10 Movies & Shows Similar to Rats! (2025)

Description: As one of the first 'giant creature' films, 'Them!' shares with 'Rats!' (2025) the terror of animals turned into monstrous threats. Both films likely explore the idea of nature striking back due to human interference. The tension and horror of facing an overwhelming, inhuman enemy are key similarities.

Fact: The film features giant ants mutated by nuclear testing. It was one of the first sci-fi/horror films to deal with atomic age fears. The movie was a critical and commercial success, influencing many later films.

Description: 'Ben' is a sequel to 'Willard' and continues the narrative of a rat with a sinister influence. Like 'Rats!' (2025), it focuses on the horror of rodent infestation and the emotional bond between humans and rats. The film's tone combines horror with a strange, melancholic friendship, which might be a theme explored in 'Rats!' as well.

Fact: The film features the song 'Ben' performed by a young Michael Jackson. It was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. The movie was controversial for portraying rats in a somewhat sympathetic light.

Description: This film shares with 'Rats!' (2025) the premise of a single protagonist battling a seemingly unstoppable rodent menace. The psychological and physical toll of the confrontation is a central theme, mirroring the likely intense personal struggle in 'Rats!'. The film's claustrophobic setting and the rat's almost supernatural resilience heighten the horror.

Fact: Starring Peter Weller, who later became famous for 'RoboCop'. The film is based on the novel 'The Visitor' by Chauncey G. Parker III. It won several Genie Awards, including Best Actor for Weller.

Description: 'The Nest' and 'Rats!' (2025) both feature genetically altered creatures wreaking havoc. The films share a theme of scientific hubris leading to disaster, with the creatures becoming increasingly intelligent and deadly. The horror of being hunted by something once small and insignificant is central to both.

Fact: The film features cockroaches rather than rats, but the themes are similar. It was one of many creature features released in the 1980s. The special effects were done by the team behind 'The Fly'.

Description: Like 'Rats!' (2025), 'Arachnophobia' plays on common fears of small, often harmless creatures turned deadly. Both films blend horror with dark comedy, and the domestic setting makes the threat feel more personal and terrifying. The idea of an infestation spreading silently and unstoppably is a shared theme.

Fact: The film was marketed as the first 'thrill-omedy'. Real spiders were used alongside animatronics for the effects. It was a surprise hit, spawning a short-lived TV series.

Description: Like 'Rats!' (2025), 'Graveyard Shift' features a group of people terrorized by creatures in a confined, industrial setting. The film's emphasis on survival against overwhelming odds and the grotesque nature of the threat align with the expected themes of 'Rats!'. The dark, gritty visual style also complements the horror of rodent infestation.

Fact: Based on a short story by Stephen King. Features a giant, mutated rat as the main antagonist. The film was criticized for its B-movie feel but has gained a cult following.

Description: 'Mimic' and 'Rats!' (2025) both explore the horror of creatures that humans have inadvertently empowered. The films share themes of scientific experimentation gone wrong and the resulting ecological horror. The claustrophobic, urban settings and the relentless pursuit by the creatures create a similar tense atmosphere.

Fact: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, known for his unique horror style. The creatures in the film are genetically engineered insects. The film's practical effects were highly praised.

Description: Similar to 'Rats!' (2025), 'Willard' explores the theme of humans forming an unusual and often terrifying relationship with rats. Both films delve into psychological horror, where the protagonist's mental state deteriorates as their connection with the rodents deepens. The visual aesthetics of swarming rats create a sense of dread and claustrophobia, a key element likely present in 'Rats!' as well.

Fact: 'Willard' is a remake of the 1971 film of the same name. The film stars Crispin Glover, known for his eccentric roles. The rats in the film were trained by the same animal trainer who worked on 'Arachnophobia'.

Description: Both 'Infestation' and 'Rats!' (2025) involve large-scale creature attacks, with a mix of horror and dark comedy. The films share a theme of ordinary people banding together to survive an overwhelming infestation. The blend of grotesque creatures and human resilience is a likely common thread.

Fact: The film combines CGI and practical effects for the creatures. It was directed by Kyle Rankin, known for his work on 'Project Greenlight'. The movie has a quirky, offbeat tone despite its horror elements.

Description: This found-footage horror film, like 'Rats!' (2025), deals with an ecological disaster caused by mutated creatures—in this case, parasites. Both films likely share a sense of realism and dread as the infestation spreads uncontrollably. The environmental message and the horror of nature turning against humans are central to both.

Fact: Directed by Barry Levinson, known for more dramatic works. The film uses a mockumentary style to enhance realism. It was inspired by real-life environmental issues in the Chesapeake Bay.