10 Worst CGI Monsters in TV History Ranked
CGI monsters can terrify or thrill, but sometimes they miss the mark, pulling you out of the story with clunky visuals or just plain goofy designs. These TV beasts are the ones that failed to scare, looking more like digital disasters than menacing threats.
I’ve ranked 10 of the most laughably bad CGI monsters in TV history, based on their poor execution and cringe factor. These are the creatures that haunt shows for all the wrong reasons.
10. ‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011-2018) – The Wraith
This fantasy series had a ghostly Wraith in season two, meant to be a soul-sucking menace. Instead, its blurry, rubbery CGI looked like a cheap video game ghost.
The show’s budget stretched thin across many effects, and the Wraith suffered most. Its lack of detail made it more silly than spooky.
9. ‘Legend of the Seeker’ (2008-2010) – The Shadrin
This fantasy show featured a cave-dwelling beast called the Shadrin, meant to be fearsome. Its blocky, plastic-like CGI made it look like a low-res dinosaur toy.
The series leaned hard on practical sets, but the Shadrin’s digital flaws stood out. It felt like a rushed addition that never intimidated.
8. ‘Primeval’ (2007-2011) – Future Predator
This sci-fi series about time-traveling creatures had hits and misses. The Future Predator, a bat-like monster, looked flat and jerky, with unnatural movements.
Despite some solid practical effects elsewhere, the CGI Predator felt like a budget cut. Its awkward design undermined the show’s tension.
7. ‘Sanctuary’ (2008-2011) – Bigfoot
This sci-fi show reimagined Bigfoot as a gentle giant, but its CGI was anything but kind. The creature’s stiff, cartoonish look clashed with the live-action cast.
Amanda Tapping’s show aimed for wonder, but Bigfoot’s cheap rendering hurt the vibe. It looked more like a blurry mascot than a mythical beast.
6. ‘Charmed’ (1998-2006) – The Trolls
The original ‘Charmed’ had some rough CGI, especially its tiny trolls in season three. These gremlin-like pests had clunky, pixelated textures that screamed low-budget.
The show’s practical effects often worked better, but the trolls were a digital mess. They felt like a bad ‘90s video game cameo.
5. ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’ (1995-1999) – The Hydra
This campy adventure show tackled Greek myths, but its Hydra was a CGI flop. The multi-headed snake looked stiff, with heads that moved like bad puppets.
Kevin Sorbo’s charm carried the show, but the Hydra’s dated visuals didn’t. It was more laughable than legendary, even for its time.
4. ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (1995-2001) – The Giant Cyclops
Xena faced many foes, but the Cyclops in season one was a CGI disaster. Its lumpy, plastic face and jerky movements made it look like a cheap toy.
Lucy Lawless’ epic fights deserved better than this digital dud. The Cyclops’ goofy appearance killed any sense of danger.
3. ‘Doctor Who’ (2005-Present) – The Slitheen
The 2005 ‘Doctor Who’ revival had growing pains, and the Slitheen aliens were a low point. These green, bloated creatures had rubbery CGI that looked unfinished.
Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor faced them bravely, but their cartoonish design felt flat. Later seasons improved, but the Slitheen remain a visual misstep.
2. ‘Lost’ (2004-2010) – The Smoke Monster (Early Seasons)
The Smoke Monster was a creepy mystery in ‘Lost’, but its early CGI was rough. The swirling black cloud looked like a low-res screensaver, undermining its menace.
The show’s later seasons refined it with better effects and sound design. Those initial smoky blobs, though, were a jarring letdown.
1. ‘Babylon 5’ (1993-1998) – The Shadows
This sci-fi epic had ambitious spider-like aliens called the Shadows, but their CGI was abysmal. Blocky and poorly textured, they looked like early 3D models.
The show’s deep story carried it, but the Shadows’ clunky visuals aged badly. They’re the worst TV CGI monsters, failing to match the epic stakes.
Which TV CGI monster made you cringe the hardest, or is there another digital dud I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!