Products are selected by our editors, we may earn commission from links on this page.
If you’ve ever looked at something and thought, “That’s unreasonably large,” welcome to the club. Megalophobia, the fear of enormous objects, can be triggered by things you wouldn’t expect—like a fish the size of a car or a tornado so tall it makes skyscrapers blush. Whether it’s natural or man-made, big things have a knack for being both fascinating and absolutely terrifying. Buckle up; it’s time to explore 45 massive objects guaranteed to give you chills.
The Mega Fish That Doesn’t Fit in the Tank
The mola mola fish is nature’s way of saying, “Why stop at a regular fish?” This underwater giant tips the scales between 540 and 2,200 pounds.
This fish isn’t just big; it’s a swimming nightmare for megalophobes. The heaviest one ever recorded weighed over 6,000 pounds—enough to make your local football team look like minnows.
Luckily, mola mola’s diet consists mostly of jellyfish, small fish, and crustaceans. Imagine if it were into burgers. The oceans would never recover!
Tornado vs. Wind Turbines: The Ultimate Showdown
At first glance, you might miss the wind turbines in this photo. Then you see the tornado, and suddenly they’re hard to ignore.
Wind turbines are no small fry at 280 feet tall, but next to this swirling beast of nature, they look like toothpicks. Weather really knows how to flex.
Whoever took this photo must have nerves of steel—or a really long zoom lens. Either way, we’ll admire it from a safe, tornado-free distance.
Trees That Make You Feel Like a Hobbit
This massive tree found on a beach in Washington State is what you’d call “driftwood on steroids.” It’s 200 feet long and 13 feet wide at the trunk.
The tree probably fell from a cliff and floated its way to fame. Nature’s been doing oversized decor way before us humans tried.
If this is just one tree, imagine the forest it came from. Tolkien-level vibes, anyone?
The Giant Squid That Lives in the Sky
Kites are supposed to be cheerful, right? Wrong. This squid-shaped kite is here to turn your breezy afternoon into a horror movie.
Even if you’re not scared of big things, seeing this monstrosity float over your house would make you question reality. Why is it so big?!
Kudos to whoever thought, “You know what would be fun? A kite that looks like it wants to eat people.” We need to talk about their definition of fun.
Icebergs That Could Sink Titanic 2.0
Waking up to find a giant iceberg behind your house isn’t just a movie plot—it’s a real-life nightmare for this Greenlander.
The house in front looks like a dollhouse, really driving home the iceberg’s massive size. And remember, most of it is underwater. Yikes.
Icebergs are like the introverts of the giant-object world: most of their depth is hidden, but when they show up, everyone notices.
The Sun Makes Mercury Look Like a Speck of Dust
At first, you might think this image is microscopic. But nope, it’s the sun and tiny Mercury looking like a gnat buzzing by.
Mercury has a radius of 1,516 miles, which isn’t small by any means. But next to the sun? It’s laughably insignificant.
This cosmic perspective is equal parts awe-inspiring and unsettling. Space: where your problems really do feel small.
Supercarrier or Floating City?
Supercarriers are so enormous they’re basically the Empire State Building lying down. The ship in this photo stretches 1,092 feet long.
With a weight of 97,000 tons and a capacity for over 80 aircraft, these ships are floating fortresses. Also floating nightmares for megalophobes.
Let’s not forget, a significant chunk of this beast is underwater. Just imagine what’s lurking below. Or maybe don’t. Sleep is important.
Ziplining Into Godzilla’s Mouth
If you’ve ever dreamed of ziplining into Godzilla’s gaping mouth, congratulations—you’re braver than us. Japan’s Godzilla theme park makes this bizarre dream a reality.
The life-sized Godzilla head is part thrill ride, part megalophobic horror show. It’s all fun and games until you see those teeth up close.
We’ll take a hard pass on this zipline. Megalophobes everywhere just collectively shuddered.
The Hands That Grab Venice
Lorenzo Quinn’s Venice art piece featured two massive hands reaching out of the water to “hold” a building. Subtle? Not really.
The installation aimed to raise awareness about rising sea levels, but it also raised heart rates for megalophobes in the vicinity.
Thankfully, it was temporary. Imagine waking up every day and seeing those looming hands. No thanks.
Whale Bones Bigger Than Your Dog’s Ambitions
This whale’s spinal column is a stark reminder that whales are the Earth’s largest animals. Even the bones look oversized.
