When the full moon rises and the wolfsbane blooms, it’s time to curl up with a classic werewolf movie. These hairy, snarling creatures of the night have stalked the silver screen for nearly a century, leaving a trail of bloody paw prints across cinematic history. From the early days of Universal monsters to modern horror-comedies, werewolf films have evolved to deliver a wide range of terrifying, tragic, and sometimes hilarious man-to-wolf transformations.
While werewolf movies may not be as prolific as vampire or zombie flicks, the subgenre has produced some truly iconic and unforgettable entries over the decades. Whether you prefer your lycanthropes sympathetic or savage, period pieces or contemporary tales, there’s a werewolf movie out there for every horror fan to sink their teeth into.
So lock your doors, check the lunar phase, and settle in for a hair-raising marathon with our picks for the 20 best werewolf movies of all time. These films represent the cream of the crop when it comes to lupine terror, spanning from the 1940s to today. Get ready to howl with fear and delight as we countdown the greatest werewolf films to ever grace the big screen.
20. The Cursed (2022)
Starting off our list is a recent period piece that proves the werewolf subgenre is still alive and snarling. Set in the late 19th century, The Cursed follows a brutal land baron who slaughters a Romani clan, unleashing a terrible curse upon his village. Soon, the townspeople are plagued by nightmares, missing children, and a series of grisly murders. While the locals blame a wild animal, a visiting pathologist suspects a more sinister presence lurking in the woods.
Beautifully shot and oozing Gothic atmosphere, The Cursed is a welcome addition to the werewolf canon. It takes its time building dread before unleashing some truly nightmarish creature effects in the final act. Boyd Holbrook gives a compelling lead performance as the tortured pathologist determined to uncover the truth. Overall, The Cursed is a stylish and spooky werewolf tale that proves sometimes the most frightening monsters are the human ones.
19. Bad Moon (1996)
A lesser-known 90s gem, Bad Moon stars Michael Paré as Uncle Ted, a world-traveling photojournalist who returns home to live with his sister (Mariel Hemingway) and her son after a traumatic incident in Nepal. Little do they know, Ted was bitten by a werewolf and now transforms into a bloodthirsty beast when the moon is full. The only one who suspects the truth is the family’s overly protective German Shepherd, Thor.
While it’s not the most original werewolf story, Bad Moon is elevated by strong performances, great werewolf effects, and, of course, a very good boy. Watching the loyal Thor face off against the menacing lycanthrope Uncle Ted makes for a fun and suspenseful ride. Bad Moon may have flown under the radar for many horror fans, but it’s worth unearthing for its unique werewolf-versus-dog showdowns.
18. Silver Bullet (1985)
Based on the Stephen King novella Cycle of the Werewolf, this 1980s adaptation stars Corey Haim as a young wheelchair user who suspects a werewolf is behind a string of murders in his small town. With the help of his sister and boozy Uncle Red (Gary Busey), he sets out to stop the beast’s bloody rampage.
Silver Bullet is pure 80s horror fun, with plenty of gory kills, teen angst, and larger-than-life performances, especially from a scenery-chewing Busey. The werewolf effects are also quite impressive for the time. While it may not be the most frightening or profound entry on this list, Silver Bullet is an entertaining and nostalgic romp that captures King’s gift for character and small-town terror.
17. Wer (2013)
Found footage meets werewolf horror in this underrated indie gem. Wer follows a defense attorney trying to clear her client, a reclusive man accused of a brutal murder who may be more than human. Shot documentary-style, the film slowly unravels the mystery surrounding the accused killer and his possible lycanthropy.
Wer cleverly uses the found footage format to craft a suspenseful and realistic take on the werewolf mythos. The practical effects are top-notch, delivering some truly visceral and terrifying werewolf action. It’s a shame this little-seen film didn’t find a wider audience, as it’s one of the most innovative and effective werewolf movies in recent memory.
16. Late Phases (2014)
In this offbeat indie horror, Nick Damici stars as Ambrose, a blind Vietnam veteran who moves into a retirement community just as a string of mysterious deaths occur during the full moon. Convinced a werewolf is preying on the elderly residents, Ambrose begins a personal quest to hunt the creature down.
