One may argue that the popularity of werewolf films has not always been on par with that of zombie and vampire movies. There have, however, been some incredible werewolf films that are worth howling for! From time to time, the genre has seen a fairly unusual perspective on werewolves.
Some sought to make things spooky, while others focused on the mysterious, while the remaining werewolves were simply monstrous. Every time the genre seemed to be slowing down, a new werewolf film would emerge to pique the public’s curiosity. Over the years, we have been graced with some amazing werewolf classics, and in this video, we will walk you through some of the best. As we bring you thirty terrifying werewolf flicks, it is time to forge the silver into bullets and barricade the doors!
The Wolfman (2010)
Lawrence had a troubled childhood ever since his mother died. He was sent away from home, and after several years, he was lured back to the family estate. His brother Ben is missing, and his grieving fiancé Gwen tracks him down to help her out. He comes back to find that his brother has been brutally murdered, and the killer seems to be a bloodthirsty creature heard of in stories.
Lawrence is reunited with his estranged father one more time, but he soon finds out that a horrifying destiny awaits him. The villagers have been dying mysteriously gruesome deaths, and even a detective from Scotland Yard comes to investigate. When Lawrence himself transforms into a werewolf on every full moon, he must kill or be killed! Can his brother’s fiancé find a way to heal him of this curse, and can they get to the notorious killer in time?
This movie is a remake of the 1941 horror classic that went by the same title. Both these movies are really impressive efforts that shine mostly due to their engaging atmosphere. There were some very suspenseful moments, and the well-written script was simply delightful. The actors are remarkable, and Anthony Hopkins, in particular, simply steals the show. Others like Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro are also up to the mark and deliver believable performances.
The narrative was emotional at certain moments, and also gory and scary when the script demanded so. We got to see some intense kills and the jump scares got us a couple of times. There were some stunning werewolf transformations, and the direction of Joe Johnston was good enough for most of the film. We must spare a word for the sets and costumes; these are the things that make this movie an underrated horror classic. If you seek a tense adrenaline rush from a werewolf flick, this might be the one to dive into!
The Howling (1981)
Karen is a newswoman who helps the police track down and kills a serial killer named Eddie Quist. However, her encounter with the killer before the police arrived left her in a state of trauma and shock. To deal with her emotionally disturbed state, Dr. George Waggner suggests she spend some time at the Colony, a secluded retreat. She heads there for a vacation with her husband Bill, but things soon become rather strange for the couple.
The residents seem very weird and a bit too eager to mix with them. Some of the residents display strange, unexplained behaviors as well. All hell breaks loose when she realizes that Eddie is a werewolf, and this retreat houses several others who are simply trying to keep a low profile. When their cover is blown, Karen must fight for her life!
Joe Dante, the director of this movie, knows a thing or two about terrifying his audience. He offered his unique take on werewolf movies, and it was appreciated by fans and critics alike. The narrative is packed with edge-of-your-seat suspense and some genuine thrills. The werewolves look pretty good, and after a bit of a slow start, the narrative gets quite exciting. There are some great visuals, and the use of light and fog heightens the spookiness of the movie.
As for the acting, the likes of Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Belinda Balaski, and Christopher Stone pull off some strong performances. The storytelling was laced with some satirical humor which added to the fun. The effects might not have aged the best, but they still stand as a decent effort considering the times. The makeup, however, was absolutely spot on and it helped nullify the minor flaws. This movie won the Saturn Award, and the classic werewolf flick certainly deserved it. It brought back the popularity of werewolf flicks in the 80s and will go down as one of the finest in the genre.
Dog Soldiers (2002)
As a part of a routine military exercise, a British Squad is sent to the Highlands of Scotland on a training mission. They are supposed to train with the Special Operations Squad, but when they arrive, they find a terribly wounded Captain and the scattered remains of his team that has been slaughtered. They run into a zoologist named Megan, and she seems to know what is hunting them. The region is brimming with hungry werewolves, and they all have to survive the night in the middle of nowhere. The training mission turns into a deadly battle to see who can make it through the full moon night!
This movie might not be perfect, but it does possess the ideal storytelling technique. The concept of a group of soldiers, well-armed and equipped, facing the paranormal threat of werewolves is quite unique. It is for the honesty of the narrative that the film works. The creature’s special effects are decent enough and they are, in fact, better than many big-budget werewolf flicks. There are a few nail-biting moments and scary sequences orchestrated carefully by the director Neil Marshall. This British movie has invested well in its werewolf designs, they look absolutely badass.
The locations are breathtakingly beautiful and the well-filmed scenes exploit this to the fullest. Starring the likes of Liam Cunningham, Kevin McKidd, and Sean Pertwee, this film sets the bar high in terms of acting. What we loved about the narrative is that despite all the scary moments and gore, there were some humorous bits as well! It might seem like a straightforward storyline, but there are a few surprises here and there. It holds loads of bloody fun that will captivate the audience, and we strongly recommend this movie to anyone who can keep their judgmental self away from the cheesy bits.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
1981 was a great year for werewolf movie fans, and this was possibly the best out of the lot that was released that year. The story takes you on a journey with two American college students named Jack and David, who embark on a walking holiday across Northern England. They are attacked by a werewolf; while Jack is ripped apart, David survives the mauling. While recovering, he is troubled by some haunting nightmares, and at the same time, he develops a bond with a nurse named Alex.
After being discharged from the hospital, he stays at her apartment, but he is visited by his dead friend. Jack warns him that if he doesn’t kill himself he will transform into a werewolf on the next full moon. David thinks that he is going crazy and doesn’t pay heed to the warnings. Only when the full moon finally arrives, he is transformed from a man to a beast that goes on a murderous rampage across London!
