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Werewolves are a highly iconic yet somewhat underutilized presence in cinematic lore. Despite their widespread recognition and strong ties to folklore, werewolves don’t receive as much attention in adaptations compared to other monsters like vampires, zombies, and ghosts. Even the Frankenstein monster, originating from a specific narrative, has seen numerous reimaginings. The versatility of the werewolf as a character allows it to fit into a wide range of settings and stories beyond traditional horror.
As of October 25, 2023, for those seeking werewolf-themed movies this Halloween season, here’s an updated list of noteworthy films along with information on where to stream them.
Filmmakers worldwide have taken inspiration from the concept of the werewolf, producing some remarkable movies that have contributed significantly to the creature’s place in pop culture. The werewolf can be molded into a metaphor for various themes, from puberty and midlife crises to the untapped darkness lurking within the human soul or even as a symbol of heroic freedom. With Halloween approaching, these are the top werewolf movies to add to your watchlist.
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Best Werewolf Movies of All Time
Van Helsing (2004)
Although it may not be considered a top-tier movie, Van Helsing is an enjoyable blend of elements reminiscent of Indiana Jones and James Bond, all set in the late 19th century and featuring Universal Monsters. Surprisingly, this seemingly unusual combination works, particularly for younger audiences, offering an imaginative take on how these iconic monsters might be portrayed.
One of the standout aspects of the film is the portrayal of the Wolf Man. While some fans were disappointed with the use of CGI instead of traditional practical makeup, the choice allows the Wolf Man to exhibit remarkable strength and speed that was unprecedented in previous films. This version of the werewolf possesses almost superhuman abilities, and it pays off in the grand climactic battle with Dracula, offering a modern and action-packed interpretation of the character.
Wolf (1994)
In the early 1990s, there was a surge in mature-themed movies featuring classic movie monsters. This trend arguably began with Francis Ford Coppola’s 1991 film “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” The year 1994 was significant for this trend, as it saw the release of three major films that gave a mature treatment to iconic monsters. These films were “Interview with a Vampire,” adapted from Anne Rice’s classic novel, “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” and “Wolf.” “Wolf” stands out for several reasons, not the least of which is its enduring appeal and the possibility that it was ahead of its time.
What sets “Wolf” apart is how well it has aged and how it might have been ahead of its time. A significant portion of the film explores the main character, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, as he grapples with the development and learning of his werewolf abilities. These newfound powers, such as enhanced smell and improved reflexes, feel right at home in the context of a superhero movie, where a hero is learning to master their abilities. It’s intriguing to note that “Spider-Man” was released eight years later, and it seems that director Sam Raimi may have drawn inspiration from “Wolf” when depicting Peter Parker’s journey in developing his powers.
What’s particularly interesting about “Wolf” is that it uses the werewolf as a metaphor for a midlife crisis, a departure from the traditional metaphor of puberty often associated with monster transformations.
Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans (2009)
The Underworld franchise has enjoyed significant success as a long-running series featuring werewolves, spanning five films released from 2003 to 2017. The movies revolve around an ancient feud between vampires and a group of werewolves known as Lycans. Notably, the third installment, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” serves as a prequel, shedding light on the origins of the Lycan rebellion.
What sets this film apart is its unique approach. While it may not reach the iconic status of the original movie, “Rise of the Lycans” stands out because it places the Lycan characters at the forefront, a departure from the typical focus on vampires. The movie also incorporates elements of a monster movie, a tragic love story, and a narrative akin to a slave uprising, reminiscent of “Spartacus.” What makes “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans” particularly impressive is how it treats its occasionally over-the-top and campy mythology with a sense of maturity, resulting in a werewolf film that defies conventional expectations and stands as a unique addition to the genre.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Is it considered dishonest to include a short film in this context? Well, whether or not it’s debatable, Werewolf by Night certainly deserves its place on this list. This Halloween special, which runs for approximately an hour, is based on the Marvel character of the same name and not only introduces audiences to Jack Russell, also known as The Werewolf by Night, but also showcases other classic Marvel monsters such as Man-Thing and the hunter Elsa Bloodstone.
What Sets It Apart Werewolf by Night possesses a unique style that distinguishes it not only from other entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also from other werewolf narratives. The original version was presented in black and white, drawing inspiration from the 1941 film “The Wolf Man,” resulting in a delightful experience. The recently released “Werewolf by Night in Color” maintains a different kind of allure, with vibrant colors reminiscent of the Hammer Horror films. Werewolf by Night stands out as a shining moment for the MCU and the broader genre of werewolf stories, proving their enduring relevance and ability to evoke fear in today’s audience.
Dog Soldiers (2002)
“Dog Soldiers” marks Neil Marshall’s directorial debut and revolves around a group of British soldiers embarking on a routine training mission in the Scottish Highlands. Their mission takes a gruesome turn when they stumble upon a horrific massacre, leaving only one survivor. To their horror, they soon realize that they are being relentlessly pursued by a pack of werewolves and must endure a harrowing night in an old farmhouse until the morning when the full moon wanes.
