10 Movies & Shows Like The Howling (1981)

Description: A classic Universal monster movie that established many of the werewolf tropes still used today, including the curse of the werewolf and the transformative power of the full moon.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to 'Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man,' but it was reworked into a standalone story. The iconic pentagram symbol was created specifically for this movie.

Description: A British horror-mystery that plays with the werewolf genre by incorporating a 'whodunit' element, where guests at a remote estate are suspected of being the beast.

Fact: The film features a 'werewolf break' near the end, giving the audience a chance to guess the identity of the werewolf. It was based on a short story by James Blish.

Description: A horror-comedy that blends gruesome werewolf transformations with dark humor, set in a modern urban environment. The film is notable for its groundbreaking special effects and a mix of terror and wit.

Fact: The transformation scene took a week to film and was so intense that the actor had to take breaks to recover. It won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Makeup.

Description: A supernatural horror-thriller that explores werewolf mythology from a more mystical and ancient perspective, focusing on Native American legends and urban decay.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Whitley Strieber, who also wrote 'The Hunger.' It was one of the first movies to use thermal vision for certain scenes.

Description: A surreal, fairy-tale-inspired horror film that reimagines Little Red Riding Hood with werewolves and explores themes of sexuality and transformation through dreamlike storytelling.

Fact: The film was co-written by Angela Carter, based on her own short stories. The werewolf transformations were achieved using a combination of practical effects and stop-motion animation.

Description: A small-town horror story centered around a werewolf's rampage, focusing on a group of townspeople trying to uncover the beast's identity. The film combines mystery and horror with a coming-of-age narrative.

Fact: Based on Stephen King's novella 'Cycle of the Werewolf.' The film's werewolf design was kept secret until the final reveal to maintain suspense.

Description: A tense werewolf thriller that focuses on the suspicion and paranoia surrounding a man who may be hiding a monstrous secret, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics and loyalty.

Fact: The film's werewolf was designed by Stan Winston's studio. The dog in the movie was trained to react to the werewolf as if it were a real threat, adding to the tension.

Description: A unique take on the werewolf mythos, using lycanthropy as a metaphor for puberty and female adolescence. The film blends body horror with dark comedy and a strong sisterly bond.

Fact: The script was written in just three weeks. The film's low budget forced the filmmakers to get creative with the werewolf effects, leading to a more symbolic than literal transformation.

Description: A gritty, action-packed werewolf film that pits a group of soldiers against a pack of relentless werewolves in the Scottish Highlands. The movie emphasizes survival horror and practical effects.

Fact: The film was shot in Luxembourg due to budget constraints, despite being set in Scotland. It was the directorial debut of Neil Marshall, who went on to direct 'The Descent.'

Description: A unique blend of werewolf horror and character drama, following a blind war veteran who must defend his retirement community from a werewolf. The film combines action, mystery, and emotional depth.

Fact: The movie was shot in just 18 days. The werewolf design was intentionally kept practical and old-school to honor classic monster movies.