We all know that werewolves are one of the most popular monsters in movies and have been since they first appeared in cinema.
They’re so popular, in fact, that it can be hard to find a good film with them in it! Luckily for you, we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of our favorite werewolf films below.
So if you’re looking for something new to watch this Halloween season or just want another excuse to spend your weekend bingeing on Netflix, take some time out of your day (or night) to check these out!
BEST WEREWOLF MOVIES
What Are Werewolf Movies?
The werewolf is a classic mythological creature that has been a staple of horror movies for decades.
The legend of the werewolf has changed over time and continues to change today.
In the beginning, werewolves were portrayed as humans who could change into wolves, or at least wolf-like creatures called lycanthropes.
They were often depicted as evil creatures, who would prey on people in the night.
However, some movies chose to show these creatures as more sympathetic characters, such as the character of Lon Chaney Jr. in the 1941 film The Wolf Man.
This portrayal of a man-wolf continued until around the 1980s when The Howling was released.
This movie changed how we viewed these creatures by showing them as more wolf-like and less man-like.
This trend continued with An American Werewolf in London and Silver Bullet during this decade.
In recent years, we have seen a shift back towards man-wolves rather than wolf-men, starting with Dog Soldiers in 2002 and continuing with Underworld in 2003 and Van Helsing in 2004.
It seems that Hollywood is divided on whether they prefer man-wolf or wolf-man when it comes to this creature.
Some even choose to show both versions side by side, such as the Underworld franchise.
Best Werewolf Movies
The best werewolf movies are those that make you question what is real and what is not.
These films can be a mix of horror, action, and comedy. What do you think?
Comment below to let me know your thoughts!
In the past few decades, there have been a number of great werewolf movies on the market, and choosing just one can be difficult.
This guide will highlight some of the best werewolf films in recent years for your consideration.
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
An American Werewolf in London is a 1981 horror-comedy film written and directed by John Landis.
The movie stars David Naughton and Griffin Dunne as two American college students who are attacked by a werewolf while backpacking through England.
Naughton survives the attack and is taken to a hospital in London, where he begins to experience strange and terrifying hallucinations.
As his condition worsens, Naughton’s character becomes convinced that he is turning into a werewolf and that he will cause harm to those around him.
The film follows his attempts to find a cure for his condition while also trying to protect his loved ones from his own potential savagery.
The film is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre, known for its groundbreaking special effects and darkly humorous tone.
It won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and was praised for its use of practical effects to create the film’s iconic transformation scenes.
An American Werewolf in London is a thrilling and gory horror movie that also manages to incorporate humor and heart into its story.
It is a must-see for fans of the genre and stands as a testament to the power of practical effects in filmmaking.
The Wolf Man (1941)
“The Wolf Man” is a classic horror film that has been regarded as a masterpiece in the genre.
Directed by George Waggner and released in 1941, the movie stars Lon Chaney Jr. in the lead role and features an impressive supporting cast including Claude Rains, Warren William, and Bela Lugosi.
The story follows Larry Talbot, who returns to his ancestral home in Wales after spending many years in America.
While on a hunting trip, he is attacked by a wolf, which leads to a chain of events that ultimately results in him turning into a werewolf.
The film explores themes of identity, transformation, and the struggle between the civilized and the primal. It also delves into the psychology of the character and the fear of losing control.
The special effects used in the movie were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up well today.
The makeup and prosthetics used to create the werewolf transformation are especially noteworthy and have become iconic in horror cinema.
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The Monster Squad (1987)
“The Monster Squad” is a horror-comedy film released in 1987, directed by Fred Dekker and co-written with Shane Black.
The story follows a group of kids who love monsters and horror movies, and who must save their town from Dracula and his band of classic monsters.
The film is a love letter to classic monster movies of the past, with appearances by iconic characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman.
It also features an original monster, the creature from the Black Lagoon-inspired Gillman.
The movie has a fun, irreverent tone that balances the horror elements with comedy, making it an enjoyable watch for both horror fans and those looking for a good laugh.
The child actors give charming performances, and the practical effects still hold up well today.
Wolfen (1981)
Directed by Michael Wadleigh, Wolfen is a supernatural horror film that combines Native American mythology, police procedural, and socio-political commentary.