Late Phases is a unique blend of werewolf horror and character study, anchored by a fantastic lead performance from Damici. The film takes its time developing Ambrose’s world and relationships before unleashing the werewolf mayhem. When the beast does finally appear, the practical effects are impressive and scary. With its quirky characters, surprising emotional depth, and satisfying werewolf action, Late Phases is an overlooked gem that genre fans should seek out.
15. Wolfen (1981)
More of an eco-thriller than a traditional werewolf film, Wolfen stars Albert Finney as an NYPD detective investigating a series of grisly murders that seem to be the work of unusually intelligent wolves living within the city. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a supernatural force tied to Native American mythology.
While light on werewolf action, Wolfen is a moody and atmospheric horror film with a unique ecological message. The scenes shot from the wolves’ perspective are especially unnerving. Wolfen may not scratch that traditional werewolf itch, but it’s a well-crafted and thought-provoking thriller that subverts expectations.
14. Wolf (1994)
Mike Nichols directs an all-star cast including Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer in this big-budget horror-drama. Nicholson plays Will, a mild-mannered book editor who, after being bitten by a wolf, finds himself transforming both physically and mentally. As his senses sharpen and his confidence grows, Will embraces his newfound powers to take on his professional rival (James Spader) and woo a beautiful heiress (Pfeiffer).
More of a psychological thriller than a straight horror film, Wolf is a slick and sexy take on the werewolf mythos anchored by Nicholson’s magnetic performance. Watching him slowly transform from meek to alpha is a delight, and his chemistry with Pfeiffer sizzles. While the werewolf effects are minimal until the finale, Wolf succeeds as a smart and stylish meditation on power, masculinity, and our primal nature.
13. Ginger Snaps (2000)
This feminist werewolf film follows teenage sisters Ginger and Brigitte, outcasts obsessed with death. On the night of Ginger’s first period, she is attacked and bitten by a werewolf. As Ginger undergoes a monstrous transformation, Brigitte searches for a cure while grappling with her sister’s newfound aggression and sexuality.
Ginger Snaps cleverly uses lycanthropy as a metaphor for puberty, female rage, and sexual awakening. It’s a smart, darkly funny, and at times genuinely scary film anchored by strong lead performances from Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins. The practical werewolf effects still hold up, delivering some memorably gory moments. Ginger Snaps is a witty and subversive take on the werewolf mythos that has rightfully become a cult classic.
12. The Howling (1981)
Joe Dante’s The Howling follows a TV news anchor (Dee Wallace) who goes to a secluded resort to recover from a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, only to discover the residents are all werewolves. Soon, she finds herself in a fight for survival as the colony’s secrets are revealed.
Boasting groundbreaking werewolf transformation effects by Rob Bottin, The Howling is a landmark of the subgenre. The film perfectly balances horror and humor, with Dante’s signature satirical edge shining through. Wallace makes for a compelling heroine, and the supporting cast of eccentric werewolf characters keeps things lively. While An American Werewolf in London may have overshadowed it at the time, The Howling remains a witty, scary, and essential entry in the werewolf canon.
11. Dog Soldiers (2002)
Before he became known for The Descent, Neil Marshall made his directorial debut with this lean, mean werewolf action-horror flick. Dog Soldiers follows a squad of British soldiers on a training mission in the Scottish Highlands who find themselves under siege by a pack of vicious lycanthropes.
Marshall directs the hell out of this low-budget film, crafting a tense and gory thrill ride packed with memorable characters and quotable dialogue. The werewolf effects, while not always convincing in close-up, are used effectively, and the action set pieces are top-notch. Dog Soldiers is a prime example of how to make the most of limited resources, resulting in a scrappy and immensely entertaining werewolf film that punches well above its weight.
10. The Company of Wolves (1984)
Directed by Neil Jordan and co-written by Angela Carter, The Company of Wolves is a lush and surreal take on the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. The film follows a young girl named Rosaleen who dreams of a dark forest where her grandmother tells her stories of innocent maidens falling prey to seductive and dangerous werewolves.
