The Essential Werewolf Movies to Watch

Werewolves rank among the most frequently encountered creatures in horror cinema. Werewolves exist in a structure between human and wolf, with boundaries that shift in every narrative. In some productions, the reason for transforming into a human-wolf creature is being bitten, while in other stories it’s a curse or an innate ability. Additionally, in many productions, werewolves are seen as vampires’ greatest enemies.

Although they’re a folk horror element seen in many different societies, werewolves have over time become indispensable elements of horror-themed fiction and have appeared in countless films over many years. In this article, we’ll provide brief information about must-see werewolf films, touching on the films’ stories and their impact on the horror genre.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

One of the first films that comes to mind when you say werewolf movie, An American Werewolf in London has found its place among the most beloved horror films of all time. The film, with John Landis in the director’s chair, presents us with the story of two American backpackers touring the English countryside, David Kessler and Jack Goodman. David is attacked by a werewolf and subsequently begins experiencing certain changes in his body. On a full moon night, he transforms into a wolf. The film’s most memorable scene is undoubtedly this transformation scene. Partly due to this scene’s impact, the film won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Makeup, securing its place among Oscar-winning horror films. This iconic transformation scene is still discussed today.

The Wolf Man (1941)

The Wolf Man, as can be understood from the film’s production date, is considered one of the cornerstones of werewolf films. In the film directed by George Waggner, Larry Talbot, played by Lon Chaney Jr., is attacked by a werewolf during a trip to Wales. After this attack, Talbot begins transforming into a werewolf every full moon. The Wolf Man holds a very important place among werewolf films and served as an inspiration source for many films.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Ginger Snaps is a Canadian werewolf film. At the film’s center are two sisters named Ginger and Brigitte who struggle with thoughts about death and fear. After a werewolf attack, Ginger begins transforming into a monster, and we then watch the increasingly complicated story between the two sisters. Ginger Snaps has been recognized as a feminist horror classic due to themes it contains such as sisterhood and female empowerment.

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Dog Soldiers, a British horror film, is directed by Neil Marshall. As can be understood from the film’s name, its most prominent aspect is its extremely successful blending of the werewolf theme with military service. The film brings audiences the story of a military unit training in Scotland’s Highlands region. After the unit is attacked by a pack of werewolves, we witness the soldiers in the unit fighting for their lives. The film maintains its tempo from start to finish, meeting the needs of those looking for a horror film with both a solid story and a gripping pace.

The Howling (1981)

Directed by Joe Dante, The Howling is a horror classic that has earned its place among werewolf films with its magnificent special effects. The film’s story centers on news anchor Karen White, who is sent to a remote resort after a traumatic experience. After Karen notices some oddities at the resort, she realizes she’s the only guest who isn’t a werewolf. The film managed to secure its place among the unforgettables, especially with its shocking ending.

Wolf (1994)

Wolf presents itself as a werewolf film that those looking for something outside the usual will enjoy. In the film, the famous actor Jack Nicholson plays Will Randall, a publishing house executive. One night on his way home, Randall is bitten by a wolf and subsequently experiences strange changes. After a while, Randall finds himself in a power struggle with his boss. Wolf deserves a special place among werewolf films for its quite successful handling of topics like power and aging in a werewolf movie.

Late Phases (2014)

Directed by Adrian Garcia Bogliano, Late Phases focuses on the experiences of Ambrose McKinley, a blind Vietnam War veteran. Ambrose moves into a remote veterans’ camp consisting of Vietnam veterans like himself, and after a while the camp is attacked by werewolves. In the rest of the film, we watch the camp residents’ efforts to resolve the matter before a second attack occurs. Late Phases is perfect for you if you’re looking for a slow-paced and emotional horror film.

The Company of Wolves (1984)

The Company of Wolves is directed by Neil Jordan. A unique horror film with its surreal style, The Company of Wolves is actually a free adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood tale we’re all familiar with. In the film, we witness a young girl’s dreams about werewolves and other supernatural beings. As the dreams become more realistic, the child begins to understand that her surroundings aren’t what they seem. The Company of Wolves is a film that stands out with its impressive visuals, dealing with desire and the nature of evil.

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

Brotherhood of the Wolf, a French action-horror film directed by Christophe Gans, has a screenplay based on the Beast of Gévaudan, a wolf-like creature that was genuinely believed to exist in mid-1700s France. As Grégoire de Fronsac and his Native American friend Mani investigate the murders, they discover that the creature they’re pursuing is far more dangerous than an ordinary animal. Brotherhood of the Wolf successfully blends horror and political intrigue while also offering glimpses of martial arts.

Wolfen (1981)

Directed by Michael Wadleigh, Wolfen is an important werewolf film that successfully addresses Native American mythology and environmental themes. At the film’s center we see detective Dewey Wilson investigating a series of murders in New York. As Wilson tries to solve the cases, he realizes that the killer he’s pursuing might be an intelligent, supernatural creature with intimate knowledge of the geography. Wolfen is a horror film that encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature.

Werewolves have always been one of the most fundamental elements of the horror genre, and these iconic creatures have been at the center of many stories, from modern blockbusters to ancient folk tales. In this article, we’ve tried to give you 10 horror film recommendations. We’ve tried to address the needs of viewers with different interests by recommending some of these films for their interesting themes, some for their unforgettable visuals, and others for their gripping pace. From the makeup and visuals of An American Werewolf in London to the feminist themes addressed in Ginger Snaps, we believe all of these films have unforgettable places among werewolf films. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or just a viewer looking for something scary to watch tonight, these werewolf films will definitely meet your needs. Happy viewing!