The dog in the photo appears to be plotting how to take the bone home. Sorry, pup, this one’s staying put.
Whales are so massive they redefine what we consider “big.” Their bones could double as modern art installations.
Mount Fuji: Japan’s Iconic Peak
Mount Fuji isn’t just a mountain; it’s a symbol of Japan, standing 12,388 feet tall. Fujinomiya, at its base, enjoys breathtaking views daily.
Fuji’s volcanic history spans 100,000 years, creating awe-inspiring landscapes. Living nearby sounds dreamy, but one eruption might change that view quickly.
The mountain inspires millions, though not everyone would live so close. Awe aside, nature’s power can be a little too real for comfort.
Huge, Enormous Anchors: Giants of the Sea
These ship anchors are massive enough to dwarf grown men into doll-sized figures. They’re essential for stopping colossal ships from wandering aimlessly in the ocean.
Chains and anchors might look terrifying, but they’re crucial to maritime safety. Without them, controlling ships would be like holding a kite in a hurricane.
Seeing their size in person is humbling. Imagine being tasked with designing or moving one—it’s a job for modern-day Hercules.
The Mirny Mine: Russia’s Giant Pit
The Mirny Mine is an open-pit diamond mine plunging over 1,640 feet deep. Its vastness is breathtaking, resembling Earth’s massive attempt at accessorizing.
Surrounding towns sit near the mine, offering constant views of its enormity. Living there must feel surreal—part awe, part mild existential dread.
Despite its intimidating scale, the mine’s wealth of diamonds has made it a valuable resource. Sometimes, the bigger the risk, the shinier the reward.
The Great Redwood Trees: Towering Giants
Redwoods stretch to a jaw-dropping 250 feet, with some reaching 379 feet. These natural skyscrapers are taller than the Statue of Liberty by 74 feet!
Standing beside these trees feels humbling. They’ve grown quietly for centuries, making anyone nearby look like a tiny afterthought.
Redwoods remind us how small we are in nature’s grand scheme. Their towering presence is both peaceful and deeply grounding.
A Not-So-Scary Tornado: Calm in Chaos
This EF1 tornado, with winds of 86–110 mph, looks more picturesque than menacing. Nature can have its chill moments—sometimes.
The woman standing calmly a mile away deserves applause. She’s closer than most would dare and handles it like it’s a casual day out.
Tornadoes usually terrify, but this one feels oddly peaceful. Still, standing there takes a mix of bravery, insanity, and a sprinkle of luck.
Giant in the Fog
This photo looks unreal, but it’s no horror film poster—it’s a real ship cloaked in mist. The eerie fog magnifies the vessel’s already intimidating size.
The ship’s sheer scale is humbling. Consider the Seawise Giant, the largest ship ever built at 1,504 feet long—longer than most skyscrapers are tall.
Fog may add drama, but it’s the ship’s colossal presence that steals the show. Who knew something built for water could appear so haunting?
Ocean or Land Mass?
At first glance, this scene looks like a massive tsunami bearing down. But no, it’s a mountain—not an ocean wave—looming dramatically in the background.
The peak is Mount Kazbek, straddling the Russian-Georgian border. At 16,520 feet, it’s one of the tallest mountains in the region and undeniably awe-inspiring.
While its size is intimidating, the view is breathtaking. Once the fear subsides, Mount Kazbek stands as a reminder of nature’s raw beauty and power.
The Bagger 288
The Bagger 288 isn’t your average excavator. This 721-foot-long, 13,500-ton machine is the heaviest land vehicle on Earth, built for strip mining on a massive scale.
This engineering marvel took five years to design and another five to assemble. Its $100 million price tag is as jaw-dropping as its enormous proportions.
Tiny figures stand dwarfed by its giant wheels, emphasizing its overwhelming size. The Bagger 288 feels more like a sci-fi creation than something from Earth.
A Large Arthropod
Meet the Japanese spider crab, the arthropod with the largest leg span, stretching up to 12 feet. At 44 pounds, it’s a heavyweight among sea creatures.
Despite their intimidating appearance, these crabs are harmless. Found near Japan, they’ve become a delicacy but are now endangered due to overfishing.
Their spindly, otherworldly legs might haunt your dreams, but these creatures are more fascinating than fearsome. They’re yet another example of nature’s quirks.
The Moon and Saturn
This photo captures the moon in front of Saturn. While Saturn is 20 times larger, its vast distance of 3,000 times farther makes it seem smaller.
