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An American Werewolf in London

An American Werewolf in London

1981
Romance, Comedy
1h 37m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 60.18% from 3469 total ratings

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(3469)
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Rated 12 Dec 2020
90
92nd
It seems to be really easy to kill a werewolf, heck you could probably just hit’em with a helicopter A great 90 minutes of gags, gore and a whole lotta songs that mention the moon for some reason.
Rated 21 Oct 2020
90
64th
I enjoyed this quite a bit. The acting can be just a little wooden at times, and the ending is very abrupt. I guess those aren't really complaints when one considers what kind of movie this is; a black comedy, and a really good one at that. The effects are insanely good for its time, the changing scenes are really uncomfortable to watch, the scary scenes are creepy, and the funny scenes are hilarious. I loved the relationship between David and the undead Jack. This is definitely worth seeing.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
9
92nd
Highly entertaining and very funny. Special effects and make up are superb. How the music is used in this film make it worth watching alone. Horror comedies are among my favorite genre and I can't believe it took me this long to watch this. One of the best.
Rated 25 Jan 2012
70
65th
It gets better every time I watch it. The scene at The Slaughtered Lamb is great. The name The Slaughtered Lamb is great.
Rated 20 Mar 2013
6
99th
An immensely watchable and entertaining homage to Val Lewton, Universal creature features, and other B-type thrillers elevated by its self-aware enthusiasm. Poking fun at tropes moves it away from pure horror and near the realm of camp. "I walk the earth in limbo until the werewolf's curse is lifted." "Shut up!" Moreover, it manages to blend scares, gruesome effects, surrealism, and humor all while appreciating brevity. It's tremendously effective on so many fronts, and still remarkably concise.
Rated 27 Apr 2013
4
70th
This is definitely the best movie I've seen by famous murderer John Landis. The campy atmosphere suits the film well, which makes great use of gnarly makeup and costuming for the werewolf, his victims, and most notably Griffin Dunne as David, the decomposing corpse of the title character's friend. Also has some great use of music; the obviousness of choices such as "Blue Moon" and "Bad Moon Rising" does nothing to compromise their effectiveness and humor.
Rated 27 Mar 2007
75
90th
We can not talk about any substance in this movie other than weird homage to monster movie classics. But it is real fun in its simplicity. The mood shifts between absurdity -in dream sequences- and drama. It contains some of the best mechanical fx of the eighties. London street massace is unforgetable. Suggested for party background.
Rated 22 May 2007
88
83rd
One of the greatest horror-comedies ever made. Hilarious and frightening in equal doses and some of the greatest makeup effects ever put on film.
Rated 18 May 2008
90
97th
An amazingly well done horror movie truly set a new bar for warewolf and horror movies alike, great acting, great writing, and stupendous special effects.
Rated 20 Jul 2008
82
67th
Great Werewolf horror flick with good special effects, make-up, costume design and big scares along with big laughs. All-in-all this is a quality movie with excellently executed parts, along with fascinating production values.
Rated 25 Nov 2008
75
59th
The Transformation scenes are still top notch to this day as is the moon based soundtrack. A fun lighthearted black comedy filled horror.
Rated 04 Feb 2009
90
94th
Thoroughly enjoyable and features, hands down, the best werewolf transformation ever committed to film. Even in this day and age of computer graphics nothing has come close.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
80
70th
Wickedly funny and solidly scary as well. Not a masterclass of terror, but the humor more than makes up for it.
Rated 30 Jan 2012
75
91st
Brilliant horror-comedy that deftly blends classic monster movie homages with its humor, legitimately scary moments, and great soundtrack. What might be the best, actually, topping even the acclaimed transformation scene, are the character interactions. David's discussions with John, and his doomed relationship with Alex are consistently entertaining, and somehow realistic in spite of the supernatural plot taking place.
Rated 31 Oct 2020
85
92nd
It's funny, clever, and like others said, one of the best blends of spooky horror and black comedy. I especially appreciated the amazing makeup and the wolf movement was so good I was surprised they didn't show more. Agutter was a babe. My only criticism of Naughton was that he looked too old for a college student. The pub scenes were a bit silly and I'm sure I'm missing something with all the Jewish references. Fav scenes: transformation in the apt; subway stalking; car mayhem in London
Rated 23 Jul 2021
83
68th
Landis does such a good job of bringing the old monster movie tropes (especially the old pub scenes) into the 1980s, that you barely notice how slim the plot is. He manages to fill the rest of the time w/ uniquely Jewish nightmares; fun talks with the undead & a tongue in cheek approach to the whole thing. The old films never had that, but it mostly works here, until the end, when he decides to keep things light rather than delivering the more moving & impactful ending sitting right there.
