25. Smaug - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The last great dragon of Middle-Earth, Smaug was drawn to the Dwarves’ hoard of treasure. So naturally, he invaded the Lonely Mountain and took it for himself, forcing the surviving Dwarves into exile.
A real dragon’s dragon, Smaug is cunning, violent, arrogant, and greedy. He showed no remorse in taking the Dwarves’ home, and when he figured out they’d gotten help from nearby Lake Town, had little issue in attacking.
He embodies everything a dragon is. Smaug’s scales are nearly impenetrable, but the cunning dragon
knew his weakness was his soft underbelly. So what did he do? Began coating his underbelly in gold from his treasure hoard to create an armored coating on himself. A very smart move. Like most dragons, Smaug can breathe fire, which he does during his attack on Lake Town.
Despite all of his draconic greed, when he does have his mountain hoard, he doesn’t seem to bother anyone. What a good boy! (Y’know, the horrible acts against the Dwarves aside.)
Smaug is most known for:
His hatred of Dwarves. Smaug seems to especially hate them, believing they are far Inferior, and seems to take great pleasure in his hand (er, claw?) in their demise.
Intelligence. Smaug, knowing his belly is his weak spot, took measures to coat it in treasure. Had he not missed a small spot (and accidentally told Bilbo,) he would have been nigh invincible.
Wealth. According to an article in Forbes, Smaug’s hoard is worth over 62 billion dollars.
24. Titans - Attack on Titan
Titans are giant humanoid monstrosities. Strong, and usually mindless, they are a blight on humanity and seek only to hunt and devour humans.
When I first watched Attack on Titan, these things freaked me out so bad. There are several varieties, none of which are pleasant. Some are mindless, like beasts only focused on the hunt. Others possess a greater intelligence. Titans are immortal, and have regenerative properties, able to regrow limbs within a matter of minutes.
The only surefire way to kill one was to cut a very precise gash in the nape of its neck, damaging its nervous system. Most varieties required sunlight to function, becoming docile or even comatose without it. Depending on the Titan, this effect would be immediate or come in a matter of hours.
Hey, wanna know what’s scarier than cannibals? Making them about 50 meters tall, deformed, and sometimes skinless. Yeah, that won't cause any nightmares. Still though, the lore behind the Titans is pretty interesting and if you’re terrifying enough to cause humanity to live inside three sets of walls, I’d say you’re doing a good job as a monster.
Titans are most known for:
- Their height. Most Titans ranged between 2-15 meters, with some being a whopping 50 meters. Yeah, no thank you.
- Resilience. Having only one surefire way to die and the ability to regenerate limbs and heal wounds, Titans were difficult to kill.
- Bloodthirst. Outside of a few select Titans, they were bloodthirsty and sought only to kill humans. Usually by eating them, which was strange, as they didn’t need them for sustenance.
23. Te Ka - Moana
The benevolent goddess Te Fiti turned into a horrible lava demon, Te Ka. When Maui steals the heart of Te Fiti, she becomes filled with anger, seeking to spread destruction and corruption across the world.
Imagine, you’re a beautiful goddess. A life-giving goddess who raises islands from the sea. Then, one day, some shape-shifting Demigod comes along and rips your heart from your chest. Yeah, I’d be bitter too.
Te Ka is the “dark side” of Te Fiti. Filled with hatred and anger, she spreads darkness throughout the world, destroying natural life. Always surrounded by pyrocumulus clouds and lightning, she can summon and control fire and magma.
Stealing the heart was wrong, but why did Te Ka have to punish the humans? They didn’t steal it. Well, maybe because Maui stole it for them? I don’t know. At least Moana was able to restore the heart. Who knew Te Fiti had such a fiery temper? (That was horrible, I’m sorry.)
Te Ka is most known for:
- Being the corrupted, heartless version of Te Fiti, goddess of Life and Creation. When Maui stole the heart, it led to Te Ka.
