Over the last 20 years, Monster Hunter has delivered some of the most memorable, over-the-top monster designs that have scared, delighted, and stunned fans in equal measure. Whether your first hunt dates back to the original game on PlayStation 2, or you hopped in when 2018's Monster Hunter: World dominated the charts, you're bound to have that one monster you've grown attached to and love more than any other.

Capcom’s hugely popular hunting RPG series boasts over 200 monsters in total, so we've gone through them all to find our top 25 – the very best of the best, and the beasts we love to gush over as much as we hate battling them. And with Monster Hunter Wilds adding to that tally, now is the perfect time to take a look at some of the best monsters the series has to offer.

25. Malzeno

Malzeno, introduced in Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak expansion, is a powerful Elder Dragon that leaves a lasting impression. Its striking visual design features a glowing aura that permeates its entire body, adding a mesmerizing yet eerie element to its appearance. Malzeno's ability to drain the life-force from its surroundings, much like a vampire, makes it a terrifying opponent. Battling it amidst the dilapidated castle ruins of Sunbreak enhances the gothic atmosphere, making the encounter with Malzeno an unforgettable experience for fans.

24. Behemoth

Through a crossover event with Final Fantasy 14, Monster Hunter World introduced the formidable Behemoth. This giant beast brings unique mechanics from its iconic Final Fantasy moveset, challenging hunters to think strategically in terms of party composition, much like in an MMO. With roles such as tank, healer, and damage dealers, facing Behemoth is a complex ordeal. The fear of its instant knockout Ecliptic Meteor attack still haunts us, but mastering it provides an unparalleled sense of achievement.

23. Vaal Hazak

Vaal Hazak, a grotesque Elder Dragon from Monster Hunter: World, dwells in the darkest depths of the Rotten Vale. Its eerie den, surrounded by a sea of bones, sets the stage for a chilling encounter. Vaal Hazak's ability to spew poisonous gas and its horrifying appearance, complete with red flesh-laced wings and hanging rotting corpses, make it a daunting adversary. This monster is not for the faint-hearted, offering a combat experience that stands out in the series.

22. Legiana

Chasing the swift Legiana across the steep cliffs of the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World is a thrilling experience. This wyvern's speed and precision make it a lethal assassin, challenging hunters to stay agile and master its icy attacks. Legiana's original form, as opposed to its Iceborne variant, teaches valuable lessons about the importance of staying light on your feet and never underestimating your opponent, making it a memorable fight for both newcomers and veterans.

21. Bazelgeuse

Bazelgeuse is a relentless flying wyvern that can turn any hunt into a nightmare. Its aggressive nature and bomb-dropping tactics can wipe out entire teams, making it a frustrating yet fascinating monster. Bazelgeuse reminds players of the importance of patience and timing in battle, ensuring that encounters with it are always explosive and memorable.

20. Black Diablos

Black Diablos, the territorial female counterpart to the standard Diablos, becomes even more aggressive when preparing to mate. Its ability to burrow and erupt from the sand adds an unpredictable element to the fight, making it a challenging opponent. The sheer power and aggression of Black Diablos make it a standout monster, proving that it's the supreme variant of the Diablos family.

19. Shara Ishvalda

Shara Ishvalda, the final boss of Monster Hunter: World's Iceborne expansion, embodies the grandeur of the series' epic battles. Initially appearing as a rock monster, it gradually reveals its true form as a majestic Elder Dragon. Its unique finger-like wing appendages create a striking and terrifying image. The final confrontation with Shara Ishvalda is a memorable set piece that leaves a lasting impact on players.

18. Furious Rajang

Furious Rajang, an amped-up version of the original Rajang, is a formidable opponent with its glowing golden fur and electrifying attacks. Its high-flying acrobatics and rapid combos can overwhelm hunters, making it a challenging fight. While not always loved, Furious Rajang commands respect for its sheer power and intensity.

17. Astalos

Astalos, first seen in Monster Hunter Generations and revamped in Monster Hunter Rise's Sunbreak expansion, is a hyper-aggressive flying wyvern. Its flashy lightning attacks and prismatic wings make it a visually stunning yet dangerous foe. Every encounter with Astalos is a critical moment that tests a hunter's decision-making skills, whether to flee or stand and fight.

16. Amatsu

Amatsu, the storm-controlling Elder Dragon, is a breathtaking sight with its golden horns and sky-swimming abilities. Introduced in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and further highlighted in Rise’s Sunbreak expansion, Amatsu's ability to manipulate wind and rain creates a dynamic and memorable battlefield. Its presence signifies great calamity, making it a feared yet awe-inspiring monster.

