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Bride of Frankenstein

Bride of Frankenstein

1935
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 15m
Mary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Dr. Frankenstein (goaded by an even madder scientist) builds his monster a mate. (imdb)
Your probable score
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Bride of Frankenstein

1935
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 15m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 65.65% from 1606 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1606)
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Compact view
Rated 01 Jun 2008
72
41st
Popular opinion seems to overwhelmingly favor this sequel to the original, but I have to go against the grain on this one. It's much, MUCH goofier with its limp attempts at humor, Dr. Pretorius' miniature creations, and the monster becoming more human. Perhaps this movie is more nuanced than its predecessor, but I found it less exciting and less entertaining.
Rated 27 Jul 2016
70
55th
Alternate title: Monsters Get Horny Too.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
85
73rd
The character of the monster is more compelling here than in Frankenstein, especially in that he actually has fundamental human desires of his own instead of acting in a purely instinctual manner. On the technical side of things, Bride of Frankenstein knocks it up several notches from the first film, sporting some seriously impressive special effects. Another high point is Ernest Thesiger's hilariously campy turn as Dr. Pretorius.
Rated 10 Feb 2010
7
80th
I prefer it to the first mostly because of the original's familiarity, like the number of times I've seen Young Frankenstein for example, but it's also superior in every technical way too. The special effects, like the scene with the tiny people, holds up incredibly well, even better than a lot of stuff they were doing with mattes and rear projection 20 years later.
Rated 09 Mar 2010
93
91st
One of the few sequels that is better than the original. It embraces self-parody--the inevitable fate of sequels--and runs with it. The Monster is more human, Thesiger and his little people charming, and Elsa's hiss and her lightning-bolt hair stick in the memory.
Rated 19 Apr 2012
75
57th
It's good, but way too silly and even occasionally dumb. I did love Dr. Pretorius for the most part - and the ending is great as well. It's just not as good as the first film.
Rated 03 Nov 2020
90
92nd
The monster being hissed at by the Bride, baby we all been there. Now THIS is a sequel, it’s like four different movies jammed into 75 minutes. It makes the first film feel primitive almost. The Prologue contains a character who rolls his Rs like no other person ever has before or since, total asshole.
Rated 22 Dec 2016
80
80th
A camp blend of horror, science fiction and comedy, this light-hearted sequel really develops the character of the Monster by affording him a great deal more humanity than before, and this is ably relayed by Karloff, who's exceptional alongside mad scientists Clive and Thesiger. Though the titular Bride looks terrific, it's ultimately rather disappointing how little screen time or personality she's granted.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
100
97th
From Whale's atmospheric direction to Thesiger's supremely perverse Dr. Pretorius to Elsa's electric hairdo and Boris's alternately poignant and pushy Monster, this ranks as one of horrordom's towering achievements.
Rated 02 Mar 2011
92
98th
This film builds upon the framework of the original and adds enough to make it better.The wonderful score by the master Franz Waxman, special effects, distinctive camera work and the use of light and shadows all add a lot of depth to this film.The humor is a nice touch and I liked how they focused more on The Monster and gave him character and a sense of humanity.
Rated 24 Jan 2012
92
98th
Still amazing. "It's a perfect night for mystery and horror. The air itself is filled with monsters. "
Rated 23 Sep 2021
83
86th
Just wonderful. Takes the axe to the 1st movie, splitting it into so many different tonal & cerebral directions it should be a bizarre mess. As it turns out, (through Whale's confident axe-handling) it's a bizarre delight. Despite the wild fragmented ideas it maintains a fluid dreamlike consistency, never losing its punch or sense of playful fun. The supremely assured visuals & performances (Thesiger fuck yeah!) stitch the mismatched parts together & Whale's sly electric touch shocks it to life.
Rated 03 Apr 2007
83
72nd
More interesting examination of the monster than the first and a more robust plot all around.