The juxtaposition reminds us of our smallness in the cosmos. Saturn, though majestic, appears tiny compared to the nearby moon dominating the scene.
It’s humbling to imagine our place in the universe. If Earth were closer to Saturn, we’d be an insignificant dot in its orbiting shadow.
Choosing the Zoo
Look closely—can you spot the school bus? It’s laughably tiny next to the haul trucks, looking more like a toy than a real vehicle.
Even the trucks’ tires tower over the bus, making it seem even smaller. It’s a humbling reminder of the sheer scale of industrial machines.
Honestly, this is why we’d pick a zoo field trip any day. Sure, mines are fascinating, but this might leave us more terrified than thrilled.
A Volcanic Eruption
On March 27, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in a disaster that redefined destruction. It was the deadliest and most costly volcanic eruption in U.S. history.
The eruption launched an ash cloud 80,000 feet into the sky and caused the largest landslide ever recorded. The sheer force was unfathomable.
Even pictures can’t capture the terror and awe of the event. It’s a reminder of nature’s power to humble humanity in an instant.
The Big Hands
If you visit Vietnam, don’t miss the Golden Bridge near Da Nang. This 150-meter pedestrian bridge connects the gardens to the cable car station with breathtaking views.
Opened in 2018, the bridge is held up by two massive stone-like hands. Their size alone makes the structure a must-see attraction.
For scale, glance at the nearby building—it’s dwarfed by the hands. This stunning design feels more like an art installation than a functional walkway.
Worse Than a Tornado
Tornadoes are terrifying, but waterspouts might be worse. This tornadic waterspout looks like something out of a disaster movie, forming over or moving onto water.
Captured in Clearwater, Florida, this photo showcases the eerie beauty of a waterspout. Thankfully, these phenomena rarely cause serious damage.
Florida is no stranger to waterspouts, but their otherworldly appearance never fails to amaze. Hats off to the brave soul who snapped this shot.
Home Depot’s Skeleton
Why did Home Depot make this giant skeleton? Who decided that a massive Halloween decoration was the answer to… anything? We’re intrigued, if a little scared.
Its enormous size is both impressive and unnerving. As far as Halloween decor goes, this one takes the crown for sheer audacity.
Many homeowners love its dramatic flair, proudly displaying it. But let’s be honest—it’s less decor and more of a neighborhood conversation starter.
King Albert’s or Rapunzel’s?
This tower looks like something straight out of a Disney movie. You half expect Rapunzel to lean out and toss her hair down.
But this is King Albert’s Tower in Somerset, England. Standing 160 feet tall, it has watched over the landscape since the 1770s.
Seeing the person at its base puts its massive scale into perspective. It’s a piece of history that could easily double as a fairytale backdrop.
Weird Shape and Size
These clouds look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, not reality. But, rest assured, this eerie formation is both real and natural.
Their size and unique shape make them unsettling. This cloud type was officially classified as new in 2017, which makes it even more mysterious.
Sailors seeing these clouds might feel a pang of dread, but they’re harmless. Terrifying to look at, yes, but perfectly safe in the end.
Not an Ordinary Kangaroo
Kangaroos are usually adorable, hopping creatures with cozy pouches for their joeys. But this particular kangaroo? Let’s just say it breaks the cute mold.
At 6.5 feet tall, this beast is more nightmare fuel than mascot. Its towering presence could send anyone packing for a new zip code.
Imagine being stalked by such a creature. Suddenly, hopping away yourself seems like the only reasonable response to such a monstrous marsupial.
The Beauty of Art
The Orlando Power Station, built in 1935, now stands as a symbol of reinvention in Soweto, Johannesburg. Its cooling towers are a sight to behold.
These towers were transformed into an entertainment hub, with extreme sports like bungee jumping and pendulum swinging for thrill-seekers. We’ll pass, thanks!
Even without the adrenaline rush, the towers’ colorful artwork is breathtaking. They’re a stunning example of blending history, art, and modern fun.
The Empire State Building
Built between 1930 and 1931, the Empire State Building is a global icon of New York City and the U.S., named after New York’s nickname, “The Empire State.”
This photo, taken from New Jersey, shows the building looming over tiny houses, making it look eerie and overwhelming. Its presence dominates the skyline.
Though no longer among the top five tallest buildings, its height remains imposing. The Empire State Building continues to inspire awe, even from a distance.