- Power. Te Ka’s corruption spread to islands, rendering them barren and lifeless, as seen when the coconuts on Motunui were filled with ash, and there were no fish.
- A sense of control, as seen when Moana appeals to her inner, true nature.
22. Medusa - Clash of Titans
Ally and servant of the Kraken, Medusa was a beautiful woman who was turned into a Gorgon as punishment for laying with Poseidon. Banished to the Underworld, she becomes murderous and slays those who invade her lair.
Medusa was once a beautiful woman, a priestess of Aphrodite, who was seduced (yeah, we’ll go with seduced) by Poseidon. Afterwards, she was turned into a Gorgon and sent to the Underworld. As time passed, men wandered into her lair. Men who she’d kill by petrifying them or shooting them with an arrow. You know, as a snake-haired beauty does.
The story of Medusa varies based on where you look, but in this adaptation, I feel bad for her. Imagine being seduced (still going with seduced) by Poseidon, then punished by being banished to the Underworld. I’ve heard some argue it was protection in disguise, but I disagree. After all, why would only men be allowed into her lair if it was for her own protection?
Medusa is most known for:
- Her snake hair. Iconic.
- Petrification. Those who look into her eyes are turned to stone.
- Archery. Medusa proves to be skilled with a bow, shooting Draco and injuring him and causing Solon to fall into a lava pit.
- Corrosive blood, which in the 1981 version also could summon scorpions.
21. Frankenstein’s Monster - Van Helsing
The reanimated creation of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, this monster is cobbled together from the pieces of seven different men. After his master’s death, he escapes and hides in a cave until he’s found by Gabriel and Anna.
After his creation, his creator Dr. Frankenstein was killed by Dracula, leaving poor… uh, monster, all by himself. Able to escape, the monster brought his creator’s corpse up to the top of a windmill, where he could mourn in peace. However, the windmill was set ablaze, and it was assumed our good ol’ monster died in the fire. Spoiler alert: he did not.
Frankenmonster is physically very strong and resilient, able to dish out and take heavy punishment. One of the interesting things about him is his gentle spirit. The monster won’t attack unless provoked, and all he really wants to do is live his immortal life (or undeath, I guess) in peace.
He may be a hideous monster cobbled together from parts of various men, but he is a good boy. He’s afraid of fire, and just wants to live in peace. Fun fact, he’s not really undead. He would technically be considered a flesh golem.
Frankenstein's Monster is most known for:
- His superhuman abilities. He’s physically very strong, able to hurl things great distances. He also is very durable, though he does still feel pain.
- Morality. Unlike many monsters (especially of the undead variety,) 7-piece only wants to live peacefully, and doesn’t show any real signs of malice or aggression unless he’s provoked.
- Fear of fire. Perhaps because of the windmill, the monster is afraid of fire, as seen in the carriage on the way to Rome, when the top was torn open and fire leaked in.
20. The Pale Man (Pan’s Labyrinth)
A monster locked away, the Pale Man is a malicious entity that lacks any sort of humanity. He devours children who eat from his banquet, and paints them on his wall.
Not a whole lot is known about the Pale Man’s backstory. He’s creepy and feasts on children, and… yeah. That’s about the gist. Ofelia is sent to his lair to retrieve a dagger, and told twice not to eat from his banquet. But she doesn’t listen, and as she steals grapes, awakens the Pale Man who chases after her.
With the sacrifice of two fairies (who were eaten by the Pale Man), she managed to escape. There aren’t many monsters as creepy as this one. Pure white, all that loose skin (lookin’ like me at the beach), and those horrible eyes in the palms of his hands. Yeah, no thank you.
The Pale Man is actually based off of a Japanese myth called a Tenome, who are similar in appearance, but hunt graveyards and are faster than the Pale Man. Maybe he needs to exercise and stop eating so many children.
