Giant spiders have long been a staple in horror cinema, tapping into our primal fears of arachnids magnified to monstrous proportions. This collection showcases ten films where these eight-legged creatures are not just a part of the scenery but the main event, offering a mix of classic horror, campy fun, and modern CGI spectacles. Whether you're a fan of B-movies or looking for a spine-chilling experience, these films provide a unique blend of suspense, terror, and sometimes, unintentional humor.

Tarantula (1955)
Description: This classic 1950s sci-fi horror film features a scientist's experiment gone wrong, resulting in a giant tarantula terrorizing a small town. Its inclusion in this list is due to its iconic status in the genre of giant creature features.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use a real spider in close-up shots, with a tarantula named "Joe" becoming a minor celebrity.


Earth vs. the Spider (1958)
Description: A high school science teacher and his students battle a giant spider that has escaped from a cave. This film is a quintessential example of 1950s monster movies with its blend of science fiction and horror.
Fact: The spider in the film was actually a tarantula, and the movie was part of a series of "Earth vs." films.


The Giant Spider Invasion (1975)
Description: Known for its campy charm, this film involves a meteorite bringing giant spiders to Earth. Its inclusion is due to its status as a cult classic and its infamous use of Volkswagen Beetles as spider bodies.
Fact: The film was so poorly received that it was featured on the TV show "Mystery Science Theater


Arachnophobia (1990)
Description: While not strictly about giant spiders, this film features a deadly species of spider that breeds rapidly, creating a town-wide infestation. Its suspenseful storytelling and realistic portrayal of spiders make it a standout in this genre.
Fact: Real spiders were used in many scenes, with the crew having to deal with hundreds of live arachnids on set.


Eight Legged Freaks (2002)
Description: A modern take on the giant spider theme, this film combines comedy with horror, featuring spiders mutated by toxic waste attacking a small town. It's a love letter to the B-movies of the past with a contemporary twist.
Fact: The film uses both CGI and real spiders to create its terrifying arachnids, with some scenes involving hundreds of live spiders.


Ice Spiders (2007)
Description: A ski resort becomes the hunting ground for genetically engineered spiders that can survive in cold temperatures. Its inclusion highlights the versatility of the giant spider theme in different settings.
Fact: The film was part of a series of low-budget creature features produced by the Syfy Channel.


Big Ass Spider! (2013)
Description: A mix of comedy and horror, this film follows an exterminator dealing with a rapidly growing spider in Los Angeles. Its title alone makes it a must-watch for fans of over-the-top creature features.
Fact: The film was well-received for its humor and became a cult favorite, with its title often cited as one of the best in B-movie history.


Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)
Description: Featuring William Shatner, this film showcases a town overrun by tarantulas after an ecological imbalance. Its inclusion is due to its unique approach to the giant spider theme, focusing on the natural behavior of spiders.
Fact: Over 5,000 real tarantulas were used during filming, many of which were later sold as pets.


The Spider (1958)
Description: A giant spider terrorizes a small town after escaping from a carnival. This film is notable for its use of practical effects and its contribution to the 1950s monster movie craze.
Fact: The film was originally part of a double feature with "The Fly."


Spiders (2000)
Description: A space shuttle crash releases genetically altered spiders that grow to enormous sizes. This film blends sci-fi with horror, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, utilizing local talent and resources for its special effects.
