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Movie Monster Legends: Ten of the Greatest Ever Onscreen Beasts

Some monsters never die. Some of them keep on burrowing ever deeper into the collective unconscious until they are rooted there for all time. Here we'll take a look at ten of the film industry's most unforgettable creatures. There is no real order to this list, as they are all fine examples of celluloid terror (and opinion, after all, is subjective. Nowhere moreso than with film fans), but the big names speak for themselves. We'll also take a look at some of the licensed merchandise that these creatures inspired, which has thrilled fans for decades.

Chucky:

The possessed doll first hit the screens in the 1988 horror classic 'Child's Play'. Following that came four sequels, and with each one his appeal was diminished as each film became more and more of a spoof of what came before. Chucky is also to be getting the remake treatment, but in the new version he will still be played by veteran movie villain Brad Dourif.

Pinhead:

Famously portrayed by Doug Bradley in eight feature films, Pinhead is one of the most striking images to have come to cinema. With his fetishistic outfit and hideous mutilated visage, he leads his Cenobite minions across realities to ensnare twisted individuals who crave the next big fix. The character is to come to the big screen again with the forthcoming remake of the first Hellraiser.

Jason Voorhees

The mutated hick from Crystal Lake has terrorized audiences for decades, and to date has appeared in eleven feature films including the 9 Friday the 13th movies, Jason X and Freddy Vs Jason. A remake of Friday the 13th is soon to be released and kick off the series all over again. With his distinctive Hockey mask and bloodied machete, Jason is an unforgettable movie monster.

Predator:

First shredding flesh in the 1987 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Predator quickly became an iconic movie monster despite only starring in two films until the AVP franchise came along. With its distinctive features and abilities, the Predator grabbed ever more fans due to it being such a relentless adversary for the films' heroes. The Predator has gone on to become one of the most sought-after collectable items in history.

Ghostface

Surprisingly, the masked killers from the SCREAM trilogy always rank very highly with horro movie buffs. While not strictly monsters, the image of the masked, robed murderers is one that permeated all of the horror industry for a time in the lkate 90s, spawning a whole generation of lesser imitators who wanted to get in on the teen slasher reinvention bandwagon.

Freddy Krueger:

The legendary dream demon, Freddy Krueger, brought terror to our screens in seven movies of his own, as well as a short-lived TV series, countless books and comics, and the lacklustre Freddy Vs Jason feature film. Played by Robert Englund in all of the above, Freddy was (and is) an intense and memorable character. He worked best in the first and third films of his own franchise, when he was at his darkest. The first of his films, A Nightmare on Elm Street, is currently being remade, with Krueger now played by Billy Bob Thornton.

Alien:

Originally designed by legendary artist HR Giger, the eponymous creature in the ALIEN films (and indeed AVP and AVP: Requiem) is an instantly recognizable movie monster. Its very form thrills and terrifies in equal measure, proven by its longevity as a driving force in the film industry. To this day the first two Alien films stand up as masterpieces of the genre and cinema as a whole, and while later films and the Alien Vs Predator spinoffs may have been lesser products, they did nothing to diminish the power of the creature's presence when glimpsed onscreen.

STAY PUFT MASHMALLOW MAN

Mr Stay Puft only appeared in one film, namely the all-time classic first Ghostbusters movie from 1984, but that brief appearence was enough to cement the character in film fans' hearts and minds forever more thanks to his frankly insane visage. Who could forget the sight of a giant man made of sweets, standing 112.5 feet tall (according to Harold Ramis), attacking New York before being destroyed by four eccentric men in overalls and proton packs? He went on to become an icon in comics, cartoons and toys

King Kong:

Back in 1933, the world gasped in awe at the sight of the original King Kong movie and all of its legendary stop-motion animation. The ingenious technique brought to life one of the most incredible beasts ever known, and a genre was born. Spawning various spinoffs, sequels and remakes, including Peter Jackson's impressive 2005 effort, there are few other onscreen beasts that can lay claim to the crown of most influential movie monster of all time. Incredibly influential in every sense, the original film, and indeed the titular giant ape, have become synonymous with the creation of the monster movie genre. Nobody will ever forget that climactic and iconic battle atop the Empire State building.

Godzilla

The 1998 American remake may well have been a critical and commercial failure but it couldn't change the fact that the famous Japanese monster, Godzilla, is the most recognizable and revered of all monsters that have appeared on film. Notching up over 50 film appearances, he has fought off all manner of weird attackers, spawned cartoon shows, spin-off franchises and a massive merchandising industry. The image and idea of Godzilla has proven to be remarkably enduring, and even though the character was supposed to be laid to rest with the incredible Godzilla: Final Wars a few years ago, the legend continues with yet more giant monster projects. I swear, Tokyo must have been rebuilt more times than I've seen Star Wars. No, really. The giant monster action may well have been a bunch of guys in big rubber suits, but it has nevertheless thrilled audiences ever since the 1950s. Long may Godzilla reign as the king of all beasts.

So there you have ten of the greatest movie monsters of all time. But what of the merchandising industry they spawned?

