Top 20 Werewolf Movies of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - March 16th 2025, 13:02 GMT+1

Cropped Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man — 20. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)

Before cinematic universes were a thing, Universal was already mashing up its iconic monsters in the 1940s. *Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man* pits Lon Chaney Jr.’s tormented Larry Talbot against Bela Lugosi’s stumbling (but still deadly) Frankenstein’s Monster. It's a horror classic that delivers eerie fog-drenched atmospheres, a moody full-moon transformation, and a climactic battle between two of cinema’s greatest creatures. This is the film that truly cemented the idea that werewolves and other monsters could exist in the same terrifying world – long before Marvel was stitching together its superhero crossovers. While some of the effects may look quaint by today’s standards, this film set the stage for decades of monster mash-ups to come. So if you’re in the mood for some vintage, black-and-white horror with a side of campy charm, this one’s worth a howl. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Teen Wolf — 19. Teen Wolf (1985)

What if puberty came with fangs, fur, and an inexplicable talent for basketball? Enter *Teen Wolf*, the 1985 cult classic that turned Michael J. Fox from time traveler to full-on high school werewolf. Long before *Twilight* made supernatural creatures broody and sparkling, this flick showed us a fun, goofy take on lycanthropy, where being a werewolf somehow made you the most popular kid in school. Scott Howard’s hairy alter-ego goes from awkward teen to slam-dunking sensation, but of course, the real lesson here is that you don’t need superhuman wolf powers to be cool – just a solid moral compass and maybe some killer dance moves. Between its cheesy charm, ‘80s nostalgia, and a transformation scene that probably gave a few kids nightmares, *Teen Wolf* is a full-moon-fueled blast of fun. | © Atlantic Releasing Corporation

Mom 1991 msn — 18. Mom (1991)

Werewolf movies don’t always have to be about doomed young men or terrifying forest creatures – sometimes, they can be about your sweet old mom… growing fangs and craving flesh. *Mom* is a hidden gem of early ‘90s horror-comedy, where a mild-mannered elderly woman, played by Jeanne Bates, gets bitten by a werewolf and starts exhibiting some, let’s say, *concerning* behaviors. Her son, played by Mark Thomas Miller, is forced to deal with the increasingly alarming realization that his mom isn’t just staying up late baking cookies – she’s out hunting people. The film takes a darkly comedic approach to the werewolf mythos, blending genuine horror with absurd family drama. It's a little weird, a little unsettling, and a lot of fun, making it a perfect pick for fans of offbeat horror. | © Overseas FilmGroup

Cropped Wolf — 17. Wolf (1994)

Ever wondered what *The Wolf Man* would look like if it was directed by Mike Nichols and starred Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer? Well, *Wolf* exists, and it’s as strange and fascinating as it sounds. Nicholson plays Will Randall, a middle-aged book editor who, after being bitten by a wolf, starts noticing some *changes –* heightened senses, sharper instincts, and an undeniable alpha-male energy. It’s less of a full-on horror film and more of an elegant, psychological thriller with werewolf elements, but hey, when you’ve got Jack Nicholson going full beast mode, who cares? Pfeiffer brings her usual charisma as the mysterious love interest, and James Spader slithers in as a sleazy rival who gets a taste of the wolf life himself. If you like your werewolf tales with a touch of literary sophistication and plenty of snarling Nicholson, *Wolf* is a must-watch. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Underworld — 16. Underworld (2003)

Vampires and werewolves have been mortal enemies for centuries – or at least, that’s what *Underworld* would have you believe. This stylish, action-packed gothic blockbuster introduces us to a world where Lycans (the film’s fancy name for werewolves) are locked in a never-ending war with aristocratic vampires. Kate Beckinsale stars as Selene, a leather-clad Death Dealer who’s really, *really* good at shooting Lycans in slow motion. But when she crosses paths with Michael (Scott Speedman), a human caught in the middle of the supernatural feud, things get complicated. Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen chew up the scenery as rival vampire and werewolf leaders, adding an extra layer of Shakespearean drama to the gunfights and growling. If you love your werewolves beefy, bulletproof, and ready for an all-out war, *Underworld* is the film for you. | © Screen Gems

Cropped Silver Bullet — 15. Silver Bullet (1985)