15. Raging Brachydios

Raging Brachydios, a giant rock monster with explosive slime, keeps hunters on their toes with its ground-smashing attacks and arena-wide explosions. This variant is much more volatile than the standard Brachydios, requiring constant movement and strategic positioning. Mastering the rhythm of the fight against Raging Brachydios is immensely rewarding.

14. Glavenus

Glavenus, a dinosaur with a blade-like tail, is a unique and thrilling monster. Its ability to sharpen its tail with its own teeth adds a metal edge to its already impressive design. Introduced in Monster Hunter Generations and memorable in Monster Hunter: World's Iceborne expansion, Glavenus is a standout creature that hunters enjoy facing.

13. Teostra

Teostra, a long-standing member of the Monster Hunter series, is a fiery Elder Dragon known for its devastating attacks. Its ability to heat up and produce flames that burn at a distance, combined with its supernova attack, makes it a formidable foe. Teostra is a classic monster that remains a staple of the series, offering a challenging and iconic battle experience.

12. Namielle

Namielle, an Elder Dragon that commands water and electricity, brings a unique combination of elements to the battlefield. Its large black wings and slimy exterior allow it to slide and cover the arena in water, while its electric attacks add another layer of challenge. Namielle's elevated form and function make it a standout monster in the series.

11. Gore Magala

Gore Magala, a nightmarish young Elder Dragon, is known for its grabbing claws and pollen-like scales that allow it to sense prey. As it enters a frenzy, it transforms into the even more powerful Shagaru Magala. This lifecycle transformation provides a unique insight into monster development, making Gore Magala a memorable and terrifying creature.

10. Rathalos

Rathalos, the iconic red wyvern and series mascot, has appeared in every Monster Hunter game and even in crossovers. Its challenging nature and widespread recognition make it a beloved monster among fans. Rathalos is a staple of the series and a testament to its enduring appeal.

9. Fatalis

Fatalis, one of the strongest monsters in the series, is a massive black Elder Dragon capable of leveling entire castles. Its inclusion in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne’s final update made it the ultimate challenge. Fatalis's imposing figure and devastating fire breath make it a truly fearsome monster that embodies the power of Elder Dragons.

8. Kirin

Despite its graceful appearance, Kirin is a deadly unicorn-like Elder Dragon with quick dashes and lightning attacks. Its ability to circle rapidly around hunters requires perfect positioning to avoid its deadly horn. Kirin is a series icon, loved and feared by fans for its elegance and danger.

7. Mizutsune

Mizutsune, a leviathan with pressurized water jet blasts, slides gracefully around the arena. Its ability to blow hindering bubbles adds a unique challenge to the fight. Mizutsune's majestic movements make each battle a spectacle, reminding hunters that hunts can be enchanting and memorable.

6. Lagiacrus

Lagiacrus, a formidable leviathan from Monster Hunter 3, is a true underwater menace. Its ability to swim circles around hunters in their bulky armor creates a challenging and memorable fight. Lagiacrus defines a generation of hunters and remains a beloved monster in the series.

5. Crimson Glow Valstrax

Crimson Glow Valstrax, a variant of Valstrax with afterburners, is a visually stunning monster that resembles a fighter jet. Its glowing red wings and sharp blade-like wings make it one of the coolest monster designs in recent memory, offering a unique and thrilling fight.

4. Savage Deviljho

Savage Deviljho, a red variant of the original Deviljho, is known for its relentless nature and increased aggression. Its larger radius breath attacks and constant frenzy make it an even more challenging opponent. Savage Deviljho proves that there's always a tougher fight waiting around the corner.

3. Nargacuga

Nargacuga, resembling a black panther with wings and a spiked tail, is a terrifying predator that lurks in the shadows. Its speed and ferocity make it a formidable foe, and its consistent design across games showcases its enduring appeal. Nargacuga is a prime example of a monster done right the first time.

2. Nergigante

Nergigante, the signature beast of Monster Hunter World, is a dangerous Elder Dragon with regenerating spiky horns. Its climactic fight in the game, set in a crystalized rock den, adds to its mystique. Nergigante's ability to quickly pummel hunters into the ground makes it a standout monster in the series.

1. Zinogre

Zinogre, the top fanged wyvern, captures the true spirit of the Monster Hunter franchise. Its confident demeanor and powerful lightning attacks, fueled by Thunderbugs in its horns, create a thrilling light show in battle. Zinogre's fast-paced action and rocking theme make it a beloved monster that embodies the series' essence.

These are our top 25 monsters from the Monster Hunter series. There are literally hundreds of others that didn't make the cut, but from our adventures, these are creatures that we cherished facing the most. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite monster is.