PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Welcome, dear readers, to the wonderful world of monsters. As avid horror fans, we sit in wait sometimes patiently – sometimes not so patiently – in anticipation of what wonderful monster film will come out next, whether it be remakes or fresh, new adaptions of what once was a classic. Some we love, some we hate, but some we also love to hate and hate to love. Our relationship with monster movies, young and old, will last a lifetime.
To celebrate the hairiest of all the monsters, PopHorror writer April Dumont has compiled a list of her Top 5 Werewolf Films. Check it out!
5) The Wolf Man (1941)
The first film I want to mention in my Top 5 Werewolf Films list is The Wolf Man. In this dramatic black and white film from 1941, we see a beautifully filmed masterpiece unfold before our eyes. It has become one of those films that all others compare to, a movie about werewolves and hunger and love. With an incredible musical score by Charles Previn and the timeless effects and visuals by legendary makeup artist Jack Pierce, it is one of those werewolf films that will not soon be forgotten or left to rot. Directed by George Waggner and starring Lon Chaney, Jr, The Wolf Man (read our retro review here) is an incredible standard for all creature features to be up against, and nothing compares to its contrast of darkness and light. It is worth a watch on the night of a full moon.
“Even a man who is pure of heart, and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright.”
4) Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
Directed by Terence Fisher, Curse of the Werewolf is one of those oddly tedious and strange films, set in a time and place that seem just all around unbelievable. The movie has a very long origin story and not enough main story. So, why did I choose to put this as number two in my list? Simple: the effects and makeup by Les Bowie were amazing at the time. It takes every single aspect from every other werewolf film and adapts into a hairy, bloody beast of a man. Sadly, he died just minutes before receiving his Special Achievement Award at the Oscars. Is Curse of the Werewolf worth a watch? Absolutely! It may take some patience, but in the end, it’s one of those films that just can’t be crowned.
3) An American Werewolf in London (1981)
American Werewolf in London is, quite simply, one of the best. The story follows two gentlemen on a lovely trip to the English moors only to run into some trouble. Written and directed by John Landis, it has many elements of the traditional horror aspect, accompanied by the modern day comedic view. American Werewolf in London is one of those films that you can view over and over, and never get bored watching it. The effects of the change from human to wolf – created by FX guru Rick Baker – are superb, and I can’t help but smile every time I see those hands turn into claws and the horrific screams that follow. It has to be seen to be believed.
2) The Howling (1981)
Although campy and at often times whimsical, Joe Dante’s The Howling (read our retro review here) is a definite must see werewolf film. Filled with amusing banter and pre-CGI makeup effects by Rob Bottin (under the tutelage of Rick Baker), it is one of the best werewolf adaptations of its kind. It digs at the modern culture of its era, and is one of those movies that a true werewolf fan must see. It’s post-modern and funny, yet it gives you chills down your spine that only werewolf films can do.
1) Ginger Snaps (2000)
In this coming of age film directed by John Fawcett, the #1 movie on my Top 5 Werewolf Films list follows two sisters who are essentially social outcasts. Although it seems more of a metaphor for puberty and growing up, the film has one of the best from human to werewolf morph scenes. Ginger Snaps (read our retro review here) is a fantastic film and is quite popular with the younger generations. With a great score by Mike Shields and equally terrific acting from Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins, accompanied by its raw, sarcastic, dark humor and stubborn realistic attitudes of modern teenage angst, Ginger Snaps is worth every second of your time.
That about wraps up my list of Top 5 Werewolf Films. Did your favorite land on my list? Let me know in the comments!