The film stars Albert Finney as Dewey Wilson, a detective investigating a series of brutal murders that seem to have been committed by a wild animal in the slums of New York City.
As the investigation progresses, Wilson becomes convinced that the murders were not perpetrated by a typical predator, but by a pack of highly intelligent and elusive creatures that he believes to be werewolves.
His theory is supported by the testimony of an eccentric anthropologist named Whittington (played by Max von Sydow), who claims that the killings are the work of wolf spirits called Wolfen, which are revered by the Native American community.
As Wilson delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself caught between the conflicting interests of the police department, which wants to solve the case quickly and quietly, and the Native American activists, who see the murders as a sign of the Wolfen’s revenge against the exploitation and destruction of their land and culture.
Wolfen is an atmospheric and visually striking film that uses its horror elements as a metaphor for the clash between modern civilization and the natural world.
The film’s highlight is its depiction of the Wolfen, which are portrayed as shadowy, almost invisible creatures that can communicate telepathically and have a deep connection to the environment.
The film also features an evocative score by James Horner and some impressive practical effects, including a memorable transformation sequence.
Werewolf Of London (1935)
Released in “Werewolf of London” is an early horror classic that is often overshadowed by the popularity of later werewolf films.
Directed by Stuart Walker, the film stars Henry Hull as Dr. Wilfred Glendon, a botanist who travels to Tibet in search of the rare mariphasa plant, which is said to only bloom in moonlight.
During his travels, he is bitten by a strange creature and soon discovers that he has become a werewolf.
Despite its age, the film still manages to create a sense of tension and unease through its use of shadows and lighting.
Hull gives a nuanced performance as the conflicted protagonist, struggling with his newfound curse while also trying to maintain his scientific objectivity.
The film’s makeup effects, while primitive by modern standards, are still impressive for their time and add to the film’s overall sense of horror.
One of the standout aspects of “Werewolf of London” is its depiction of the werewolf mythos.
The film establishes many of the tropes that have become synonymous with the genre, such as the full moon transformation and the silver bullet weakness.
The film’s portrayal of the werewolf as a tragic figure, rather than a mindless beast, was also ahead of its time.
Wolf (1994)
In the film Wolf, Jack Nicholson plays Will Randall, a book editor who gets bitten by a wolf during a late-night drive.
After the incident, Will finds himself experiencing strange symptoms, including heightened senses and a growing attraction to his boss’s daughter Laura (played by Michelle Pfeiffer).
As his behavior becomes more erratic, Will starts to suspect that he may have been transformed into a werewolf.
Directed by Mike Nichols, Wolf is a unique take on the werewolf genre, blending elements of horror, romance, and drama.
The film features impressive performances from Nicholson and Pfeiffer, who have great chemistry on screen.
Nicholson, in particular, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man struggling to come to terms with his animalistic impulses.
One of the film’s strengths is its exploration of power dynamics in the workplace.
Will’s transformation into a wolf coincides with his growing dissatisfaction with his job and his boss, played by Christopher Plummer.
As he gains newfound confidence and assertiveness, he also becomes more ruthless and predatory.
The film is also notable for its dark humor, with several scenes playing up the absurdity of the situation.
Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man (1943)
“Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” is a classic horror film released in 1943, directed by Roy William Neill.
It is the fifth film in Universal’s Frankenstein series and the second in their Wolf Man series.
The movie follows Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.), the Wolf Man, as he seeks out the scientist Dr. Frankenstein (played by Cedric Hardwicke) in hopes of finding a way to end his curse.
Along the way, he meets the beautiful and mysterious Elsa (Ilona Massey), who becomes a key player in the battle between the monsters.
As the title suggests, the film culminates in an epic battle between Frankenstein’s monster (Bela Lugosi) and the Wolf Man, both of whom have been revived by the curious Dr. Frankenstein.
The clash of these classic horror icons is one of the film’s highlights, as they wreak havoc on the villagers and each other.
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The Curse Of The Werewolf (1961)
“The Curse of the Werewolf” is a classic horror film that tells the story of a young man named Leon who is born as the result of a rape.
