Jeepers Creepers (2001), directed by Victor Salva, is a horror film that introduced a new iconic monster to the genre. The movie follows siblings Trish (Gina Philips) and Darry (Justin Long) as they drive through rural Florida on their way home from college. Along the way, they encounter a terrifying, mysterious creature known as “The Creeper” (Jonathan Breck), who hunts them after they witness him disposing of a body.

The film begins with the siblings noticing a strange truck aggressively tailing them. Later, they see the driver dumping what appears to be a body wrapped in a bloodstained sheet into a drainage pipe near an abandoned church. Darry insists on investigating, and the two soon find themselves pursued by the Creeper, a monstrous entity that emerges every 23 years to feed on human body parts that it uses to regenerate itself.

As the film progresses, the siblings learn more about the Creeper’s horrific nature, but their attempts to escape become increasingly desperate. They receive cryptic warnings from a local psychic (Patricia Belcher), who tells them about the Creeper’s insatiable hunger and their doomed fate.

Jeepers Creepers is notable for its blend of atmospheric tension and creature-feature horror. The film builds suspense with its road trip setting, creating a sense of isolation and dread as the characters are stalked by the Creeper. The creature itself is memorable, with a mix of human and demonic characteristics, including wings and a disturbing penchant for “smelling” his victims to determine which parts to consume.

The film became a sleeper hit at the box office and developed a cult following thanks to its unique monster and tense atmosphere. Its success led to several sequels, though none have quite matched the eerie, unsettling impact of the original.

Jeepers Creepers is often appreciated for its old-school horror feel, with a focus on suspense, practical effects, and a relentless, unstoppable antagonist that recalls classic horror icons. The film’s mix of mystery, terror, and creature design helped it stand out in early 2000s horror, cementing its place as a memorable entry in the genre.