This movie is what you collectively refer to as a great film! It has a compact plot, a few intriguing characters, humor, and above all, some terrifying bits to scare the living hell out of you. Horror and humor have seldom been mixed better, and it is probably because the director and writer, John Landis, has directed some entertaining comedies before. The epic werewolf transformation scene will be etched into your memory for a long time! It won the Academy Award for the Best Make-up category, and it was the first film to win this.
If the practical effects by Rick Baker do not win you over, the beautiful storytelling will. The horror comes in a brutal form. We also loved the unforgettable werewolf howl, which sounds like a mixture of an actual call of a beast and a man’s scream. David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and the others came up with an impressive performance to add to the brilliance of the movie. ‘The American Werewolf in London’ rightly deserves to be hailed as one of the best werewolves flicks ever made, and if you haven’t watched it already, it is high time you checked it out!
Wer (2013)
While camping in the woods, the Porter family gets slaughtered. Claire Porter is the only survivor, and she claims that a really strong man attacked them and devoured her husband and son. The police arrest Talan who lives in the woods with his mother. The police inspector Klaus Pistor is convinced that he is the man behind the gruesome murders, but Talan has been assigned a defense attorney, Kate Moore. She comes in with an investigator and an animal expert to examine Talan, and soon they discover many loopholes in the story. They learn from Talan’s mother that he has a strange, rare disease, and they find out that her husband also died under mysterious circumstances. Kate successfully sends Talan to a hospital for examination where she learns the true extent of Talan’s so-called disease! There is a lot more to what meets the eye after all!
One of the first things that come to mind while watching this movie is why it isn’t more popular! ‘Wer’ makes werewolves scary once again, and the story is enriched by the mysterious narrative. The audience is always kept in the dark and that helps in keeping them interested. It often gets a bit too brutal and there are some very graphic moments in the film, especially the werewolf attacks.
The special effects are magnificent, and it made the movie a lot more realistic and animalistic. The casting was simply perfect, and the central character of Talan, played by Brian Scott O’Connor, was the best of the lot. It is tough to implement the found-footage style of filming, but this movie does it pretty well. It starts off as an investigative thriller but soon transforms into a horrifying werewolf story. The fast-paced narrative makes it a great experience, and this is as good as a low-budget werewolf flick gets!
THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW (2020)
John Marshall is a troubled police officer, dealing with alcohol addiction and anger management issues. He also has problems with his ex-wife, who is trying to separate his daughter from him because of his issues. A violent murder takes place in their quiet town, the likes of which haven’t ever been seen before. Slowly, people start to talk about a possible werewolf being behind the murder, and more deaths follow. John, however, is determined that a man is behind the killings and he reacts furiously whenever someone mentions werewolves as the culprit. Will he be proven wrong and manage to deal with the threat despite his personal condition?
This film is unexpectedly good, and a rather unusual take on a werewolf story. One of the best things about the story is how organically it unfolds! You might feel like you know where the plot is headed, but ultimately, it comes together all too well without any gimmicks. However, it should also be noted that this movie is more of a character study than a horror flick. It might be labeled by many as a horror-comedy for some funny moments, but in reality, it is more about the drama surrounding the main character. He is played by the director and writer, Jim Cummings, who successfully evokes sympathy for a character that you would otherwise hate.
It is always interesting to watch an alcoholic lawman, struggling with personal issues racing against time to nab the vicious killer who strikes on full moon nights! There is enough blood and gore to please action fans, and Robert Forster’s final film is surely a memorable one. We loved the beautiful setting of a frozen small town which helped the story sink in better. It is not the most-loved movie because the joy of subtle stories is less appreciated these days. We would suggest you to not overanalyze the story or the dialogues, and simply watch this movie for all the fun!
Underworld (2003)
For hundreds of years, vampires and werewolves have been sworn, enemies. At present, one of the lethally alluring vampire assassins, the young vampire death dealer Selene, gets rid of the remaining werewolves. The leader of the werewolves is dead, and the end of their clan seems near. However, Selene soon uncovers a long-standing conspiracy. The Lycans target a human named Michael, who can bond with both vampire blood and werewolf blood. Selene shadows him trying to uncover the Lycan plot to end her entire race and falls in love with Michael in the process. But he gets infected during an intense struggle with the Lycan overlord. As both sides face new threats and new secrets are revealed, they must decide on the way to end the conflict.
This is no ordinary vampire movie. It tells the story of a secret war between vampires and werewolves, and it is quite a commendable effort. The gripping script brings the plot together and the dark and gothic look of this film goes well with the storyline. The narrative does not shy away from blood and graphic violence, but there is a lot more to it beyond all the action. We loved the idea of introducing a bitter rivalry between these ancient supernatural species, and the plot uses science to bring the vampire and werewolf legends into the modern age.
Stuff like werewolves being allergic to silver is some of the logical inferences to their vulnerabilities. Yes, the movie finds itself a bit lacking in terms of the action sequences and special effects. But the cast, especially Scott Speedman and Kate Beckinsale, take your mind off of any flaw that you may have noticed. The climax is fabulous and delivers the twist that no one saw coming. Add to that the stunning set designs and makeup, and you have an uncomfortably realistic vampire-werewolf flick in your hands. If you want a fresh take on the same old storyline, you’ve got to check out this movie!
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Brigitte and Ginger are two morbid, death-obsessed sisters, and these teenagers are somewhat outcasts in their neighborhood. The night that Ginger has her first period, she is attacked by a mysterious creature. It is the same creature that was responsible for the slaughter of several local dogs, and it injures Ginger. Ever since the attack, Ginger has started to change drastically. Her appetite increases considerably and she also becomes a lot more aggressive. It turns out that she was bitten by a deadly werewolf, and some tragic consequences would follow. As Ginger turns deadlier, dogs are not the only things dying in the locality. Her sister tries to reach out to a new friend in order to find a cure for Ginger. Will sisterly love prevail or is Ginger beyond recovery?