Rated 14 Mar 2008
89
89th
The transformation scene alone is enough to rank this one of the best werewolf movies ever. But the entire movie is great. Filled with intense scenes and comedic touches, this is a horror movie that actually deserved to be copied more than it was. Directors who rely on CGI need to re-watch this gem and see just how amazing rubber, goo and animatronics can look.
Rated 24 Apr 2008
99
99th
A master class in horror-comedy, this film swings from big laughs to being truly disturbing with the greatest of ease, and it's simultaneously an emotionally substantive film that's even heartbreaking at the end. It has some really iconic and unforgettable scenes--the tavern, the moors, the mirror, the balloons, the dreams, the transformation, the subway... It's fun and heavy.
Rated 05 Nov 2008
3
61st
Nothing that will bowl you over, just a solid horror film with a charming lead and some humorous moments. I thought the key transformation scene was particularly well done and I enjoyed the frequent visits by David's undead friend, Jack. Seeing Jack in various stages of bodily decomposition with each successive appearance was a nice touch. Recommended for Halloween movie marathons or the next full moon.
Rated 22 Nov 2009
9
93rd
Pretty awesome. The climax makes this worth watching alone, so awesome. I also enjoyed the interactions between David and zombie John. The special effects feel dated but it didn't really matter cause it's so ridiculously cheesy/awesome/amazing. Good movie to watch with a bunch of friends.
Rated 14 Jan 2011
85
87th
Really cool, really fun little horror comedy. The effects are great for the time, and I have yet to see a man-to-wolf transformation scene done better. It's funny, but not in the unrealistic 'snappy one-liners when facing imminent doom' sort of way that current horror movies seem to love. There's a realism to the way these characters act that makes the movie all the more effective. Recommended from a guy who doesn't have a lot of love for horror movies.
Rated 21 Nov 2011
79
80th
If nothing else, watch this for the werewolf transformation effects. This is another one of those movies that came along right before the advent of CGI, so the special effects look incredible. Aside from that, it's just a great old-fashioned werewolf movie. Somewhat funny, but still able to pull off a horror atmosphere.
Rated 23 Aug 2014
85
92nd
An amazing film for its era and still holds up relatively well in both the tone and effects. It's noteworthy for its successful comingling of American and British dark humor as well. It pokes fun at the American tourist cliche, the horror film genre, and throws in plenty of amusing dry British wit. It also does quite a bit of genre subverting along the way which is very unusual for 1981. The slaughtered lamb pub and the disgruntled but polite porno theater undead are classic scenes.
Rated 03 Sep 2014
85
93rd
A very enjoyable comedy/horror. It gets the comedy elements right, and gets the horror elements right, but not at the expense of plot, acting or characterisation, all of which are well done. The visual effects still stand up as well. Throw in some Brian Glover, Frank Oz, returning victims and a "moon" heavy soundtrack and we have a winner. Perhaps feels a bit rushed towards the end, but this is great fun. And getting on the London Underground was never quite the same after this...
Rated 15 Jan 2018
85
83rd
One of my favorite cult classics. Hilarious and entertaining.
Rated 06 Nov 2018
70
71st
Inventive throwback with award winning effects by Baker that are still impressive, especially the infamous transformation sequence. The opening act in the English countryside is tremendously effective; the desolate fog drenched moors are the perfect scene setter, and the tourists' encounters with hostile locals is just as intense, but the film suffers from wobbly performances and Landis' refusal to explore the psychological depth of his characters suggested in his screenplay.
Rated 06 Jul 2020
90
91st
I was very surprised at how well this held up, especially the practical effects. The horror worked perfectly and the music was great. The only problem I had was that, besides a couple laughs, I didn't think it was that funny, but I think it worked well enough without it.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
90
86th
Kind of on the juvenile side (like all John Landis movies) but one of the rare effective horror films that also has a strong sense of humor, as opposed to all the (usually lame) spoofs out there
Rated 15 Aug 2007
80
77th
It's a classic film, really. Werewolf films are hard to make.
