The Top Eight Werewolf Movies of the Last 30 Years /
TK
Seriously Random Lists |
November 9, 2009 | Comments (54)
The werewolf genre should be a no-brainer. The concept of the beast within, of hidden rage and monsters buried inside a man (or woman), tied to the environment or the phases of the moon, is rife with possibility. However, it has somehow ended up a sadly neglected concept, relegated to a series of seriously bad movies. Crap like Skinwalkers, Van Helsing, Cursed, An American Werewolf in Paris and the unending series of truly terrible Underworld movies (which, along with Alien vs. Predator, are doubly guilty of ruining one of the greatest potential cinematic matchups ever), all sully the good name of lupine therianthropy, aka lycanthropy.
And those are just the so-called first tier werewolf movies that have caused genre fans misery over the years. It doesn’t factor in the endless list of c/d-movie direct-to-video tripe like Mario Van Peebles’ Full Moon, the Michael Pare/Mariel Hemingway shitsnooze Bad Moon, and a whole series of other wolf/moon titled cinematic barf bags.
But there is hope for those of you who love some shape-shifting badassery, if you’re looking for a fix to hold you over until the release of the remake of The Wolfman. If Richard is your favorite character in the Anita Blake novels (the early ones, before they started to, you know, suck), if you look at a full moon and have a craving for a nice rare steak, if you sometimes wish you could just explode into fur and fangs and fury, then this is the list for you.
In no particular order:
An American Werewolf In London (1981), directed by John Landis
Wolfen (1981), directed by Michael Wadleigh
In The Company of Wolves (1984), directed by Neil Jordan
And Now I want to see the Howling. I've never seen it but I've realized I'm a Joe Dante fan. It just happened one day.
Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at November 9, 2009 3:22 PM
Brotherhood of the Wolf, nuff said...
Posted by: Ted at November 9, 2009 3:26 PM
Apparently I really, really need to see Ginger Snaps. Never heard of it except for here on Pajiba, but it gets a lot of love.
Also, the Underworld movies may have under-utilized werewolfitude and not done justice to the vampire vs. werewolf idea, but I maintain that the best part of the movies is/was Michael Sheen as Lucian. "You're acting like a pack of wild dogs! And that, gentlemen, simply will not do."
2007's Nature of the Beast with ShitBreak Finch - stands out mostly for being the last original film on ABCFamily's 13 Nights of Halloween from, you know, back when they gave a shit.
Posted by: laredo at November 9, 2009 3:48 PM
Sure The Howling is great and all, but how do you leave out the howling sequal with Sybil Danning?
Posted by: mrcreosote at November 9, 2009 3:55 PM
Teen Wolf is not only the greatest werewolf movie ever, but it's also the greatest sports movie ever. You can take Bull Durham, Raging Bull, Rocky, Hoosiers, The Natural, and whatever else and just throw them out.
Each time I watch Scott Howard in non-wolf form lead his team to basketball victory to the stirring refrain of Mark Safan's "Win In The End," chills ripple up my spine, and I'm brought to tears.
Posted by: DarthCorleone at November 9, 2009 4:04 PM
Teen Wolf also has the best movie title of all time. No question what it's about.
Posted by: mex at November 9, 2009 4:16 PM
Darth:
Don't forget Pam's tits.
And Boof!
7 minutes in the closet, Groooowl!
/sarcasm
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at November 9, 2009 4:18 PM
Judy Greer makes Cursed worth watching especially when she flips them off in werewolf form.
Posted by: Brie at November 9, 2009 4:21 PM
Cursed may not be a great movie, or a great werewolf movie, but it is a fun movie. Not only does it have Judy Greer, it has Jesse Eisenberg. And Joshua Jackson. RIP.
Posted by: MM at November 9, 2009 4:24 PM
Oh, I'd forgotten about Wolf with Nicholson...as I recall it wasn't that great, and left me feeling really sorry for the wolf.
I actually rented "An American Werewolf in London" recently, and it's held up rather well. The mix of comedy and horror is nice, and the special effects have the best werewolf transformation I've seen. However my favorite bit was at the very end of the credits when this rolled up:
"We'd like to congratulate HRH Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on the occasion of their marriage."
Posted by: BWeaves at November 9, 2009 4:34 PM
But but but...
