The Ultimate Werewolf Movie You Must Watch Right Now (Streaming Free!)

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For enthusiasts of werewolf lore, finding quality films in the werewolf genre can sometimes feel challenging, as there are fewer iconic masterpieces compared to vampire or zombie movies. Werewolves have historically been more costly to bring to life on screen, and this, coupled with their limited box office draw, has often resulted in fewer cinematic interpretations. When these films do emerge, they often disappoint by offering realistic, less fantastical stories such as the 2025’s critically panned “Wolf Man”.

Don’t worry, fans of werewolves, there are indeed some excellent werewolf movies out there. One of them is not only one of the best monster movies ever made but also a fantastic demonstration of practical makeup effects. It’s amazing to think such a movie exists, but “An American Werewolf in London” pulls off this feat with incredible ease, providing tremendous entertainment.

What Is An American Werewolf in London About?

The title “An American Werewolf in London” makes it clear what this movie is about. It starts with two backpackers, David Kessler (played by David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dune), who encounter a fierce, hairy beast during the night. This unexpected event leads to Jack’s demise, but David manages to survive, albeit not entirely. When the next full moon appears, David discovers that he has been irrevocably transformed – he is now cursed to become a werewolf, the same mythical creature that attacked him and Jack previously.

In the film “An American Werewolf in London,” while David Naughton and Griffin Dune may be the most prominent faces on posters and DVD covers, it’s makeup legend Rick Baker who truly steals the show. Known for his work on films like Star Wars, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Men in Black, and Tropic Thunder (to name a few), Baker’s creativity and skill have left their mark across the entire spectrum of American cinema. His ability to make the unbelievable seem real is nothing short of remarkable, and this talent shines brilliantly in “An American Werewolf in London.

In the pivotal scene where David undergoes his first transformation into a werewolf, Baker’s makeup artistry truly shines. Each step of this transformative process is rendered with such accuracy, detail, and authenticity that it feels as if you can touch the pain David is experiencing. The intensity of this sequence is so palpable that it sends shivers down your spine. Ordinary CGI couldn’t capture that level of emotion — only Baker’s dedication to using real materials and textures could make this sequence so captivatingly realistic. It’s a masterful demonstration of makeup effects, and one of many instances in the film where Baker’s skills are on full display.

An American Werewolf in London Is Also Pretty Funny

In contrast to the grueling, horror-filled experience often associated with movies like Saw, An American Werewolf in London is anything but a dull, grim ordeal. Instead, it offers an unexpected twist: it’s a dark comedy, where the frightening elements and impressive monster effects serve their purpose, yet they are interspersed with moments of dry humor that bring on plenty of laughter. The absurdity of its premise is not attempted to be portrayed realistically, but rather, the film’s tone playfully acknowledges this.

The most humorous expressions of dark comedy occur when excessive, comedic violence is dealt out by David’s werewolf character during the finale set in London. These gory visual jokes would fit seamlessly into an “Itchy & Scratchy” episode, while their depraved display fully explores the potential of a werewolf film set within England. Contrastingly, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan left viewers disappointed due to underutilizing the potential of placing a machete-wielding killer in New York City. However, no one would leave An American Werewolf in London feeling unsatisfied with more British werewolf action.

A remarkable movie like “An American Werewolf in London” stands out with its unique atmosphere, groundbreaking special effects, and swift tempo (the film clocks in at just 97 minutes). What makes it truly special is that these elements don’t immediately strike you while watching the film. Instead, you become engrossed in its captivating, eerie universe. The only drawback to this exceptional monster movie is that it serves as a stark reminder of how lacking many werewolf films can be. One can’t help but wonder why “The Wolf Man” didn’t embody some of the excitement and skill demonstrated herein.

An American Werewolf in London is now streaming on Tubi.

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2025-06-07 21:40