Top 8 Best Evil Monkey Characters in Movies, Ranked

Overview

Monkeys in film can evoke a range of emotions from delight to fear.
Notable representations include Ozymandias, the mischievous monkeys in Jumanji, and the ominous Gray Gorillas in Congo.
Characters like King Louie, Ella, and the Sumatran Rat Monkey illustrate the diverse impact of these primate portrayals.

Regardless of beliefs regarding human evolution, the visual similarities between humans and primates, such as monkeys and apes, make them intriguing both in reality and on screen. This shared resemblance allows monkeys to brilliantly mirror human emotions, contributing to their appeal as endearing companions in films. However, this proximity to humanity can also create a sense of unease, highlighting the uncanny valley that lies between human nature and primate behavior.

Numerous films have depicted malevolent monkeys, one of the most infamous being Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey. Yet, an extensive array of cinematic depictions of wicked monkeys exists; how do they compare in their villainous acts?

8 Ozymandias/Golden Monkey (The Golden Compass)

An Evil Familiar

The Golden Compass is a cinematic interpretation of the larger His Dark Materials series, set in an alternate universe where a young girl named Lyra discovers a world populated with daemons—manifestations of the human soul. Marissa Coulter, one of the movie’s antagonists, possesses a Golden Monkey, often referred to as Ozymandias. This character’s menacing actions while assisting Marissa in her quest for Lyra’s prized possession make him a formidable figure within the narrative, particularly when compared to his portrayal in the HBO adaptation and the original novels.

7 The Monkeys (Jumanji)

Playing a Board Game Unleashes Evil Monkeys

In Jumanji, a board game beckons siblings Judy and Peter with enchanting drum beats, reminiscent of the melody from The Monkey. Upon engaging with the game, they find themselves cursed, their actions in the game directly impacting reality. The transformation of Peter into a monkey serves as a troubling twist of body horror, amplifying the terror these supernatural creatures embody.

6 King Louie (The Jungle Book 2016)

A Massive Monkey with a Disturbing Twist

Disney’s The Jungle Book first graced screens in 1967, with King Louie capturing hearts as a jolly orangutan yearning to acquire the “gift of man’s fire”from Mowgli. However, the 2016 remake underscores a darker tone, transforming King Louie into a grotesque giant. The animation cleverly incorporates elements from his voice actor, Christopher Walken, resulting in an unsettling character reminiscent of a boss from a Dark Souls game, particularly memorable during the thrilling chase sequence.

5 Ella (Monkey Shines)

A Devoted Monkey with a Dark Turn

Monkey Shines, despite its cover depicting an innocuous toy monkey, diverges significantly in narrative. The film chronicles a paralyzed college student, Allan, who becomes reliant on his lab-assigned monkey, Ella, for assistance. Initially a bright spark in Allan’s challenging life, Ella’s attachment escalates into dangerously possessive behavior, leading her to commit violent acts on behalf of her owner. The contrast between her size and lethal potential heightens the horror embedded in the film.

4 Gordy (Nope)

A Beloved TV Star’s Downfall

The film Nope primarily centers on extraterrestrial horror but intriguingly references a fictional sitcom named Gordy’s Home, featuring the titular chimp. A subplot reveals that Gordy, once a beloved star, unpredictably turned violent, leading to horrifying consequences on set. While the film’s main narrative may focus on an alien entity, the chilling portrayal of Gordy’s rampage remains one of the most haunting moments.

3 The Gray Gorillas (Congo)

Sinister Gorillas on the Hunt

Congo, based on Michael Crichton’s novel, showcases a team of researchers on a mission to return Amy, a sign-language-capable gorilla, to the wild. Guided by adventurers with ulterior motives seeking an ancient city, the researchers unwittingly encounter a formidable threat: the Gray Gorillas. These terrifying apes stalk and ambush the team throughout the film, culminating in an intense showdown in the thrilling conclusion.

2 Sumatran Rat Monkey (Dead Alive)

A Terrifying Creature with Zombie-Inducing Bites

Dead Alive (also known as Braindead), directed by Peter Jackson, introduces the bizarre Sumatran Rat Monkey, captured from Skull Island and later transferred to a zoo in Newtown. The narrative takes a darkly comedic turn when the monkey bites Lionel’s mother, unleashing a zombie apocalypse triggered by her transformation. This grotesque tale showcases the chaos that ensues from the monkey’s mere presence, spiraling into horror and absurdity.

1 The Monkey

An Eerie Toy with Dark Powers

The Monkey presents a haunting narrative where an unassuming toy monkey embodies pure evil. Its origin remains shrouded in mystery, and it becomes a source of terror for the Shelburn family. The ominous mechanism allows the toy to emit a sinister tune before mysteriously heralding a brutal death. This relentless cycle of doom, coupled with the toy’s apparent immortality, elevates it to one of the most chilling representations of malevolent primates in cinema history.

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