You must have seen films that equate the blood-lust of vampires and werewolves with sexual desire. This movie has a different take on the concept and links lycanthropy with puberty. The narrative recreates the world of two Gothic sisters and their helpless mother, who desperately wants them to be normal and happy. It portrays becoming a werewolf as a mere extension of the pains of being a troubled teenager. However, that doesn’t make the film any less scary and it manages to startle you without any special effects till the very end. The clever script makes for a strong teen horror flick and it is quite gory and graphic at times.
The cast put up a great show, and even though the narrative lacks the clichés of the other werewolf flicks, it is quite intriguing. It is not only one of the darkest movies on this subject, but also one of the most realistic. We also loved the open-ended nature of the climax. The movie wasn’t very popular when it was released, largely due to the poor marketing strategy. The title and the package with the posters made it look like some mindless teen horror flick when the content was far more promising. This low-budget Canadian movie is proof that a high-class horror film doesn’t always require extravagant effects or locations!
VAN HELSING (2004)
Gabriel Van Helsing is a legendary vampire hunter who has a cursed past himself. The Vatican sends him to Transylvania to put an end to the menace of Count Dracula. The powerful royal family residing there has almost been annihilated by Dracula’s wrath, who rules with his power of fear. Anna Valerious is one of the last remaining members of the royal family. She is a fearless warrior determined to avenge the death of her ancestors. They join forces to fight the powerful Count Dracula, an enemy who never dies. Van Helsing uncovers a secret that leaves him shaken, and his own mysterious past comes to the fore. Can they still overthrow the horrific evil schemes of world domination that Dracula has in mind?
For the people who complain that this movie lacks a realistic touch – well, this is a film about vampires, werewolves, and monsters for goodness’ sake! Yes, it is not Oscar material, and it was only intended to be harmless good campy fun. As far as character remakes are concerned, Van Helsing makes for a macho action hero, with a mix of James Bond, Indiana Jones, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The movie makes good use of some exotic locations and CGI has been used extensively throughout the narrative.
There are some unforgettable, physics-defying stunts and transformations in the plot where the CGI comes in handy. The monsters are a perfect homage to Hammer Horror and Boris Karloff films, and Dracula along with his wives are portrayed quite uniquely. The fast-paced narrative changes quickly and there are intense action scenes packed throughout the film. It starts off with a black-and-white sequence and color is introduced soon after, adding a nice rustic touch to the narrative. Had it not been for the two gifted performers in Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, the movie wouldn’t have been the same. There is an occasional leap of reason, and loopholes in the plot are plentiful. Sidestep the flaws and you will be entertained by a fun and enjoyable fantasy adventure, with one of the iconic heroes of vampire lore!
HOWL (2015)
Joe is a train guard who is forced to do a late-night shift on an overnight passenger train. The train departs from London at midnight, and Joe’s only consolation is that he gets to spend some time with his unrequited love, the tea-trolley girl, Ellen. It is a full moon night and a heavy thunderstorm rages on, as the train speeds through the landscape. In a forested area, the train collides with a deer and gets derailed. The driver gets down, checking out the situation when a werewolf attacks and kills him. Joe and the rest of the passengers are soon aware of the presence of this bloodthirsty werewolf, and a cat and mouse game for survival begins. How many of the passengers will survive the onslaught?
This Indie British horror flick might not be an unforgettable classic, but it does have some qualities that make it very enjoyable. ‘Howl’ delivers a straightforward werewolf story. It is about a werewolf siege on a train filled with unarmed passengers and the train guard, all of whom are relatable as regular protagonists. The special effects are a mixture of practical effects and CGI, but the end result turns out to be quite impressive. The train guard is played by Sean Pertwee, the guy from the werewolf classic ‘Dog Soldiers’, and he is a perfect fit in this role.
The dark, foggy, English countryside adds to the mystery of the narrative but there are some moments that are a bit too far-fetched. For instance, we simply couldn’t buy that an engineering student knows how to fix and operate a train. The script is not the strongest in this movie, but the exciting turn of events barely allows you enough time to dwell on such flaws. The designs of the werewolves were something interesting because they did not look like the usual wolf-like furry beasts. Instead, the werewolves resembled mutated humanoids and such details make this a refreshing new-age werewolf movie. Our verdict – the movie could have been a lot better, but it is still an effort worth your time!
Werewolf Woman (1976)
Daniella had a troubled childhood, where she was raped and traumatized. She was left emotionally troubled following her trauma and failed to have a normal romantic relationship. Later, she finds out that one of her female ancestors was killed for purportedly being a werewolf. She resembles this woman and starts having strange nightmares, where she transforms into a werewolf and is being chased by the villagers. She even kills her sister’s lover, in her disoriented state. Strangely enough, she falls in love with a kind, handsome stuntman named Luca. Just as they start their life as a happy couple, she is raped by two of his friends who also murder Luca. This incident shatters the remaining bits of Daniella’s sanity and she gets her revenge by killing them, now believing strongly that she is a werewolf. Eventually, she is captured and institutionalized, where she dies!
This disturbing Italian psychological horror is one that takes a step away from the conventional werewolf stories we usually come across. The narrative is graphically violent and disturbingly explicit at times. It is certainly not for the faint of heart because there are scenes where throats are ripped out, even though the violence is not of supernatural nature. Daniella and her struggle with her trauma and psychological disorder are at the forefront of this story. The movie offers a depressing and disturbing look at the darker side of humanity.