There has long since been an insatiable appetite for licensed movie monster memorabilia from fans the world over. Thankfully, there are some fantastic companies out there who are creating some truly incredible work in this area, and fans are eager to get their hands on the latest items. Let's take a look at some of the big names currently proving the world with high quality licensed merchandise.

In the past decade, the licensed collectibles market has been dominated by a select few companies, who have earned their status as the best in the world through years of dedication and the quality of their work. The leaders in the field of official movie merchandise are companies such as Mcfarlane, NECA, Sideshow Collectibles and Gentle Giant. Mcfarlane cornered the market in action figure versions of the most famous movie monsters at the end of the 90s with their legendary Movie maniacs range, bringing quality articulated figures of such characters as Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, Jason Voorhees and suchlike into the realms of affordable merchandise. Their box sets, such as the much missed Alien Queen set or their equally popular Jaws set, were of such a high standard that they remained hot sellers for half a decade. Mcfarlane's attention to detail and giving the fans what they wanted was noticed by several other companies who tried to get in on the bandwagon, but Mcfarlane are yet to be bettered.

Other collectibles companies looked to different avenues of licensed items to make their mark. NECA were hot on the heels of Mcfarlane and brought fans some of the best large scale figures and music based action figures the world market had ever seen, whereas creators such as Sideshow and Gentle Giant directed their energies towards making extremely high quality items. In the case of the amazing Sideshow Collectibles, many of these items are deemed to be of museum quality, such is the craftsmanship that goes into each of their stunning pieces. Where some would be content to create simple articulated figures, Sideshow go for the grand, the huge, the massive pieces, and employ the finest artists and sculptors in order to bring legendary creatures and characters to life as collectible statues, dioramas, replicas and figures. The appetite for movie monster merchandise has seen the growth of an international industry. As long as monsters tear up cities and terrorise whole worlds, there will be fans who want one of their own.

Really though, the appetite for monsters, creatures, demons, beasts, aliensa dn all those other fantastic creations shows no signs of fading away. While the popularity of the films may have waned a little, and the genre begins to be reinvented (Cloverfield, for example), we stand on the brink of a whole new breed of terrors ready to smash and destroy in the name of cinematic chaos. Long may they reign.

About the Author

Andrew writes for the memorabilia and collectibles site Starstore and their many famous entertainment and collectibles blogs. He is also a renowned rock and metal journalist and science fiction author.

Diorama $11.49 Diorama

Apollo 11 Lunar Module 48th Scale Diorama $579.95 Apollo 11 Lunar Module 48thS= Scale Diorama On July 20, 1969 the lunar module, called Eagle, separated from the Command Module, named Columbia. Eagle was named after the eagle present on the insignia. Columbia is a traditional, feminized name for the United States, used in song and poetry, and also a reference to the columbiad cannon used to launch moonships in Jules Verne's novel From the Earth to the Moon. Michael Collins, alone aboard Columbia, inspected Eagle as it pirouetted before him to ensure the craft was not damaged. Armstrong and Aldrin used Eagle's descent engine to right themselves and descend to the lunar surface. Features: Highly detailed Diorama of the Lunar Module with Apollo Astronaut Scale - 1/48 Please allow 8-10 weeks from the time of order to delivery, as these models are custom made upon ordering. An additional shipping and handling charge of $50 will be added to your order. No discounts will apply to this model and all sales are final.

Lionel LIO711141 GGauge BatteryOperated Twosided Diorama $32.24 Add some scenery to your Lionel GGauge BatteryOperated set This colorful twosided diorama is sure to add a new dimension of excitement to your layout. Durable cardboard construction. Imagery on both sides of diorama. Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge. Dimensions: 78 x 21 / Tunnel Portal Openings 63/4 x 83/4 .

Herpa 87 Scale HE461276 C172 Working Diorama 187 $280.8 In May 2006 the first airplane Cessna 172 was produced by Herpa. The Cessna 172 also became famous under the name Skyhawk and since its model launch in 1957 has been sold over 40 000 times. It is often operated by private pilots. Reason enough for us to breathe some life in it. The model completely equipped with blinking lights will also comprise of a driven propeller and is offered on a large illuminated diorama. Not suitable for children under 14. Scale: 1/87.

The War Of The Worlds War Machines Attack Diorama Model Kit $18.99 *Some assembly required and unpainted(glue not included) *1/144 scale plastic model kit diorama *Includes 2 War Machines, 2 Sherman tanks and diorama display base *Perfect for display *Recommended for ages 13+ *Brand new in box

Cruizes 1:24 Scale Diorama Display KS0131 $120.15 Take your collectibles out of the box The 1:8 inch thick acrylic cover offers protection from dust and damage. Only foam pads and soft rubber come in contact with your replicas.Bring the hobby back to die cast collecting. Design your own custom background. Easily change road surfaces lighting and swap cars. Add figurines for realism.Take our collectibles out of the box The Motorized base spins the wheels. LED lighting makes the paint sparkle. The background makes a statement about your passion.

Lionel LIO711141 G-Gauge Battery-Operated Two-sided Diorama $26.04 Add some scenery to your Lionel G-Gauge Battery-Operated set! This colorful two-sided diorama is sure to add a new dimension of excitement to your layout. Durable cardboard construction. Imagery on both sides of diorama. Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge. Dimensions: 78" x 21" / Tunnel Portal Openings 6-3/4" x 8-3/4".

