Werewolves have stalked the big screen for generations, with each filmmaker adding their unique twist to the timeless tale of man transforming into beast. From cheesy cult classics to critically acclaimed dramas, these werewolf movies have captivated and terrified audiences alike. Here are our top picks for the 10 best werewolf movies of all time:
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
John Landis’ horror-comedy masterpiece revolutionized the werewolf genre. Featuring Rick Baker’s astonishing special effects, the film portrays David’s excruciating transformation into a werewolf with bone-crunching realism. The sequence of his metamorphosis, complete with cracking bones and stretching skin, remains iconic. Surreal dream sequences hint at David’s grim fate, culminating in his unforgettable rampage through London.
The Howling (1981)
Director Joe Dante’s “The Howling” builds on the foundations laid by “American Werewolf” with even more surrealism and dazzling creature effects. Rob Bottin’s innovative work brings the film’s werewolf transformations to life in twisted, macabre detail. With its blend of media satire and erotic undertones, “The Howling” offers a compelling and mature take on the werewolf legend.
The Wolf Man (1941)
Lon Chaney Jr.’s portrayal of Lawrence Talbot in “The Wolf Man” left a lasting legacy on werewolf mythology. Jack Pierce’s ground-breaking makeup effects, inspired by Henry Hull’s 1935 novel, introduced the full moon trigger and the pentagram mark. The film’s atmospheric settings, from eerie forests to swirling fog, perfectly capture Talbot’s tragic transformation into a werewolf.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
“Ginger Snaps” cleverly parallels Ginger’s transformation into a werewolf with her coming of age. The film’s practical effects depict her gradual shift from human to beast, showcasing her struggle between embracing her newfound power and clinging to her humanity. Ginger’s sister, Brigitte, attempts to save her, facing her own looming transformations along the way.
Wolf (1994)
In “Wolf,” Jack Nicholson delivers a subtle yet powerful performance as Will Randall, a sophisticated executive who becomes increasingly wolf-like after a bite. Director Mike Nichols uses dreamlike imagery to illustrate Will’s emerging animal instincts. The film’s effects, including yellow contact lenses and enlarged teeth, enhance Will’s ambiguous journey as he reconciles with his primal side.
The Company of Wolves (1984)
Neil Jordan’s “The Company of Wolves” offers a dark, fantastical retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. The film’s practical effects depict wolves transforming into humans, laden with sinister undertones. Angela Lansbury shines as the eccentric grandmother warning against straying from the path. The movie’s dream logic blurs reality with haunting storybook imagery.
Dog Soldiers (2002)
“Dog Soldiers” pits a group of soldiers against ferocious werewolves in an isolated valley. Director Neil Marshall blends action and horror, using prosthetics and CGI to create brutal, monstrous werewolves. The soldiers’ military tactics and dark humour add a unique edge to this thrilling and bloody battle for survival.
Late Phases (2014)
Nick Damici stars as Ambrose, a blind Vietnam veteran who discovers his retirement community is under siege by a savage werewolf. Damici’s heartfelt performance evokes empathy for Ambrose, while Adrián García Bogliano’s direction heightens suspense through Ambrose’s heightened senses. The film builds a chilling atmosphere, leading to a climactic showdown between man and beast.
Wolfen (1981)
“Wolfen” features supernatural wolf-like creatures terrorizing urban landscapes. Albert Finney plays a seasoned cop investigating the grisly murders. The film’s experimental photography and sound design vividly depict the predators’ point of view, blending ancient mythology with a gritty urban setting for a unique horror experience.
Cursed (2005)
Directed by Wes Craven, “Cursed” follows siblings played by Christina Ricci and Jesse Eisenberg, who are attacked by a werewolf and struggle with their newfound curse. The film playfully acknowledges werewolf genre tropes, with self-aware characters and nods to classic films. Rick Baker’s effects, including transformations reminiscent of his earlier work, highlight the siblings’ evolving personalities.
Writers Choice: As much as I have to give Nick Damici all the kudos for his brilliant performance in Late Phases, my top choice here has to be the British action Dog Soldiers. I remember it scaring the life out of me in my teens while making me want to sign up and go fight inhuman monsters for a living (needless to say my head canon would have been far from the reality of that choice!), and well, the cast is just all so good in this. As a comic and fantasy nerd, who wouldn’t want to see Sean Pertwee and Liam Cunningham in a film together.
Conclusion
Werewolves have come a long way from the early days of cheap costumes and crude effects. Modern practical and CGI technologies have made lycanthropic transformations more visceral and realistic than ever. Whether in the best werewolf tv shows and movies, or even in an ever growing roster of werewolf inspired video games, these stories use the metaphor of a monstrous change as a vehicle to explore deeper human struggles, and through this, no matter the budget, these tales continue to resonate with audiences as they tap into the primal fear of man reverting to an animalistic and chaotic state.
So, next time you find yourself under the glow of a full moon, let loose your inner beast and revisit one of these classic werewolf films that tap into our darkest impulses and primal instincts. Or if you’re looking for something new, make sure to check out our supernatural audio thriller, Tales from Davidstown, and follow a new heroine on her journey into a world of wolves, witches and who knows what else!