Werewolves. Half-human, half-hound, fully f***ed up. They’re the shapeshifting shaggy nightmares that make you question every “nice doggy” encounter. Hairmageddon on two legs, with claws that scream, “I’m not just here to pet you!” These beasts don’t just howl—they hurl you into the were-verse of blood, teeth, and terror. They’re walking fur-nados of chaos, biting their way into your worst dreams and, occasionally, your dinner plans. Forget vampires. Werewolves are the real apex predators. And today, we’re sinking our teeth into the best werewolf horror movies ever made—films so good they’ll make you growl with delight. Keep reading—if you dare. Or don’t, but then you’ll miss out on some truly hair-raising fun.
The Howling (1981)
When Karen White, a plucky TV journalist, gets too close to a story about a serial killer, she finds herself face-to-muzzle with something far scarier: a pack of werewolves on holiday at a remote therapy retreat. Joe Dante’s The Howling takes the phrase “getting in touch with your primal self” to a whole new level. The film’s groundbreaking special effects, courtesy of Rob Bottin, still make modern CGI look like amateur finger painting. It’s not just about the hair and teeth—this movie revels in its campy tone and clever dialogue, delivering both chills and chuckles. Watching it feels like a howling good time (pun absolutely intended) with a twist of cynicism about human nature—or should we say, were-nature?
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Who knew backpacking through the English moors could be hazardous to your health? David and Jack certainly didn’t, until their pub crawl turned into a literal wolf crawl. An American Werewolf in London is the perfect mix of gut-busting laughs and, well, just gut-busting. John Landis crafts a rollercoaster of awkward humor and brutal horror as David transforms into a werewolf—and trust us, it’s not a graceful makeover. Rick Baker’s Oscar-winning special effects are the star here, with the transformation scene still causing audiences to wince. By the end, you’ll wonder if traveling abroad is worth the risk of encountering both creepy locals and hungry lycanthropes.
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Dog Soldiers (2002)
Think being trapped in the wilderness with your mates sounds fun? Add a pack of werewolves, and Dog Soldiers makes a strong case for sticking to city life. Neil Marshall’s low-budget masterpiece pits a group of bickering British soldiers against werewolves so ferocious, they’d make your average family dog hide under the couch. This film delivers with biting (literally) humor, practical effects, and just the right amount of blood-soaked carnage. Picture Predator with a full moon and more fur. It’s one of those movies that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to leave you checking your locks—and possibly your moon calendar.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Puberty is bad enough without throwing lycanthropy into the mix. Enter Ginger Snaps, a Canadian gem where two death-obsessed sisters find their lives upended when Ginger gets bitten by a werewolf. Spoiler: growing claws isn’t the fun makeover she hoped for. This darkly comedic horror film is as much about the trials of adolescence as it is about battling one’s inner (and increasingly hairy) demons. The metaphor for puberty is so on the nose it might bite, but that’s what makes it brilliant. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll reconsider those angsty teenage years as a werewolf-free blessing.
Late Phases (2014)
If Clint Eastwood and a werewolf had a love child, it might look something like Late Phases. Blind Vietnam vet Ambrose McKinley isn’t here to make friends with his suspiciously mauled neighbors at a retirement community. When werewolves start thinning out the bingo crowd, Ambrose takes it personally, sharpening his skills—and his silver bullets. The humor in Late Phases comes from Ambrose’s dry, no-nonsense attitude, making him the least likely (but somehow most satisfying) werewolf hunter ever. It’s a story about fighting monsters even when your knees creak louder than the beast outside. And hey, if you’re going to go down, why not take a werewolf with you?
Howl (2015)
Forget delayed flights; how about a train ride where the passengers become snacks for werewolves? Howl throws a group of unlucky travelers into the English countryside and makes them the midnight special on the werewolf buffet. Packed with dark humor, the film features bickering passengers whose personalities are so grating, you almost root for the wolves—almost. What sets this one apart is the confined setting; there’s no running away unless you fancy a stroll into the claws of the beasts. With surprisingly sharp dialogue and a pace that keeps chugging along, Howl delivers plenty of reasons to reconsider public transportation.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Marvel, meet lycanthropy. Werewolf by Night brings comic book panache to classic horror tropes with a black-and-white aesthetic that oozes retro charm. The story follows a group of monster hunters competing for a mystical artifact while one of them is secretly a werewolf. Spoiler alert: it’s not the guy who’s unusually hairy “just because.” The beauty of this special lies in its simplicity—it’s like watching an old Universal monster movie but with a modern twist and way more blood. And the humor? Dry, sharp, and wonderfully self-aware. It’s proof that even the MCU can get a little hairy sometimes.
