From horrifying giant insects to quirky critters, films about bugs have long been a source of fascination and fear in cinema. Whether you’re a horror fan or enjoy a lighthearted animated adventure, there’s a bug movie for all. Here are just a few of the best bug-focused films that have made their mark (in chronological order).
10 Iconic Insect Movies
1. Sting (2024)
This recent thriller blends horror with suspense. When a town is invaded by an aggressive species of wasp, chaos ensues as residents fight to survive. As the wasps grow in numbers, they begin to exhibit more terrifying and unnatural behaviors, prompting a bug exterminator to take extreme measures.
2. The Mist (2007)
Based on Stephen King's novella, this film is a combination of science fiction and horror. When a mysterious mist descends upon a small town, it’s filled with deadly creatures, including giant insects and other grotesque mutations. The monstrous bugs—including a terrifying breed of giant spiders—provide a scary backdrop to the film’s exploration of human nature under extreme stress.
3. Bee Movie (2007)
Compared to the last two films on this list, Bee Movie is a much lighter take on insect movies. This is an animated comedy that has achieved quite the cult following! The story follows a bee who sues humans for exploiting honey. It’s an entertaining and surprisingly deep look at the world of bees.
4. Charlotte’s Web (2006)
A heartwarming, animated classic that tells the story of Wilbur the pig and his friendship with Charlotte, the gentle spider. This adaptation of E.B. White's tale brings insects to the forefront in a touching and educational way.
5. A Bug’s Life (1998)
One of Pixar's most iconic films, A Bug’s Life takes us into the world of ants, showcasing the courage of a misfit ant who must stand up to a group of villainous grasshoppers. This animated feature is packed with vibrant visuals and a powerful message about teamwork and perseverance.
6. Antz (1998)
Similar to A Bug’s Life, Antz is another animated film that explores life in an ant colony. However, Antz takes a slightly darker approach, focusing on the struggles of an individual ant who dares to think for himself and challenge the colony’s rigid structure.
7. Arachnophobia (1990)
If you're a fan of horror movies about bugs, Arachnophobia is a must-see. This film takes the terrifying concept of spiders invading a small town to a chilling extreme. A group of people must fight to survive the deadly spiders that have made their way from the jungle into their homes.
8. The Fly (1986)
A true science fiction horror classic, The Fly explores the tragic tale of a scientist who accidentally turns himself into a human-bug hybrid. The grotesque transformation of Seth Brundle into a fly has become one of the most iconic and terrifying bug-related movies ever made.
9. Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)
This 1970s horror film taps into humanity’s primal fear of spiders. When a town is overrun by a huge number of deadly tarantulas, it leads to a fight for survival that ramps up the terror. Kingdom of the Spiders is a thrilling ride for horror lovers who want to see the creepy crawlers take center stage.
10. Them! (1954)
One of the earliest films to feature giant insects, Them! centers around the discovery of enormous ants that have been mutated by atomic testing. As these monstrous insects terrorize the Southwestern U.S., a team of scientists must race to find a solution. This film has become a cult classic in the genre of science fiction and insect horror.
Keep the Bugs in the Movies (And Out of Your House)
Creepy crawlers are great for the big screen, not your home. If you’re dealing with unwelcome insects in your house, leave the action to the movies and contact a professional for help. At Plunkett’s, we specialize in effective residential pest control to make sure your home stays free of unwanted visitors. Contact Plunkett’s today to get rid of the bugs and reclaim your space!