Rated 11 Oct 2008
85
90th
When I watched this, I expected a rather bad movie and was positively surprised to experience such a funny movie.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
71
73rd
An affecting sense of humor permeates this high-spirited diffusion of classic horror film lore and modern comedy from the director of _Animal House_. Rick Baker's Oscar-winning makeup FX are a marvel to behold although Dunne steals it as a walking corpse with a sense of humor.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
75
54th
Landis's lycanthrope lampoon rates as one of those rare comedy/horror hybrids that succeeds in supplying honest laughs without sacrificing the chills. Rick Baker's bubbling-bladder makeup FX netted him a well-deserved Oscar.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
90
93rd
Amazing horror-comedy film, and probably the greatest werewolf movie of all time. The transformation is incredible to watch, and all the dead people coming back to life was pretty unexpected, also. The comedy is not out in front, but its there all right, and pretty funny, too. Unlike most horror-comedies, the comedy is not within the gore, but within the dialouge, which makes for a very interesting ride. Enjoy.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
88
85th
For the time, the special effects are revolutionary, and the soundtrack is fun and reall off-sets the tone in a positive way. Above that, the story is easy to follow and simple, which lends one to focus more on the internal struggle of David. A great example of how horror and comedy can be balanced to produce a quality movie that is enjoyable to watch, without feeling like a waste of one's time.
Rated 14 Apr 2009
55
47th
This film was scariest thing I saw as a kid. I even couldn't finish watching it at the time. Sadly, now I can't appreciate it that much. After re-watching it ~15 years later i found it funny, but easy forgettable flick. Director throws in lots of fun stuff for movie geeks, but forgets to really develop characters or story.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
82
77th
Great transformation. Mediocre story, ok acting, tolerable music but a great transformation. Kinda like Psycho where everyone knows the one scene and passes off the rest of the film as just being ok.
Rated 05 Dec 2009
75
44th
Some things don't quite work, throwing the pacing off kilter and making the whole less than the sum of its parts. The parts are worthwhile, though, with some effects that hold up well, an enjoyable lead and some really wonderful set pieces, especially the finale.
Rated 25 Dec 2009
86
71st
A good werewolf picture that manages to be terrifying and very funny too, by taking the genre seriously and finding its laughs not in wisecracks but in situation and character. A great soundtrack: after you see this movie, "Blue Moon" and "Bad Moon Rising" will never sound quite the same again.
Rated 12 Feb 2010
92
90th
A GREAT FILM. The most amazing transformation scene ever, Rick Baker is the man. Why doesn't John Landis make awesome movies anymore?
Rated 25 Sep 2010
70
79th
Excellent black comedy and the change scenes still spook me.
Rated 06 Dec 2010
65
60th
The plot is fairly lightweight, but what it lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in charm and humour. As almost every mini-review has said, the special effects are great and the bone-crunching transformation scene in Jenny Agutter's flat is absolutely brilliant. There is no way you could achieve something like that with CGI. The ending was fantastic as well, and the colourful cast of supporting characters all play their role in making this a very entertaining film.
Rated 20 Jan 2011
88
77th
I have never seen horror and comedy so balanced than in this movie. The humor is very clever and very funny, but I would expect no different from the guy who directed "Blues Brothers". The show stopper is the transformation scene, which still has not been surpassed and, most likely, probably never will. If you enjoy horror movies, especially ones with some black humor, check this out. My favorite werewolf film, by far.
Rated 11 Oct 2011
78
65th
Mixes humor and horror very well. Far from a perfect film, but it is a perfect film for October.
Rated 27 Oct 2011
60
26th
The real standout here is the oft spoken about transformation scene, which still sizzles today. The rest of the film is hit and miss. Many seem to appreciate it for its combination of humor and horror, but I felt that on a number of occasions the humor pulled us out of what might have otherwise been a compelling and disturbing horror film. I still enjoyed it overall, but I still think there's a great modern-day werewolf film to be made.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
85
61st
On rewatch the movie is way more dry and drab than I think it was even intending to be. I guess what it's saying throughout is that, gee, England sure is a drab boring place with drab boring people, because I couldn't find one character with any personality, even the Americans for that matter. The most notable thing is the werewolf, but it'd help if anything else was noteworthy aside from the gore and a few shocks. It feels like it's trying to make a point, but gives up not long into it.
Rated 25 Feb 2012
70
67th
I think it must've been one of the first of its kind - a horror movie that had comedic elements to it. I wouldn't say it's the most well-written or directed film, but it was entertaining. The special effects were awesome - I was very impressed. It was just plain fun.
Rated 11 Apr 2012
79
80th
What a pleasant surprise--a horror movie with actual characters that are fleshed out by people actually acting, with good writing to help them along. And the comedy part actually works. Good flick.
Rated 16 Jun 2012
80
85th
A small Guinness? They have laws about that in the UK, you know.
