10 Scary Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Adaptations to Watch Before Netflix’s Guillermo Del Toro Movie

Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, *Frankenstein*, is a classic horror story about the dangers of a scientist pushing the boundaries of life and death. It’s become hugely influential, inspiring countless horror stories, films, and even entire series. Two hundred years later, its themes and ideas still appear in movies and other media, sometimes even without creators realizing its influence.

Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein*, ever since the famous 1931 film with Boris Karloff, has inspired many of the greatest horror movies ever made. Even when filmmakers try to make a lighter, more humorous version, the story’s unsettling and disturbing elements always shine through. Fans of the original novel have plenty of film adaptations to choose from, though some are much more successful than others.

I, Frankenstein Reimagines the Monster as a Gothic Superhero

I, Frankenstein tells the story of the Creature, now called Adam, who is hunted by both Heaven and Hell because he’s been brought back to life and can’t die. Rescued by gargoyles – angelic beings created to fight evil – he finds himself caught in a war against demons that could destroy the world. Remaining neutral, Adam tries to eliminate evil wherever he finds it and prevent either side from discovering the secrets of his creation.

Inspired by a graphic novel, *I, Frankenstein* picks up the story of the Creature long after Victor Frankenstein is gone. It’s a dark and fantastical superhero movie where the Creature unexpectedly becomes a hero, fighting to protect the world from dangerous monsters. While it feels more connected to the *Underworld* movies than the original Universal films, it’s an enjoyable film if you go in expecting that.

Van Helsing Boats a Fantastic Creature Design

The film *Van Helsing* opens with a dramatic scene: Dr. Frankenstein successfully brings his monster to life, only to be killed by Dracula. This causes the monster to lash out at Dracula and escape into the countryside, where he’s eventually hunted down by an angry crowd. The story then focuses on Van Helsing, a monster hunter employed by the Vatican. When he learns about Dracula’s existence, he’s dispatched to Transylvania to safeguard Anna Valerious, the last of a family dedicated to destroying the count.

The film *Van Helsing* beautifully frames the story of the Creature, exploring both its narrative and the scientific ideas behind it. Beyond a compelling plot, it features a truly iconic Monster design, skillfully combining Boris Karloff’s classic appearance with elements of science fiction. This version of the Creature is notably intelligent—a refreshing change from the typical, lumbering depictions—and this intelligence enhances the story significantly.

Victor Frankenstein Explores His Obsession

The 2015 film *Victor Frankenstein*, starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe, offers a fresh take on Mary Shelley’s classic tale, this time told through the eyes of Igor. The story starts with Victor rescuing Igor from a circus and focuses on their developing relationship as Victor pursues the controversial science of bringing the dead back to life. Haunted by the loss of his brother, Victor becomes increasingly obsessed, ultimately creating a frightening creature.

Though much of the film *Victor Frankenstein* focuses on the life and romantic pursuits of the creator’s assistant, the moment the Creature comes to life is genuinely frightening. Designed to look like the classic monster from the 1931 film, this version lacks the depth and tragedy of the original story, instead portraying a straightforward, terrifying killer. While not a completely faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel, it’s a unique take with some truly effective scares.

Bride of Frankenstein Became a Legend In Her Own Right

Following the success of the 1931 film *Frankenstein*, a sequel was made that introduced the idea of a companion for the Monster. *Bride of Frankenstein* picks up where the first movie left off, showing the townspeople’s reaction to the Monster’s continued existence. Meanwhile, Frankenstein’s old teacher, Septimus Pretorius, decides to create a mate for his former student’s creation.

Bride of Frankenstein turned its namesake into an iconic figure and deepened the tragedy of the Monster’s endless solitude. Many consider the two films to be a perfect pairing, best enjoyed together as a double feature. This film also introduced the idea that continuing Frankenstein’s work only leads to more and more disasters.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Is Campy Fun

The Rocky Horror Picture Show tells the story of Brad and Janet, a couple who stumble upon a strange castle while trying to escape a storm. They quickly find themselves at a party hosted by the outlandish Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who introduces his new creation, Rocky. Soon, Brad and Janet are drawn into a wild night filled with over-the-top musical performances, eccentric personalities, and complicated relationships as things within the castle take an unexpected turn.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show was created as a playful and over-the-top tribute to classic science fiction and horror films, with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein being a major influence. Tim Curry’s character, Frank-N-Furter, is a humorous take on Victor Frankenstein, capturing the same sense of wild ambition and the “mad scientist” archetype. The film has become a beloved classic over the years—and rightfully so—and is essential viewing for any fan of Frankenstein. Though largely a lighthearted and silly movie, it still manages to deliver a few genuinely scary moments.