If Stephen King ever wrote a coming-of-age werewolf story (spoiler: he did), *Silver Bullet* would be it. This mid-'80s horror flick, based on King’s novella *Cycle of the Werewolf*, throws together small-town paranoia, a mysterious killer, and a wheelchair-bound Corey Haim as the unlikely hero. And let’s not forget Gary Busey, in all his chaotic glory, as the kind of uncle every kid wishes they had – one who helps you build a souped-up wheelchair called the Silver Bullet and believes you when you say a werewolf is terrorizing the town. It’s got all the campy charm of an ‘80s horror film with a surprising emotional core, as young Marty Coslaw tries to convince the disbelieving adults that something *big and hairy* is behind the town’s string of murders. If you like your werewolf flicks with a side of small-town mystery and a dash of King’s signature tension, *Silver Bullet* delivers. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Curse of the Werewolf — 14. The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)

Hammer Horror was known for its gothic takes on classic monsters, and *The Curse of the Werewolf* is no exception. This British horror gem stars the effortlessly suave Oliver Reed in one of his earliest roles, playing a man cursed with lycanthropy since birth (talk about bad luck). Set in 18th-century Spain, the film leans heavily into its gothic atmosphere – cobblestone streets, candlelit chambers, and plenty of dramatic monologues about fate and doom. Reed delivers a tormented, brooding performance as Leon Corledo, a man trying to resist his bloodthirsty urges while society inevitably drives him toward his monstrous destiny. With its lavish sets, eerie transformations, and an unexpectedly tragic love story, this one stands out as one of the most underrated werewolf films of its era. If you’ve never seen a Hammer Horror movie, this is a great place to start. | © Hammer Film Productions

Cropped The Wolfman — 13. The Wolfman (2010)

You know Universal couldn’t resist bringing its classic werewolf back for a big-budget, CGI-fueled revival. *The Wolfman* (2010) had all the makings of a modern monster masterpiece – Benicio del Toro as the brooding lead, Anthony Hopkins as his shady father, Emily Blunt as the obligatory love interest, and Hugo Weaving as a detective who’s a little too good at sniffing out supernatural shenanigans. The film leans heavily into gothic horror, with misty graveyards, full-moon transformations, and enough dramatic stares to fill an entire Victorian novel. While the CGI effects were divisive, there’s no denying that Rick Baker’s makeup work on del Toro’s werewolf form is a loving homage to the 1941 original. Plus, it’s got *that* bonkers finale – a father-son werewolf brawl that’s both ridiculous and awesome in equal measure. If you’re in the mood for a visually stunning, old-school monster movie with a modern twist, *The Wolfman* is worth a watch. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Werewolves Within — 12. Werewolves Within (2021)

Who knew a werewolf whodunit could be this much fun? *Werewolves Within* is a horror-comedy that takes the classic *who’s the monster among us?* premise and injects it with razor-sharp humor and a delightfully quirky cast. Sam Richardson (of *Veep* fame) plays a small-town forest ranger who gets caught up in a murder mystery when a snowed-in community realizes that one of them *might* be a werewolf. Enter Milana Vayntrub (yes, the AT&T girl), who steals scenes as the fast-talking, unpredictable mail carrier, while the rest of the town – ranging from conspiracy nuts to passive-aggressive neighbors – turns on each other in the most hilarious ways. Think *Clue*, but with a furry killer in the mix. It’s witty, self-aware, and filled with just enough horror to keep you on edge. If you love a good murder mystery with a supernatural bite, *Werewolves Within* is a howling good time. | © IFC Films

Cropped The Wolf of Snow Hollow — 11. The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)

If you like your werewolf movies with a side of existential crisis, *The Wolf of Snow Hollow* is right up your alley. Written, directed by, and starring Jim Cummings, this indie horror-comedy is less about the werewolf and more about the unraveling of a man trying (and failing) to keep it together. Cummings plays a small-town sheriff dealing with grisly murders, a dying father (played by the legendary Robert Forster in his final role), and his own personal demons. The film expertly balances dark humor with genuinely eerie moments, making you question whether the killer is truly a werewolf or something much more human. It's an unpredictable, smartly written take on the genre, proving that sometimes the real horror isn't the monster – it’s the chaos of everyday life. | © Orion Classics

Cropped Wolfen — 10. Wolfen (1981)