One of the things that we love about the narrative is that it allows the viewer the freedom to decide whether Daniella is a psychopath or truly possessed by the spirit of her werewolf ancestor. As for us, we went with the former based on the turn of events. It is an Italian sleaze-fest at its finest because most of the female cast disrobe quite frequently. Besides, the plethora of gory murders keeps things interesting for those with a taste for violence. There is not much in terms of suspense, but it is the intelligent filmmaking that captivates you for the entire length of the movie.
Dark Moon Rising (2009)
The story is premised in a small town in the countryside, and Amy is a young teenager overprotected by her father. A newcomer mechanic named John arrives in town, and they fall in love. However, John has also brought with him a curse in his family. He transforms into a werewolf on every full moon night. Meanwhile, the locality is plagued by the mysterious slaughter of people and farm animals. These seem to be the works of a wolf, and an outsider sheriff Charles Thibodeaux comes up with some shocking facts about the murders. It turns out that Bender, a man who shares the same curse as John, has an insatiable blood-lust. He is the one behind all the murders and now wants a final showdown with his old enemy in this city!
We have to admit that the story is moderately compelling, but it is still more of a love story than anything else. It is also the tale of two families coming together, and a psychopathic werewolf father trying to track down his son for a reunion! This big bad werewolf is an absolute monster, but he is also quite a likable villain even though he leaves a trail of gore wherever he goes.
The film is somewhat predictable after some time which can be an issue for those seeking some thrilling moments. Yes, there are some action scenes that stand out, but nothing jaw-dropping enough to startle you! Things could have been a lot better for this movie without the horrible special effects. This makes the transformations laughable and the costumes do not provide even a minimal sense of realism! Another major flaw in the movie is the duration, it stretches on unnecessarily despite such a simple storyline. Overall, this can be your Saturday night entertainment alongside a couple of beers, as long as you don’t set the expectations too high!
Wolfcop (2014)
Lou Garou is an alcoholic cop, thought of as a lazy fellow who is good for nothing. It all changes after he is assigned a tricky case involving occultists. When he arrives to investigate, he is knocked out all of a sudden. He then wakes up in his bed the next morning without remembering how he got there. Nevertheless, some changes have clearly been made inside him. He heals quickly, has newfound energy, and his senses have also drastically sharpened. It turns out that he has transformed into a werewolf. We now have a heroic werewolf cop in the middle of a sinister plan by some of the occultists, who also happen to be shape-shifters! He was transformed as a part of a larger plan, but Lou was not going to bow down to the wishes of those involved.
This movie is as straightforward as it gets! It is the story of a cop who turns into a werewolf, and that is just about it! It is a low-budget effort and the acting is nothing to write about. The script purposely adds a hilarious touch to make things easier for the making of the movie. That being said, the special effects are not the worst and at times they turn out to be quite a surprise.
The narrative is full of grindhouse-style violence, and this Canadian horror-comedy will remind you of Hobo with a Shotgun. The film is hilarious and gory at the same time, and the narrative is downright clever. The puns are on point, and B-movie lovers will find a hidden gem in this one. The ending of the movie goes in an unexpected direction and is quite a shock for the viewer. In short, ‘Wolfcop’ is an overwhelming B-movie, and it has got to be one of the best B-movies of modern times!
BAD MOON (1996)
Ted was researching with his girlfriend and a group of natives, in the forests of Nepal. Suddenly, they are attacked by a beastly figure, and Ted is the sole survivor in this onslaught. He is wounded, and his sister Janet learns about the tragedy. She invites him to move his trailer near their property so that he wouldn’t be all alone in this. However, Ted starts showing some obvious signs of a werewolf transformation. He tries his best to contain the curse by using the love of his family, but it seems to be a losing battle. Janet soon finds out that her brother might be a werewolf, and that her family is in serious danger. The family dog, Thor, who endangers himself to protect all that he holds dear, is the only hope for the survival of the family. Is there an end to the werewolf curse?
‘Bad Moon’ has got to be one of the most underrated werewolf films because it has largely escaped the attention of horror movie enthusiasts. It is not one of the modern-day, big-budget extravaganzas with tons of CGI effects. In fact, the film retains the old-school practical effects that the purists love! The story is packed with entertainment, and they also got rid of the idea that werewolves transform only on full moon nights. Ted transforms every single night, and we have to say that the werewolf in this movie looks great! The performance by the entire cast was decent enough, but the German Shepherd, Thor steals the show. Thor is hands down the smartest one in the film, and it is admirable how the makers got the dog to perform some of the stunts in front of the camera. The level of gore is pretty average, but the action scenes never lack spice. The climactic moments offer quite an adrenaline rush, making this is one good werewolf movie that you shouldn’t miss out on!
THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF (1961)
The story is premised in eighteenth-century Spain. A beggar, who goes to beg at a castle owned by a cruel marquess, is imprisoned in the dungeon. For decades he survives only because the mute daughter of the jailer fed him all these years. Later, even she is imprisoned in the same dungeon and the beggar rapes her. When she is finally released, she kills the marquess and flees to the forest. Don Alfredo finds her living like an animal, and she is also pregnant with a son. After her death, Don Alfredo brings up her son named Leon, who is carrying an ancient curse. He is a werewolf who transforms into one on full moon nights and terrifies the town! He also works in a wine cellar by the day and is in love with the owner’s daughter. Is there an end to his condition or is he destined to end that way?
Hammer Studios did not make too many werewolf movies. In fact, this is the only one they ever created and it is baffling how they came up with something so neat! ‘The Curse of the Werewolf’ is amusing and enjoyable, partly because it is such an unusual werewolf movie. It goes ahead with the concept that when someone is conceived under extremely unpleasant circumstances, he or she becomes lycanthropic. The narrative begins with a long prologue, and the tragic tale behind the curse is revealed.
