Wolves are majestic, mysterious creatures that have captivated human imaginations for centuries. It’s no surprise that these fascinating animals have been featured prominently in many films over the years. From classic horror to family-friendly adventures, movies about wolves span a wide range of genres and styles.
If you loved the 2014 film Wolves starring Jason Momoa and Lucas Till, you may be craving more cinematic tales centered around these iconic canines. Look no further – we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best movies similar to Wolves that every fan of the species should check out. These films showcase the complex nature of wolves and explore their relationships with humans in thought-provoking, exciting, and sometimes terrifying ways.
1. Never Cry Wolf (1983)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Carroll Ballard’s Never Cry Wolf is a stunning adaptation of Farley Mowat’s 1963 memoir of the same name. The film follows Tyler (Charles Martin Smith), a government researcher sent to the Canadian Arctic to study the area’s dwindling caribou population. The locals believe wolves are to blame for the caribou’s decline.
Living among a wolf pack, Tyler discovers the surprising truth – that these majestic creatures have been wrongfully vilified. With breathtaking cinematography of the stark, beautiful tundra and a powerful message about the importance of conservation, Never Cry Wolf is a must-watch for any animal lover. Smith’s heartfelt performance anchors this moving tale of a man learning to coexist with some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.
2. The Grey (2011)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
The Grey is a gripping survival thriller that follows a group of oil workers (led by Liam Neeson) stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. Battling injuries, harsh weather, and a vicious pack of territorial wolves, the men must fight to stay alive in an unforgiving landscape.
Neeson delivers an intense, emotional performance as a man grappling with his own demons while trying to lead the group to safety. Director Joe Carnahan ratchets up the tension with each passing scene, crafting a pulse-pounding experience. The film’s exploration of man vs. nature and the resilience of the human spirit will keep you riveted until the very end.
3. White Fang (1991)
Where to Watch: Disney+
Based on Jack London’s classic novel, White Fang is a heartwarming adventure set in the Yukon Territory during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. The story follows a young wolf-dog named White Fang and the various humans who shape his life, including a kind prospector (Ethan Hawke) who forms a special bond with the animal.
Directed by Randal Kleiser, the film beautifully captures the rugged wilderness and the challenges faced by both man and beast in this harsh environment. White Fang’s journey from wild animal to loyal companion is truly touching, highlighting the incredible capacity for understanding between species. With stunning visuals and a sweeping score, this is a timeless tale of friendship and survival.
4. The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
Where to Watch: Disney+
Set during the Great Depression, The Journey of Natty Gann follows a young girl (Meredith Salenger) as she travels across the country in search of her father, who has taken a job in Washington state. Along the way, she befriends a wolf named Jed, who becomes her loyal companion and protector.
This heartfelt Disney adventure celebrates the unbreakable bond between a child and an animal, as they navigate a world full of challenges and dangers. Salenger’s endearing performance and the stunning cinematography of the American landscape make this an unforgettable coming-of-age story. The film’s depiction of the era’s hardships adds depth and authenticity to Natty’s incredible journey.
5. Balto (1995)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Balto is an animated adventure loosely based on the true story of the 1925 serum run to Nome, in which sled dogs and their mushers raced to deliver life-saving medicine to the Alaskan town during a diphtheria outbreak. The film follows Balto, a wolf-dog hybrid who dreams of joining a sled team despite facing prejudice from both dogs and humans.
When the outbreak strikes and the town’s children fall ill, Balto seizes the opportunity to prove his worth by leading a team on the perilous journey to retrieve the serum. With beautiful animation, memorable characters, and themes of perseverance and acceptance, Balto is an inspiring tale for all ages. The film’s depiction of the bond between Balto and his human companion, a young girl named Rosy, is particularly heartwarming.
6. Wolf (1994)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Mike Nichols’ Wolf is a unique take on the werewolf genre, blending horror, romance, and corporate satire. Jack Nicholson stars as Will Randall, a mild-mannered book editor who is bitten by a wolf while driving through Vermont. As he begins to exhibit increasingly animalistic behavior, Will finds himself locked in a power struggle with his ruthless protégé (James Spader) at work.
Nicholson delivers a captivating performance as a man grappling with his newfound powers and primal urges, while Michelle Pfeiffer shines as the headstrong daughter of Will’s boss, who becomes drawn to his newfound confidence. With a star-studded cast and a darkly comedic tone, Wolf offers a fresh perspective on the classic werewolf tale, exploring themes of power, instinct, and human nature.
7. The Howling (1981)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Shudder
Joe Dante’s The Howling is a landmark werewolf film that helped redefine the genre in the 1980s. The story follows Karen White (Dee Wallace), a TV news anchor who is sent to a remote mountain resort to recover after a traumatic encounter with a serial killer. As she and her husband settle in, they discover that the resort’s residents are hiding a terrifying secret.
The Howling is notable for its groundbreaking special effects, particularly its incredibly detailed werewolf transformations. The film also boasts a strong cast, with standout performances from Wallace, Patrick Macnee, and Robert Picardo. Balancing scares and dark humor, The Howling is a must-see for any horror fan, offering a fresh take on werewolf lore while paying homage to classic films like The Wolf Man.
8. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London is a classic horror-comedy that follows two American backpackers, David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), as they trek across the English moors. After being attacked by a werewolf, Jack is killed, and David is left to deal with the curse of lycanthropy.
