As much as we may love new horror movies that shock and thrill, there's still something irresistible about the classic monsters and the movies in which they were the featured attractions. These monsters first appeared in a far different time and place, in a world that had not yet become overrun with supernatural creatures and scientific experiments gone wrong.

In some cases, the monsters were born in classic literature, arising again on the silver screen in ways few might have imagined from reading a book in the quiet of one's own bedroom. In other cases, they were creatures drawn from legends, mythology and folktales. In all cases, however, they found receptive audiences who were willing to suspend disbelief while they were watching and then escape into the night, reminding themselves, "It's only a movie, it's only a movie." Here are our favorite movie monsters.

Dracula (1931)

Luring innocent young women to a fate worse than death, among other atrocities, made Bela Lugosi's bloodsucker stand out, and the horror movie was an instant box office smash.

Frankenstein (1931)

"It's alive!" The trailer showcases the murderous activities of Frankenstein's monster, though we'd argue that he wasn't all bad. The movie terrified audiences, who still flocked to it in record numbers.

The Mummy (1932)

Playing on the fear of the unknown, the mysterious, ancient origin of the wrapped man became a great selling point to lure audiences into seeing a pretty good horror drama.

The Invisible Man (1933)

Claude Rains' hysterical voice powered the entire movie, as in this preview clip. All he wanted was to be left alone to conduct his experiments, but a little town pays the price for their curiosity.

The Wolf Man (1941)

Hollywood's first attempt at a werewolf picture, 1935's Werewolf of London, failed at the box office, but six years later Lon Chaney Jr.'s performance as Larry Talbott struck a chord with audiences as America entered World War II.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

Made to capitalize on the success of the 3D House of Wax, this 3D adventure may look dated now but the energetic action scenes captured by director Jack Arnold are much better than most may realize.