When a scientist uncovers a strange, partially fossilized skeletal hand, a group of archaeologists travel to a murky lagoon locale to discover more. What they encounter is a prehistoric amphibious creature living in the black lagoon: a real live specimen in action.

And this 'Gill Man' ain't too happy about being found out either, as it soon refuses to let the scientists leave alive and takes out several members of the party in the process. Black Lagoon features a supremely creative title monster, assured direction from Arnold, and a superior musical score.

The lovingly-shot cinematography owes a debt to William Snyder, while the underwater sequences are beautifully filmed and clearly inspired Steven Spielberg's breakout blockbuster JAWS two decades later. Simply put, this Universal creature classic is a don't miss.

Followed by 1955's Revenge of the Creature.