It quickly boils down to an interesting story that might lack logic but never lacks entertainment. The makers also did a great job by not letting the audience catch a glimpse of the creature properly, until the very end. The excellent acting and the ambient sequences make the movie quite appealing. We loved the portrayal of the werewolf in this film – someone who is more of a tragic hero who has no control over what he does! Considering that the movie was made back in the 60s, the makeup and sets are top-notch as well. It is one of the old classics for you to try out, in the maze of new-age werewolf flicks.
Wolf (1994)
Will Randall is an aging publisher, who is bogged down at work by a younger co-worker who takes over his position. He has also been separated from his wife, and to make matters worse, a wolf bites him! However, that turns out to be a turning point in his career. After being bitten, Will finds himself re-energized and is more competitive than ever before. He also has heightened senses and an unexplained thirst for blood. To complicate things further, his boss’s daughter Laura falls for him. She has no clue that the man she loves is on the verge of turning into a deadly werewolf! Meanwhile, Will’s rival is also smitten by Laura and it brings about a deadly confrontation between the two. The police also get involved because they suspect Will of killing his wife! To know how this drama ends, you have to watch this werewolf classic featuring the maestro, Jack Nicholson.
Imagine a man who transforms into a wolf and kills people at night, and the movie is still not a proper horror flick! That is precisely the charm of ‘Wolf’. It is a werewolf story with some style and class, and you couldn’t pick anyone better to play the protagonist than Jack Nicholson! He simply aces the role that he is assigned like he does all the time and this unapologetic and serious modern monster drama is intelligent filmmaking at its best.
It is not just about a man who turns into a werewolf at night. Instead, the movie focuses on how he slowly acquires the traits and becomes more animalistic. Besides a tight script, the film is perfectly paced between the fights and character development. Instead of any CGI monstrosity, you get to see the good old man styled in a suit. The result promises some brilliant visuals and it only gets better with time. With such a beautiful blend of realism, satire, and horror, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on this!
Cursed (2005)
Ever since their parents died, Ellie has been taking care of her brother Jimmy. One night after she picked him up from a party, they meet in a car accident. They try to rescue a woman in the other car, but suddenly a beastly creature attacks them. The woman is killed and both Ellie and Jimmy are injured. After the attack, they both start experiencing certain deviations in themselves, such as becoming more socially assertive and aggressive. They soon realize that the creature that attacked them was actually a werewolf and they too would turn into one unless they managed to kill it! Can the siblings manage to save themselves from the curse or will they turn into full-fledged werewolves by the next full moon?
For Wes Craven fans, this movie might have come across as a disappointment. However, the director hardly got his way in terms of the release of this film. In fact, he abandoned the film when the chairman of Dimension Films demanded to have a PG-13 cut instead of the R-rated version envisioned by Wes Craven. Someone else finalized the editing and clearly, the impact shows in the end result. However, it is still a decent film if you consider that some major chunks of the movie are actually missing! It is a predictable collection of clichés, but sometimes clichés work just fine.
Christina Ricci was brilliant in the movie and the plot does take a few good turns. The werewolf looked pretty cool, except for the one transformation scene that could have been done with a bit more flair. The humor in the narrative is quite pleasant and there are a few hilarious moments alongside a few corny ones. As long as you don’t go in expecting to be scared, this can be an enjoyable watch.
Silver Bullet (1985)
Tarker’s Mills was a quiet and peaceful small town until some mysterious murders started taking place. The close-knit community is disturbed and they believe that there is a maniacal killer on the loose. They intend to hunt down this psycho killer and make plans accordingly. However, a handicapped young boy named Marty believes that the murders were not acts of any man at all. He thinks that a werewolf is behind these attacks, and along with his sister Jane, he starts to look all over the town for signs of this werewolf man. In one of Marty’s encounters with the beast, he shoots a rocket into its left eye, and now, they are looking for a man with an injured eye. It turns out that the local reverend is the werewolf, and the siblings must convince the elders about his real nature. Will they be able to fend off his deadly attack on the next full moon night?
This is an extremely well-directed film and it totally relies on the tension and atmosphere created. The story is neatly packed with few loose ends, and the acting performances from the cast comprising of Corey Haim, Gary Busey, and Megan Follows are quite likable. The movie does have its horrifying moments, such as the gruesome murders. That being said, the attack scenes are also crafted to use the viewer’s imagination as well. The identity of the werewolf also puzzles the viewer for some time in the beginning.
It is an adaptation of one of Stephen King’s novella titled ‘Cycle of the Werewolf’, and you would expect nothing less from the horror maestro! The characters are adorable and we loved the brother-sister dynamic between Marty and Jane. You have a handicapped protagonist, but his wheelchair doesn’t stop him from seeking out a dangerous werewolf! This is not going to be registered as an all-time werewolf classic, but it would certainly provide you with all the entertainment you need for a movie night!
Skinwalkers (2007)
According to the Navajos legend, a thirteen-year-old boy will end the curse of the ‘Skinwalkers’ or werewolves. This half-breed boy is Timothy, who is completely aware of his true origin. He has no clue that the rest of his family are also werewolves who have guarded him since his birth. He controls the destiny of the family but is also in great danger because there are some werewolves who want to finish him off to preserve their way of life. Just a couple of days before his thirteenth birthday, this evil pack of werewolves goes after the young boy. Caught between the two warring factions of werewolves, Timothy has to survive if their family fortunes are to change. Can his family continue to protect him till he brings about an end to their curse?