Forget everything you thought you knew about werewolves – because *Wolfen* doesn’t play by the usual full-moon rules. This underrated gem blends supernatural horror with urban crime thriller vibes, as Albert Finney plays a grizzled New York cop investigating a series of brutal murders that seem… suspiciously wolf-like. But instead of your standard growling werewolf transformations, *Wolfen* suggests something even creepier – supernatural wolf spirits lurking in the shadows, preying on the weak and forgotten. With eerie cinematography, stunning thermal-vision shots (decades before *Predator* made them famous), and a chilling sense of paranoia, this film delivers a unique take on lycanthropy. Plus, with supporting performances from Edward James Olmos and Gregory Hines, it’s a stylish, unsettling thriller that deserves way more love. If you like your werewolves with a side of conspiracy and social commentary, *Wolfen* is a must-watch. | © Orion Pictures

Cropped Ginger Snaps 2 — 9. Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed (2004)

Sequels rarely outshine their predecessors, but *Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed* takes the original’s dark, feminist horror and cranks up the psychological tension. This time, the focus shifts to Emily Perkins’ character, Brigitte, who’s desperately trying to suppress the werewolf curse that took her sister Ginger (the always fantastic Katharine Isabelle). Instead of high school halls, Brigitte finds herself trapped in a rehab facility, where the real horror isn’t just the looming werewolf transformation – it’s the people around her. As she battles her animal instincts and the growing paranoia of those who don’t understand what’s happening to her, the film takes on an eerie, claustrophobic tone. Tatiana Maslany (long before *Orphan Black* made her a sci-fi icon) steals scenes as a creepy, unpredictable patient named Ghost. *Ginger Snaps II* keeps the body horror and feminist undertones intact while diving even deeper into Brigitte’s tragic, isolated existence. | © Motion International

Cropped Brotherhood of the Wolf — 8. Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

A werewolf movie… with martial arts, aristocratic intrigue, and Monica Bellucci being her usual mesmerizing self? *Brotherhood of the Wolf* is the kind of genre-blending madness that shouldn’t work – but absolutely does. Inspired by the real-life legend of the Beast of Gévaudan (a mysterious creature that terrorized 18th-century France), the film follows Samuel Le Bihan’s stylish investigator and his Iroquois sidekick, played by a pre-*John Wick* Mark Dacascos, as they uncover a conspiracy wrapped in folklore, science, and good old-fashioned werewolf terror. The action sequences are as slick as anything in a kung-fu epic, while the creature effects and gothic horror elements keep things delightfully eerie. Oh, and did we mention Vincent Cassel is here too, chewing the scenery as only he can? *Brotherhood of the Wolf* is an operatic, beautifully shot, and utterly unique werewolf film that deserves a place on every horror fan’s list. | © StudioCanal

Cropped Night of the Wolf — 7. Late Phases / Night of the Wolf (2014)

Werewolf movies don’t often feature elderly, blind war veterans as their protagonists, but *Late Phases* isn’t your average werewolf flick. Nick Damici stars as Ambrose, a grizzled, no-nonsense veteran who moves into a retirement community only to discover that his new neighbors are being picked off by something big, hairy, and hungry. Unlike most horror movie victims, Ambrose doesn’t do the whole *helplessly running into danger* routine – he’s methodical, badass, and fully prepared to take on the beast head-on. The film’s slow-burn suspense and intense werewolf transformation scenes make it a standout, while Damici’s gruff yet layered performance keeps you hooked. With practical effects, a gripping mystery, and a fresh take on lycanthropy, *Late Phases* proves that werewolves can still be terrifying – even in a gated community. | © Dark Sky Films

Cropped The Howling — 6. The Howling (1981)

If *An American Werewolf in London* is the rock star of werewolf cinema, *The Howling* is its punk-rock cousin – grittier, weirder, and full of gnarly practical effects. Directed by Joe Dante (of *Gremlins* fame), this cult classic follows Dee Wallace as a TV reporter who, after a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, is sent to a secluded retreat that turns out to be *full* of werewolves. Bad luck, right? What sets *The Howling* apart is its unrelenting creep factor and some of the most jaw-dropping werewolf transformation scenes ever put on screen (courtesy of FX legend Rob Bottin). Patrick Macnee, John Carradine, and even horror icon Dick Miller make appearances, adding to the film’s B-movie charm. Plus, the werewolves here don’t just mindlessly hunt – they *enjoy* the hunt, making them all the more menacing. If you haven’t seen *The Howling*, do yourself a favor and watch it with the lights off… and maybe avoid any isolated retreats for a while. | © Embassy Pictures