Silver Bullet (1985)
Stephen King brings his usual flair for small-town horror to Silver Bullet, a tale of a boy in a wheelchair, his scrappy sister, and a drunk uncle trying to uncover a werewolf terrorizing their sleepy town. If that doesn’t sound wild enough, Gary Busey plays the uncle, so you know things get delightfully unhinged. This movie strikes a weirdly charming balance between heartwarming family dynamics and, well, people getting torn apart by a werewolf. Plus, it features a motorized wheelchair that doubles as a battle chariot. If Silver Bullet doesn’t make you laugh, scream, or both, you might be the werewolf.
Teen Wolf (1985)
Werewolves in horror are great, but werewolves in high school? That’s pure comedic gold. Teen Wolf turns the genre on its furry head, starring Michael J. Fox as Scott, a dorky teen who discovers that lycanthropy might just make him cool. Watching him dunk basketballs and navigate puberty as a literal wolf is as ridiculous as it sounds, and that’s what makes it work. Packed with awkward humor, ‘80s charm, and a werewolf doing a handstand on a moving van, Teen Wolf proves that not all werewolf stories need to be dark and brooding. Sometimes, you just need to howl with laughter.
Viking Wolf (2022)
When Norway throws its hat into the werewolf ring, you know things are about to get serious—and icy. Viking Wolf follows a teenager who starts having strange visions after a werewolf attack, because nothing says “Nordic horror” like existential dread with a side of lycanthropy. This film combines Scandinavian folklore with modern scares, making it the perfect blend of ancient and feral. The humor here is as cold and biting as the Norwegian winter, but it works. Who needs sunlight when you’ve got wolves prowling the fjords? Watch this one with a blanket—and maybe a Viking helmet for moral support.
The Wolfman (2010)
Benicio del Toro takes on the titular role in this atmospheric remake of the classic tale, and he doesn’t hold back. The film features lavish Victorian sets, ominous fog (of course), and some seriously gnarly transformations. But the real MVP here is Anthony Hopkins, who chews scenery like it’s his last meal, delivering darkly humorous one-liners with the subtlety of a wrecking ball. Sure, the movie is a bit melodramatic, but isn’t that part of the fun? If you’ve ever wanted to see Shakespearean-level tragedy mixed with growls and gore, The Wolfman has you covered.
The Cursed (2021)
Forget sparkly vampires—The Cursed gives us werewolves with a side of historical horror. Set in 19th-century France, the film weaves a story about a cursed land, creepy scarecrows, and, oh yeah, werewolves that look like they’ve been pulled straight from your nightmares. It’s stylish, brutal, and refreshingly inventive, offering a mix of body horror and psychological scares. The dark humor sneaks in through the sheer audacity of its brutality—by the time someone’s gnawed to pieces, you’ll either be cringing or nervously laughing. Either way, it’s a feast for horror fans who like their werewolves with a historical twist.
Wolf (1994)
What do you get when you mix Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and a werewolf bite? An oddly sensual, darkly funny film that feels like The Devil Wears Prada but with claws. Nicholson plays a book editor who gains werewolf powers and suddenly gets very good at his job—because apparently, growling at your coworkers is an effective management strategy. The film’s humor is delightfully self-aware, leaning into its absurd premise without losing its gothic vibe. By the time Nicholson bares his teeth (literally), you’re hooked. Wolf is proof that werewolf movies can be weird, witty, and wonderfully over the top.
Wer (2013)
This underrated gem takes the found footage format and flips it on its furry head. When a hulking man is accused of being a werewolf, his legal team uncovers terrifying truths that make them regret not charging by the hour. Wer delivers sharp tension, believable performances, and a refreshing lack of CGI fluff. The humor comes from its realistic approach—watching lawyers try to rationalize werewolves is as darkly hilarious as it is horrifying. If you like your werewolf movies grounded yet gory, Wer is a bite-sized thrill.
Never Cry Werewolf (2008)
Think Rear Window, but instead of a creepy neighbor, it’s a werewolf—and instead of Hitchcock-level suspense, you get a campy horror flick starring Kevin Sorbo. Never Cry Werewolf embraces its ridiculousness, following a teenage girl who discovers her neighbor is a bloodthirsty beast. The humor here is as cheesy as it gets, but that’s part of its charm. Between Sorbo’s over-the-top performance and the hilariously obvious werewolf tropes, this movie is like a popcorn-fueled guilty pleasure. Watch it for the laughs, not the logic.
Let’s be honest, most of you probably sprinted to the cinema on December 6 to catch Werewolves. We get it, the allure of sharp teeth and full-moon chaos is irresistible. And now that you’ve gotten a fresh taste of the beast, we’re pretty sure you’re itching (hopefully not fur-related) to see even more. That’s why we’ve compiled this list—so you can keep the werewolf party rolling, no silver bullets required. Go on, press play, and let the claws-and-carnage marathon begin!
Now what’s your next watch after those terrifying werewolf flicks? Vampires!!
Here are The Best Vampire Horror Movies You Need to Watch!