It is not an easy task to perfect a werewolf movie because they explore an area of mythology that has multiple facets. Thus, it is not possible to please everyone and clearly, this film has failed to do so, given its poor success. However, we quite liked this tacky werewolf flick simply because of its entertainment value. The storyline is simple enough – one group of werewolves is trying to protect the boy while the other group is trying to kill him. This promises a lot of action between the warring factions.
The intense fighting and chase sequences make things exciting. There are plenty of good-looking ladies as well to spice things up a bit. The cinematography is quite remarkable and we couldn’t take our eyes off the night scenes. The problem is with the disastrous script and the below-par acting that pulls the movie down. The climactic battle is an engaging one and it all comes down to a flawed and corny, but enjoyable movie. It might be a film worth watching if you are looking to kill some time and get yourself some mindless entertainment!
Werewolf: The Beast Among Us (2012)
The movie is premised in the 19th century, where the dwellers of a small town are being slaughtered by a werewolf. This leads a group of bounty hunters led by Charles to head to that town, in hopes of a high reward for killing the troublemaker. They are joined by Daniel, the apprentice of a local doctor. He provides them with some valuable information about the werewolf, which turns out to be quite an intelligent beast. Also, unlike other werewolves, this one doesn’t only kill on full moon nights but also on the days before and after. In the upcoming solstice, the werewolf would be able to control his transformation at will. Thus, the group has only two days before the solstice, to find and kill the beast before it becomes invincible!
As the story suggests, this movie is quite an easy thriller to get hooked on. It is loaded with action and there are some shocking plot twists that make things interesting. Many fans expect a lot of blood and guts in a werewolf flick and in those terms, this movie will not disappoint you. The cast doesn’t really boast of too many big names, and the acting skills are not all that impressive. The special effects are also not a strong point for the movie and it could have been a lot scarier with a little more effort. The first half is a bit slow-paced, but it soon picks up speed and grabs your attention. It does shine when it comes to the costumes and sets, where the attention to detail was impressive. We don’t often come across a story that pits hunters against werewolves and that in itself is an exciting mix. It was never meant to collect awards, but it certainly won’t let you down!
Late Phases (2014)
Ambrose McKinley, a blind grizzled war veteran, comes to live in a quiet retirement community. However, of late the peaceful community has been disturbed by mysterious animal attacks. People here are not dying of old age but from vicious attacks by dog-like beastly creatures. Ambrose has an encounter with the canine assailant himself, and he believes that it is a werewolf. The others seem to dismiss his opinion, but he uses all of his military training to prepare for the next full moon night so that he can stop the murderous beast before it is too late.
There is something about grumpy old guys in movies that makes it extremely entertaining. After all, it is not often that you find the protagonists to be elderly fellows, especially when it comes to fighting werewolves! Nick Damici makes a very believable blind Vietnam veteran, and the supporting cast is also up to the task. The effects are quite solid, and the creature’s designs leave nothing to complain about. If you add that to an original plot, the end results are bound to be great. People have compared it to ‘Silver Bullet’, but the similarities are a bit far-fetched. As for the story, one of the most enjoyable parts was the anticipation.
As Ambrose investigated for the possible werewolf in the neighborhood, there were too many suspects. His meticulous preparations for the next full moon and the suspense about the identity of the villain make sure that you are glued to your seats. There is no random jump scares or shaky-cam shots to force fear on you. Instead, the filmmakers use old-school techniques that enhance the experience. Most of the kills are off-screen and this might piss off the gore-hounds a bit. ‘Late Phases’ could have done a lot better with a bigger budget. It makes the special effects somewhat B-grade, although, as we said, they are still pretty good. The werewolf transformation scenes are sublime, and their overall portrayal is one of the high points of the film. This movie might sound dumb on paper, but you would be pleasantly surprised by the end results!
THE COMPANY OF WOLVES (1985)
Rosaleen lives in a country house in England with her family. She keeps having some vivid nightmares of werewolves in the middle ages. In these dreams, her sister is dead and she lives with her parents. She also spends a lot of time with her grandmother, who tells her all kinds of stories about werewolves and other paranormal creatures. She has a few warnings for Rosaleen and asks her to never stray from her path in the woods, eat a windfall apple, or trust a man whose eyebrows meet! One day, as she heads off to visit her grandmother through the woods, she comes across a handsome man. However, she soon learns about his real identity. If you are familiar with the fairytale, you already know that her journey will not be a smooth one!
The director Neil Jordan deserves to be applauded for his efforts to modernize an iconic fairytale in this movie. Imagine a complex Freudian approach to the story of Little Red Riding Hood, and that is exactly what this film is all about. It is hard to believe that a director could accomplish this in what is only his second film! The narrative has deeper implications and it takes a spectacular approach to the beginning of puberty.
The loss of innocence portrayed through some wild and erotic dreams of the protagonist speaks of the same. However, it is open to interpretation and your take on the subject can vary from ours. We fell in love with the surreal, dream-like atmosphere created in the movie. If the metaphorical nature of the narrative does not appeal to you, the spooky bits surely will. Sarah Patterson shines as the young protagonist, and the movie also has some great supporting actors. The climax will come across as a great surprise, and we won’t spoil it for you. This werewolf flick is a piece of art, and you must witness this visually compelling fantasy!
WOLFEN (1981)
Dewey Wilson is a former NYPD Captain who has been brought back to investigate a strange case. There is an unexplained string of violent murders in the city, and there are some high-profile people among the victims. The pressure to solve the case is extreme, but Dewey doesn’t buy the easy explanation that terrorists are behind these attacks. In the course of the investigation, it is found that some of the victims have non-human hairs on them, which possibly belong to a wolf-like creature. Later, a group of Native Indians reveals that the real identity of the killer is the ‘Wolfen’ or the wolf spirit, which simply cannot be fought! Is there an end to the series of murders or will Dewey simply admit his defeat?
