Monday, September 18, 2023

Top Ten Werewolf Movies and IWSG Day Responses

Today I have a special guest, fellow author and my publisher, L. Diane Wolfe!

Top 10 Werewolf Movies

In celebration of the release of the third novella in my series, In Darkness: The Werewolf, Alex asked me about the top ten werewolf movies. There are dozens of lists, so I decided to go with MY top ten werewolf movies.


Silver Bullet – 1985

In a small town, brutal killings start to plague the close knit community. Marty Coslaw, a paraplegic boy, is convinced the murders are the doings of a werewolf.
This one will always be my favorite. I loved the story and the scenes with the werewolf scared the crap out of me. (I should mention that most werewolf movies scare me. A giant, vicious, furry creature outside? Probably why I never camped in a tent.) And I do own that German movie poster to the right, too.

Brotherhood of the Wolf – 2001
In 18th-century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his Native American friend Mani are sent to the Gevaudan province at the king's behest to investigate the killings of hundreds by a mysterious beast.
This foreign film is so stylish. There are so many things going on besides the beast killing people and quite a twist near the end.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans – 2009
An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.
I could’ve filled up most of this list with the Underworld films since they all have lycans in them. This hits all the notes and is bittersweet.


Ginger Snaps – 2000

Two death-obsessed sisters, outcasts in their suburban neighborhood, must deal with the tragic consequences when one of them is bitten by a deadly werewolf.
This was a big surprise for such a small film. You really care about the two leads.

The Cabin in the Woods – 2011
Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin, where they get more than they bargained for, discovering the truth behind the cabin in the woods.
The werewolf is only in a little bit of this crazy-ass film, but he looks the part!

An American Werewolf in London – 1981
Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.
This one tops most lists as the transformation by Rick Baker was revolutionary at the time. Another bittersweet tale.


What We Do in The Shadows – 2014

Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav are vampires who are struggling with the mundane aspects of modern life, like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.
Just a lot of laughs and the vampires are sworn enemies of the werewolves.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow – 2020
Terror grips a small mountain town as bodies are discovered after each full moon. Losing sleep, raising a teenage daughter, and caring for his ailing father, officer Marshall struggles to remind himself there's no such thing as werewolves.
Not perfect, but another quirky film that was tense and enjoyable.

The Howling – 1981
After a bizarre and near deadly encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman is sent to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem.
Another one that tops a lot of lists, this classic is good but best when the werewolves are not clearly seen.

Wolfen – 1981
A New York cop investigates a series of brutal deaths that resemble animal attacks.
It’s been years since I’ve seen it, but this was a unique take on the legend and very brooding.

So, there you have it – my favorite werewolf movies!


In Darkness: The Werewolf
By L. Diane Wolfe


Souls shrouded in darkness…
On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.
Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is challenged by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?


Romance/Paranormal/Shifter, Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy/Paranormal
$3.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844927
Links: Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Scribed, and Goodreads



A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Find her: website, blog, and at the IWSG site.



IWSG Day Responses


To say the last IWSG day was overwhelming is an understatement. You guys are amazing! So many touching responses to the question about what the IWSG means to you. Too many to name for sure!

I never envisioned this group would still be going twelve years later. The blog hop is smaller, but that’s all right. More intimate. (And I managed to visit everyone last time!) We also have other IWSG groups for writers to join – Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram. Pus don’t forget there is our newsletter and the main website.

So, thanks to everyone who is a part of the IWSG in some way. I’m excited it means a safe haven for writers for those who participate, because that’s exactly what I wanted A place for all of us insecure writers to hang out!


What are your favorite werewolf films? What did you think of the IWSG responses this month? You guys rock!

30 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

I don't think I have seen any werewolf movies - but then I rarely watch movies.
Hooray for the ISWG - and loud applause to its instigator.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I was surprised that I'd seen two on the list: "The Howling," and "American Werewolf in London!"

Love the cover for "In Darkness!"

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you for hosting me today!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad the IWSG day to celebrate our anniversary went so well. We need to celebrate our group's milestones.

You've given me a good list of movies to check out Diane. Congrats on your book.

PT Dilloway said...

I've never really been a big fan of "war-wilf" movies. I did like "Werewolf By Night" on Disney+ last year. I hear there's going to be a colorized version released this year.