The Pale Man is most known for:
- Insatiable hunger for small, defenseless children. An interest so intense, he keeps their clothing as trophies, and paints scenes of himself eating them on his walls.
- His connection to the myth of the Tenome, which is a Yokai that stalks graveyards and open fields at night in search of people to eat.
- Those beautiful eyes.
- A connection to the dagger in his room. Some pieces of lore claim it sustains his immortality, and if it’s removed, he’ll die. Others claim it’s the only weapon that can kill him.
19. Koh the Face Stealer - Avatar: The Last Airbender
Koh is an ancient and knowledgeable spirit who enjoys goading victims into emoting, so he can add to his collection of faces.
He’s got the body of a centipede and wears the faces he steals like masks. The child of the Mother of Faces, another powerful spirit. Provided a person shows even a little emotion in his presence, he can steal their face. This doesn’t kill them, just leaves them… well. Faceless.
Despite this, he doesn’t really seem completely evil. When Aang visits him, he reveals the information the Avatar was seeking, despite his failure to get him to emote. Even so, Koh is definitely not a good spirit.
I love anything to do with Avatar spirit lore, and Koh is no exception. I mean, he stole the face of an Avatar’s wife to punish him for arrogance. He seems to enjoy chatting up humans (as noted by Father Glowworm,) but that’s probably just to steal their faces.
Koh the Face Stealer is most known for:
- Stealing faces, obviously. Any emotion shown gives Koh the opportunity to steal a person’s face.
- His wealth of knowledge. Being one of the older spirits, and also one of the more chatty ones, Koh has quite a bit of information to share. Provided you can keep a straight face.
- Being the son of the Mother of Faces. The latter has even been known to give victims of Koh new faces, such as Rafa. A young man from the Northern Water Tribe whose face was stolen by Koh.
18. Davy Jones - Pirates of the Caribbean
Once the ruler of the seven seas, Davy Jones was the captain of the Flying Dutchman- a ship of the dead, ferrying souls of those who perished at sea to the afterlife. However, a broken heart caused him to turn into a cruel and fierce monster.
The story of Davy Jones is entwined with that of Calypso, Goddess of the Seas. He fell in love, and when she broke their promise to meet after ten years, he carved out his heart and locked it away in a buried chest. After he abandoned his duties as ferryman of souls, came his transformation, becoming more sea beast than man.
Davy Jones commanded the Flying Dutchman still, but goaded souls to join his crew to avoid final judgment and death. He was a masterful swordsman, matched by few others, with an aggressive fighting style. He possessed several other supernatural abilities, such as teleportation between the worlds of life and death and control over the Kraken.
Heartbreak can bring out the worst in people. Sometimes tentacles, and a claw even. Still, what did he expect, falling in love with the Goddess of the Sea? And binding her into human skin? Davy, buddy, just accept it and move on.
Davy Jones is most known for:
- Being the captain of the infamous Flying Dutchman, ghost ship of legend.
- Ferrying the souls of those dead at sea to the afterlife. A position he would give up, which led to his curse.
- Possessing a few supernatural abilities, such as going between the worlds of the living and dead, and being able to walk through solid objects. He was also a masterful swordsman.
- His skills on the pipe organ, even using his tentacles as extra limbs to play complex pieces.
17. Witches - Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
Witches, practitioners of dark arts (usually), and the primary target of Hansel and Gretel. Their ultimate goal is to sacrifice children during a Blood Moon to gain immunity to fire, their biggest weakness.
Whether it’s a white witch or a common witch, all practice witchcraft. The biggest difference, though, is black magic (used for evil) corrupts a witches physical appearance. Only a Grand Witch- the most powerful among their kind- can disguise themselves as regular humans.
White Witches (those who use magic for benevolent purposes) don’t mutate. Inner beauty means outer beauty, someone should tell the black magic witches. Witches cast various spells, far too many to list. They use wands, grimoires, talismans, and other occult tools to aid in their spellcasting.
