. During this period, the Patterson film had fueled the growing fascination with Bigfoot, integrating it into popular culture. Despite its low budget, the film earnestly portrays the creature’s involvement when women in a small town’s forest start disappearing. With the police seemingly ineffective, a group of bikers takes it upon themselves to rescue the kidnapped individuals. The narrative unfolds as they discover Bigfoot’s lair, leading to a climactic confrontation resolved with dynamite.

What sets the movie apart is its filming in California locations where real Bigfoot sightings were reported. Written and directed by Robert F. Slatzer, the film introduces an interesting twist by depicting a family of multiple Bigfoot creatures rather than a solitary entity. While not the pinnacle of the genre, “Bigfoot” features notable performances by John Carradine, Joi Lansing, Judith Jordan, John Mitchum, and James Craig.

Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes — 2012

Released in 2012, “Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes” adopts the found footage style, depicting the downfall of renowned journalist Sean Reynolds (played by Drew Rausch), whose career suffers due to a false episode on paranormal activity. Determined to expose believers in the supernatural, Reynolds, accompanied by his crew, investigates claims made by Carl Drybeck (Frank Ashmore) about discovering Bigfoot. However, as the crew delves into the mystery, they experience escalating horror, questioning if Drybeck’s assertions were genuine. The film effectively builds tension, keeping viewers on edge, and employs well-executed jump scares, solidifying its classification as a horror film. The cast features Rich McDonald, Ashley Wood, Noah Weisberg, and Japheth Gordon.

Creature from Black Lake — 1976

Released in 1976, Creature from Black Lake is a film that predates the commonality of Bigfoot-themed movies. Set in the Louisiana swamps, it revolves around mysterious attacks on fishermen attributed to a Bigfoot-like creature. As rumors circulate, two men decide to investigate, delving into the swamp to uncover the truth. Despite vague descriptions from local witnesses, the duo’s hunt leads them to the elusive monster.

What sets Creature from Black Lake apart is its eerie atmosphere, perfectly complementing the horror surrounding the enigmatic creature sightings. Over time, the film has gained a cult following, thanks to its well-executed atmosphere, playful humor, and regional charm. However, a drawback is the limited visibility of Bigfoot in the film; more frequent monster appearances could have enhanced the overall experience. The cast includes Jack Elam, Dub Taylor, Dennis Fimple, John David Carson, and Jim McCollough Jr., who also wrote the script.

Primal Rage — 2018

Primal Rage stands out among Bigfoot-themed films for its more recent release, depicting a couple’s challenging journey through the Pacific Northwest. Faced with the harshness of nature, unfriendly locals, and a close encounter with Bigfoot, named Oh-Mah by the locals, the film offers a memorable and intense experience. What sets it apart is the impressive design of the Bigfoot creature and the high-quality special effects, contributing to its effectiveness as a horror movie. However, the film’s potential could have been even greater with a more compelling plot, despite its still being a solid addition to the Sasquatch movie genre.

The Abominable Snowman — 1957

The release of the 1957 horror film “The Abominable Snowman” featuring the elusive Yeti serves as evidence of our long-standing fascination with creatures like Bigfoot. In this black-and-white movie, a scientist and a team embark on a Himalayan expedition in search of the legendary Yeti. As they navigate the snowy mountains, tensions escalate within the group, especially when some members harbor hidden agendas related to exploiting the creature for financial gain.

The film’s excellence lies in its atmospheric dread, skillfully portrayed by the cast. The terrifying design of the creature enhances the overall horror experience. Directed by Val Guest, the movie delves into the conflict between commercialism and science, as certain individuals within the group seek to capitalize on the Yeti for monetary purposes if they can locate it.

“The Abominable Snowman” raises thought-provoking themes, suggesting that the true menace may not be the mythical creature but rather the darker aspects of human nature. This timeless concept adds depth to the Yeti narrative. The cast includes notable names such as Forrest Tucker, Peter Cushing, Maureen Connell, Richard Wattis, and Robert Brown.

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Night of the Demon

Night of the Demon, released in 1980, remains a highly chilling portrayal of Bigfoot in cinema. The story revolves around an anthropologist and his students investigating a series of murders attributed to Bigfoot. Despite its seemingly straightforward plot, the film’s allure lies in its numerous unexpected turns and twists.

What sets Night of the Demon apart is its appeal to fans of intense gore. The movie garnered the “video nasty” label in the UK due to its graphic and explicit scenes. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the murders in vivid detail, with no gruesome element spared. Interestingly, the film incorporates a comic element, injecting humor into some of the death scenes. This unique combination of horror, gore, and humor makes Night of the Demon a standout Bigfoot horror film.

Exists — 2014


Since its debut in 2014, Exists is often regarded as one of the finest Bigfoot films, employing the found footage style that complements its subject matter. Crafted by Eduardo Sánchez, known for The Blair Witch Project, the movie unfolds in a wooded setting, typical of Bigfoot narratives. The plot revolves around a group of teenagers on a camping trip who encounter Bigfoot, leading to a tense struggle for survival. Sánchez’s expertise shines through in the film’s portrayal of Bigfoot, creating a convincing and immersive experience that goes beyond the typical actor-in-costume approach. However, criticisms arose regarding the underdeveloped characters, suggesting that a more balanced focus on character development could have elevated the film’s overall acclaim.

The Legend of Boggy Creek — 1972

The Legend of Boggy Creek stands out as an early and effective portrayal of Bigfoot, skillfully presenting the narrative in a documentary format. It achieved groundbreaking success during its release, focusing on the “Fouke Monster” in Fouke, Arkansas, and the continuous terror it inflicted on the local residents.

What sets the film apart is the inclusion of actual eyewitnesses who claimed to have encountered the elusive monster. This element heightened audience engagement and contributed to the film’s success, earning an impressive $20 million at the box office. The documentary style not only enhances the horror aspect by lending a realistic feel but also played a crucial role in the film’s popularity.

The Legend of Boggy Creek’s incorporation of stunning landscapes further amplified the terror, juxtaposing the creature’s disturbance with the natural beauty depicted in the film. Despite being a low-budget production, the movie’s success paved the way for subsequent horror films centered around Bigfoot, showcasing how effective storytelling can triumph over financial constraints.

Abominable — 2006

Abominable tells the story of Preston Rogers, a man recovering from a climbing accident in his cabin. His peaceful retreat takes a surprising turn when he witnesses Bigfoot in the woods. Despite his attempts to convince others, including his companions, of the creature’s existence, he faces disbelief. As the monster kidnaps his neighbor, Rogers struggles to make others believe him.

The film gained popularity for its graphic content and impressive monster design. The likable protagonist, Rogers, adds to the appeal, making viewers invested in his fate. Abominable features a notable cast, including Matt McCoy, Haley Joel, Christien Tinsley, Karin Anna Cheung, Jeffrey Combs, Lance Henriksen, and Natalie Compagno.

Willow Creek – 2013


Willow Creek is a standout film in the found footage genre, arguably the best of its kind. The story revolves around Jim and Kelly, a couple visiting Willow Creek where the first Bigfoot sighting occurred. Jim believes in the creature, while Kelly is a skeptic but goes along to please him. The film realistically portrays the challenges in their relationship and the warnings they receive. Despite its slow build, Willow Creek becomes terrifying, leading to a compelling ending. The movie captures the naivety of a couple wanting to document Bigfoot, unprepared for the horrors they face. Its effective use of twists and turns makes it the top horror film featuring the legendary creature.

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