Raised by a kindly servant and eventually taken in by a wealthy family, Leon grows up with a deep sense of loneliness and a restless nature.
As Leon approaches adulthood, he begins to experience strange physical changes and increasingly violent outbursts.
It soon becomes clear that he has inherited a curse from his unknown father: the curse of the werewolf.
With each passing night, Leon becomes more and more animalistic, driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh.
As the bodies pile up and the villagers become more and more panicked, Leon must confront his own dark nature and find a way to break the curse before it’s too late.
Featuring atmospheric direction, strong performances, and a haunting score, “The Curse of the Werewolf” is a chilling and emotionally resonant tale of horror and tragedy.
Stephen King’s ‘Silver Bullet’ (1985)
Stephen King’s “Silver Bullet” is a horror film that follows the story of a small town terrorized by a series of gruesome murders.
As the town becomes more and more fearful, a young boy named Marty, who is confined to a wheelchair, becomes convinced that a werewolf is responsible for the killings.
With the help of his sister and his eccentric uncle, Marty sets out to find and destroy the werewolf, even as the townspeople begin to suspect him and his family of being involved in the murders.
The film is a classic example of the horror genre, with plenty of scares, suspense, and gore.
The performances are strong, particularly from Corey Haim as Marty and Gary Busey as his uncle, and the makeup effects for the werewolf are impressive for the time.
Teen Wolf (1985)
Teen Wolf is a comedy horror film directed by Rod Daniel and starring Michael J.
Fox as a high school student named Scott Howard, who discovers that he comes from a family of werewolves.
As he goes through puberty, Scott begins to develop his own wolf-like abilities, which he initially tries to hide from his friends and family.
However, as he gains confidence and popularity thanks to his newfound athletic abilities on the school basketball team, Scott begins to embrace his wolf side and even becomes the school’s mascot, donning a wolf costume to cheer on the team during games.
As Scott’s popularity grows, he must also deal with the challenges of balancing his normal life with his secret werewolf identity, including keeping it hidden from his crush, Boof (played by Susan Ursitti), and dealing with a rival werewolf on the opposing basketball team.
Van Helsing (2004)
Van Helsing is a 2004 action-adventure film directed by Stephen Sommers.
The film stars Hugh Jackman as the titular character, a monster hunter who is tasked with defeating the evil Dracula, played by Richard Roxburgh.
Kate Beckinsale also stars as Anna Valerious, a member of a family that has been fighting Dracula for generations.
The film takes place in the late 19th century and follows Van Helsing as he travels to Transylvania to help the Valerious family defeat Dracula and his minions.
Along the way, he teams up with Anna and a friar named Carl, played by David Wenham, and battles a variety of classic monsters, including the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s monster.
Van Helsing is a visually stunning film with impressive special effects and action sequences.
The film’s world is immersive and atmospheric, with a gothic and dark aesthetic that perfectly captures the tone of classic monster movies.
Hugh Jackman gives a strong performance as Van Helsing, bringing a mix of charm, humor, and toughness to the role.
Kate Beckinsale is also excellent as Anna, adding depth and complexity to the character.
While the film’s action and visuals are impressive, the plot can be convoluted and at times confusing.
The film also struggles with pacing, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on.
Additionally, some of the characters feel underdeveloped and their motivations can be unclear.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
The Twilight Saga: New Moon is the second installment in the popular supernatural romance franchise based on Stephenie Meyer’s novels.
The story picks up where the first film left off, with high school student Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) still deeply in love with her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).
However, their relationship is put to the test when Edward realizes that his very presence puts Bella’s life in danger.
He decides to leave her in order to protect her, sending Bella into a deep depression.
To cope, she starts hanging out with her childhood friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who is secretly a werewolf.
As Bella and Jacob grow closer, she discovers the truth about his supernatural abilities and the centuries-old feud between vampires and werewolves.
Meanwhile, an old vampire enemy of the Cullens sets his sights on Bella, forcing Edward to return to protect her.
The film is directed by Chris Weitz and features a moody, atmospheric score by Alexandre Desplat.
It also introduces several new characters, including the villainous Volturi and the Cullens’ mysterious friend, the vampire Alice.
