You only need look at the excitement caused by Benicio Del Toro’s new film The Wolfman to realise how much we love stories about lycanthropes.
But why are we so fascinated by movies about people who change into man-eating wolves every full moon? It can’t be because we think we could all do with more hair, sharper teeth and a dog-like snout. Although, it’s a look that hasn’t done Sarah Jessica Parker’s career any harm at all. It’s probably something to do with unleashing the beast – something the hecklerspray crew tries to do every Friday night without fail. Of course, Hollywood has tried to tap into this curiosity on many occasions. However, very few filmmakers get it right.
Werewolves are slightly more demanding on special effects artists than zombies or vampires. While all you have to do with the other two is slap on some white make-up and you’re halfway there, changing into a half-man, half-beast demands a little more work. And let’s face it, most of them get it wrong. Even Jack Nicholson couldn’t save Wolf.
Anyway, here’s the list. Enjoy!
8. The Company of Wolves (1984)
Neil Jordan’s 1984 re-imagining of Little Red Riding Hood has little to do with the folklore of werewolves and more to do with Catholic anxiety over adolescent sexuality. Although the Gallagher brothers are visible proof you can never trust a man whose eyebrows meet in the middle.
7. Wolfen
If you’ve never seen this film, get it out now. Simply brilliant.
6. Ginger Snaps
Possibly the most misleading title of a film ever, but, then again, The Girl Who Had An Horrific First Period (you have to see the film to understand that reference) wouldn’t have sold many tickets. One of the best cult movies of recent years.
5. Teen Wolf
We had no idea werewolves were good at basketball until we saw this film.
4. Underworld
OK, this is just another excuse to stick a leather-clad Kate Beckinsale on the site.
3. The Howling
Even to this day, Joe Dante’s film is genuinely scary.
2. Dog Soldiers
Only just pipped to the top spot by An American Werewolf in London. Delivers frights and laughs in equal measure. Our favourite bit: “I hope I give you the shits.”
1. An American Werewolf in London
Simply the best-ever horror film ever made. It’s incredible that even with all of the advancements in technology in recent years, the transformation scene is still head and shoulders above anything else that has come since. So what’s our favourite bit? Well, it’s either the Slaughtered Lamb (we’ve all been in pubs where everyone stops what they’re doing to look at you) or the Nazi dream sequence.
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