Cockroaches have long been a symbol of resilience, survival, and sometimes, horror. This curated list of films dives into the world of these insects, showcasing their role in cinema from comedy to horror. Whether you're fascinated by their indestructibility or simply looking for a unique movie experience, these films offer a variety of perspectives on our six-legged cohabitants.

Them! (1954)
Description: While primarily about giant ants, the film's opening scene involves a little girl found in shock, surrounded by dead ants and a cockroach.
Fact: This was one of the first films to use the theme of atomic radiation causing mutations, setting a trend for 1950s sci-fi horror.


Creepshow (1982)
Description: One of the anthology segments, "They're Creeping Up on You," focuses on a man with a phobia of cockroaches who gets a horrifying surprise.
Fact: Directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King, this film blends horror with dark humor.


The Fly (1986)
Description: While primarily about a man turning into a fly, the film features a memorable scene with a cockroach in the teleportation device.
Fact: Directed by David Cronenberg, this film is a remake of the 1958 classic, with a much more graphic transformation.


The Nest (1988)
Description: A scientist's experiment with genetically altered cockroaches goes awry, leading to a town being overrun by these super-sized pests.
Fact: The film features practical effects for the cockroaches, making the creatures look disturbingly real.


Joe's Apartment (1996)
Description: This quirky comedy features Joe, who moves into an apartment filled with talking, singing, and dancing cockroaches, turning his life upside down.
Fact: The film was originally a short film that aired on MTV before being expanded into a feature-length movie. The cockroaches were voiced by a variety of celebrities including Billy West and Dave Chappelle.


Mimic (1997)
Description: In this sci-fi horror, genetically engineered cockroaches evolve into human-mimicking creatures, creating chaos in New York City.
Fact: The film was directed by Guillermo del Toro, who is known for his unique creature designs. The cockroach creatures were designed by the legendary Stan Winston.


Bug (2006)
Description: While not exclusively about cockroaches, this psychological thriller involves a paranoid belief in bugs, including cockroaches, infesting the characters' lives.
Fact: The film was adapted from Tracy Letts' play of the same name, and stars Michael Shannon, who also appeared in the original stage production.


The Day of the Triffids (1962)
Description: Though focused on killer plants, the film includes scenes with cockroaches, adding to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Fact: The film was adapted from John Wyndham's novel, and its depiction of a world gone awry has influenced many post-apocalyptic stories.


The Food of the Gods (1976)
Description: This film, based on H.G. Wells' novel, features animals, including giant cockroaches, growing to monstrous sizes after consuming a mysterious substance.
Fact: The film was directed by Bert I. Gordon, known for his "giant creature" movies.


The Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati (1996)
Description: This B-movie comedy follows a giant cockroach that terrorizes Cincinnati after a scientist's experiment goes wrong.
Fact: The film is a parody of 1950s monster movies, embracing the absurdity of its premise.