Rated 03 Feb 2013
85
73rd
This was funnier than expected. Great effects. Also, that last bit of car crashing, wtf. Also, want that pub sign as a tattoo.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
88
76th
This always has been, and perhaps always will be, my favorite werewolf movie. And two main characters are just great and have great lines. It's a very funny movie, and the music is surprisingly very fitting as well. Some highlights are the chilling opening sequence, as well as what is arguably the greatest werewolf transformation in film.
Rated 01 Nov 2013
85
89th
A highly entertaining horror film boasting a strangely effective blend of playful, self-aware humor, genuinely suspenseful scares, and some sublime psychologically trippy nightmares/visions. The transformation scene is also pure awesomeness.
Rated 05 Apr 2014
75
65th
I was left confused by An American Werewolf in London's combination of comedy and horror because it's more underwhelming than the concept promises. First of all, the horror element isn't affecting at all. This is a movie that's of the horror genre by theme, not by what it attempts at the audience. Secondly, it's just not that funny either? The banter between the two friends are the best parts. Over too quickly, sells itself short, but I'm still charmed.
Rated 13 Aug 2014
90
81st
This unapologetically uneven film has what seem to be faults, but they're offset by the film's various potent fortes. From time to time, directors attempt to take advantage of the subtle line between horror and humor and play with our defense mechanism of laughing at uncomfortable things. And sure enough, some clever filmmakers, like Landis, tread the tightrope with ease.
Rated 31 Oct 2015
9
90th
Often times mixing horror and comedy is like mixing two incompatible ingredients, leaving you unable to taste the pleasures of either. This does not apply here, because this movie is like peanut butter and jelly and it was DELICIOUS. What I appreciated most was its skillful combination of so many different elements: horror (both psychological and physical), surrealism (dream sequences), absurdity, parody, romance, homage; it's endless fun. Wonderfully made and well acted. Looks great, too.
Rated 26 Apr 2016
85
72nd
Good werewolf films are very hard to make. This made me laugh and almost made me crap myself too. Worth watching again and again.
Rated 11 Jun 2018
74
38th
+ Impressive effects for the time (all practical & on camera obviously). + Good tongue in cheek score. +Humorous scenes & dialogue - NOT scary. - Dated in look, style, tone. ___________________________ ___________ Deserves 88%+ on its own terms (can't think of another film that does this type of thing better) but early 80s campy horror-comedy blend is simply not really to my taste -> 74% score
Rated 07 Mar 2019
7
57th
The whole thing is seemingly played for goofs, and nothing about it should work, but strangely enough, it does and is - for the most part - totally fun and awesome. Surprisingly, the scene where he goes on a rampage for the first time didn't thrill me so much, but it makes up for it with a pretty sweet climax and ooh, I guess I'll just cut to black right here, said no editor ever.
Rated 29 Jul 2020
52
7th
Despite the novel interpretations of the tropes, this doesn't succeed for me as a self-aware comedy-horror. The chemistry between Dunne and Naughton is the only fuel this film has to get going, and thankfully they're so charismatic and realistic together that it's more than enough, but when that relationship is cut short, the film lags tremendously. After that, it's a tumble towards an abrupt non-ending. It's entertaining when it tries to be, and the effects are fun.
Rated 12 Jun 2021
90
92nd
John Landis really said, "let's put every rock song about a moon on the soundtrack." When someone makes a horror comedy well, they deserve a ton of praise. However, since it's John Landis, and not only is he responsible for that whole thing, but he also let his son walk this earth we don't have to say anything. Also, because they are overworked, I haven't seen a nurse spend more than three minutes in a room on a patient, let alone invite them back to their place to stay.
Rated 04 Oct 2021
50
18th
Fails both as a comedy and as a horror movie. Only real selling point are the excellent practical effects, but that’s very little to sustain an entire movie
Rated 31 Jan 2007
63
77th
Hard to imagine this being made today. Labeled as a horror-comedy, it's not really that funny, and even the shock take 2nd seat to drama. Landis takes his time with delivering the goods, and focuses on the characters. FX still hold up, cinematography is top-notch and soundtrack is a classy mix of golden oldies and Bernstein's score. The one fault is that it doesn't really decide what type of film it wants to be. That's a limitation, but also one of the reasons why people are still enjoying it.
