Summary

• Ray Harryhausen's iconic monsters captivate audiences with their imaginative designs and groundbreaking animation techniques.
• Harryhausen's commitment to improving his skills and collaborating with industry luminaries shaped the cinematic landscape and influenced future filmmakers.
• His creations, such as the Kraken, Medusa, and Cyclops, showcased his visionary genius and pushed the boundaries of special effects in cinema.

Ray Harryhausen was a legendary special effects pioneer, and many of his creations were miles ahead of the curve thanks to his groundbreaking stop-motion animation techniques. Brought to life with mindblowing craftsmanship, Ray Harryhausen's imaginative and iconic monsters continue to captivate audiences decades after their creation. Harryhausen's monster menagerie stands as an enduring testament to his visionary genius and groundbreaking contributions to cinema.

Although Harryhausen had an obvious flair for movie magic, his commitment to improving his skills was even more remarkable. Not one to rest on his laurels, he tirelessly delved into the realms of wildlife and mythology, in order to infuse as much vitality into his creations as he could muster. He continued to sharpen his innovative edge and jumped at opportunities to collaborate with fellow industry luminaries. As a result, Ray Harryhausen's impact transcends his era, shaping the cinematic landscape and fueling the imagination of future storytellers.

Ray Harryhausen's influence on the industry is legendary. Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, and John Landis, among other filmmakers, have all cited Harryhausen as an influence on their work.

15 The Kraken

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Among the myriad of awe-inspiring monsters brought to life by Ray Harryhausen, few creatures exemplify his visionary genius quite like the Kraken. Initially conceived as a homage to King Kong, the Kraken's genesis traces back to 1938 when it graced the cover of Imagination! Magazine. However, it was its debut in Clash of the Titans that truly showcased its groundbreaking design and animation. Still hailed as one of the best adaptations of Greek mythology, Clash of the Titans served as a precursor to contemporary CGI marvels. The Kraken's lifelike movements and imposing presence stand as a testament to Harryhausen's unparalleled creativity and innovation decades ahead of its time.

14 Medusa

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Drawing from the seemingly bottomless well of Greek mythology, Ray Harryhausen’s rendition of Medusa was pure nightmare fuel when she made her appearance in Clash of the Titans. With her serpentine hair and petrifying gaze, Medusa mesmerized audiences with her sinister allure. However, it wasn't just her appearance that stunned viewers; it was also the intricate stop-motion animation techniques used to animate her movements. Medusa's presence in cinema solidified her status as an iconic monster and underscored Harryhausen's pioneering role in pushing the boundaries of special effects.

13 Cyclops

The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)

Ray Harryhausen's Cyclops commanded the silver screen in 1958, becoming an unforgettable icon of monstrous might with its single eye and formidable stature. Through Harryhausen's meticulous stop-motion animation, the Cyclops came to life with remarkable detail, capturing the imagination with its lumbering gait and menacing glare. This depiction not only highlighted Harryhausen's innovative approach to creature design but also underscored his mastery in bringing ancient myths to life. Decades later, film students continue to compare his portrayal of the Cyclops favorably to Homer’s depiction in The Odyssey, contributing significantly to Harryhausen's enduring legacy in the realm of cinema.

12 Ymir

20 Million Miles to Earth (1957)

The Ymir, a reptilian extraterrestrial brought to Earth by a space probe, showcases Harryhausen's ability to create compelling creatures from beyond the stars. Like many of Harryhausen’s other works, Ymir is considered a precursor to CGI. However, what makes this creation stand out is its range of facial expressions. Despite its alien origins, the Ymir's lifelike movements and expressive features make it a relatable and sympathetic figure. Harryhausen's techniques allowed him to imbue the Ymir with a sense of emotional depth, establishing it as a standout among science fiction monsters.

While the creature was initially labeled "Ymir" during production, it maintains an unnamed status throughout the entirety of 20 Million Miles to Earth.

11 Talos

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Talos is often regarded as a seminal creation in Ray Harryhausen’s body of work. Tasked with guarding the island of Crete in Jason and the Argonauts, the towering bronze giant is a subject of ongoing scholarly analysis the world over. Its portrayal is recognized as a groundbreaking achievement in cinematic depictions of mythological beings, shaping future interpretations of ancient legends. As a result, scholars examine Talos's role in its forward-thinking impact on audience perceptions of Greek mythology and its lasting imprint on popular culture.

10 Pegasus

Clash of the Titans (1981)

As the majestic winged steed of Perseus, Pegasus shines as a symbol of grace and power in Ray Harryhausen's mythic realm. Through his stop-motion “dynamation”, Harryhausen breathed life into Pegasus, depicting it as an embodiment of freedom and valor. Despite its fantastical nature, Pegasus possessed a palpable sense of realism and personality, a quality that has endeared it to audiences for generations. Its enduring popularity solidifies Pegasus as one of Harryhausen's most cherished and iconic creations.

9 The Hydra

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Ray Harryhausen's Hydra stands as a groundbreaking achievement in stop-motion animation with its terrifying appearance and intricate puppetry. Scholars highlight its enduring influence on cinematic depictions of mythical creatures, setting a standard for future designs. The Hydra's portrayal reflects Harryhausen's mastery of special effects techniques, foreshadowing advancements in creature animation. Its role in the film contributes to reshaping audience perceptions of ancient Greek mythology and solidifies its place in popular culture. The Hydra's innovation and impact establish it as a seminal creation, far ahead of its time in the realm of cinematic special effects.

8 The Skeleton Army

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Ray Harryhausen's Skeleton Army is an impressive feat in stop-motion animation due in part to its expansive scale, according to an article in The Telegraph. The army's intricate choreography and lifelike movements continue to captivate scholars, setting a new standard for portraying undead creatures. Its profound impact on cinematic depictions of such entities cannot be overstated, evidenced by numerous homages, references, and tributes. Harryhausen's Skeleton Army remains a timeless inspiration, solidifying its place as a pioneering creation in his illustrious career, revered for its innovative techniques and enduring influence on filmmaking.

7 The Rhedosaurus

The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

Inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story, “The Fog Horn”, the Rhedosaurus set a new standard for monster movies thanks to Harryhausen’s avante-garde creature design. Released before a surge of creature features, Harryhausen’s advanced stop-motion animation techniques showcased revolutionary visual effects that left an undeniable mark on audiences of the time. As a result, the film's cultural impact positioned it as a trailblazer in the genre. Decades later, its enduring legacy solidifies its status as a timeless classic ahead of its time.

Scholars speculate that the Rhedosaurus helped inspire the cultural phenomenon, Godzilla, due to a scene in the film that follows the creature’s rampage through New York City. While the connection can’t be officially verified, its pervasive presence in academic discussions still serves as a fun bit of trivia for monster movie lovers.

6 The Troglodyte

One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Ray Harryhausen's Troglodyte is a striking amalgamation of various mythological creatures, drawing inspiration from his previous works as well as other legendary monsters. Combining elements from creatures like the Cyclops and the Minotaur, Harryhausen's imaginative interpretation shines through in the Troglodyte's design. This unique blend of influences showcases Harryhausen's creativity and ion for developing his craft as a designer. By synthesizing elements from his own body of work and mythical lore, the Troglodyte exemplifies Harryhausen's innovative approach to creature design, positioning it ahead of its time in cinematic special effects.