Blending fantasy, horror, and coming-of-age themes, The Company of Wolves is a visually stunning and erotically charged film that explores the power and perils of female sexuality. The werewolf effects, particularly the transformation scenes, are nightmarishly beautiful. While it may be too arty and ambiguous for some tastes, The Company of Wolves is a singular and unforgettable entry in the werewolf subgenre that rewards repeat viewings.
9. Werewolves Within (2021)
Based on the Ubisoft VR game of the same name, this horror-comedy follows a group of eccentric small-town residents who get snowed in together during a storm, just as a mysterious creature begins terrorizing the area. As the body count rises, the survivors must figure out who among them is secretly a werewolf.
Directed by Josh Ruben and written by Mishna Wolff, Werewolves Within is a delightful blend of whodunnit mystery and creature feature, with a game cast of character actors chewing the scenery. The film keeps you guessing until the end and delivers some solid werewolf action in the climax. With its quirky humor, colorful characters, and genuine scares, Werewolves Within is a fresh and entertaining addition to the subgenre that proves werewolves can be funny too.
8. The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
Hammer Films’ only werewolf movie stars Oliver Reed in his first leading role as Leon, the orphaned son of a mute servant girl and a mad beggar. Cursed from birth, Leon struggles to contain the beast within as he enters manhood, but when the moon is full, he transforms into an uncontrollable killer.
Directed by legendary Hammer helmer Terence Fisher, The Curse of the Werewolf is a lush and tragic Gothic horror tale that allows Reed to sink his teeth into a meaty role. The film takes its time building Leon’s tragic backstory before unleashing the werewolf mayhem in the final act. While the werewolf makeup is minimal, the atmosphere and Reed’s tortured performance make this a classy and effective entry in Hammer’s horror canon.
7. The Wolf Man (1941)
The granddaddy of werewolf cinema, Universal’s The Wolf Man stars Lon Chaney Jr. as Larry Talbot, an American returning to his ancestral home in Wales who is bitten by a werewolf and cursed to become one himself. As Larry struggles with his new affliction, he falls for a beautiful shopkeeper (Evelyn Ankers) and clashes with his disapproving father (Claude Rains).
Directed by George Waggner, The Wolf Man established many of the werewolf tropes we now take for granted, from the full moon transformations to the silver bullet weakness. Chaney’s sympathetic performance as the tortured Larry Talbot anchors the film, and the iconic Jack Pierce werewolf makeup still impresses. While later werewolf films would improve upon its formula, The Wolf Man remains a classic of the genre that every horror fan should see.
6. Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed (2004)
This ambitious sequel to Ginger Snaps picks up shortly after the first film, with Brigitte (Emily Perkins) now on the run and struggling to control her own lycanthropy. After a drug overdose, she awakens in a rehab clinic where she befriends a mysterious girl named Ghost (Tatiana Maslany) and uncovers a sinister conspiracy.
Ginger Snaps 2 is that rare horror sequel that expands and enriches its predecessor’s themes. It’s a darker, more intense film that further explores female rage, bodily autonomy, and the monstrous feminine. Perkins and Maslany have great chemistry, and the werewolf action is even more visceral than the first film. While not as fresh as the original, Ginger Snaps 2 is a worthy follow-up that proves this series has bite.
5. The Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
Philippe Mora’s absolutely bonkers sequel to The Howling stars Christopher Lee as a werewolf hunter who teams up with a young man to battle a powerful werewolf queen (Sybil Danning) in Transylvania. Featuring Danning’s iconic werewolf transformation striptease, copious amounts of gore and nudity, and a new wave soundtrack, Howling II is a gleefully trashy and over-the-top horror-comedy that must be seen to be believed.
While it bears little resemblance to Joe Dante’s original film, Howling II carves its own niche as a so-bad-it’s-good cult classic. Lee and Danning chew the scenery with gusto, the werewolf effects are delightfully rubbery, and the whole thing moves at a breakneck pace. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends and plenty of booze, howling with laughter at its sheer audacity. Howling II may not be “good” in the traditional sense, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.