Rated 06 Feb 2007
88
84th
Ceis sabem que amo o John Landis dos anos 70/80, né? E esse aqui é a quarta melhor coisa que dirigiu no período (perde pra Blues Brothers, Thriller e Trading Places), é um pecado sem tamanho que um cara tão talentoso se perdeu totalmente a partir dos anos 90... Misto de horror e comédia, até hoje é lembrado pelos efeitos especiais do Rick Baker, mas é muito mais do que isso e nos dá uma gramática do cinema espetacular. Darkflix TV.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
65
73rd
Quality horror.
Rated 26 May 2007
80
89th
Classic.
Rated 13 Jun 2007
85
82nd
Amazing special effects for it's time. A classic.
Rated 04 Aug 2007
91
92nd
Excellent all-rounder. Back before Horror/Comedy became glib.
Rated 07 Aug 2007
95
96th
Hilarious, terrifying, hilariously terrifying.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
4
87th
Fun horror flick with some nice special effects and a cool soundtrack.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
96th
If this movie was on right now, I'd watch it. I'd drop everything and watch it. It doesn't get much better then this.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
62nd
Watching this again in March 2020, for the first time in at least 30 years, it is striking how messy it is, taking its time with individual scenes but really having quite a rudimentary plot and extremely perfunctory and disconcerting conclusion. But it is always watchable, with likeable performances (especially by Agutter and Dunne) and impressive effects (more evidence that things were better before CGI). The underlying theme about Jewishness and persecution adds a kind of dissonant tone.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
80th
finally i get to rate an original, lol
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
71st
Great werewolf flick!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
73rd
Big scares, big laughs and it all comes together so well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
77
45th
saw this movie many moons ago. Scared me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
45th
One of the keystone horror/comedies. Everything works just right, although for some reason I don't enjoy it like I used to. The pacing is a bit off.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
75
79th
One of the best werewolf films and one of those rare films that finds a way to balance horror with humor.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
78
88th
will always be great ~ a classic!
Rated 18 Dec 2007
84
52nd
Excellent FX in this film. Rick Baker is a genius.
Rated 13 Feb 2008
80
69th
Hilarious and scary as manure. I loved it then and still do.
Rated 14 Feb 2008
70
78th
Yes.
Rated 21 Feb 2008
78
79th
I like the werewolf was here in four feet, not just hairy man.
Rated 25 Feb 2008
100
99th
The best werewolf movie ever. It had a nice balance between horror and comedy, which not too many horror films seem to have. The acting was very well done and this had one of the best werewolf transformations ever. No CGI needed.
Rated 29 Mar 2008
92
83rd
Still the best werewolf movie.
Rated 06 Jun 2008
100
96th
scariest film ever!
Rated 13 Jun 2008
81
91st
nice movie
Rated 12 Jul 2008
79
73rd
Bizzare black comedy with ground breaking creature FX.
Rated 25 Sep 2008
80
84th
in 1981 I loved this flick (mind you, I had a HUGE cruch on Jenny Agutter at the time). Mind you, don't be fooled. This is a HORROR flick with funny moments NOT the other way around.
Rated 26 Sep 2008
85
78th
favorite werwolf flick
Rated 14 Oct 2008
89
58th
scary. dripped me out. cool
Rated 14 Oct 2008
70
32nd
Another trip to memory lane. Maybe if i seen it these days i'd have a whole different perspective. Loved it!!!
Rated 09 Nov 2008
80
66th
Great movie, pretty scary.
Rated 20 Nov 2008
100
81st
This movie stands out as an icon of the state of hand-built effects art for its era. Rick Baker's werewolf design is still a standard for a lot of folks, and the rest of his makeup art was outstanding. The acting wasn't half bad either, and that grouchy bald guy from the pub has gotten me a TON of name-that-actor points over the years!
Rated 14 Dec 2008
85
84th
without a doubt, this is the best werewolf movie ever filmed.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
100
99th
My original review wasn't so mini, and was therefore cut off. I have endless positive things to say about this movie, definitely a must see...if you enjoy werewolf movies, that is. ^_^
Rated 11 Feb 2009
92
55th
Tongue in cheek horror is great
Rated 01 Mar 2009
57
35th
good
Rated 10 Apr 2009
6
55th
Charming!
Rated 18 Apr 2009
50
97th
The best werewolf film ever made, not that it's a particularly exploited genre but still an impressive bit of celluloid. Uses the double-barrel shotgun of "scary" and "funny" (see "Evil Dead 2") to great effect. Watch for the hilarious scene in the porn theater.
Rated 21 May 2009
78
78th
Fun to watch!
Rated 31 Jul 2009
82
68th
Funny and scary. Well-made movie.

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