The thing I don't really get about werewolf stuff is usually it's supposed to be brought on by the full moon but for the most part the moon is only full one night in a month--two if it's a "blue moon"--but in a lot of werewolf fiction it's spread out over consecutive days. So that would seem to indicate that it doesn't have to be 100% full. Is 90% full still good enough? Or 75% full? it feels like there's not a consistent rule about this.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Do you know, I don't think I've EVER seen a werewolf movie!!

Congrats on your latest release, Diane.

Hi Alex - it's been a while since I had time to catch up on my blog reading, but I'm still lurking.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Elephant's Child.

Diane, you're welcome.

PT, it really should only be one day a month.

Annalisa, good to see you lurking!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Elizabeth, thank you.

Natalie, those are some of the better ones.

PT, there are some inconsistencies with the legend.

Annalisa, pick one and watch it.

Liz A. said...

I think I get my werewolves from TV shows rather than movies. A couple of those I might have to check out, though.

Birgit said...

They scare the hell out of me and I have heard of most of these but, except for the Underworld series, I have not seen any of yours but know about them. I will say I love the 1941 version with Lon Chaney Jnr. Jack Pierce did the make up and was a pioneer in his industry. Of course, I've seen the Abbott & Costello film with Lon Chaney Jnr as the werewolf and love I was a Teenage Wetewolf with Michael Landon of Bonanza and Little Outhouse on the Prairie fame. Congrats on your new book!!

ib said...

The first werewolf movie I took in was An American Werewolf In London and I enjoyed it. I also like the Underworld movies but that is more about Kate Beckinsale than anything else. The Wolfman with Anthony Hopkins and Benicio Del Toro was okay. I will admit that I am more of a vampire guy.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Birgit, I remember that movie with Michael Landon.

IB, the first in this book series was The Vampire!

Joanne said...

Congrats to Diane on her book. As for werewolves - I loved Dark Shadows the TV show and I'm thinking David Selby played a werewolf on that. Long, long time ago - I could be very wrong.

ib said...

Diane, I am sure that at some point, I will be reading both. During the winter months, I am more of a recluse and should have ample time to catch up on my reading department. I also want to read Mr. Cavanaugh's Cassa series.

Sandra Cox said...

Werewolf books and movies never go out of style, do they?

Botanist said...

Similar to other commenters, I don't think I've ever seen a werewolf movie. I do read urban fantasy from time to time and many of those have werewolf characters in them. Does that count? :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

IB, that's why I liked the Underworld movies!

Ian, that's close!

Donna K. Weaver said...

People have obsession with the idea of werewolves for such a long time!

Tyrean Martinson said...

You rock, Alex! You started us on this journey and it's been a good one. :)

Truedessa said...

Sounds like you really enjoyed reading all the posts, Alex.

Congrats to Diane - The only movie that comes to mind is "The Wolverine". I did enjoy that movie.

Now, I have "Clap For The Wolfman" playing in my head...by The Guess Who

Patricia JL said...

Congrats to Diane!

And to you Alex for IWSG.

Fundy Blue said...

Thanks for the list of scary werewolf movies, Diane. They are too intense for me, but I'll look for Silver Bullet.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I don't think I've seen a single werewolf film. I don't think I'm missing out too much either.
Cheers, Alex.

Sandra Cox said...

For those who haven't read Di's latest yet, you're in for a treat.
'Lo, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Tyrean!

Truedessa, I did.

Hello, Sandra!

mail4rosey said...

I haven't seen any of them because I'm a big chicken. I looked up The Howling and even the pictures scared me, lolol. :)

J.Q. Rose said...

I have never watched a werewolf movie. I'll check if I can find one or two of these on NF or YT, etc. I'll watch it during the day. Hey, I loved Sandra Cox's western shapeshifting/werewolf book--Mateo's Law and Mateo's Blood Brother.

Computer Tutor said...

I don't know why I didn't get an alert about this post (bad, WP!), but really, what can I say about werewolves?? Good article!

Sandra Cox said...

I don't watch a lot of werewolf flicks but I did like Silver Bullet;)
Have a great one.

Yolanda Renée said...

I do like most of the werewolf movies. Silver Bullet is my favorite. Just watched it again this year.

Love the IWSG, someday I'll get back to it. But right now, so many things on the table.

Congrats Diane, I will pick up your latest. Looking forward to it.