Critics generally praised the film’s improved visuals and stronger performances, particularly by Lautner as Jacob.
However, some criticized its slow pacing and melodramatic plot.
Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success and helped to further cement the Twilight franchise as a cultural phenomenon.
The Wolf Of Snow Hollow (2020)
“The Wolf of Snow Hollow” is a horror-comedy film written, directed by, and starring Jim Cummings.
The movie follows John Marshall (Jim Cummings), a small-town sheriff, who investigates a string of gruesome murders that seem to be committed by a werewolf.
As the investigation unfolds, John’s mental and physical health begin to deteriorate, and he struggles to keep his personal life together while facing the daunting task of hunting down a deadly supernatural creature.
Alongside his colleagues and estranged daughter Jenna (Chloe East), John must navigate the complex dynamics of a small community, deal with his own personal demons, and ultimately confront the terrifying truth about the monster lurking in the snowy mountains.
“The Wolf of Snow Hollow” is a refreshing take on the werewolf genre, combining horror, humor, and drama in a compelling way.
The film features a great performance by Jim Cummings, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a flawed and struggling protagonist.
The supporting cast, including Riki Lindhome and Robert Forster, also delivers solid performances, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Visually, the film is stunning, with beautiful cinematography that captures the eerie atmosphere of the snowy landscape.
The special effects are also impressive, creating a convincing and terrifying werewolf that’s both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Underworld (2003)
Underworld is a thrilling and action-packed horror-fantasy film that explores the timeless battle between vampires and werewolves.
Directed by Len Wiseman, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale as Selene, a beautiful and deadly vampire warrior who finds herself drawn into a dangerous conflict when she discovers that the Lycans, a rival group of werewolves, are planning to unleash a deadly virus that could wipe out both vampire and human populations.
As Selene races to stop the Lycans and their leader, the powerful and cunning Lucian (played by Michael Sheen), she must also confront the dark secrets of her own past and the forbidden love she shares with Michael (Scott Speedman), a human who becomes embroiled in the conflict.
Featuring stunning visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and a captivating storyline, Underworld is a must-see for fans of the vampire and werewolf genre.
Beckinsale delivers a standout performance as the fierce and determined Selene, while the supporting cast, including Sheen, Speedman, and Bill Nighy as the powerful vampire leader Viktor, bring depth and nuance to their roles.
Another Wolfcop (2017)
“Another Wolfcop” is a Canadian horror-comedy film directed by Lowell Dean and a sequel to the 2014 film “Wolfcop.”
The movie stars Leo Fafard as Lou Garou, a police officer who also happens to be a werewolf.
The film picks up where the previous one left off, with Lou Garou still serving as a police officer in the small town of Woodhaven.
However, things quickly take a turn when a shady businessman with an interest in the town’s resources comes to town, bringing with him a group of alien shapeshifters.
As Lou Garou investigates the strange happenings in the town, he realizes that the aliens are planning to take over Woodhaven and it’s up to him to stop them.
Along the way, he has to deal with his own personal demons and his struggles with being a werewolf.
The film is a fun and entertaining mix of horror and comedy, with plenty of gore and over-the-top action.
It’s clear that the filmmakers are having a lot of fun with the concept, and the film doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The special effects are also well-done, with plenty of practical effects and creature designs that add to the overall atmosphere of the film.
While “Another Wolfcop” may not be a masterpiece of cinema, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining movie that’s perfect for horror-comedy fans looking for something fun and light-hearted.
If you’re a fan of the first “Wolfcop” movie or just enjoy over-the-top horror comedies, then “Another Wolfcop” is definitely worth checking out.
Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed (2004)
Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed is a Canadian horror film directed by Brett Sullivan, and a sequel to the cult classic film Ginger Snaps.
The film follows the story of Brigitte Fitzgerald (Emily Perkins), the younger sister of the original film’s protagonist, who is now a werewolf herself after being infected in the first movie.
The movie takes place six months after the events of the first film, with Brigitte now on the run and struggling to control her werewolf transformation.
She seeks refuge in a drug rehabilitation center, hoping to find the cure for her condition.
