Best Werewolf Films: After a long wait, we return to explore the realm of iconic monsters, this time delving into the finest werewolf movies ever crafted. So, put away your moon serenades and let’s dive straight into it.
Neil Marshall’s gritty, action-packed thriller captivates because it harkens back to the days of old-school, low-budget cinema. With its dimly lit scenes, quick editing to conceal the furry antagonists, and breakneck pacing, this film propels viewers through a gauntlet of brutally violent confrontations.
The story is straightforward: a group of soldiers engaged in training exercises in the Scottish Highlands find themselves besieged by a pack of ravenous werewolves. It may sound simple, but directors Rob Green and Neil Marshall manage to stretch this thin premise and modest budget into something remarkable. The characters are compelling, the action is intense, and the practical effects, for the most part, are effective. Add a dash of dark humor, a talented cast – including Kevin McKidd before his long stint on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy – and a few unexpected twists, and you’ve got yourself a wild ride well-suited for the Halloween season.
Next, we have another creature feature that left an indelible mark on me during my late-night TV viewing. My ten-year-old self wasn’t quite prepared for the shock and awe of Daniel Attias’ film, which revolves around a small town terrorized by a werewolf. It doesn’t help that the main protagonist is a young, plucky, pint-sized Corey Haim, armed with a magnum for the terrifying climax. Ah, the ’80s – they had a flair for the dramatic.
The transformation effects are outstanding, the gore is downright gruesome, and that final jump scare almost had me in tears. There’s much to appreciate here, even if the film, based on Stephen King’s novella “Cycle of the Werewolf,” doesn’t exactly break new ground and occasionally veers into melodramatic territory. It’s more eerie than terrifying but still highly watchable and immensely entertaining.
I won’t sugarcoat it: “The Howling” spooked me when I saw it as a kid. Those over-the-top transformations (credit to special effects maestro Rob Bottin) hit a nerve that still twinges today – and I watched it on TBS!
Granted, some of the effects may not have aged gracefully, but director Joe Dante’s skill in interweaving intense tension with dark humor carries the film to its chilling conclusion. Plus, there’s a layer of social commentary about the malevolent media that feels more pertinent than ever.
Dee Wallace shines in the lead role as a news anchor entangled in a werewolf mystery involving a community known as “The Colony.” She realistically reacts to the absurdity around her, even if it’s challenging not to see her as Elliott’s mom.
Nonetheless, you’re here for the thrills, and “The Howling” delivers, standing as one of the most influential monster films ever created. It still sends shivers down your spine.
Now, while this classic horror gem may not deliver the same punch as the other films on this list, it deserves respect as the one that set it all in motion. From its ingenious transformations to its fog-drenched sets and eerie atmosphere, everything was groundbreaking in the early ’40s. “The Wolf Man” introduced a timeless and iconic monster design that has become the quintessential image of werewolves in subsequent films and popular culture.
Moreover, Lon Chaney’s performance as Larry Talbot, the tormented man-turned-wolf, is a joy to watch. Simultaneously, the psychological exploration of humanity’s primal instincts was groundbreaking for its time. While I may not revisit this one as often, favoring “Frankenstein” and “Dracula,” I wholeheartedly respect the creativity that birthed this enduring classic.
Nothing quite matches John Landis’ 1981 thriller, deftly merging dark humor with harrowing drama and some genuinely remarkable special effects. The initial transformation sequence is gut-wrenching. Poor David Kessler (played by David Naughton), the eponymous “American Werewolf in London,” screams in agony as his body undergoes a grotesque mutation, stretching and tearing to accommodate the lycanthrope within. All this while Bobby Vinton’s “Blue Moon” plays in the background, creating an agonizingly memorable scene.
Even more shocking are the gore effects, especially those applied to David’s deceased friend, Jack (portrayed by Griffin Dunne). “American Werewolf” is as repulsive as it is startling, and then it shifts to David running through a zoo in the nude, asking kids for their balloons. He’s a unique character, not quite a coward but unwilling to do what’s necessary to prevent his violent attacks on others. The final showdown in London is nothing short of remarkable.
I recall attempting to watch this as a child and quickly turning it off, only to return years later when I could stomach the torrents of blood and the terrifying atmosphere. Not for the faint of heart, but it remains an absolute classic nonetheless.
Also read: The Beatles Final Melody: ‘Now and Then’ Unites Legends, Resonates Through Time
Our Reader’s Queries
Best Werewolf Films
Before An American Werewolf In London, John Landis was recognized for his comedic hits like The Blues Brothers, Animal House, and Kentucky Fried Movie. Released in 1981, American Werewolf portrayed a unique take on the classic werewolf tale, with groundbreaking special effects and a blend of horror and humor. Landis masterfully combined his comedic expertise with the horror genre, resulting in a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences with its distinctive storytelling and visual effects.
What is the No 1 werewolf movie?
The top 15 werewolf movies ever made offers a howling good time for fans of the genre. Classics like The Wolf Man from 1941 and The Curse of the Werewolf from 1961 are essential viewing, while newer flicks like Werewolves Within from 2021 keep the thrills coming. Silver Bullet, Dog Soldiers, and Ginger Snaps also deliver hair-raising excitement. For those looking for a fresh take on werewolf lore, The Company of Wolves and The Wolf of Snow Hollow are must-sees. Get ready to sink your teeth into these fantastic films, available for rental on Prime and other platforms.
Which is the best werewolf?
1. “An American Werewolf in London” (1981)
2. “The Howling” (1981)
3. “Bad Moon” (1996)
4. “The Monster Squad” (1987)
5. “Howl” (2015)
6. “Underworld: Evolution” (2006)
7. “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992)
8. “The Wolfman” (2010)
What’s the scariest werewolf?
Peter Stubbe, a prosperous 16th-century farmer from Bedburg, Germany, is perhaps the most infamous werewolf of all time. Legend has it that he transformed into a wolf-like beast after dark and ruthlessly preyed on numerous Bedburg residents.