What sets “Dog Soldiers” apart is its straightforward yet brilliant premise. It evokes the essence of a classic B-horror film but distinguishes itself through Neil Marshall’s skillful execution. Marshall excels in several aspects, including the use of practical and impressive werewolf suits, delivering compelling gore, and drawing inspiration from other films like “Predator” in terms of the soldiers vs. monster dynamic and the tense claustrophobia reminiscent of “Night of the Living Dead.”
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Ginger Snaps (2000)
Utilizing lycanthropy as a metaphor for the challenges of puberty is not a novel concept. While many may immediately think of “Teen Wolf,” both the original Michael J. Fox film and the popular MTV series, a particularly noteworthy example of this genre convention can be found in the 2000 Canadian horror film “Ginger Snaps.” This movie primarily follows the journey of sisters Bridgette and Ginger (portrayed by Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle, respectively). It delves into Ginger’s transformation into a werewolf, which occurs after she is bitten on the night she begins her menstruation.
What Sets It Apart The film effectively parallels the bodily changes associated with becoming a werewolf with the tumultuous physical transformations and surging hormones of puberty. It skillfully interweaves the animalistic aspects of a beast within with the emotional struggles of young girls as they grapple with these profound changes. “Ginger Snaps” stands out as a powerful reminder of how these timeless monster archetypes continue to resonate, as they tap into the fundamental human fears and anxieties that underlie these creatures.
Werewolves Within (2021)
Werewolves Within, one of the more recent werewolf movies, is a horror-comedy based on the Ubisoft video game and inspired by the party game Werewolf. The film takes this simple premise and places a group of people in a snowy, isolated setting, challenging viewers to identify the bloodthirsty monster among the colorful characters.
What Sets It Apart Werewolves Within is a side-splitting movie with impressive, graphic gore, featuring a star-studded cast of comedic talent. Despite its limited release during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a film that definitely deserves attention. It’s arguably the finest adaptation of a video game to the big screen, a standout in the modern horror-comedy genre, and one of the top werewolf films ever created.
The Wolf Man (1941)
The 1941 film “The Wolf Man,” rather than Universal Pictures’ earlier 1935 production “Werewolf of London,” is the true origin of a widely recognized movie franchise and serves as the archetype for the werewolf genre for many years to come. The narrative follows Lawrence Talbot, an ordinary man who becomes cursed after a werewolf bite, leading to his transformation into a monstrous creature. This story carries a profound sense of tragedy. Lon Chaney Jr.’s remarkable performance in the role of Talbot imbues the character with a relatable quality, portraying him as an everyday person burdened by a terrifying inner monster that compels him to lose control. This internal struggle has served as the foundation for several beloved characters, most notably Bruce Banner, also known as The Incredible Hulk.
What Sets It Apart “The Wolf Man” stands out as one of the most significant horror films in cinematic history, leaving a lasting impact on a wide range of subsequent movies. Beyond its considerable cultural influence, the film tells a profoundly human story. Among all the classic Universal monsters, the Wolf Man is perhaps the most tragic. Notably, the film was remade in 2010, and there are plans for another reimagining, with Ryan Gosling cast in the lead role.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
In 1981, two of the most iconic modern werewolf films were released just months apart, sparking debates among fans about which one is superior. “An American Werewolf in London” is celebrated for its darkly humorous script, penned by John Landis, known for directing “Blues Brothers,” and for the groundbreaking practical makeup transformation crafted by Rick Baker, which earned it the inaugural Academy Award for Best Makeup.
Nevertheless, what prevents “An American Werewolf in London” from claiming the top spot is a combination of factors. This includes the film’s rather abrupt ending and a significant creative difference between Landis and Baker concerning the portrayal of the werewolf. Baker had designed the creature with digitigrade legs to be a bipedal being, but Landis insisted on keeping the monster on all fours, deviating from Baker’s unique werewolf design and making it resemble a standard wolf. Despite this behind-the-scenes disagreement, the film continues to be a standout in the werewolf genre, leaving a lasting impact on many horror films, particularly those blending horror with comedy.
The Howling (1981)
The Howling, directed by the renowned Joe Dante, outshines “An American Werewolf in London” due to its compelling script and superb direction. It delves deep into the “wolf” aspect of werewolves, emphasizing the notion of packs and creating an entire community of these creatures.
What Makes It Exceptional The movie takes the unsettling concept seen in films like “The Stepford Wives,” where an ostensibly perfect community hides a dark secret, and introduces a terrifying movie monster, making it even more horrifying. Furthermore, it incorporates a suspenseful serial killer element at the beginning, adding to the tension. The design of the werewolf itself deserves special mention; it’s a massive, bipedal creature that towers over everyone, clearly distinguishing it from a regular wolf. No one could mistake this creature for anything but a monstrous entity. Although the sequels to “The Howling” couldn’t match the brilliance of the original film’s concept, the first installment still remains the ultimate werewolf movie ever created.
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