Jack and Michelle got to go get their wolf on together, running wild and free in the end. And it was probably the last may-december pairing I have seen Nicholson in that wasn't entirely stomach churning. It was a bit churn-y but still kinda hot. Because, you know, they were wolves.
And Spader was Eeeevil. Which is just how I like him.
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at November 9, 2009 4:38 PM
Lindsey, all fair points. Only reason that it didn't make the list is because, well, it's a shitty movie.
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at November 9, 2009 4:47 PM
"Wolf"? "Ladyhawke"?
Posted by: indiec at November 9, 2009 4:50 PM
Lindsey with an 'e' >> I agree with you that Wolf deserves credit for the wolves-happily-ever-after ending, and the first act has a nice setup and some good dialogue. Everything in between, though, is sort of lacking, especially that hokey climax with the wolfed-out Spader. If you want the under-appreciated Mike Nichols' masterpiece that deals with the wild kingdom, look no further than 1973's The Day Of The Dolphin.
And you seem to think I'm being sarcastic about Teen Wolf. I assure I'm not. Not in the least. Why it's not on AFI's list of 100 best films is beyond me.
Posted by: DarthCorleone at November 9, 2009 4:52 PM
The only thing I assume, my friend, is that you are far far cleverer than me. I am the one being sarcastic.
About both movies.
What can I say, it's my day off and I like to stir shit up on Pajiba.
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at November 9, 2009 5:00 PM
What about Fright Night 2? That werewolf is miles beyond Teen Wolf. Hell, even Bad Moon is better than the Teen Wolf shit-storm. And what about The Company of Wolves or Monster Squad?
Posted by: Adam C at November 9, 2009 5:00 PM
Ohhh, Ladyhawke. Unorthodox, but a nice pull, indiec.
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at November 9, 2009 5:01 PM
Lindsey >> O.k. You got me. I'm being sarcastic. And sadly, it's not my day off, so I should get back to work and its less humorous nature.
Posted by: DarthCorleone at November 9, 2009 5:06 PM
I'm not sure. Wolfen counts in my book, and it's an under-appreciated movie. But, /SPOILER it's not quite the classic werewolf mythos /END SPOILER.
So, how far we gonna stretch this? Do they gotta be people who turn into wolves or is the general "scary monster inside" enough.
- Still with the critters: Cat People. I'm thinking maybe yes.
- Metaphorical "scary monsters": River Tam. I'm thinking not.
- Scary movie making: The Island of Dr.Moreau (Brando / Kilmer). Sorry I brought it up.
Posted by: BierceAmbrose at November 9, 2009 5:12 PM
Oh, I got you baby.
I got you riiight here... :-}
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at November 9, 2009 5:21 PM
Today's hipster/werewolf fun fact:
Emily Perkins, who played Bridgitte (the younger sister) in Ginger Snaps was the abortion clinic receptionist in Juno.
Yes, I am bored at work today.
Posted by: Skewicide Blonde at November 9, 2009 5:37 PM
Long time listener, first time caller.
Howling 2 is the reason my childhood memories contain a naked werewolf orgy. But I ain't complainin'.
Also, I say good day to any list that does not show some respect to the pulverizing of Wolfman's nards. Any. List.
Posted by: diveaux at November 9, 2009 5:59 PM
I love ginger snaps, awesome film and my favourite biscuit. I wish Nadine would turn into a werewolf. Then Id have a reason for the leash and collar.
Posted by: nieve at November 9, 2009 6:50 PM
Great list. I'm pretty sure the film is just called The Company of Wolves, but that's splitting hairs for the inclusion of my favorite Angela Lansbury film.
Shame Ginger Snaps: Unleashed couldn't make the list, too. It's the darker psychological cousin of the dark coming of age werewolf picture so man love. Yes, I know Ghost is beyond annoying; that's the point. Doesn't mean that it's not a fantastic werewolf picture.
Robert I totally agree I loved Ginger Snaps Unleashed, and I even liked Ghost with her obvious flair for stewie griffin like himicidal tendencies
Posted by: nieve at November 9, 2009 8:08 PM
But TK, that's like not including 28 Weeks Later in a best zombie flicks list because the infected aren't technically zombies. Both movies are good enough to warrant inclusion. And Le Pacte Des Loups has that great transition scene from Monica Bellucci's assets to a snowy mountainside. As GOB would say, COME on!
