The Howling films, a series of horror movies that began with the original The Howling released in 1981, have garnered a cult following for their unique take on the werewolf genre. Directed by Joe Dante and based on Gary Brandner’s novel, the film introduced audiences to a chilling world where werewolves are not merely folklore but a real and tangible threat. Its combination of practical effects, suspense, and social commentary on media sensationalism set it apart from other horror films of the time. The innovative transformation scenes, crafted by special effects artist Rob Bottin, created a lasting impact on the genre, demonstrating a seamless blend of horror and fantastical elements.
As the franchise expanded, it explored different themes and narratives, leading to numerous sequels and spin-offs. Each instalment, such as The Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf and The Howling III: The Marsupials, offered varied interpretations of werewolves, often pushing the boundaries of horror and comedy. While all sequels received mixed reviews and were considered less successful than the original, with some of them being notoriously bad, the quality of the first film has allowed Hollywood to keep churning them out.
Here are our rankings for the Howling films.
8. Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)
7. Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
6. Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
5. Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)
4. The Howling: Reborn (2011)
3. Howling II: Your Sister Is A Werewolf (1985)
2. Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
1. The Howling (1981)
What’s your rankings for the films? Comment below.
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