Witches are probably one of my favorite occult creatures. Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters does a good job at showing how evil they can be, but also how good. A classic portrayal.
Witches are most known for:
- Witchcraft, obviously. They use wands, grimoires, candles, and talismans to augment their spells. They can also use brooms for flying (classic) and herbs for potion making.
- Deforming with use of black magic. It corrupts a witches’ appearance, causing them to look monstrous. Such as the horned witch, or the redhead witch.
- Diversity. Yes, many witches use black magic (hence why they’re called common witches,) but there are good witches who use white magic for benevolent purposes such as healing and protection.
16. Grendel - Beowulf
A demon of legends, in the 2007 film “Beowulf,” Grendel is the illegitimate child of King Hrothgar and a water demon. Not quite as evil as the original, this Grendel is strong, timid, and sensitive. He wants to please his mother, more than anything.
In the original poem, Grendel is a bloodthirsty and evil monster who kills for pleasure. In this movie, he is less of an evil, bloodthirsty killer and more of a deformed child who is highly sensitive to noise. That’s what caused his attack. The constant partying and singing from the mead hall traveled to his cave, and eventually, he went to confront them. Though, Grendel is still half demon, and definitely lacks social graces.
Breaking down the door only caused people to scream, which in turn caused Grendel intense pain due to his exposed eardrum, and you can guess what happens next. He is strong, and surprisingly agile for his size. He can easily rip men in half with his bare hands, and commands some control over fire as well.
It’s easy to feel bad for him, but really, he is still a demon and he did attack without warning or remorse. While he spared his father, he killed many others, which incited retribution. Really though, at the end of the day all he wanted was some peace and quiet, and is that so wrong?
Grendel is most known for:
- Being the illegitimate son of King Hrothgar and the water demon.
- His appearance, which is highly deformed. He has no skin, long black claw-like nails, and a crooked jaw that causes him to drool constantly. Most notably is his external, enlarged eardrum, which causes…
- Hypersensitivity to sound. The main reason for his aggression (besides the fact that he’s half demon and it’s just in his blood) is the pain the noise caused him.
15. Deathclaws - Fallout
One of the most iconic monsters in the Fallout games, Deathclaws are the result of an experiment gone wrong. They’re highly territorial, and even more so lethal.
They’ve been a staple in Fallout for quite some time. Deathclaws were originally an experiment conducted by the US Military (the in-game one, not the real one. I hope.) to replace humans in close-combat search-and-destroy missions. They have since broken out and begun to reproduce naturally in the wild.
A pack animal (monster?), Deathclaws have keen senses, and are excellent hunters. Thankfully, they don’t often venture far out to hunt humans, and the danger comes when you venture too close to their territory. Their hide is extremely tough, being nearly impossible to cleave through with a melee weapon. Firearms and energy weapons are better, but still require some oomph to them to pierce the skin. Their claws are lethal (shocking), being able to cut an unarmored human clean in half with far too much ease.
Deathclaws are an apex predator, and I remember the first time I played a Fallout game. One of these things mowed me down, and I died. I mean, I was probably undergeared, but this thing really just chewed through me like I was gum in a classroom.
Deathclaws are most known for:
- Being apex predators, with keen smell, hearing, and sight.
- Intelligence, with some being artificially modified to obey commands. Some even reached a level of intelligence where they could mimic human speech, like a parrot.
- Being highly territorial, fiercely attacking anyone who ventures too close. Unless both pack leaders (or the entire pack) are slain, another will take its place and they will continue.
14. Shiva - Final Fantasy
Shiva the Ice Queen, a recurring staple in the Final Fantasy series. She’s had many incarnations throughout the series, mostly as summons.