You know a werewolf movie is good when it stands the test of time. This eerie, mythical werewolf horror thriller will seem just as good today, as it did all those years ago. The outstanding cinematography is one of its kind, and you get to see a grim and terrifying side of New York. ‘Wolfen’ lacks some of the basic events in werewolf movies. There is no spectacular transformation or unbelievable visual effects to amaze you. Instead, there is a fascinating story that delivers suspense and tension in equal volumes.
The camera work is simply outstanding and conceptually the movie makes up for all of its flaws. However, the ending doesn’t quite keep up with the expectations created by all the eerie buildup and savagery. Albert Finney delivers one of his finest performances, and the others are uniformly outstanding. One thing that strikes you while watching this movie is the accuracy of the film’s depictions and the well-honed script. We watched this film quite a few times and each time there was something new to discover. If you are into symbolism and mysticism, there is a lot to love about this movie.
Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
We are transported to 18th century France where something deadly is stalking the mountainous region of Gevaudan. These beastly attacks have taken their toll on the locals and over a hundred have been killed so far. Chevalier de Fronsac is sent to investigate the matter along with his Native American friend Mani. Nobody really knows the real nature of the attacker and it could be anything from a bear to a wolf or even a hyena. Our protagonist not only has to fight the beast, but also has to deal with bigotry, ignorance, and conspiracy in the region. He is helped by two unlikely women; an aristocrat and a prostitute, and eventually they solve the mystery of the murderous beast!
The legend of the Beast is quite a popular myth in France, and given that it is little known to the outside world, this movie is a fitting tribute to the same. The protagonist here represents the new rational world of enlightenment, and he is forced to confront the backward, superstitious France. His accomplice, Mani, brings another type of wisdom to the table. Overall, it is a curious mix of characters thrown into a gripping story, that is hard to classify into a particular genre. We were smitten by the candle-lit interior cinematography, the lush misty landscapes, and the exquisite costumes that make you go back in time.
The audience will be pleasantly shocked by how good the beast looks, and it appears to be quite real. Another incredible drawing point for the film is to watch Mark Dacascos in some intense fight scenes. The director Christophe Gans is the same guy who made ‘Crying Freeman’, so you would expect nothing less than excellence when it comes to action sequences. If we must complain about something, it would have to be the overuse of slow-motion that proves to be irritating at times. Otherwise, the movie carries you into a whole new world, and this unique adventure movie with a hint of history and werewolf makes for a perfect movie night.
Night Wolf (2010)
Sarah Tyler has returned to her troubled family home after many years. A devastating storm is raging outside and it causes a power outage at the place. However, they shortly find out that something sinister has come out of the rain and darkness. It is stalking them through the mansion, picking off members of the family one by one. This wolf-like creature holds a secret that has the potential to wipe out her entire family in one night. Sarah has to fight off this beast till the morning light, but that is still thirteen hours away! Will she be able to fight and save her family or will she succumb to the vicious creature?
The story is a typical horror genre cat-and-mouse chase, that focuses on the simple premise of a monstrous invader tracking down members of the family. It has been said that ‘Night Wolf’ is a decent effort given the severe budgetary constraints. Because of the lack of funds, prosthetics and animatronics suffer big time and the visual effects for the creature are somewhat wobbly. However, the narrative does have the tension required to hold you still for much of the movie.
The makers also keep the creature a mystery, and hardly show it apart from a brief silhouette, leaving the rest up to the imagination of the viewer. Many of the murders also take place off-screen or are abruptly cut away, which might frustrate some of the hardcore horror fans. The cast did a good job with their roles even though none delivered award-winning performances. The story could have done with a few more twists apart from the solitary climactic shock that is also somewhat predictable. Another issue is the pacing of the movie, which wastes a bit too much time on the dramatics instead of focusing on the horror. You certainly cannot compare it to the classics of the werewolf genre, but ‘Night Wolf’ is still watchable owing to its sheer entertainment value.
Legend of the Werewolf (1975)
In 19th century France, a young boy named Etoile was raised by wolves after they killed his parents. He grew up to be a feral wolf boy. A traveling circus thought that it would be a great opportunity to utilize his weird nature and adopts him. However, one night he kills one of the troupes and runs off to Paris. There he gets himself a job in a rundown zoo, and on a full moon night, he transforms into a werewolf. He is also smitten by a girl who works at a local brothel, and naturally, he resents her clients. When the full moon arrives, his violent side emerges and he is quite unpleasant about these people. Professor Paul is charged with hunting him and it is to be seen who emerges victorious in this contest!
This obscure British werewolf movie from Tyburn Studios has found its audience after all these years. The director Freddie Francis did a decent job and the movie has a nice feel to it. Everything from the atmosphere to the costumes falls in place and the sets are decked up just in the right order. The film does not falter technically, even though the werewolf makeup is not up to the mark by modern standards. One of the intelligent camera techniques was the use of a red filter on the lens to give it a terrifying look. The makers skip on graphic gore because of their budgetary limitations and it is up to the actors to deliver the thrills. The likes of Peter Cushing do not disappoint and ‘Legend of the Werewolf’ provides an enjoyable ninety minutes. We also appreciated the dry and witty British humor in certain places, making the movie unexpectedly humorous. The ending is, however, quite tragic and it leaves you with a heavy heart.
Wild Country (2005)
Kelly Ann is a teenage single mother and she is forced to give up her baby for adoption by Father Steven. After six weeks, she decides to be a part of a cross country hike with a group of her friends, through the Scottish Highlands. Her ex-boyfriend Lee also joins the group with a plan to rekindle things between them. However, fate has something much worse in store for them. They find an abandoned baby amidst the ruins of an old castle and try to take the baby to safety. There is a vicious, wolf-like beast that is after them, and one by one the members of the group are picked off. They realize that they can either kill the deadly creature or be hunted down by it!