Airfix WWI - The Western Front 1:72 Scale Diorama Gift Set. $29.99 Plastic scale model kit.1:72 scale.Skill level: 2 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeller).Construction and painting required: glue and paints included.For ages 8 years and over.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 5014429500602.WARNING(S):Not suitable for children under 3 years old.Only for domestic use.

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Woodland Scenics WS 4110 Basic Diorama Kit $25.82 This kit provides you with supplies and material needed to create a basic landscaped scene!. 16-1/4" x 10-3/4" sheet of Green ReadyGrass. Posable plastic tree armatures with removable bases. ASTM certified. Full-color instructions. Includes: Green ReadyGrass Tree Armatures, Shrubs Stir Stick, Foliage Fiber Project Glue, Yellow Flowers Sticky Bond, Wild Grass Spray Bottle, Forest Green Accents Sifter, Evergreen Accents Foam Brush. All items are brand new in the original package unless specifically stated in the listing. The image shown is for reference only. The image may depict the item with other accessories or in a completed state to give a better depiction of the items use and/or qualities. Please refer to the description for what is included in this listing.

Woodland Scenics WS 4111 Mountain Diorama Kit $25.82 This kit provides you with supplies and material needed to create a mountainous landscaped scene! Make realistic hills, volcanoes, mountains, and simple land contours. ASTM certified. Full-color instructions. Includes: Side Panels Rock Mold, Shrubs Casting Plaster, Foliage Fiber Volcano Tube, Green Grass Earth Undercoat, Evergreen Accents Spray Bottle, Forest Green Accents Project Glue, Plaster Cloth Sifter, Rock Colors Mixing Tray, Talus Stir Stick & Foam Brush. All items are brand new in the original package unless specifically stated in the listing. The image shown is for reference only. The image may depict the item with other accessories or in a completed state to give a better depiction of the items use and/or qualities. Please refer to the description for what is included in this listing.

Woodland ScenicsWS 4110 Basic Diorama Kit $31.97 This kit provides you with supplies and material needed to create a basic landscaped scene. 161/4 x 103/4 sheet of Green ReadyGrass. Posable plastic tree armatures with removable bases. ASTM certified. Fullcolor instructions. Includes: Green ReadyGrass Tree Armatures Shrubs Stir Stick Foliage Fiber Project Glue Yellow Flowers Sticky Bond Wild Grass Spray Bottle Forest Green Accents Sifter Evergreen Accents Foam Brush. All items are brand new in the original package unless specifically stated in the listing. The image shown is for reference only. The image may depict the item with other accessories or in a completed state to give a better depiction of the items use and/or qualities. Please refer to the description for what is included in this listing.

Woodland ScenicsWS 4111 Mountain Diorama Kit $31.97 This kit provides you with supplies and material needed to create a mountainous landscaped scene Make realistic hills volcanoes mountains and simple land contours. ASTM certified. Fullcolor instructions. Includes: Side Panels Rock Mold Shrubs Casting Plaster Foliage Fiber Volcano Tube Green Grass Earth Undercoat Evergreen Accents Spray Bottle Forest Green Accents Project Glue Plaster Cloth Sifter Rock Colors Mixing Tray Talus Stir Stick Foam Brush. All items are brand new in the original package unless specifically stated in the listing. The image shown is for reference only. The image may depict the item with other accessories or in a completed state to give a better depiction of the items use and/or qualities. Please refer to the description for what is included in this listing.

A Diorama on a Road in Beijing, 1873 $49.99 Adrien Emmanuel Marie A Diorama on a Road in Beijing, 1873 - Giclee Print

Burger Stand Diorama for 118 Diecast Models by American Diorama $99.99 Burger Stand Diorama for 118 Diecast Models by American Diorama. With detailed interior and working...

Diorama (Album) $95.59 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Diorama is the fourth studio album by Australian alternative rock band Silverchair. Released on 31 March 2002 by record label Eleven, the album was coproduced by Daniel Johns and David Bottrill. While Bottrill had worked on albums for a variety of other bands, Diorama marked the first production credit for lead singer Johns. Johns wrote most of the album at the piano instead of his usual guitar, while the band took a 12month break following their previous studio album, Neon Ballroom. Silverchair worked with composer Van Dyke Parks on Diorama; the album contains numerous orchestral arrangements and power ballads, a change from the postgrunge music typical of their earlier work. The albums title refers to a world within a world. Five singles were released: The Greatest View, Without You, Luv Your Life, Across the Night and After All These Years. All except After All These Years, a promotional single, appeared on the Australian singles chart. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 156 Publication Date: 2010/06/23 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.36 inches

Bachmann BAC42502 Bachmann Figure Set 12N Scale $22.1 This is a Set of Twelve N Scale Figures from Bachmann. Recommended for ages 8 and over. For use with N scale railroad layouts and diorama settings. Hand painted plastic figures. Working figures passengers and others. Comments: Due to small parts keep away from children younger than 3.