The Ice Queen, an elemental who most often serves as a summon or boss of some sort. She’s been a staple since Final Fantasy III, and one of the most popular recurring characters in the series. Shiva is, unsurprisingly, skilled with ice magic. Her iconic move is Diamond Dust, though she casts a lot of ice spells like Blizzard, Blizzara, and Blizzaga as well. In almost every incarnation of her, Shiva is a beautiful, wistful-looking woman with blue skin.
I debated on putting Ifrit or Bahamut here instead, but I think the lovely Shiva deserves the spot. Everyone else can just chill. (That was terrible, and I am ashamed.)
Shiva is most known for:
- Her regular appearance in the Final Fantasy franchise as a summon, or boss.
- Her signature move: Diamond Dust. Its damage varies slightly by title, but generally it keeps to the theme of being an ice AoE, or multi-target spell.
- Her role in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, where she is a somewhat major plot point in the Heavensward expansion.
13. White Walkers - Game of Thrones
Led by the Night King, the White Walkers are an ancient race of ice creatures who were once humans. Their goal is the same as their king: to bring about the Long Night and an eternal winter, wiping out all life as they do.
When the Children of the Forest created the first White Walker- the Night King- this would lead to the creation of an entire race. White Walkers are the bringers of winter. Cold killers whose only mission is to exterminate all the living. Their glowing blue eyes stand out against their almost mummy-looking pale skin.
White Walkers are physically very strong, wielding weapons made of crystallized ice. If that weren’t enough, they can raise the dead to fight under their command. Any dead- humans, dragons, animals. Their greatest weaknesses are dragonglass and valyrian steel, both of which can kill a White Walker with even the smallest wound.
These things are like ice zombies, and I absolutely love it. Not only can they throw fully grown men in armor like they’re yesterday’s trash, but they can raise the dead to fight alongside them. Every loss is a gain for them, though their greatest strength is also their weakness. Kill the White Walker, and their undead buddies drop like flies.
White Walkers are most known for:
- Their service to the Night King, who is the most ancient and powerful of their kind. The first ever created.
- Necromancy. White Walkers can raise the dead, seen many times throughout the show. They even managed to raise a dragon.
- Resilience. Valyrian steel and dragonglass are the only things that can reliably kill a White Walker.
12. No-Face - Spirited Away
A curious being who became obsessed with Chihiro, No-Face is a masked spirit whose speech and personality vary based on who it eats. It doesn’t really seem to have an agenda, outside of being with Chihiro.
Not a ton is known about No-Face, save for its abilities and its complete fascination with Chihiro. Despite its lack of lore, No-Face is one of the most popular creatures from Studio Ghibli. It can mimic anyone it absorbs, speaking with their voice and taking on their personality. It also can also summon things- like gold- seemingly from thin air. It may not have the most exciting powers, but it’s too cute to care.
No-Face is most known for:
- It’s mimicry abilities. It can absorb another spirit to gain its speech and personality, usually displaying its negative traits.
- Its obsession with Chihiro, which is born of her good nature and sincerity. It revels in her approval and seems to take her scorn hard.
- That iconic mask, which has been the center of many cosplays.
11. Dragons - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Dragons. Iconic, and central to the story of Skyrim. The servants of Alduin will hunt the Dragonborn relentlessly in an effort to reclaim their former glory.
We know them, we love them. The Dragons are the main plot of Skyrim, and as enemies, they might be a bit underwhelming. Unless you play on Legendary difficulty, Dragons lose a lot of their fear factor quickly. Still, they are iconic enemies.
They breathe fire or frost, and they can show up at any time. Their bites are lethal at lower levels, or if you’re undergeared. Legendary difficulty makes them a bit more fearsome, increasing their health and damage.
Dragons in Skyrim are famous for many reasons. Their importance to the story being one of them, and another being just how annoying they are. It’s infuriating when you’re off doing the fun quests, and a dragon shows up and stops you from being able to fast-travel. They always show up at the absolute worst times, and I definitely think it’s planned.
Dragons are most known for:
- Loyalty to Alduin. At least most of them are, hence why they’re sent to hunt the Dragonborn.
