Horror Films with a Lunar Twist

Description: One of the earliest werewolf films, it features a botanist who becomes a werewolf after being bitten in Tibet. The moon's phases are crucial to his transformation and the film's eerie atmosphere.

Fact: This film predates "The Wolf Man" by six years and was Universal's first werewolf movie.

Description: Set in the Deep South, this film follows a sheriff investigating a series of murders that coincide with the full moon. The moon's presence is both a literal and metaphorical element in the unfolding mystery.

Fact: This made-for-TV movie was based on a novel by Leslie H. Whitten. It features a young David Janssen, known for his role in "The Fugitive."

Description: While not exclusively about the moon, the film's iconic transformation scene is triggered by the full moon, making it a staple in werewolf cinema. The moon's presence is a constant reminder of the protagonist's curse.

Fact: The film's makeup effects by Rick Baker won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Makeup.

Description: This classic werewolf film explores the transformation of a news anchor into a lycanthrope, with the full moon playing a pivotal role in her metamorphosis. The moon's influence is not just a catalyst for horror but also a symbol of primal instincts unleashed.

Fact: The film was inspired by the novel of the same name by Gary Brandner. It features practical effects by Rob Bottin, who later worked on "The Thing."

Description: A surreal, dreamlike adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, where the moon's phases are intricately woven into the narrative, symbolizing the passage of time and the transformation of characters.

Fact: The film was directed by Neil Jordan, who later directed "Interview with the Vampire."

Description: Based on Stephen King's novella "Cycle of the Werewolf," this film centers on a small town terrorized by a werewolf, with the full moon dictating the creature's appearances and the town's fear.

Fact: The film was directed by Dan Attias, known for his work on television series like "The Sopranos."

Description: A man bitten by a werewolf in Nepal returns home, struggling to keep his curse a secret from his family. The full moon becomes a ticking clock, signaling the time when he must transform, creating tension and dread.

Fact: The film was directed by Eric Red, who also wrote the screenplay for "Near Dark." It was one of the first films to use CGI for werewolf transformations.

Description: A remake of the 1941 classic, this film follows Lawrence Talbot as he returns to his ancestral home and becomes cursed by a werewolf. The full moon is central to his transformation and the film's horror elements.

Fact: The film features practical effects by Rick Baker, who won an Academy Award for his work on this movie.

Description: A comedic take on the werewolf genre, where a high school student becomes a werewolf after a trip to Romania. The full moon is both a source of humor and horror in this unique film.

Fact: The film was directed by Larry Cohen, known for his cult classics like "It's Alive" and "Q: The Winged Serpent."

Description: A dark coming-of-age story where a teenage girl's first period coincides with a werewolf attack, linking her transformation to the lunar cycle. The moon here symbolizes the uncontrollable changes of adolescence.

Fact: The film was shot in Edmonton, Alberta, and became a cult classic for its unique blend of horror and dark comedy.