​THE TOP SIX MOST EPIC ON-SCREEN MYTHOLOGICAL MONSTERS

To celebrate the release of Gods of Egypt out on Blu-ray and DVD on the 24th October, we explore some of the most epic and memorable mythological beasts and Monsters that have appeared in Hollywood cinema.  Read on for our top six countdown of cinemas biggest and baddest scene smashing monsters of mayhem and destruction.  
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6) Clash of the Titans (Leterrier, 2010) – MEDUSA 
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Originating from Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster widely known for having venomous snakes as hair and a look that turns any person she locks eyes with to stone. In Leterrier’s Clash of the Titans we see the monster do battle with the Great God Perseus (Sam Worthington), resulting in her death by decapitation. Tales state that Perseus keeps Medusa’s head and harnesses the powers for his own.

5) Godzilla (Emmerich, 1998) – GODZILLA

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Directed by Roland Emmerich, this was the 23rd adaptation of Godzilla. One of the most well-known of monsters globally, scenes of Godzilla wreaking havoc on the biggest cities in the world have been recreated in remakes over and over again.

4) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Columbus, 2002) – THE BASILISK ​

In the second instalment of the Harry Potter saga we are introduced to J.K Rowling’s most memorable beast. The Basilisk, controlled by Tom Riddle, spreads horror across Hogwarts School by ‘petrifying’ key characters Ginnie Weasley and Hermione Granger. In an intense battle with Harry Potter (and a Phoenix) the creature is killed by Harry with the sword of Gryffindor.

3) Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi (Lucas, 1983) – THE RANCOR ​

Native to the planet Dathomir, the Rancor is a monster that was kept as a pet by Jabba the Hut who fed on his superior’s captives. The beast (which weighs upwards of 3,600lbs and is 16ft tall) was subsequently killed by Luke Skywalker whilst the Jedi attempted to release Han Solo from his captor.

2) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Jackson, 2001) – THE BALROG 

The Balrog (also known as Durin’s Bane) is a mythical monster that resided in the Mines of Moria after its defeat in the War of Wrath according to Tolkien’s text. In Jackson’s version of The Fellowship of the Ring, we are presented with one of Hollywood’s greatest showdowns as Gandalf the Grey sacrifices himself along with the Balrog to help aid in the Fellowship’s escape. ‘You shall not pass!’

1) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (Verbinski, 2006) – The Kraken

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Also featuring in films such as Clash of the Titans, the Kraken is a fictional creature of the sea that derives from a mythical creature of the same name. In Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, it’s controlled by Davy Jones and is summoned to destroy ships and sailors who he is at war with. The Kraken is scaled to the size of a ten fleet ship, and with battles of epic proportions taking centre stage between both it and Captain Jack Sparrow, it is one of the most epic & mammoth on-screen creatures in Hollywood’s history.
 
Starring Gerard Butler as Set, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Horus, Alex Pyoyas’s Gods of Egypt is one of the most epic and enjoyable action movies of the year. Available on Blu-Ray, 3D Blu Ray, DVD and Digital Download on the 24th October 2016, courtesy of Entertainment One.