Entertainment / Tue, 28 Jul 2026 News18

7 Movies That Turned Cockroaches Into Unexpected Stars

The film is based on an MTV short and remains one of the most unusual comedies to feature cockroaches as protagonists. 2 / 7 Mimic: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Mimic begins with a deadly disease spread by cockroaches that threatens New York City's children. 4 / 7 The Nest: This horror film follows residents of a quiet island town as genetically altered cockroaches become aggressive, flesh-eating killers. ADVERTISEMENT5 / 7 Bug: Based on the novel The Hephaestus Plague, Bug tells the story of a swarm of unusual cockroaches released after an earthquake. ", a wealthy, obsessive businessman who fears germs finds his luxury apartment invaded by thousands of cockroaches.

Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 09:20 IST

1 / 7 Joe's Apartment: A cult comedy starring Jerry O'Connell as Joe, a young man who moves into a rundown New York City apartment inhabited by thousands of singing, dancing and talking cockroaches. Rather than pests, the roaches become Joe's loyal friends, helping him navigate life and romance. The film is based on an MTV short and remains one of the most unusual comedies to feature cockroaches as protagonists.

2 / 7 Mimic: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Mimic begins with a deadly disease spread by cockroaches that threatens New York City's children. Scientists create a genetically engineered insect to wipe them out, but the experiment backfires when the creatures evolve into giant predators capable of mimicking humans. Cockroaches are central to both the story's origin and its eerie underground setting.

3 / 7 Wall-E: Pixar's beloved animated film features a resilient cockroach named Hal, the only constant companion of the lonely robot WALL·E on an abandoned Earth. Though a supporting character, Hal symbolizes survival and loyalty, often providing comic relief and highlighting the planet's harsh conditions.

4 / 7 The Nest: This horror film follows residents of a quiet island town as genetically altered cockroaches become aggressive, flesh-eating killers. As the infestation spreads, the townspeople must fight for survival against the rapidly multiplying insects. The movie has since earned a cult following among fans of creature features.

5 / 7 Bug: Based on the novel The Hephaestus Plague, Bug tells the story of a swarm of unusual cockroaches released after an earthquake. The insects possess the terrifying ability to ignite fires through friction, leaving destruction in their wake. The film blends science fiction with horror and remains one of cinema's most distinctive insect thrillers.

6 / 7 Creepshow: In the anthology's memorable final segment, "They're Creeping Up on You!", a wealthy, obsessive businessman who fears germs finds his luxury apartment invaded by thousands of cockroaches. The relentless infestation builds to one of horror cinema's most unforgettable, and unsettling, endings.