As for the list, I must say a big thank you for including Silver Bullet. It's not my favourite werewolf movie, but it was my first, and it has a special place in my heart. And Terry O'Quinn is in it!
Posted by: LowSlash at November 9, 2009 8:10 PM
I remember reading Wolfen when I was a kid (probably not long after it came out). It scared the crap out of me. Especially when we used to have to drive on the highway over the Bronx on the way to Grandma's house. All those burnt out buildings.
I never saw the movie. It would have either ruined the scary fun or brought my nightmares to life.
Posted by: jk at November 9, 2009 9:40 PM
I remember being disappointed by Wolfen, because it was released pretty close to The Howling (three months apart), and I got them confused. I was watching Wolfen, waiting for the kick-ass transformation I'd heard about, and it never came.
(a transformation which pretty much creates a tie, in my mind, between The Howling and American Werewolf in London, for best transformation ever.)
I never went back and watched Wolfen, after I realized my goof. I should do that.
Posted by: Rykker at November 9, 2009 10:19 PM
...like Mario Van Peebles’ Full Moon
It's Full Eclipse, a detail of the utmost importance!
Posted by: uselessmale at November 9, 2009 10:54 PM
Since I stumbled across it on Netflix, I've had a strange fondness for Blood Moon. It has Tim Curry running a freak show, strangely amusing musical numbers, and an interesting twist on the werewolf thing. I've gotten a number of friends to watch just based on promising a midget strip show.
Also, I did a ridiculous amount of werewolf research for a novel a couple of years ago, and I've got to admit that it's been hard to take them seriously since learning that the loup garou in Louisiana can be scared off with a frog of all fucking things.
That and learning that if you hang a net outside your door, they have to count or untie every knot before they can come into your house, and if you catch one counting and sprinkle it with salt, it will burst into flames and jump out of its skin, so you're left with a flaming pile of werewolf skin on your porch while you watch a naked man streak off into the bayou, where he's sure to be terrified to death by a frog.
Ladyhawke is a classic, but someone should rescore it; the music was atrocious. I lay that on the era though.
Posted by: idleprimate at November 10, 2009 1:02 AM
what about "Harry Potter and the Prisonner of Azkaban"? That's a pretty good movie, and it stars Gary Oldman, who, beside being God on Earth, is amazing in it, and David Thewlis is quite remarkable as a lonesome and tired werewolf.
The Howling is great. The transformation scenes are preposterously awesome.
Posted by: Steph at November 10, 2009 9:55 AM
I guess you have no love for Blood and Chocolate, huh?
Posted by: Reba at November 10, 2009 2:06 PM
The Company of Wolves is a true classic. Howling,American Werewolf in London and Dog Soldiers are flippen great movies. I have to mention an English kids show from the 80's called the Box of Delights. Teen Wolf just does not compare!!!
Posted by: Bob at November 10, 2009 5:58 PM
How come no one has pointed out the fact that Dog Soldiers kinda sucks? Why is that movie so popular? Crappy plot, crappy effects.
Posted by: Some Guy at November 11, 2009 3:21 PM
Teen Wolf EASILY deserves its spot on that list. You have to balance it out with multiple TYPES of GOOD werewolf films..and just because a sequel was made..that I hope to GOD no one saw...cuz I didn't...doesn't mean that it was ruined...the matrix was ruined by it's sequels but Teen Wolf is still a classic werewolf movie...
Say what you will about the sequels but Underworld does quite a good job of representing werewolves. and proving body suits arn't outdated and can still work if the makers are willing to put in the effort.
Posted by: Melko at December 12, 2009 5:19 PM
I AM TRYING TO FINE THE MOVIE CALLED MOM IT IS A WEREWOLF MOVIE WHEN A MOM IS BIT BY A WEREWOLF SHE WAS A OLD WOMAN I WOULD LIKE TO BUY THIS MOVIE
Posted by: Ashley N Porter at December 21, 2009 7:24 PM
Dude, Teen Wolf has no business being on that list.
Seriously, you just HAD to go and ruin it, YOU... ruiner.