The Curse of Frankenstein Built Hammer Horror

Hammer Films rose to prominence in the 1950s with horror and science fiction movies, including The Quatermass Xperiment. In 1957, they launched a successful series of monster films inspired by classic Universal pictures, starting with The Curse of Frankenstein. The movie opens with Victor Frankenstein on death row, telling the story of his risky experiments and the creation of his monstrous being.

Similar to other Hammer horror films, *The Curse of Frankenstein* skillfully adapts the original story while adding its own unique touches. Christopher Lee delivers a chilling performance as the Creature, and Peter Cushing is excellent as Frankenstein, cleverly revealing who the true monster really is. Beyond the strong performances, the film’s enduring popularity and iconic status are largely thanks to the memorable pairing of these two beloved actors. It remains a classic to this day.

Revenge of Frankenstein Continued Peter Cushing’s Legacy

Following the success of *Curse of Frankenstein*, Peter Cushing quickly became a leading figure in Hammer horror films and immediately began working on a sequel. *Revenge of Frankenstein* picks up after Victor escapes punishment, following him to Carlsbrück where, disguised, he attempts to give his deformed assistant a new body by transplanting his brain. When the assistant understands the danger of the procedure, he runs away, exposing Frankenstein’s identity and the threat of his creation to the townspeople.

With *Revenge of Frankenstein*, Hammer Films firmly established their version of the scientist as a true villain, presenting one of the most sinister interpretations of the character from Shelley’s original story. The movie focuses less on the monster and more on Victor Frankenstein’s obsessive and dangerous desire to control life itself.

Young Frankenstein Is Hysterical Fun

Let me tell you, Mel Brooks really hit his stride with 1974’s *Young Frankenstein*. It’s a hilarious take on the classic story, following Frederick – Victor Frankenstein’s grandson – as he heads to Transylvania after his grandfather passes away. Once there, he encounters the familiar faces of Igor, a bubbly assistant named Inga, and the somewhat intimidating Frau Blucher. Before long, Frederick gets caught up in his grandfather’s experiments, and, well, he manages to bring a rather clumsy, but ultimately good-hearted, monster to life, much to the surprise of the local town.

As a movie fan, I found the film’s black and white visuals and unsettling music really worked – it delivered some genuinely frightening jump scares and a creepy atmosphere. Honestly, it’s basically a scene-for-scene recreation of the original James Whale film, but with a fun twist! It takes everything and leans into slapstick and dark humor. I think younger audiences will enjoy it as a spooky mystery, and adults will appreciate the clever humor throughout.

1931’s Frankenstein is a Golden Age Icon

In 1931, director James Whale was asked by Universal Studios to make the now-classic *Frankenstein* movie. He cast Boris Karloff as the Monster, a role that would define his career. The film tells the story of Henry Frankenstein’s attempt to create life, showcasing science’s power over nature. But when Frankenstein unknowingly uses the brain of a murderer, his creation escapes and causes trouble for the nearby town.

James Whale’s film remains the most recognizable version of Mary Shelley’s monster, shaping how it’s imagined even today. A true classic of scary and suspenseful filmmaking, it perfectly captures the best of early horror and cemented Boris Karloff’s status as a legendary actor.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Is a Haunting Tragedy

Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 film is considered one of the best adaptations of Mary Shelley’s novel. The movie traces Victor Frankenstein’s life, from his youth to his work as a scientist, focusing on his obsession with creating life. He succeeds in bringing a creature to life in Ingolstadt, but horrified by his creation, he attempts to destroy it. This forces the Creature to escape and fend for itself. Abandoned and alone, the Creature struggles to survive in a disease-ridden part of Bavaria, eventually becoming consumed by anger and seeking revenge on Victor.

Among all the *Frankenstein* films, Kenneth Branagh’s version stands out as the most genuinely frightening, thanks to its impressive practical effects and chilling atmosphere. Unlike earlier depictions, the Monster in this film isn’t simply a mindless brute; his intelligence actually makes him more terrifying. Robert De Niro delivers a performance that portrays Frankenstein’s Monster as both deeply tragic and truly horrific, and Branagh’s storytelling is relentlessly unsettling.

2025-10-17 18:48