- Being the central plot of the story.
- Their penchant for showing up at the absolute worst time and being a total inconvenience.
- Being rideable, with the Dragonborn DLC.
10. The Sorting Hat - Harry Potter
The baddest hat at Hogwarts! The Sorting Hat is an enchanted wizard’s hat that can speak. When it’s placed upon a first year student’s head, the Sorting Hat looks inside of them and sorts them into one of the four houses.
Alright, so it might walk the line of “monster,” but it’s definitely not human. While it lacks any real significance in the films, everyone knows the Sorting Hat. It sorts the students of Hogwarts into one of the four houses.
There are several factors in the sorting process. First and most obviously, what traits a student has. Second being what traits a student admires or aspires to have. And finally, what may challenge a student, such as sorting cowardly Neville into Gryffindor to help him become more confident and brave. Outside of its intended purpose, the Sorting Hat doesn’t do much, though it is sentient with its own personality.
Alright, this one is a stretch. I know. It has a stronger presence in the books than the films, with its songs being removed from the films altogether. But c’mon. A monster that sits on your head, judges you, and puts you into a social group? Iconic.
The Sorting Hat is most known for:
- Sorting the students of Hogwarts into one of four houses: Gyffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. (Where my Hufflepuffs at?)
- Being something of a songbird in the books, singing songs at the beginning of each year that it wrote. In the books, it’s said that its songs inspire unity and inspire them to come together to face danger.
- It’s sentience. Despite not having a strong presence, the Sorting Hat has its own personality, with a sense of humor even.
9. Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal - Game of Thrones
Three dragons, the children of Daenerys Targaryen. Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal are fearsome (well, maybe not in that picture) creatures who help their mother in her quest to take the Iron Throne.
We get to meet these three relatively early in the series. From small little dragonlings, they grow to fearsome beasts capable of bringing cities to ruin. As far as famous dragons go, these three are definitely well known. Maybe not by name, but definitely by their mother. All three of them are your typical dragons.
Strong, tough scaly hides, and fire-breathing. Viserion, however, is eventually killed and reanimated by the Night King, causing him to transform like other wights do. The three of them are classic dragons in every sense of the word. While they do serve their mother, they actually are free creatures, and have been known to leave for little adventures of their own.
I am a sucker for dragons, and unlike Skyrim’s dragons, these three are famous for the right reasons.
Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal are most known for:
- Being the three dragons of Daenerys Targaryen, hatched by her from eggs.
- Viserion being killed by the Night King, and reanimated by him as well.
- Drogon melting the Iron Throne in grief and rage over his mother’s death.
- Being the last known living dragons in the world.
8. Koopas/Goombas - Mario
The two main enemies of the Mario franchise, Koopas and Goombas are often in service to King Bowser, though many of them are also unaffiliated and lead normal lives.
The two most iconic- and probably recognizable- monsters ever. Goombas and Koopas are among the first enemies we ever meet in the Mario games, and while their base versions aren’t really anything special, they have many variants that are stronger. Both Goombas and Koopas have para-versions (ones that fly). They also have spiky versions, or ones that are just stronger overall.
Goombas tend to rely on head bonking to attack, while Koopas are more diverse. They usually throw hammers or attack with their shells, but some of ‘em can use magic too. Goombas and Koopas may not be the strongest or most showy, but there’s no doubt they’re some of the best known monsters in gaming history.
Honestly, I was going to put them on this list separately, but I don’t think one is any better or lesser known than the other. Unless I counted specific characters, though even that would probably end in a tie.
Goombas and Koopas are most known for:
- Being the staple enemies of the series, making an appearance in almost (if not every) Mario title.
- A majority of them swearing allegiance to Bowser.
- Being some of the weaker enemies in the series.
7. Tarrasque - Dungeons & Dragons
One of the most feared monsters in Dungeons & Dragons. A Tarrasque is a gargantuan Titan that usually spells death for a player party. There’s a reason it’s known as the TPK button.