Rated 08 Dec 2008
73
59th
The polar opposite of the original Frankenstein. The blind friend, entreaties to God, and the religious elements seem very heavy-handed by today's standards. However, it has a creepy, fun allure despite its many flaws.
Rated 22 Mar 2010
90
97th
Most mature, interesting, original and cinematographic movie about the monster. Even telling a completely different story than the book, shares more soul with the original than the first Universal one, and than the supposely faithful Branagh's version.
Rated 23 Mar 2011
87
85th
Expands on the original by adding even more emotional depth to the misunderstood monster. The character himself is given a lot more to do, which in turn allows Karloff to really show off his acting skills. The final creation sequence is even more fun and exciting than the original, and the scene with the blind man in the cabin is absolutely fantastic. A worthy companion to the original.
Rated 06 Aug 2011
75
52nd
One of the first sequels in film history to actually be better than the first. Every bit of this one is better and all the widely remembered scenes from the series are in this movie save maybe two. If you're going through the monster mash movies of the 30's and 40's, don't stop at the first one, watch this one too.
Rated 28 Nov 2011
100
99th
The greatest film ever made. Every facet of Bride--its wicked sense of humor, its enchanting performances, its moments of genuine pathos, the monumental "creation" scene, the incredible score--is breathtaking, and the LGBT subtext ensures its relevancy in today's world, where "horror" has grown to mean gore and loud noises. It's funny, it's creepy, it's moving, it's ballsy, it's perfect.
Rated 30 Oct 2014
65
45th
I don't really get why this is considered so much better than the first. They are both fine, but neither is very deep. This one tries to humanize the monster more, which is nice, but it's also goofier, which doesn't fit the theme.
Rated 04 Apr 2020
80
75th
The Bride comes out looking like Kramer. I am not sure what is happening on the top of the Monster's head, though (did you notice I didn't call him Frankenstein? Yes, I am very smart).
Rated 02 Feb 2008
95
99th
One of the all time greatest sequels. Whale's secret weapon is his ability to expand on the original while not being restricted by it. This film is simultaneously looser, campier (Dr. Pretorius is a god damn delight), funnier, more symbolic (Christ imagery is obvious but daring in its own way), more nakedly sentimental and even more visually impressive than its predecessor. It's perhaps less scary but this is balanced by being more confident and markedly more entertaining.
Rated 28 Apr 2008
90
91st
A burlesque masterwork, offering a gracious atmosphere and mesmerizing images, paced with cleverness and style, radiating tenderness and wit as well as nuanced despondency.
Rated 19 May 2009
50
33rd
The movie was alright. They really tried hard to make The Monster seem sympathetic - he even cries at one point. The whole aim to humanize The Monster would have worked too if they didn't have him slaughter so many fucking people. Jesus Christ, no wonder you're lonely; stop killing so many people, and maybe they wont hate you so much! It's an okay movie and a decent follow-up to the original. Nothing special, though.
Rated 14 Oct 2009
80
62nd
This is so campy that you can't take it seriously. I see it as some kind of black comedy, instead of an average horror film.
Rated 16 Jan 2011
3
38th
The monster's broken English is too silly for its own good, but he's a much more empathetic creature in general than he was in the first, which I greatly appreciate. And while it strongly favors a sense of camp as opposed to the first, it manages to be pretty funny all the same. I wouldn't say it's much better, but I do favor it a bit. Both are very good films in their own way.
Rated 11 Oct 2011
80
91st
The last 25 minutes of this film can stand against the final act of any other horror film. As entertaining as it gets.
Rated 01 Nov 2013
6
54th
While the lighter touch makes the portrait of the monster more friendly and tender, I didn't find BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN as thrilling as the first. There wasn't a real sense of danger or wonder, just comedy and parody, mixed in with some amusing science experiments and horror elements. I found that Karloff's monster-speak made me sympathize for him less, if only because it was so mawkish and corny. I did like the ending a lot, though.