The Dragon’s Eye
At first glance, this resembles a giant, mythical eye. But it’s actually the Dragon’s Eye stone mine in Lancashire, England—a natural wonder with an otherworldly appearance.
Guarded by locals, the cave can only be accessed through a floor window. Its hidden location keeps it exclusive, reserved for adventurous urban explorers.
Its secrecy adds to its allure, but for most of us, it’s comforting to know we’ll likely never end up venturing into its depths.
Reality or Illusion?
This image looks like a nightmare for anyone afraid of deep water. It captures the underwater “waterfall” illusion near Mauritius—stunning and unsettling at first glance.
What looks like water cascading into the ocean depths is actually an optical illusion caused by silt and salt deposits. The water is shallow and safe.
Despite the initial terror it may invoke, this illusion is an incredible phenomenon. It’s a testament to how nature can trick the eye in spectacular ways.
Keep the Props
Most film studios keep props after shooting for reuse or nostalgia. However, the makers of Redwood (2017) clearly skipped that memo and left one chilling piece behind.
A horrifying statue prop from the film was abandoned in Emil Becker’s mausoleum in Maciejowa, Poland. Its monstrous size and eerie features are pure nightmare fuel.
The statue’s eerie presence would spook anyone who stumbled upon it. It’s safe to say this prop won’t end up in any cozy museum displays.
Great Sand Dunes
Namibia boasts incredible landscapes, including Deadvlei near the famous Sossusvlei. This surreal area is a photographer’s paradise, drawing admirers from all over the globe.
Deadvlei is home to some of the tallest dunes in the world, reaching heights of up to 380 meters. These dunes are as majestic as they are imposing.
The largest dune, nicknamed “Big Daddy,” towers 1,149 feet high. Standing at its base, it’s easy to feel insignificant in the face of such vast beauty.
A Great Statue
This towering figure is the Sendai Daikannon, the tallest statue of a deity in Japan and the fifth-tallest statue in the world. It’s an incredible sight in Sendai.
Standing over 330 feet tall, it represents Nyoirin Kannon, a compassionate Buddhist bodhisattva. Its sheer size is both impressive and slightly intimidating.
Living nearby and seeing this enormous statue daily might feel surreal. Its grandness would be a constant reminder of something far bigger than ourselves.
Dwarfed by a Clock Tower
Big Ben once reigned as the largest clock tower, but that title now belongs to the Makkah Royal Clock Tower. This architectural wonder is located in Saudi Arabia.
Part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, this clock tower is nothing short of massive. Its scale leaves visitors completely awestruck by its majesty.
Looking up at this giant structure is a humbling experience. It’s a masterpiece of both engineering and design that dominates the skyline.
Brutus the Crocodile
Meet Brutus, Australia’s most famous saltwater crocodile. At 18 feet long and weighing a ton, this 80-year-old reptile has become a local legend.
Brutus is reportedly the fifth-largest crocodile ever recorded. This photo captures his massive size, making him a terrifying yet fascinating creature.
With crocs like Brutus in the water, swimming in Australia requires an extra dose of caution. It’s a stark reminder of nature’s fearsome predators.
Stranded in Newcastle
This striking photo might look like two images stitched together, but it’s not. It shows the massive MV Anthea, previously known as the Pasha Bulker, stranded near Newcastle.
The ship loomed ominously off Nobby Beach, dwarfing the nearby buildings and greenery. Witnessing it in person must have been chilling for onlookers.
The bulk carrier’s presence created a haunting scene. For those on the beach that day, it was a stark reminder of the ocean’s power to humble man-made giants.
More Than the Tip
Icebergs are known for hiding their true size underwater, but this photo reveals just how immense they can be. It’s a breathtaking glimpse below the surface.
Clear water exposes the iceberg’s massive submerged portion, showing its full scale. What you see above water is just a fraction of the whole.
This image captures the iceberg stretching down endlessly, almost like it touches the ocean floor. Its hidden size is both majestic and unsettling.
The Glory Hole
Located at Monticello Dam in California, this spillway is both mesmerizing and terrifying. Officially named the “Morning Glory Spillway,” most people know it by its more infamous nickname, “The Glory Hole.”
Spillways like this are designed to handle overflow when reservoirs reach capacity. This one gulps down water at an astonishing 48,000 cubic feet per second.
Standing near the edge of this enormous concrete vortex is a chilling thought. Just imagining it is enough to send shivers down your spine—we’ll admire from afar, thanks!