Cropped Dog Soldiers — 5. Dog Soldiers (2002)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if *Aliens* and *Predator* had a werewolf-infested baby, *Dog Soldiers* is the answer. This adrenaline-fueled, low-budget masterpiece from Neil Marshall (*The Descent*) throws a group of British soldiers into the Scottish Highlands for a routine training exercise – only to find themselves hunted by a pack of towering, nightmarish werewolves. With Kevin McKidd leading the charge as a soldier who quickly realizes bullets don’t do much against seven-foot-tall lycanthropes, and Sean Pertwee delivering one of the most quotable performances of his career, this film is an absolute blast. It’s got humor, gore, and some of the best practical werewolf effects ever put on screen. No CGI nonsense here – just pure, terrifying, full-body creature suits that make these werewolves look like something straight out of your worst nightmares. If you love action-horror with a side of military banter, *Dog Soldiers* is a must-watch. | © Pathé Pictures

Cropped The Company of Wolves — 4. The Company of Wolves (1984)

If *Little Red Riding Hood* took a detour into surreal, gothic horror territory, you'd get *The Company of Wolves*. Directed by the visionary Neil Jordan (*Interview with the Vampire*), this film is a fever dream of fairy tale nightmares, werewolf transformations, and unsettling allegories about growing up. Angela Lansbury (yes, *Murder, She Wrote* herself) plays the wise grandmother, spinning eerie tales of men who are more wolf than man. Meanwhile, Sarah Patterson’s young protagonist is trapped in a world where everything – from the eerie forests to the seductive men – feels both enchanting and deadly. The film leans heavily into folklore, with some of the most unsettling, skin-peeling werewolf transformations ever seen. More poetic than terrifying, *The Company of Wolves* is a unique and visually striking take on the werewolf mythos, proving that fairy tales were *always* meant to be horrifying. | © ITC Entertainment

Cropped Ginger Snaps — 2. Ginger Snaps (2000)

Few werewolf movies have ever done body horror as well as *Ginger Snaps*. This Canadian cult classic takes lycanthropy and twists it into a metaphor for puberty, sisterhood, and the horrors of adolescence. Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins star as Ginger and Brigitte, two death-obsessed, outcast sisters who have a bond stronger than blood – until a werewolf attack changes everything. Ginger’s transformation from moody goth teen to bloodthirsty beast is handled with an unsettling mix of dark humor and genuine horror. It’s *Carrie* meets *The Howling*, with a biting feminist edge. The practical effects are gloriously grotesque, the dialogue is sharp, and the film doesn't shy away from making its werewolf protagonist both tragic and terrifying. If you ever needed proof that werewolf movies could be smart, funny, and genuinely unsettling, *Ginger Snaps* is it. | © Motion International

Cropped An American Werewolf in London — 1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

The undisputed king of werewolf movies, *An American Werewolf in London* is the perfect blend of horror, comedy, and groundbreaking special effects. Directed by John Landis (*Animal House*, *The Blues Brothers*), this film follows two American backpackers – David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) – who take a fateful walk through the English countryside and get attacked by a werewolf. Jack doesn’t make it, but David does… only to start experiencing horrifying hallucinations, visits from his increasingly decomposed friend, and, of course, the most legendary werewolf transformation scene in movie history. Rick Baker’s Oscar-winning effects make every bone-crunching, hair-sprouting second feel agonizingly real. Add in a pitch-perfect supporting performance from Jenny Agutter as the concerned nurse, and you have a horror masterpiece that’s as hilarious as it is terrifying. Whether you’re laughing at the darkly comic dialogue or shielding your eyes from the brutal carnage, *An American Werewolf in London* is the ultimate werewolf film – no contest. | © PolyGram Pictures

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Werewolves have been a staple of horror cinema for decades, captivating audiences with their terrifying transformations, tragic curses, and brutal attacks. From classic black-and-white masterpieces to modern-day thrillers, werewolf movies continue to evolve, blending folklore, action, and supernatural horror.

In this ultimate list, we rank the top 20 best werewolf movies of all time, showcasing films that defined the genre and introduced unforgettable lycanthropic legends. Whether you’re a longtime horror fan or just diving into werewolf lore, these must-watch films deliver bloodcurdling suspense, stunning creature effects, and thrilling stories that stand the test of time. Let’s dive into the best werewolf movies ever made!