A few years back, I rented a little indie movie that I completely and unexpectedly fell in love with: The Wolf of Snow Hollow. Written and directed by Jim Cummings, it’s a delightfully weird blend of comedy, horror, and whodunit. It also just happens to be a werewolf movie.
As someone who watches a LOT of scary movies, it got me thinking about what other werewolf films are out there, since it’s a horror subgenre I’ve mostly overlooked. Aside from Silver Bullet—that cozy 1980s gem based on a Stephen King novella, which I love and revisit every spooky season—werewolf movies have never really been a go-to for me.
But The Wolf of Snow Hollow got me curious. So, what are the best werewolf movies? Which ones are worth watching even if you’re not already a fan of howling transformations and full moons?
So, down the werewolf rabbit hole I went.
The Usual Suspects
Just in case this is what you came for, here are the 10 werewolf movies most often cited as the best of the genre. In other words, the classics you’ll see on almost every list.
1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
2. The Howling (1981)
3. Ginger Snaps (2000)
4. Dog Soldiers (2002)
5. The Wolf Man (1941)
6. The Company of Wolves (1984)
7. Wer (2013)
8. Silver Bullet (1985)
9. Late Phases (2014)
10. The Monster Squad (1987)
My Personal Favorites
These aren’t necessarily the most famous or critically acclaimed werewolf films, but they’re the ones I genuinely enjoyed the most and would gladly watch again. To make it easier, I’ve grouped them by tone.
Classic & Genre-Defining
The Wolf Man (1941)
The granddaddy of all werewolf movies. This Universal classic gave us the silver bullet, the tragic monster, and the iconic transformation. Atmospheric, poetic, and essential viewing for anyone exploring the genre’s roots.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
If you haven’t seen this yet, start here. It blends horror and comedy with iconic transformation effects and real emotional depth.
The Howling (1981)
A landmark film that mixes psychological tension with jaw-dropping practical effects. It’s sleazy, satirical, and stylish—equal parts creature feature and commentary of fame, fear, and sensationalism.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
A cult favorite that merges teenage coming-of-age angst with lycanthropy. Witty, dark, and emotionally grounded.
Emotional & Character-Driven
Wolf Man (2025)
A dark, visceral reboot from Leigh Whannell that centers on a grieving father whose transformation into a werewolf mirrors his unraveling humanity. With eerie practical effects and raw emotional weight, it delivers both monster mayhem and a chilling look at losing control.
The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)
A sharp, darkly funny mystery that uses a werewolf investigation to explore addiction, grief, and masculinity. Think Fargo with claws—smart, bleakly funny, and surprisingly poignant.
Wolf (1994)
Jack Nicholson stars in this elegant psychological thriller about aging, power, and transformation. Less creature-feature, more character study with a noir tone and literary edge.
Silver Bullet (1986)
Based on a Stephen King novella, this nostalgic, small-town thriller is anchored by strong sibling dynamics and a standout performance from Corey Haim.
Cerebral & Atmospheric
The Cursed (2021)
A bleak, beautifully shot gothic horror set in 19th-century France. Delivers a unique take on the werewolf mythos—more curse than creature—with heavy body horror and folk tale vibes.
The Company of Wolves (1984)
Surreal and dreamlike, this is a gothic fairy tale about transformation and desire. If you favor layered metaphors over jump scares, this one may surprise you.
Wolfwalkers (2020)
A visually stunning Irish animated film reimagining werewolf lore through folklore and friendship. It’s lyrical, mythic, and emotionally rich—perfect for fans of Song of the Sea or The Secret of Kells.
Campy & Comedic
Werewolves Within (2021)
A horror-comedy whodunit with charm, quirky characters, and a tense, snowy small-town setting. Think Knives Out meets Hot Fuzz, with a werewolf twist.
WolfCop (2014)
Pure camp—and clever about it. A small-town alcoholic cop becomes a werewolf and leans into it… hard. Silly, gory, and surprisingly fun if you’re in the mood.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Not strictly a werewolf movie, but one unforgettable segment of this Halloween anthology centers on a seductive pack of deadly werewolves. Dark, stylish, and a spooky-season favorite.
Underrated
Late Phases (2014)
A blind Vietnam vet living in a retirement community prepares for one final stand against a werewolf. It’s heartfelt, sharply written, and surprisingly moving—think Logan meets The Howling.
Origins & Lore: Where Do Werewolves Come From?
Werewolf legends appear in many cultures, evolving from ancient myth to modern monster. In Greek mythology, King Lycaon was cursed into a wolf. Norse warriors called ulfhednar wore wolf pelts and fought with feral strength. In medieval Europe, werewolves were tied to witchcraft and the devil, with real-life “werewolf trials” and confessions like that of Peter Stumpp in the 16th century.
Some modern theories trace the legend to conditions like rabies or hypertrichosis. But it was films like The Wolf Man (1941) that crystallized the rules we now recognize: the full moon curse, the infectious bite, and the fatal power of silver.
At its core, the werewolf represents a fear we all understand—losing control to the darker parts of ourselves.
How to Protect Yourself from a Werewolf
Okay, so let’s say you’ve watched the movies, studied the lore, and you’re feeling slightly more prepared for a full moon encounter. Just in case, here’s a completely serious (read: not at all serious) survival guide.
Know Their Human Identity
Not all werewolf legends demand a silver bullet in mid-transformation. In some tales, killing a werewolf in their human form is enough to end the curse—and save yourself a very messy fight. That means the real key to survival might be… detective work.
If you can identify the werewolf before the next full moon, you could end the threat while they’re still human. Silver Bullet has a great take on this: after young Marty wounds the werewolf with a homemade rocket, his sister searches for townsfolk with a matching injury—leading to one of the most unsettling (and oddly clever) werewolf reveals in movie history.
Silver Weapons
The gold standard. Silver bullets, blades, or even jewelry will do—depending on the legend, silver can burn or kill on contact.
Wolfsbane (Aconite)
A poisonous plant believed to repel or weaken werewolves. Wear it, brew it, or burn it—just don’t drink it.
Religious Symbols
In some tales, holy objects and prayers offer protection—especially if your werewolf doubles as a demon.
Fire
If all else fails, fire usually works on supernatural creatures. Torch with caution.
Don’t Get Bitten
Werewolf curses are often passed through bites or scratches. If you’re bitten… well, good luck.
Werewolf Cocktails & One Monstrous Snack
Now that you’ve survived the movie marathons and lore deep-dives, it’s time to celebrate. Whether you’re hosting a full moon party or just hanging out in cozy PJs, here are a few werewolf-themed cocktails—and a perfect snack—to set the mood.
American Werewolf
1½ oz Gin
¾ oz Bruto Americano, Campari, or Aperol
¾ oz sweet vermouth
Stir with ice and strain over rocks. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
A woodsy, herbaceous twist on a Negroni with a forest-floor aroma.
Werewolf Blood
4 oz dark stout
2 oz bourbon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp chocolate syrup
Splash of cream or half-and-half
Stir ingredients together in a tumbler or snifter. Add cream last.
A dark, boozy indulgence—cozy and feral with warm vanilla-chocolate notes.
Werewolf’s Howl
1.5 oz bourbon
0.75 oz blood orange liqueur
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz cherry syrup or grenadine
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Optional: 0.25 oz mezcal
Shake with ice and strain over a large cube or serve up in a coupe. Garnish with a skewered cherry and rosemary sprig (lightly torched, if dramatic).
Smoky, citrusy, and blood-red—perfect for haunted nights.
Suggested Snack: Full Moon Nachos
Pile round tortilla chips (like little moons) high with smoky chipotle cheese, shredded meat (or jackfruit), and plenty of blood-red salsa. A messy, savory, and highly satisfying way to survive the night.
Bonus: Scent Vibe for Your Werewolf Film Party
Pine needles, damp moss, and winter air. Try Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar.
Final Thoughts
So whether you’re a lifelong fan of lycanthropic lore or just dipping a paw into werewolf territory, I hope this list leads you to something unexpectedly great. And if The Wolf of Snow Hollow isn’t your typical werewolf movie—well, maybe that’s exactly what makes it such a standout.