However, things take a dark turn when she realizes that the center’s staff is experimenting on the patients with a dangerous drug, which only worsens her condition.
The film is a unique take on the werewolf genre, exploring the themes of addiction and self-destruction.
It delves deep into the psychological struggle that Brigitte faces as she tries to resist the urges of her werewolf side while navigating her way through a hostile environment.
The horror elements are intense and visceral, with plenty of blood and gore to satisfy fans of the genre.
Emily Perkins delivers a strong performance as Brigitte, portraying her character’s inner turmoil and physical transformation with equal skill.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Tatiana Maslany as a troubled fellow patient and Eric Johnson as a shady drug dealer.
The Howling (1981)
The Howling is a horror film directed by Joe Dante and based on the novel of the same name by Gary Brandner.
The film follows television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) as she investigates a series of murders in Los Angeles.
After being attacked by the killer, Karen and her husband Bill (Christopher Stone) seek refuge in a remote retreat called The Colony.
However, they soon discover that The Colony is populated by werewolves.
The Howling is considered a classic of the werewolf subgenre, known for its innovative special effects and darkly humorous tone.
The film is filled with suspenseful scenes, including the infamous transformation sequence that has become a hallmark of the genre.
The film’s social commentary on the dangers of unchecked sexual desire and the loss of humanity in modern society has also been widely analyzed.
Joe Dante’s direction and the performances by the ensemble cast, including Wallace, Stone, and Robert Picardo as the creepy Eddie Quist, have been widely praised.
The film’s success led to several sequels and inspired a generation of horror filmmakers.
The Howling remains a classic of the genre, blending scares, humor, and social commentary into a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
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Dog Soldiers (2002)
Dog Soldiers is a British horror film directed by Neil Marshall, which tells the story of a group of British soldiers who are sent on a training mission in the Scottish Highlands.
But things take a terrifying turn when they discover the remains of another squad, and soon they find themselves fighting for their lives against a pack of werewolves.
The film combines elements of action, horror, and comedy to create a unique and entertaining experience.
The characters are well-developed, and the performances by the cast, including Sean Pertwee and Kevin McKidd, are excellent.
One of the film’s strengths is its use of practical effects, which create realistic and terrifying werewolves that are a refreshing departure from the CGI-heavy monsters seen in many modern horror films.
The action scenes are also well-choreographed, with plenty of suspense and tension.
The Company Of Wolves (1984)
“The Company of Wolves” is a horror-fantasy film directed by Neil Jordan, based on the short story collection “The Bloody Chamber” by Angela Carter.
The film explores the dark, mysterious world of werewolves and the primal nature of humanity.
The story follows a young girl named Rosaleen (Sarah Patterson), who is seduced by the werewolf in her dreams.
She lives in a village surrounded by a dense forest where she hears stories of werewolves that roam in the woods.
Her grandmother (Angela Lansbury) tells her the cautionary tale of a woman who married a werewolf and gave birth to a pack of wolves.
As Rosaleen ventures deeper into the forest, she encounters various supernatural creatures and ultimately learns the truth about her own identity.
She discovers that the werewolf in her dreams is not a figment of her imagination, but a part of herself that she must learn to accept and control.
The film is a visually stunning and surreal representation of werewolf mythology, with stunning special effects and makeup.
The cast delivers powerful performances, particularly Patterson as the young girl struggling to come to terms with her true nature.
Ginger Snaps (2001)
Ginger Snaps is a unique and refreshing take on the horror genre, blending elements of teen drama, coming-of-age, and lycanthropy.
The film follows two sisters, Ginger and Brigitte, who are outcasts at their high school and obsessed with death.
After Ginger is bitten by a werewolf, the sisters must navigate the challenges of her transformation while dealing with their complicated relationship and the pressures of growing up.
One of the strengths of Ginger Snaps is its strong character development. The dynamic between the sisters is complex and nuanced, and their struggles with identity and belonging are relatable.
The film also explores themes of female empowerment and the societal pressures on teenage girls.
In addition to its compelling characters, Ginger Snaps boasts impressive practical effects and a tense atmosphere.
The werewolf transformation scenes are both gruesome and visually stunning, and the film does not shy away from showing the gory aftermath of the attacks.
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