This is a movie that has something for everyone. It has a few comical moments blended in with some scary ones and the touch of social realism is a pleasant surprise. There is also a bit of a romantic undertone to the story. One of the strong points of the movie has to be the acting because a cast of relatively unknown actors delivers a very naturalistic portrayal of the characters. The narrative is certainly a bit cheesy, but together with the brilliant camera work and acting skills, the movie soars above its potential.
The special effects are found to be a bit lacking, but they do improve towards the end of the movie. The same goes for the lack of gore in the earlier parts of the film because towards the end, things change. There are some nail-biting moments that will help you sit through the movie, and if you are a fan of European horror, you are certainly going to appreciate this one. We wish that the ending wasn’t so rushed because the movie doesn’t deserve a runtime of only 72 minutes. They completely ruined the surprise by providing a climax that is totally expected. If you are willing to look past these flaws, ‘Wild Country’ might be a unique taste of Scottish horror for you.
The Fury of the Wolfman (1972)
Waldemar Daninsky was a part of a Tibetan expedition and he happens to be the lone survivor. He carries the curse of the pentagram, which was revealed to him by the monk who nursed him back to health. When he comes back home, he finds out that his wife has been unfaithful and it unleashes the worst of his curse. He transforms into a killer werewolf, ‘the Wolfman’, and his fury is hard to contain. He disposes of his cheating wife but soon discovers that he is being held captive by a crazy female scientist who excels in mind control experiments. He tries to escape but in vain, and grasps that there are freaks from many such past experiments in the dungeons of the castle. Will ‘the Wolfman’ end up like one of them or will he be able to fight back?
The late Spanish horror icon Paul Naschy stars in this movie, and he certainly makes his presence felt with some delightful acting. He is also the writer of the story and according to him, the plot didn’t get the justice it deserved. There are some issues with the direction and Naschy himself claimed that the director was drunk for most of the time on the sets. In the fully uncut version, there are some rather explicit scenes involving the crazy lady and Waldimar Daninsky.
This crazy lady simply wanted to destroy his marriage because she was obsessed with him, and there are some shocking twists in the tale. One of the biggest problems with this movie is the English dubbing which hurts the ears. Another issue might be with the slowness of the narrative which can get a bit boring at times. We aren’t exactly crazy about the background score of the film either. If these problems were to be fixed, ‘The Fury of the Wolfman’ could have been much more than what the ratings of the movie suggest. It had the potential to be a surrealist masterpiece, and the lack of a cohesive structure does ruin the chances.
Project Metalbeast (1995)
Project Metalbeast is a secret project undertaken by the CIA to create an army of soldiers who would have werewolf-like abilities. For this, they head to a Hungarian castle, which is apparently inhabited by a werewolf. Led by an amoral CIA agent Butler, they secured a sample of werewolf blood for the research. However, when the process turns out to be too slow, Butler grows impatient and injects himself with the blood. He turns into a deadly werewolf and goes on a killing spree inside the research facility itself.
His boss shoots him with silver bullets and hides the issue by cryogenically freezing the bodies of Butler and his victims. Many years later, a doctor is obsessed with finding a way to create artificial skin. This could help those in need of a skin transplant, and he starts experimenting on the skin of Butler’s corpse. The doctor soon shows signs of change, but it gets a lot worse when the research team finds the silver bullet inside Butler’s body and removes it! Their experiments provided Butler with skin that is impenetrable, and there now seems to be no way to put down this monster.
We have to give this full marks for innovative thinking. Who would have imagined the deadly situation, where a werewolf has impenetrable metal-hard skin! The movie will surprise you with a lively script and there are some great lines to make things even better. To add to this, you will enjoy some good performances by Barry Bostwick and the others. The creature’s effects must be praised for its uniqueness, and the makers fought their way through the low budget to pull this off. But it must be said that the Metalbeast looks more like a hedgehog on crack than a werewolf!
A spooky atmosphere is maintained for much of the movie, and it helps you sink into the dark world of werewolf lore. However, the film is not devoid of some genuine problems. The slow narrative gets a tad boring at times, and your only consolation will be that the story culminates in a nice spin on the werewolf myth. If you are up for a nightmarish medical thriller meeting werewolf lore, this might just be the right movie for you!
Strippers vs Werewolves (2012)
A werewolf named Mickey is accidentally killed in a strip club. One of the strippers managed to kill him with a silver fountain pen. The ladies working there now have time till the next full moon, before Mickey’s vengeful wolf pack comes to hunt them down. His mates want revenge and the colleagues of the one who killed the werewolf are willing to put up a fight. Thus, it all boils down to strippers vs. werewolves and the outcome will surely be interesting!
This is no Shakespearian classic, and you can expect one of the campiest werewolf flicks ever made. However, campy and corny can be fun at times, and this movie is all about that. The script is non-existent and the acting is horrible. Whether or not the actors purposely made it look bad for the fun factor is for you to decide. The plot barely makes any sense, but then you get all the good stuff, from gore to nudity. There are also some catchy one-liners that will make you laugh. The makeup in the movie looks so bad that it looks like someone handed this project to beginners in the field. The narrative never takes itself too seriously, and the silly nature of the film is probably purposely done. We loved the cool and catchy soundtrack which was a perfect fit for the hilariously horrible movie. In a nutshell, watch this movie only if you can derive entertainment from outright cheesy and crappy films. A few of your brain cells are bound to die a slow death while you watch this!