The film is renowned for its groundbreaking makeup effects by Rick Baker, who won an Academy Award for his work. The transformation scenes are still considered some of the best in the genre. Naughton’s performance perfectly captures David’s anguish and terror as he comes to terms with his new reality, while Dunne’s undead Jack provides darkly comedic relief. An American Werewolf in London seamlessly blends horror and humor, creating a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
9. Silver Bullet (1985)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Shudder
Based on Stephen King’s novella “Cycle of the Werewolf,” Silver Bullet is a classic ’80s horror film that follows a small town terrorized by a werewolf. The story centers on Marty (Corey Haim), a young wheelchair-bound boy, and his sister Jane (Megan Follows) as they attempt to uncover the identity of the creature and stop its killing spree.
Silver Bullet features strong performances from its young leads and a memorable turn by Gary Busey as the siblings’ alcoholic Uncle Red. The film’s practical effects, including a transformation scene reminiscent of An American Werewolf in London, are impressive for the time. With its blend of horror, family drama, and coming-of-age themes, Silver Bullet is a solid entry in the werewolf subgenre.
10. Ginger Snaps (2000)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Shudder
Ginger Snaps is a unique and subversive take on the werewolf genre, using lycanthropy as a metaphor for puberty and the challenges of adolescence. The film follows two outcast sisters, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), whose close bond is tested when Ginger is bitten by a werewolf and begins to undergo a terrifying transformation.
Ginger Snaps is notable for its strong lead performances, sharp writing, and feminist themes. The film explores the sisters’ complex relationship and the societal pressures they face as young women, all while delivering genuine scares and gory practical effects. Its clever subversion of genre tropes and thought-provoking subtext make Ginger Snaps a standout in the werewolf canon.
11. Dog Soldiers (2002)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Shudder
Neil Marshall’s Dog Soldiers is a tense and action-packed horror film that follows a squad of British soldiers on a training mission in the Scottish Highlands. When they discover the bloody remains of a special forces team, they soon find themselves under attack by a pack of werewolves.
Dog Soldiers is a lean, mean thriller that makes the most of its limited budget with strong performances, clever writing, and impressive practical effects. The film’s claustrophobic setting and relentless pacing create a sense of dread and tension that never lets up. With its mix of military action and horror, Dog Soldiers is a unique and entertaining entry in the werewolf genre.
12. Bad Moon (1996)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Bad Moon is a underrated gem that follows Ted (Michael Paré), a man who returns home to his sister and her son after a harrowing encounter with a werewolf in Nepal. As Ted struggles to control his newfound lycanthropy, his sister’s protective German Shepherd, Thor, becomes suspicious of his behavior.
Bad Moon is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Paré and Mariel Hemingway as Ted’s sister. The film also features impressive practical effects and a unique perspective, with much of the story told from Thor’s point of view. While it may not be as well-known as some other entries on this list, Bad Moon is a solid and entertaining werewolf film that deserves more recognition.
13. The Company of Wolves (1984)
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel
Neil Jordan’s The Company of Wolves is a dark and dreamlike adaptation of Angela Carter’s short story of the same name. The film follows Rosaleen (Sarah Patterson), a young girl in a fairytale world who learns about the dangers of werewolves through a series of stories told by her grandmother (Angela Lansbury).
The Company of Wolves is a visually stunning and deeply symbolic film that explores themes of sexuality, coming of age, and the blurred lines between humans and animals. With its lush cinematography, elaborate set designs, and haunting score, the film creates a mesmerizing and unsettling atmosphere. While it may not be for everyone, The Company of Wolves is a unique and thought-provoking entry in the werewolf genre.
14. The Wolfman (2010)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Joe Johnston’s The Wolfman is a remake of the classic 1941 film, starring Benicio del Toro as Lawrence Talbot, a man who returns to his family estate after his brother’s mysterious death. As he investigates the tragedy, Lawrence is bitten by a werewolf and must confront his own inner beast.
While The Wolfman received mixed reviews upon release, it features stunning visuals, impressive practical effects, and a strong cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, and Hugo Weaving. The film’s gothic atmosphere and tragic storyline pay homage to the original while updating the tale for modern audiences. Despite its flaws, The Wolfman is a visually striking and entertaining entry in the werewolf canon.
15. Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Brotherhood of the Wolf is a unique and genre-bending French film that combines elements of historical drama, martial arts, and horror. Set in 18th-century France, the story follows a naturalist (Samuel Le Bihan) and his Iroquois companion (Mark Dacascos) as they investigate a series of brutal killings attributed to a mysterious beast.
Directed by Christophe Gans, Brotherhood of the Wolf is a visually stunning and action-packed film that blends real-life events with supernatural elements. The film’s impressive fight choreography, lush cinematography, and intricate plot make for a thrilling and immersive viewing experience. While it may not be a traditional werewolf film, Brotherhood of the Wolf’s unique take on the genre and its exploration of the line between man and beast make it a must-see for fans of unconventional horror.
These 15 films showcase the incredible diversity and storytelling potential of the werewolf subgenre. From classic horror to coming-of-age tales, these movies explore the complex relationships between humans and wolves, the struggle between man and beast, and the primal fears that lurk within us all. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or simply appreciate a good story, these films are sure to leave a lasting impression.
So the next time you find yourself howling at the moon, consider curling up with one of these must-see movies. Who knows? You may just discover a new favorite tale of terror and transformation.
