The movie articles just keep coming, and this particular one focuses on creature features as well as animal movies for kids and families. The following movies range anywhere from G-ratings to R-ratings, but all of the films are worth viewing. Many of the films that I am recommending are also older films, except for a film that just recently made its way into theaters. I love animals, even when they are the monsters of horror movies. I often wonder if films and TV shows use actual animals during the filming process, but it seems less likely due to the special effects that are available today. For me, these films are some of the best movies I have watched over the years. Some of the animals are ferocious, but others are loving companions that you just want to love and snuggle.

1. "Jaws"

This is one film where the animal will not become a snuggle buddy unless you prefer being ripped apart by hundreds of sharp teeth. Sharks are aggressive creatures and the star of this 1975 film when a great white shark begins attacking swimmers off a small northern island. This shark does not discriminate based on age; it devours everyone from adults to children. The police chief of the small community embarks on a mission to kill the shark, enlisting the help of a scientist and a local fisherman. The three take on the giant animal, risking their lives to save the town. This movie has always been one of my favorites, even as a kid, because sharks fascinate me. If you're into shark movies, this is where you need to start. Those other shark features have nothing on Jaws.

2. "Lake Placid"

This creature feature contains another animal that is not the best choice for a snuggle buddy: a giant crocodile. This animal begins killing and eating people as well as large animals (bears and moose), which prompts law enforcement and wildlife officials to act. They attempt to capture the animal and even consider killing it because they are unable to contain it for long. This is also a favorite for me due to the humor that surrounds the horror movie situation. The Crocodile makes many appearances and the special effects are great. It's a great movie to fill the void after finishing Jaws.

3. "Homeward Bound" and "Homeward Bound 2"

Now for animals of the cuddly variety. Shadow, Chance, and Sassy seek their way home after being left at a ranch while their family goes on vacation. The animals want to be with their human counterparts, and their determination is tremendous as they make their way over mountains, facing wild animals and the watery depths of streams. They each face a personal challenge while trekking for home, each overcoming their fears. It's a heartwarming movie full of love and friendship that exists between animals and humans.

Shadow, Chance, and Sassy are back at it again in this beloved sequel. This time they are lost in San Francisco after escaping from an airport where they were leaving for a vacation with thier family. Again, they must try to find their way home. Along the way, they meet a band of stray dogs that teach them how to live on the streets safely until they can make it back to their humans. Their aren't without struggles though. Each faces another struggle, especially Chance, who meets Delilah. The two become inseparable and have to decide if they want to be together, living with humans, or not. It's a wonderful family movie and worth watching again and again.

4. "Finding Nemo"

This is one of my favorite Pixar movies. I'm in my twenties and still enjoy watching the journey that Marlin and Dory make to find Nemo, who is very far from home, meeting various fish along the way. I think my favorite characters from the film are Dory and Crush, the sea turtle that the two come across after taking on hundreds of jellyfish. It's a lovable tale of a father's determination to find his son, who was taken by divers in the ocean.

5. "The Birds"

Birds, birds, birds, and not of the friendly variety. During a trip to a small, seaside town, Melanie discovers that all kinds of birds are becoming aggressive and murderous when they begin attacking people, not only adults, but children as well. She must strive to find a solution and remain safe during this time of chaos. There are graphic scenes in this film, so I don't recommend it for younger children.

6. "The Jungle Book" (2016)

This film is very recent since it made it into theaters about a month or so ago. Upon viewing it, I noticed a lot of children in the theater as well. This movie is not for kids. It's very violent and could be frightening since the animals are so life-like. The effects are great though and the animals are the reason for watching it. The young protagonist, Mowgli, isn't represented that well in the film, but the animals are amazing.

7. "Jurassic Park"

This movie is one of my all-time favorites. I've been watching this movie since I was a kid. The idea that scientists could recreate dinosaurs was so interesting, and it always fascinated me how the animals appeared so real. Now that I'm older, I have to agree with Malcolm on the point that recreating dinosaurs so that they inhabit the earth with humans is like playing God; it shouldn't be attempted due to the consequences that could occur. The movie is still a fun watch because of the special effects and the brilliance of the actors in the film.

8. "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid"

This movie is also not for kids since there is a lot of graphic scenes of people being eaten by giant snakes. The effects are amazing in this film as well. You don't have to watch the first movie to watch this one since there is no correlation between the two films except for the snakes. A group of scientists venture into the jungle to retrieve a flower that holds the elixir to eternal youth. Unfortunately, they come across problems, mainly dropping on the food chain when one of their team members is eaten alive by an anaconda. They must travel on foot through the forest to reach safety, while attempting not to be eaten.

9. "The Amazing Panda Adventure"

The last movie on this list is of the cuddly, happy variety. Two young kids attempt to save an endangered panda cub that is being hunted by poachers. As the two journey through the forests, they face challenges of caring for themselves as well as the cub they have been charged to protect. It's a wonderful tale of friendship that is perfect for family viewing.