Ranking the Wolf Man Franchise: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic Universal Monster Films and TV Series
Welcome back, monster fans! Today, I’m diving into the iconic Wolf Man franchise and ranking every Wolf Man movie and TV series in the Universal Monsters collection. Recently, I created an animation that pays homage to this beloved character, and in the process, I watched all of the Universal Wolf Man films and TV shows. If you haven’t seen the animation yet, make sure to check it out! In this post, I’ll be ranking all the major Wolf Man films, TV shows, and a few bonus versions that don't technically belong to the Universal franchise but are still worth mentioning. Plus, I’ll give you the lowdown on which ones to watch and which ones to avoid. Let’s jump in!
15. 1960 – House of Terror / Face of the Screaming Werewolf (0.5/5)
Kicking things off at number 15 is House of Terror (also known as Face of the Screaming Werewolf or La Casa del Terror). This low-budget film might be one of the worst I’ve ever seen, rivaling even Krampus for its lackluster execution. Lon Chaney Jr. is the standout performer, but even his talent can’t save this one. Avoid this one, especially if you’re a Wolf Man fan.
14. 1942 – She-Wolf of London (1.5/5)
At number 14 is “She-Wolf of London”. Though it’s marketed as a sequel to Werewolf of London, the film has no connection to the original, and there’s no She-Wolf to be found. It’s more of a disappointing tease than a true monster flick. Fans of the series should skip this one.
13. 1994 – Monster Force (2/5)
Next up is the “Monster Force” cartoon series. It’s a fun, nostalgic watch for those who grew up with it, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. While the show offers a unique take on classic monster characters aimed at a younger audience, there are better options for both kids and adult fans.
12. 1945 – House of Dracula (2/5)
Coming in at number 12 is “House of Dracula”, a monster mash that features some interesting moments but ultimately feels disjointed. The film’s pacing drags, and the runtime starts to feel longer than it should. That said, it’s still a fun watch for fans of the Universal Monsters.
11. 2000 – Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman (2.5/5)
At number 11, we have “Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman”. This kids' movie is a decent watch, especially for younger audiences. It’s not as memorable as other animated crossovers, but it does have some fun moments and a bit more character development compared to the previous Frankenstein crossover.
10. 2025 – Wolf Man (2.5/5)
Entering the top 10 is the 2025 version of “Wolf Man”. Upon rewatching, its flaws become more apparent—clunky dialogue and questionable monster design. While the father Grady’s Wolf Man design is solid, the film doesn’t quite live up to expectations, especially when watched at home. That said, it’s still worth a look for diehard Wolf Man fans.
9. 1944 – House of Frankenstein (2.5/5)
Number 9 goes to “House of Frankenstein”, another Universal monster mash. It’s a mixed bag, with some great performances from Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr., but the film’s hurried pacing and uneven tone prevent it from being truly memorable.
8. 1935 – Werewolf of London (3/5)
At number 8 is “Werewolf of London”, the precursor to The Wolf Man. While it’s not as iconic as later entries, it’s still an enjoyable classic. Henry Hull’s performance is excellent, and the makeup is still impressive for its time, though the film doesn’t have the same lasting impact as its successors.
7. 1987 – Monster Squad (3/5)
Coming in at number 7 is “Monster Squad”, a fun 80s kids' horror movie. While not part of the Universal Monsters franchise, it’s a nostalgic film that includes some fantastic Stan Winston monster designs, including a memorable Wolf Man. Though it has some outdated language, it’s still a fun watch for fans of the genre.
6. 2004 – Van Helsing (3/5)
At number 6, “Van Helsing” (2004) offers an action-packed adventure that gets better with each viewing. While it may not be as strong as director Stephen Sommers' The Mummy films, it features a fun premise, solid performances, and great special effects. It’s definitely worth a watch for fans of monster movies.
5. 1943 – Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (3/5)
Number 5 is “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man”, the first true crossover film in the Universal Monsters series. This film brings together two iconic monsters and delivers an interesting exploration of Larry Talbot’s tragic character. While the editing flaws take away from the experience, it’s a significant part of Universal’s monster movie history.
4. 1962 – Route 66 – “Lizard's Leg and Owlet's Wing” (3.5/5)
At number 4 is a single episode from the TV series “Route 66”, titled “Lizard’s Leg and Owlet’s Wing.” This episode features Lon Chaney Jr. and Boris Karloff as their respective monsters. It’s a must-watch for fans of the Universal Monsters, showcasing the enduring appeal of these iconic characters.
3. 2010 – The Wolfman (3/5)
Number 3 goes to “The Wolfman” (2010). This remake of the classic film features incredible special effects, a strong cast including Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, and Emily Blunt, and stunning production design. Though it’s a bit slow at the start, the final act delivers some thrilling moments. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth a watch.
2. 1948 – Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (3.5/5)
At number 2 is “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948). This comedy classic remains a fan favorite due to its humor, great performances, and respect for the Universal Monsters. With Lon Chaney Jr. returning as the Wolf Man, Bela Lugosi as Dracula, and Glenn Strange as Frankenstein’s Monster, it’s a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
1. 1941 – The Wolf Man (4/5)
And at number 1, we have the timeless classic “The Wolf Man” (1941). This film set the standard for werewolf lore and remains one of the best entries in the Universal Monsters series. Lon Chaney Jr.’s portrayal of Larry Talbot is iconic, and the makeup effects are still impressive. It’s a must-see for any fan of classic monster films.
Conclusion: What's Your Favorite Wolf Man Film?
That wraps up my ranking of the Wolf Man franchise! What’s your favourite Wolf Man movie or TV series? Let me know in the comments on the YouTube video! Don’t forget to check out my latest animation on Tell It Animated, where I dive deeper into the world of the Wolf Man. Special thanks to my supporters on Patreon—your support means the world to me. Until next time, I’ve been Aaron, and I’ll be back to tell you something later!