Rated 06 Sep 2014
55
50th
This director does some pretty cool stuff, and the special effects/makeup are amazing. However the characters say and do a lot of stupid and unnatural things. The old shrieking windbag of a lady is annoying as hell and her only purpose was to telegraph plot points in the least subtle way possible. I'm pretty sure she yelled directly at the camera a few times. I was hoping Frank would throw her off a cliff or grind her bones into dust... Soyeah: technically gooooooood. Narratively baaaaaad.
Rated 29 May 2015
28
17th
I liked the Monster WAY more when he didn't talk. This was so campy, much too over the top for my taste. No real fear here, just a mix of rage and melancholia. The themes also were pushed too hard, strongly prefer the direction of the first Frankenstein as the one deserving of being a "classic"
Rated 01 Aug 2015
42
24th
Contains what must one of the earliest examples of a recap and a retcon. The movie itself seems, very fittingly, to consist mostly of reanimated bits of the old one, with new scenes grafted on here and there. The basic premise is two scientist going "this monster have been killing people left and right, including at least two under-aged girls; let's make him a girlfriend and start breeding them". This goes as well as you would expect.
Rated 08 Apr 2017
82
77th
I always figured this movie would be B-movie cheese. I mean, "Bride of Frankenstein"? Come on. But it was actually pretty good; better than the first movie, in my opinion. Same good acting, cooler cinematography and a less disjointed story. It actually expounds the ending of the first movie, which was needed. This movie's ending was abrupt, though. What's with the huge self-destruct lever? Side note: I'm becoming more of a Dwight Frye fan. I'm thrilled that the monster got to kill him again.
Rated 24 Mar 2022
75
69th
I admit this is a pretty creative way to continue the story 
It’s interesting they came up with the idea to have someone play Mary Shelley and have her continue the story 
I feel like the first half of the movie is basically a retelling of what happened in the first movie 
This definitely is much more of a comedy 
The best scenes are when the Monster becomes friends the blind man 
I like it overall but I wish there had been more scenes with the bride
Rated 01 Mar 2007
50
35th
Classic horror. A wild John Carradine appears.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
90
86th
Not as good as the first but still way better than most horror films then or now
Rated 14 Aug 2007
76
87th
The filmmaking here is far more controlled than in the original film, or indeed any of the earlier Universal horror films, with an amusing script, great sets, interesting angles, a moving camera and a general sense that the filmmakers knew what they were doing. It seems like the director must have been fond of Una O'Connor's hysterical performances (see THE INVISIBLE MAN), but for this viewer her mugging and screaming were a definite weak spot. Re-watched December 2020.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
0th
Sequel is better than the original.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
84th
Boris Karloff is still the man.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
76
60th
Still meritorious after 70 years. That's really something.
Rated 23 Oct 2007
70
41st
Storywise, it's ridiculous, though Dr. Pretorius brings some good campy fun to the proceedings. My favorite moments involve the blind man and the appearance of the Bride herself (love that hiss!). Whale's direction continues to be sharply done, with the gothic and expressionistic features retained from the earlier film.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
89
82nd
# 230
Rated 15 Oct 2008
22
20th
søndagsmatine...
Rated 03 Dec 2008
41
38th
looks and feels better than the first one, but i still can't really take it seriously.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
89
78th
223
Rated 27 Feb 2009
100
95th
Rawr
Rated 25 Mar 2009
80
23rd
some nice elements, but somewhat overrated. Elsa Lanchester does have a great scene when she is brought to life...
Rated 20 Jun 2009
6
34th
Expected more, but somehow, the more I think about it, the more I like it.
