Skull Island is the latest installment in the MonsterVerse, building on the lore established around characters like King Kong and Godzilla. The Netflix animated series follows a group of adventurers as they wash ashore on Skull Island where they are forced to survive the dangerous creatures that are native to the treacherous landmass.
The MonsterVerse's first television show doesn't only deal with Kong. In fact, Skull Island includes plenty of interesting creatures that inhabit the eponymous island. From The Crabs to Dog and Kong himself, some Skull Island monsters are more compelling than others.
8 The Crabs
Crabs may be native to most beaches, but Skull Island certainly outdoes the real-life creatures with its own massive crab monsters burrowed in its picturesque sand dunes. Although Skull Island hasn't given the monsters a name yet, these crab creatures make quite an impression during their brief appearance in the show.
After making their live-action debut in Godzilla vs. Kong, the crab creatures are massive, burrowing creatures that sneak up on their prey and only reveal themselves when it is already too late for their victims to escape. With massive claws and a gaping maw, the crabs are some of the most terrifying monsters a wayward explorer could stumble across, even if Skull Island doesn't utilize their terror accordingly.
7 The Aloe-Beast
Terrifying creatures are a dime a dozen on Skull Island, but far rarer are the monsters that actually serve a good purpose. The Aloe-Beast makes its debut in Skull Island as a giant turtle whose shell has been replaced with leaves resembling and bearing the same functions as Aloe plants.
The Aloe Beast may not strike terror into audiences and Skull Island's survivors, but it is by far one of the most interesting creatures on the island. Its very existence sparks a litany of follow up questions, including how it came to exist in the first place and whether there are similar animals whose innate characteristics could be beneficial to humans.
6 The Lizard
The Lizard is one of the fiercest monsters inhabiting Skull Island. The gigantic beast resembles an alligator, but it is far larger and much faster. The lizard nearly kills several of the explorers who wash ashore on Skull Island but narrowly misses his quarry when they elect to be washed down a waterfall rather than face his terror.
In a franchise where monsters are meant to be the protagonists, creatures like Skull Island's lizard act as quite sinister antagonists that strike fear into the heart of anyone unfortunate enough to cross its path. From its intricately horrifying design to its predatory instincts, there isn't a single detail about the Lizard that isn't terrifying.
5 Skullcrawler
Skullcrawlers played a major role in one of the best MonsterVerse movies, Kong: Skull Island, and briefly return in the new Netflix series. These giant lizards with sharp teeth and nimble reflexes have long been the chief thorn in Kong's side, and rightfully so.
The Skullcrawlers may have limited screentime in Skull Island, but they remain one of the best-designed and most ferocious monsters in the entire franchise. The terror they inflict both in live-action and animation is enough to make them one of the most memorable creatures, even if neither medium has utilized them to their maximum potential.
4 The Bird
Skull Island introduces several new breeds of kaiju to the MonsterVerse, with one of the most notable of these being the giant, hawk-like bird that acts as Kong's chief ally. The Bird sports a striking red plumage that lets his enemies know he's coming, but even if they did know, there is no chance for them to escape.
The Bird is one of the most terrifying creatures featured in Skull Island precisely because it can strike at any time. Scouring the island from above, the aviator has no qualms about picking up humans as his prey. Once it has set its sights on someone, it is very rare that they manage to survive another day.
3 Dog
One of the few benevolent creatures introduced in Skull Island is Dog, a giant half-dog half-bear creature that acts as Annie's chief companion after she is stranded on a deserted island. The enormous creature may be friendly, but his manners only go so far. He makes it clear that he really only cares for Annie and merely tolerates the other humans who happen to accompany her on her adventures.
Unlike some of the other creatures that inhabit Skull Island, Dog is more like a human than a monster. Skull Island shows that the animal has above-average intelligence, as he can understand human speech and mannerisms despite not being able to talk. The creature is a rare highlight among the other monsters in Skull Island and will likely have a very large part to play if Skull Island has future seasons.
2 The Sea Monster
Skull Island introduces one of the strongest kaiju in the MonsterVerse, a large Kraken-like creature referred to only as "the sea monster." This enormous amphibian beast is several times larger than Kong and has multiple coiled tentacles that are capable of conducting electricity. The sea monster is an utterly terrifying beast and the chief antagonist of Skull Island's first season.
There are few creatures in the MonsterVerse who can truly stand a chance against the mighty King Kong, and the sea monster is certainly one of them. Its enormous stature and keen sense of destruction give the sea monster an edge in its battle against Kong. While monsters like Godzilla, Ghidorah, and Kong usually steal the spotlight in the franchise, fans shouldn't underestimate the sea monster.
1 Kong
As exciting as it is for the MonsterVerse to introduce new creatures, the real selling point of Skull Island is King Kong himself. Fresh off his exciting appearances in Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla vs. Kong, the enormous ape returns as the king of skull island.
Despite his limited screen time, Kong is an absolute highlight of Skull Island. The kaiju manages to be both terrifying and strangely compelling as the MonsterVerse continues to flesh out his backstory. Throughout Skull Island, viewers learn more and more about this surprisingly human but incredibly dangerous monster, who remains one of the best aspects of the Netflix series and the entire MonsterVerse.