RANKING the Universal Frankenstein Franchise / Frankenstein's Monster SPEED-ART
Hey, Jack! I’m back, and with me another speed-art. This one is of ol’ Frankenstein’s Monster and since I just released the Evolution of Frankenstein’s Monster on the main channel not too long ago I wanted to get my ranking on all the Universal films and TV shows out while it’s still fresh in my head. So without anything further, let’s jump into it!
12. House of Frankenstein (1997)
In last place is the mini-series, “House of Frankenstein” (1997). A weak revival of the Universal trio that tries to become more of a police procedural than a legitimacy interesting horror production. It’s pretty clear that this was just a pilot episode that never got picked up for more becouse there’s just too many loose hanging threads at the end. Overall, not a fun watch.
11. House of Dracula (1945)
In eleventh is “House of Dracula”. Probably the weakest of the Frankenstein, Wolf Man, and Dracula franchises. The Dracula centric storyline here isn’t enough to entertain, and may have worked better as a short story. While the other monsters, have very little to do with what’s going on, and the low-budget this film was given is pretty apparent.
10. Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)
Coming in the top 10 is “Frankenstein: The True Story”. The film, or mini-series, is paced rather slowly like many 70s offerings, but the acting and effects are top notch for the time. Try to watch the full version if you can, as the 2 hour cut leaves too many story beats on the cutting room floor, although I would suggest watching it at 1.5 times speed if you can as that helps to nullify the pacing issues.
9. House of Frankenstein (1944)
Ninth place goes to “House of Frankenstein” (1944). It’s a fun but ultimately disposable film in the Universal Monster Franchise. Glenn Strange does well in the Monster role, while Lon Chaney Jr. steals the show as Larry Talbot. It’s also nice to see Boris Karloff back again, this time in a Doctor-type role, and it’s really his performance throughout the film that makes this as engaging as it is.
8. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
In eighth is “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.” A little tough around the edges compared to the Frankenstein and Wolf Man movies that preceded it, but it’s still a fun romp that entertains, even if the series is starting to show some weathering here, largely thanks to Bela Lugosi’s miscasting and then hack job in the editing bay to cut out his performance, as he was supposed to talk like he does at the end of “The Ghost of Frankenstein” but the producers felt his voice was too comedic sounding. It hurts the movie overall, but it’s still cool to see the first mash-up of these iconic monsters on screen.
7. Monster Force (1994)
In seventh is the TV show, “Monster Force” from 1994. I have vague memories of watching this when younger, and having rewatched it all for my Frankenstein Animation and I have to say it’s pretty fun. Some of the stories don’t really match what happened in the original series, which this show wants to be a sequel to, but none-the-less, if I was a kid still I think this show would be a fun way to waste some time.
6. Van Helsing (2004)
In sixth is the early 2000’s “Van Helsing”. It’s a fun but generic action flick. The opening black and white scene is the best part, but once it hits color the movies pacing slows to halt, keeping it from being a classic like The Mummy or it’s sequel. Hugh Jackman is great in the lead role though and I kinda wish we got more sequels cause there’s so many monsters he had yet to meet, but alas that wasn’t meant to be.
5. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
In fifth is probably the best of the Monster Mash films, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”. It’s a fun romp that unites Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man in a satisfying story that is still funny after nearly 70 years. I guess at the time Abbott and Costello weren’t really friends but they still put on a good act, and this is the only time that Bela Lugosi would reprise his role as Dracula, and Glenn Strange as the Monster gets more time to shine here, and this would become the definitive look of the monster for many decades after. Although it’s Lon Chaney Jr. As the Wolf Man who really steals the show for me.
4. The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)
In fourth is “The Ghost of Frankenstein”. Despite the loss of Boris Karloff in the lead role, Ghost is still a fun Frankenstein film with Lon Chaney Jr. taking on the monster’s role. Bela Lugosi as Ygor again steals the show, reprising his role from the third film. Only wish we got more of Ygor in the franchise after this outing. It does lack some of the finesse of the earlier franchise entries, but this film still has a lot of the same ingredients that made those former outings so delicious.
3. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Rounding into third place is the amazing follow up to the original film, “Bride of Frankenstein”. Adding in another iconic character, The Bride, in a short but memorable appearance. Boris Karloff possibly is at his best here, since he’s given more time to act and emote, although the film leans more into comedy than horror, which I think doesn’t work all time, the direction by James Whales again helming the film is still on point, and the world building is probably just as good as the first film.
2. Frankenstein (1931)
At number two is “Frankenstein” (1931). An absolute classic film that shows that “older movies” have a lot of value even when compared to modern high budgeted offerings. Boris Karloff is an icon in the genre and this film shows his amazing acting ability. The direction is also decades ahead of its time, with creative camera angles and taught pacing. What else is there to say about this movie, it’s been over 90 years and what it created from Mary Shelley’s Novel is still being talked about in pop culture today.
1. Son of Frankenstein (1939)
But my number one and my favourite film in the Universal Frankenstein run is “Son of Frankenstein”. The direction and pacing are on point like the earlier films, and they add yet another iconic character into the Universal Monster pantheon, the extremely memorable Ygor. The monster himself, still played by Boris Karloff, takes a back seat, but it’s without a doubt the tightest of the franchise despite being the longest running Black and White Frankenstein film.
And that is my ranking of the Universal Frankenstein Monster movies. What is your ranking? I’d love to read it down below.
Check out the latest animation covering Frankenstein’s Monster on the main channel, and leave a like. Before I sign off I want to thank both Patrick Spencer and Ameno for joining the Patreon, and until next time, I've been Aaron and I'll tell you something later!