Even people who haven’t played D&D may have heard about this monstrosity. It’s popular as a final boss in longer-term campaigns, or as a party killer. It’s considered one of the strongest monsters in D&D, and if you look at its stat block (5th Edition), you can see why. It’s immune to targeted spells like magic missile, and has a chance of firing them back at the caster. It gets five attacks (multiattack), and it can hit like a freight train.
It’s immune to fire and poison, and can only be attacked by magic weapons. It’s got an AC of 25, blindsight, and a handful of condition immunities. It can swallow players and basically digest them each turn, and its health pool is nothing to sneeze at either. It’s a popular death machine for good reason.
I’ve only ever had the chance to fight a Tarrasque once. My Cleric (may he rest in pieces) couldn’t land a hit, and ended up getting himself ripped in half. Good times.
Tarrasques are most known for:
- Being one of the strongest D&D monsters, having high damage, immunities, health, and AC.
- Being a popular choice for a final boss, or a party wipe for GMs who want to end their games.
- Having an absolutely amazing design. It looks as fearsome as it is.
6. Balrogs - Lord of the Rings
Demons of power, Balrogs were once Maiar who were corrupted by Melkor into his service. They would later serve Morgoth.
Balrogs are some of the coolest looking fire demons. Powerful, agile, and ferocious, they have somewhat humanoid shapes. They have large horns, fiery “manes,” flaming whips, and cool looking molten weapons. Powerful enough to contend with Gandalf in a one-on-one battle, and a single Balrog was able to drive the Dwarves from their home of Khazad-dûm.
Sometimes I wish I lived in a super cool fantasy world. Then I think of things like Balrogs and remember why it’s good that I don’t.
Balrogs are most known for:
- Formerly being Maiar, who were persuaded, corrupted, and turned into demons by Melkor.
- Combat prowess, possessing great strength and surprising agility.
- Driving the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm from their home single handedly.
- Contending with Gandalf in a one-on-one battle, and even managing to end the battle in a draw, with both sides dying.
5. Murlocs - World of Warcraft
Murlocs are a race of humanoid fish monsters from World of Warcraft. They have their own cultural structure, and do what they must to survive.
I don’t know a World of Warcraft player who hasn’t mimicked the iconic “Aaaaaughibbrgubugbugrguburgle” of a Murloc at least once. Often seen as creatures of lesser intelligence, there are debates on whether or not Murlocs are smarter than people think. Honestly, it’s smart to let people think you’re not. They’re found, in some variation, in many zones in the game.
They’re proficient with weapons and magic, mostly water and earth elements. Many serve- either willingly or unwillingly- the Naga, and they almost never associate with other races. Their language is Nerglish, which they share with Makrura and a few other aquatic races. Murlocs are mainly hostile, though some friendly ones do exist, and you can also get a few as battle pets. A Murloc of your very own!
Popular Murloc phrases include “Flllurlog,” “Mglmglmglmgl,” and “Mrgllll glrrm gl”. They have such a way with words.
Murlocs are most known for:
- Mmmm mrrrggk (Good Magic. Yes, “good” in Nerglish is “mmmm.”)
- A diverse skillset, being able to use magic and weapons, tame aquatic creatures, and fish exceptionally well.
- Being enslaved and occasionally killed by the Naga.
- Their iconic battle cry: Aaaaaughibbrgubugbugrguburgle!
4. Mimic - Dungeons & Dragons
Monsters that take the form of various objects, Mimics lure in unsuspecting passersby and adventurers for a little snackin’.
If you ask any Dungeons & Dragons fan what the most iconic monster is, I’ll bet you the most common answer will be a Mimic. They’re versatile and fun, and great for surprise encounters. Mimics aren’t really strong, but that doesn’t make them any less popular. They lack any kind of concern beyond survival, with their biggest goal being the procurement of their next meal. I can relate.