4. Dog Soldiers (2002)
Neil Marshall’s directorial debut is a lean, mean werewolf action flick that pits a squad of British soldiers against a pack of lycanthropes in the Scottish Highlands. Trapped in a remote farmhouse, the soldiers must use all their wits and firepower to survive the night.
Dog Soldiers is a prime example of low-budget ingenuity, using its limited resources to craft a tense and gory thrill ride. The cast of character actors, led by Sean Pertwee and Kevin McKidd, bring humor and humanity to their roles, making us care about their fates. Marshall directs the hell out of every scene, delivering suspense, scares, and grisly werewolf action. Dog Soldiers is a modern werewolf classic that proves you don’t need a big budget to make a great horror film.
3. Ginger Snaps (2000)
John Fawcett’s feminist werewolf film follows teenage sisters Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), outcasts obsessed with death. On the night of Ginger’s first period, she is attacked by a werewolf, triggering a monstrous transformation that coincides with her sexual awakening. As Ginger embraces her new power and appetites, Brigitte searches for a cure while grappling with their changing relationship.
Ginger Snaps is a whip-smart and subversive take on the werewolf mythos, using lycanthropy as a metaphor for puberty, female sexuality, and sisterhood. Isabelle and Perkins deliver fierce and vulnerable performances, capturing the complexities of teenage girlhood. The werewolf effects are top-notch, and the film doesn’t shy away from gore or taboo subject matter. Darkly funny, emotionally resonant, and genuinely scary, Ginger Snaps is a modern horror classic that uses the werewolf legend to explore timeless coming-of-age themes.
2. The Howling (1981)
Joe Dante’s The Howling is a landmark of werewolf cinema, boasting groundbreaking special effects and a sharp satirical bite. Dee Wallace stars as a TV news anchor who goes to a secluded resort to recover from a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, only to discover the residents are all werewolves.
Dante balances horror and humor with skill, populating the film with memorable characters and quotable dialogue. The werewolf transformations, courtesy of Rob Bottin, are still jaw-dropping today, seamlessly blending prosthetics and stop-motion. The Howling also cleverly skewers self-help culture and media sensationalism, adding depth to the lycanthrope thrills. While it may have been overshadowed by An American Werewolf in London at the time, The Howling remains a smart, scary, and essential entry in the werewolf canon.
1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The gold standard of werewolf movies, John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London is a perfect blend of horror and comedy that showcases groundbreaking special effects. David Naughton and Griffin Dunne star as American backpackers who are attacked by a werewolf on the English moors. Dunne is killed, but Naughton survives, only to discover he is now cursed to become a werewolf himself.
Landis’ script is a masterclass in tone, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with genuine scares and tragedy. Naughton makes for a likable and relatable protagonist, and the supporting cast, including Jenny Agutter as his British nurse love interest, is uniformly excellent. But the real star of the show is Rick Baker’s Oscar-winning makeup effects, particularly the iconic transformation scene set to Sam Cooke’s “Blue Moon.”
An American Werewolf in London set a new standard for werewolf movies, influencing countless films to follow. Its perfect blend of horror, humor, and heart, combined with its technical brilliance, makes it the ultimate werewolf film. From its haunting opening on the moors to its unforgettable finale in Piccadilly Circus, An American Werewolf in London is a timeless classic that no other werewolf movie has been able to top.
Conclusion
Our list of the 20 best werewolf movies of all time spans the subgenre’s history, from black-and-white classics to modern indie gems. Whether you prefer your werewolves sympathetic or savage, period pieces or contemporary tales, this list has something for every horror fan to howl about. These films represent the pinnacle of werewolf cinema, showcasing the creativity, ingenuity, and terror that the subgenre has to offer.
So the next time the moon is full and the wolfsbane blooms, queue up one of these classic werewolf movies and prepare for a hairy, scary good time. From the groundbreaking effects of An American Werewolf in London to the feminist themes of Ginger Snaps, these films prove that the werewolf mythos is as potent and relevant as ever. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or a curious newcomer, these 20 films are essential viewing for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned monster movie.
