Every Werewolf Movie From 1981, Ranked

by

I remember 1981 being a huge year for werewolf movies – there were actually four released! It got me thinking about which one was the best. We’ve loved werewolves in horror films ever since Universal’s The Wolf Man came out in 1941. There’s just something about these stories of men turning into monsters that really grabs you, and it all comes from those old folklore tales.

The horror genre, specifically werewolf movies, really gained momentum in the 1980s. 1981 was a particularly strong year, with several now-classic werewolf films being released. But when it comes to the very best of that year, only one movie stands out as the ultimate choice.

4. Full Moon High

Director Larry Cohen often made wild, low-budget films, but Full Moon High wasn’t among his strongest. The movie is a comedy about a teenager who gets bitten by a werewolf and mysteriously stops aging. He goes back to high school, but his unusual condition quickly leads to complications. Some ideas from this film were later used in the 1985 movie Teen Wolf, though that version was more successful.

Full Moon High struggles to find its footing as a comedy – it’s a mix of over-the-top and quirky that doesn’t quite work, with jokes hitting the mark only occasionally. While a werewolf comedy can be fun, this movie is let down by a needlessly complicated story and humor that hasn’t aged well, meaning it’s not very memorable and doesn’t compare favorably to other films in the genre. It’s okay for a one-time watch, but it won’t stick with you.

3. Wolfen

Released in the 1980s, Wolfen is a fantastic horror movie that deserves more recognition – it’s almost a classic. The film follows a detective investigating a string of brutal murders in New York City, leading him to suspect a legendary creature is responsible. Its unique take on a werewolf story, set in a gritty urban environment, is compelling, and the film’s strongest point is its incredibly effective atmosphere.

While tackling serious issues like income inequality and discrimination, the film remains true to its horror origins. It’s a worthy addition to the werewolf genre, though it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The movie’s biggest weakness is its slow speed, and the climaxes aren’t always satisfying. Ultimately, it’s easily eclipsed by two other, stronger werewolf films released in 1981.

2. The Howling

While The Howling could have been the most iconic werewolf film of the 1980s, it was released around the same time as a hugely popular horror movie. The story follows a journalist struggling with trauma who seeks help at a retreat, only to discover a frightening link to werewolves. Directed by Joe Dante and featuring impressive effects by Rob Bottin, it’s a must-see for horror fans.

With its unique story and memorable characters, The Howling delivers genuine scares and impressive werewolf transformations, staying true to the classic image of a walking, talking wolf. The film also offers clever observations about the media, continuing director Joe Dante’s lighthearted take on horror. It’s no surprise The Howling became a popular series.

1. An American Werewolf In London

Following the success of Animal House, director John Landis created something completely different with An American Werewolf in London. The film tells the story of an American tourist who becomes a werewolf while traveling through the UK. Although the incredibly realistic transformation effects by Rick Baker are famous, the entire movie is exceptionally well-made.

American Werewolf is a truly complete movie experience, skillfully blending genuine scares with sadness and even humor. Its special effects remain unmatched, and it fundamentally changed how werewolves are depicted in film. While many 1980s werewolf movies attempted to be groundbreaking, this 1981 horror classic stood out by honoring classic tropes while updating them for a modern audience.

Read More

2026-02-02 01:48