Just remember: when you’re traversing a dungeon, anything can be a Mimic.
Mimics are most known for:
- Being one of the most popular monsters in the D&D universe.
- Shapechanging, which they use to hunt for tasty adventurers.
- Usually taking the form of a treasure chest, since most adventurer’s are greedy.
3. Creeper - Minecraft
Creepers are monsters in Minecraft that like to absolutely ruin your hard work. They are an enemy that attacks by charging and exploding.
Imagine this. You’re in survival mode. You’ve spent hours farming resources to build a nice house, maybe you even spent time creating blocks like sandstone. You’re finally almost done, when all of a sudden you hear it. That familiar hiss.
It’s too late- you try and run, but you’re blown up with a massive part of your house. Creepers have been the bane of many a Minecraft build, and the only thing that can keep them away are cats and ocelots.
I remember when I was doing a Minecraft challenge (if I died, I had to delete the world and start over). I was building in the desert with sandstone, and I was usually pretty good about luring the creepers away. Until I wasn’t. One blew up right next to me, destroyed my house, and apparently destroyed the blocks keeping me up because I fell into a cavern and died. I’m still bitter about it.
Creepers are most known for:
- Being deadly to newer players, who don’t know how to lure them away or defend against them.
- Being a source of music discs, which require a little finesse to get them to drop.
- Going out with a bang.
2. Flying Monkeys - The Wizard of Oz
Bound to service by the Wicked Witch of the West, the Flying Monkeys are agile and aerial, and will do anything their mistress tells them… well, until she dies.
The Flying Monkeys were not a large part of the original Wizard of Oz film, seen only a handful of times and no real information given about them. Oz, the Great and Powerful expands on their lore, with two additional races of Flying Monkeys. Baboons, which are in service to Evanora, the Wicked Witch of the East, and the smaller race Finley is a part of.
If the rest of his race is like him, then they are weaker and smaller, but more amiable and intellectual. The Baboons had great strength, though Flying Monkeys as a whole are lacking any remarkable powers.
We don’t love them because of their powers, though. We love them because they’re adorable Flying Monkeys.
Flying Monkeys are most known for:
- Their service to the Wicked Witch of the West in the original film, due to her possessing a golden cap that gave her control over them.
- Having variation in species as seen in Oz, the Great and Powerful.
- Successfully capturing Dorothy and Toto and bringing them back to the Wicked Witch.
1. Dracula - Bram Stoker’s Dracula
The vampire of legend, Dracula. Following the suicide of his beloved wife Elisabeta, and the claims that she will burn in hell for taking her own life, Dracula denounces God and desecrates the chapel, swearing to avenge his wife with all the powers of Darkness. Drinking the blood of the cross, he becomes a vampire.
I could have chosen any incarnation of Dracula, really, but I like how Bram Stoker’s Dracula is less… gimmicky, I guess? It holds more closely to the original 1897 novel, and the story of Vlad the Impaler. Dracula is a charming and eloquent fellow who believes Mina Murray, the fiancée of local solicitor Jonathan Harker, is the reincarnated soul of his wife Elisabeta.
Dracula hosts many powers and abilities, like superhuman strength and speed, hypnosis, telekinesis, shapeshifting, control over beasts, weather manipulation, and of course, sharing his vampiric “gifts”.
Really, any version of Dracula would suffice. He’s synonymous with vampirism. I, personally, just prefer the Bram Stoker version and the connection to Vlad the Impaler. It’s a refreshing take, and brings new life (or unlife I guess) to a classic.
Dracula is most known for:
- Being one of the most famous and well known vampires in history.
- His charm and eloquence, which is what lowers the guard of his victims.
- In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, his love for his wife is what fuels his darkness. Hearing her besmirched drives him to the extreme.
- Being based on Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Dracul III), a famous ruler of Wallachia.
You may also be interested in:
