Werewolf films have been a staple of horror for many years, embodying the primal worry of shedding management and turning into a beast. Whether or not it’s the gothic tragedy of The Wolf Man (1941) or the groundbreaking sensible results of An American Werewolf in London (1981), these movies have cemented themselves as cultural icons.
However right here’s the factor about werewolf films—they not often go stale. Even the dangerous ones have a sure attraction, tapping into the visceral thrill of seeing people remodel into monsters below the glow of a full moon. There’s one thing timeless about this subgenre, whether or not it leans into campy B-movie territory, deep psychological horror, or full-throttle gore.
With Wolf Man (2025) now in theaters (and never doing too effectively), it appears like the proper time to take a better take a look at a number of the most notable werewolf movies from the 2010s to at this time. As somebody who loves this style a lot I even made a brief movie about it, I can say these films show that the werewolf story nonetheless has loads of chunk. From indie thrillers to offbeat comedies, these movies showcase how the style continues to evolve whereas staying true to its roots.
Honorable Point out: Werewolves (2024)
Directed by Steven C. Miller
Werewolves plunges viewers right into a world reeling from a catastrophic supermoon occasion that, a yr prior, activated a dormant gene in people, remodeling these uncovered to its gentle into ferocious werewolves. With practically a billion lives misplaced throughout that preliminary night time of terror, the supermoon is ready to rise once more, threatening a repeat of the horrors. Wesley Marshall (Frank Grillo), a former navy operative turned biologist, is racing towards time to develop a treatment—dubbed “Moonscreen”—to forestall additional transformations. Because the supermoon ascends, chaos erupts as soon as extra, compelling Wesley to navigate a metropolis overrun by werewolves to guard his household and guarantee their survival by the night time.
The movie is just about The Purge: Anarchy however with, effectively…werewolves, with its tense city setting and brutal survival dynamics. Frank Grillo brings his signature tough-guy charisma to the position, embodying the sort of no-nonsense motion hero Hollywood usually forgets audiences love. His efficiency, paired with thrilling motion sequences and grotesque sensible results, makes Werewolves a crowd-pleasing trip.
Hollywood ought to take observe: in an age of field workplace uncertainty, low- to mid-budget motion and horror movies like Werewolves show that audiences will present up for tightly crafted, entertaining style fare.
10. WolfCop (2014)
Directed by Lowell Dean
WolfCop is strictly what its title guarantees: a hilarious and over-the-top mix of werewolf horror and buddy cop tropes. Lou Garou (a not-so-subtle nod to the French time period for werewolf, loup-garou) is an alcoholic officer who features supernatural powers after being remodeled right into a werewolf. However as an alternative of being consumed by his curse, Lou leans into his new identification, fixing crimes and ripping dangerous guys aside in equal measure.
The movie’s attraction lies in its unapologetic embrace of camp. From its DIY sensible results to outrageous set items—together with a werewolf transformation throughout an act that’s undoubtedly NSFW—it’s a movie that revels in its absurdity. Beneath the gore and humor, although, there’s a stunning quantity of coronary heart, as Lou begins to redeem himself each as an individual and as a legislation enforcer.
Streaming on Tubi
9. One other WolfCop (2017)
Directed by Lowell Dean
A WolfCop film that includes Kevin Smith because the mayor and a poster impressed by Cobra? Yeah, it must be on this record. Director Lowell Dean is again at it, taking every part followers liked in regards to the first movie and amplifying it in each superb method. Lou Garou returns, cracking open his cans of Dale Ale whereas going through a company villain intent on making a brewery that hides sinister secrets and techniques. Filled with much more outrageous gore, over-the-top set items, and a heavy dose of self-aware humor, One other WolfCop firmly cements itself as a cult favourite.
One of many highlights is the introduction of much more weird characters and conditions, together with a werecat. The sequel doesn’t take itself too significantly, embracing its B-movie roots and delivering pure, unadulterated enjoyable. Followers of movies like The Editor and Psycho Goreman can even admire a really transient, but welcome look by Adam Brooks. In the event you loved the primary WolfCop, this follow-up is a must-watch for its unapologetic chaos, particularly across the holidays. Right here’s hoping Dean continues the sequence.
Streaming on Tubi
8. Bloodthirsty (2020)
Directed by Amelia Moses
This Canadian indie gem takes a psychological method to werewolf lore, focusing extra on the human facet of the transformation. Gray, a struggling musician, begins to expertise unusual animalistic urges after she isolates herself in a distant studio to work on her new album. These modifications parallel her rising desperation to succeed, blurring the road between ambition and monstrosity.
Bloodthirsty thrives on its minimalist method, counting on ambiance and character improvement over spectacle. Lauren Beatty’s haunting efficiency as Gray anchors the movie, capturing her vulnerability and growing volatility. Mixed with a moody soundtrack and gorgeous cinematography, this can be a movie that proves werewolf tales may be simply as introspective as they’re terrifying.
Streaming on Peacock and Tubi
7. The Cursed (2021)
Directed by Sean Ellis
Previously often called Eight for Silver, this gothic horror movie is a hanging reimagining of werewolf mythology. Set in Nineteenth-century France, The Cursed follows a cursed village the place greed and betrayal summon a supernatural plague. The werewolves right here aren’t your conventional monsters however are depicted with eerie, otherworldly designs that evoke dread and unease.
The movie excels in creating an oppressive ambiance, with lush cinematography capturing the foggy countryside and blood-soaked horrors. Boyd Holbrook delivers a standout efficiency as a pathologist drawn into the thriller, grounding the story with emotional weight. With its mixture of historic drama and visceral horror, The Cursed feels each trendy and timeless—a uncommon feat within the style.
Streaming on Hulu
6. Howl (2015)
Directed by Paul Hyett
Howl takes the creature function system and locations it in an enclosed, claustrophobic setting: a stranded practice in the course of nowhere. The story follows a gaggle of passengers, led by a reluctant practice guard, as they’re pressured to work collectively to outlive a nightmarish assault by feral werewolves.
What makes Howl stand out is its deal with survival dynamics. Every passenger brings their very own baggage to the desk, and the movie takes time to discover their personalities earlier than the carnage begins. The creature design is each grotesque and grounded, avoiding CGI in favor of sensible results that heighten the fear. With its breakneck pacing and tension-filled sequences, Howl is a thrill trip that by no means lets up.
Streaming on Tubi
5. Blackout (2023)
Directed by Larry Fessenden
Larry Fessenden’s Blackout is a moody, character-driven exploration of werewolf mythology set towards the backdrop of a small city throughout a blackout. The story follows Charley, an artist struggling together with his darker urges, as he faces the twin challenges of self-control and an more and more paranoid neighborhood.
What makes Blackout distinctive is its emphasis on psychological horror and small-town dynamics. Fessenden brings his indie sensibilities to the movie, crafting a deeply human story that examines guilt, morality, and the monster inside. The sensible results, together with grotesque werewolf transformations, are top-notch, and the movie’s intimate scale makes its scares really feel private.
Streaming on Tubi
4. Werewolves Inside (2021)
Directed by Josh Ruben
Based mostly on a fairly respectable VR sport, Werewolves Inside combines darkish humor with a homicide thriller. The uncommon comedic gem within the werewolf style follows Finn, a forest ranger who arrives in a small, snowy city simply as a sequence of murders sends the quirky townsfolk right into a frenzy. As suspicions rise, Finn should navigate the chaos to uncover who—or what—is liable for the killings.
Sam Richardson shines because the affable however awkward Finn, bringing attraction and humor to the movie’s offbeat tone. The ensemble solid, full of eccentric characters, retains the story energetic, whereas the werewolf thriller provides a layer of suspense. With its intelligent dialogue and sharp satire, Werewolves Inside is a contemporary and extremely entertaining entry within the style.
Streaming on Shudder
3. Werewolf by Evening (2022)
Directed by Michael Giacchino
Whereas technically a TV particular, Werewolf by Evening meets the Academy of Arts and Sciences’ definition of a function movie, clocking in at slightly below an hour—and what a movie it’s. A part of Marvel Studios’ exploration into horror, this black-and-white homage to traditional Common monster films is each a stylistic triumph and a refreshing departure from typical superhero fare.
The story follows Jack Russell, a monster hunter hiding a darkish secret, as he’s pressured right into a lethal hunt amongst his friends. Gael García Bernal delivers a haunting and heartfelt efficiency, bringing depth to the conflicted protagonist. The movie’s hanging cinematography and sensible results recall the golden age of monster cinema whereas including a contemporary aptitude.
Werewolf by Evening isn’t only a nice Marvel mission—it’s a implausible werewolf movie in its personal proper. Its mixture of suspense, gothic ambiance, and unapologetic homage to horror classics makes it a must-watch for style followers.
Streaming on Disney+
2. Late Phases (2014)
Directed by Adrián García Bogliano
Late Phases facilities on Ambrose, a blind Vietnam veteran who strikes to a retirement neighborhood stricken by mysterious animal assaults. The movie masterfully combines poignant drama with old-school horror, as Ambrose—a grizzled however decided protagonist—units out to uncover the reality and defend his neighbors.
Nick Damici offers a powerhouse efficiency as Ambrose, capturing each his bodily limitations and his indomitable spirit. And, after all, our favourite stoner document retailer worker, Ethan Embry, can also be a standout. Critically, this dude wants a resurgence. The movie’s werewolf transformations are delightfully sensible, harkening again to the style’s heyday, whereas its exploration of growing older and isolation provides emotional depth. Late Phases is a uncommon gem that balances heartfelt storytelling with bloody thrills.
Streaming on Tubi
1. The Wolf of Snow Hole (2020)
Directed by Jim Cummings
The Wolf of Snow Hole is a novel mix of darkish comedy, thriller, and horror that revitalizes the werewolf style. The story follows John Marshall, a small-town sheriff grappling with private demons and mounting stress as he investigates a sequence of brutal murders which may be the work of a werewolf.
Jim Cummings delivers a standout efficiency because the tightly wound Marshall, balancing rage, vulnerability, and darkish humor in equal measure. Including gravitas to the movie is the legendary Robert Forster, who performs John’s ailing father and the city’s retiring sheriff. Forster’s presence brings heat and pathos to his scenes, making it a becoming farewell for the beloved actor in his ultimate position.
The movie’s witty script, ingenious tone, and stunning emotional depth make it a contemporary masterpiece of the werewolf style. With sharp writing and intelligent twists, The Wolf of Snow Hole is a howling success that stands out amongst current horror movies.
Streaming on Hulu
Werewolf films could not dominate trendy horror like their vampire or zombie counterparts, however there’s loads of contemporary blood within the style. Whether or not you’re in search of claustrophobic survival horror, psychological drama, or genre-bending arthouse, these movies supply one thing for each horror fan. Even for those who aren’t into a few of these on the record, there may be a complete plethora of lycanthropic horror at no cost on apps like Tubi. Dive in cautiously with a few of these, after all.
So dim the lights, embrace the total moon, and let these flicks present their tooth.
