Ranking Guillermo del Toro’s Monsters: From Mildly Creepy to Pure Nightmare Fuel

Guillermo del Toro has a knack for bringing unforgettable monsters to life on the big screen. Some of his creations only look intimidating, hiding gentle hearts beneath their bizarre exteriors. Others, though, are as menacing as they appear, leaving a lasting impression with their sheer terror. From reanimated beings to ancient spirits, and from sea-dwelling oddities to supernatural fiends, del Toro’s monsters have both fascinated and terrified audiences for years.

Gentle Giants and Misunderstood Creatures

Del Toro’s recent adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale introduced a new take on The Creature in Frankenstein (2025 ), portrayed by Jacob Elordi. This towering figure, while imposing, starts out as innocent and harmless. Even as the story unfolds and his actions grow more violent, glimpses of his inner kindness remain, especially during his reconciliation with his creator. Oddly enough, there’s an allure to his appearance that’s hard to ignore.

Another memorable figure is Hellboy from the 2004 film. With his red skin, filed-down horns, and immense strength, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Yet, beneath his tough exterior and gruff attitude lies a surprisingly humorous and good-natured character, far from the evil demon many would expect.

In The Shape of Water (2017), del Toro challenges viewers to find beauty in the unexpected. The Amphibian Man, held captive in a secret facility, forms a deep bond with a mute woman who risks everything to save him. Despite his eerie appearance, there’s a peaceful, almost otherworldly quality to him that draws people in.

Haunting Spirits and Enigmatic Guides

Crimson Peak (2015) offers a different kind of terror with its ghostly apparitions. The spirits haunting the old mansion are more than just frightening visuals—they’re symbols of pain and suffering from the past, making their presence both chilling and deeply emotional.

Then there’s the Faun from Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), a character as mysterious as he is visually striking. Serving as a guide to the film’s young protagonist, the Faun is both a puzzle and a revelation. Doug Jones, who brought the Faun to life, also played the film’s most disturbing figure: the Pale Man. This child-eating monster, with his grotesque features and horrifying behavior, is the stuff of nightmares and stands out as one of del Toro’s most terrifying creations.

Nightmarish Villains and Monstrous Threats

Del Toro’s monsters aren’t limited to the supernatural. In Blade II (2002), Jared Nomak leads a new breed of vampires known as reapers. With their terrifying jaws and insatiable hunger, these creatures prey on both humans and vampires, making them a force to be feared.

In Pacific Rim (2013), the kaiju known as Slattern takes monstrous to a whole new level. As a Category V threat, Slattern’s immense power and razor-sharp tails make it a nearly unstoppable adversary, capable of taking down even the most advanced Jaegers.

One of del Toro’s most unsettling creations comes from Mimic (1997). The Judas Breed, a genetically engineered species of giant insects, were designed to eliminate disease-carrying cockroaches. Instead, they evolved into something far more dangerous, growing to human size and developing their own intelligence.

Icons of Fear and Fascination

Finally, Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) introduces the Angel of Death, a figure that embodies both beauty and dread. Though not evil, this character represents the inevitability of death, leaving a haunting impression with her brief but unforgettable appearance.

Each of these monsters, whether misunderstood or truly menacing, showcases del Toro’s unique vision and ability to blur the line between horror and humanity. Which one left the biggest mark on you?