Werewolf horror films hold a special place in cinema due to their deep roots in folklore and their strong appeal as escapist tales. Since Universal Studios’ iconic 1941 film The Wolf Man, the genre has evolved significantly, culminating in two notable werewolf movies released in 1981: the widely acclaimed An American Werewolf in London and the somewhat overlooked The Howling — both closely linked in surprising ways.
Director Joe Dante brought his distinctive style and editing expertise to The Howling. While its slow-burn narrative might test some viewers’ patience, the film’s thrilling werewolf transformation scenes and unexpected ending have earned it cult status. Dante’s use of practical effects for the transformations stands out, arguably surpassing many werewolf effects of that era.
Meanwhile, An American Werewolf in London, helmed by John Landis, became a landmark in the genre. Its superior storytelling, pacing, and performances set it apart, with groundbreaking special effects that earned makeup artist Rick Baker the first-ever Academy Award for Best Makeup.
Interestingly, Rick Baker initially worked on The Howling before moving on to An American Werewolf in London. Baker’s assistant, Rob Bottin, then took over special effects for The Howling, delivering work nearly as impressive. Both films are celebrated for their practical effects, which remain influential benchmarks in filmmaking.
Although An American Werewolf in London is often hailed as the greatest werewolf movie of all time, The Howling maintains a devoted fan base and cult classic status thanks to its unique tone and strong performances. Together, these films helped define 1981 as a golden year for werewolf cinema.
For fans of werewolf horror, both films are essential viewing, exemplifying the lasting impact of practical effects and innovative storytelling in the genre.
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