Rated 13 Jan 2010
89
78th
213
Rated 23 Jan 2010
85
75th
Old movies have an uphill battle given that what might have been pioneering may now b cliche.4 instance: was this 1st use of an off-kilter frame2 convey madness? 1st time subtext played such an important role?If so, it's easy2 understand y its a classic.Clunky at points but it suprises:both the Monster's encounter w/ the blind man and his attempt2 connect w/theBride seem like they would play out as excerpts from a goofy B-movie& instead r not only moving, but capture the primal pain of rejection
Rated 27 Mar 2010
60
23rd
Could this be Hollywood's first attempt at creating a sequel for a film that didn't need one? That said, once the distracting and unnecessary introduction is over, it's a serviceable sequel, albeit one with a goofier tone than its predecessor.
Rated 28 May 2010
8
80th
Its a very good movie overall and like its predecessor has the impressive acting. While its about humanizing the monster, it never feels like a 'Frankenstein' picture. Prefer the first.
Rated 20 Oct 2010
5
80th
A marked improvement from the halfway point on.
Rated 25 Dec 2010
91
94th
90.750
Rated 01 Jan 2011
75
44th
Beaiful
Rated 13 Jan 2011
99
98th
James Whale's celebrated sequel to one of horror film's masterpieces is one of the best around, because it is a poignant and frightening film that never fails to entertain me. Karloff's second turn as the monster and Elsa Lanchester's "Bride of" are iconic performances.
Rated 20 Jan 2011
91
88th
The masterpiece of the Golden Age of Horror. James Whale gives his camp touch to the Frankenstein legend and creates a monster in and of itself.
Rated 21 Feb 2011
67
81st
I prefer it to the original, because of the added sense of subtlety, tragedy, and charm (also seen as campy humor). I think they both lack a little something due to aging, but they're still entertaining decades later, and some of the effects are still really cool.
Rated 23 Jun 2011
82
8th
After another rewatch, i'm revising my previous rating. The movie as a whole seems rushed. There are some parts and scenes I really like, but overall kind of disappointing.
Rated 09 Nov 2011
70
50th
This has one of the most bizarre first scenes I've ever seen. It goes nicely with Frankenstein, which had one of the most bizarre final scenes I've ever seen. Oh, and by bizarre, I mean fucking horrendous.
Rated 21 Nov 2011
60
39th
Now it just got silly...
Rated 23 Nov 2011
60
72nd
"Frankenstein" is only half-watched if you haven't seen "Bride of Frankenstein" as well. Every remake worth watching has elements of both of these films, and "Bride of Frankenstein" has some of the most important.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
90
80th
#203
Rated 21 Jun 2012
70
56th
I actually preferred this a lot more to the original. One of the first horror sequels ever made, perhaps even one of the best, 'Bride' is technically superior to its predecessor and a lot more fun. It does have its bad points, such as the tacky prologue, Una O'Connor still being an annoying hag and peaking too early (the scenes with the blind Hermit being the highlight for me) but for the most part, it earns its classic status, even if it is underrated.
Rated 05 Sep 2012
70
67th
It probably wasn't as good as the original, but it was far from a waste of time. There were some really great scenes - my favourites were the one with the blind man and the end. It's wonderfully shot once again by James Whale, with lots of lovely gothic shadows. And Boris Karloff gives another great performance as the monster. I guess my biggest complaint would be that it gets a little silly at times, especially when involving a certain female character.
Rated 16 Sep 2012
96
91st
Still fantastic
Rated 10 Oct 2012
91
84th
Simply put, the best Universal horror film. Everyone plays their roles perfectly here. And the Bride of Frankenstein herself, despite only being onscreen for mere minutes, is totally unforgettable. And the added camp value just makes it even more entertaining.
Rated 26 Oct 2012
78
79th
* Casting, Acting : 7 * Script : 8 * Directing, Aura : 8 * Ease of Viewing : 8 * Naked Eye : 8
Rated 04 Nov 2012
92
64th
91.500
Rated 28 Mar 2013
75
56th
A fair amount better than the first film. Admittedly it comes off as even sillier than the first (the miniatures are definitely the low point of this film...), but the story goes more interesting places, thematically this film goes where the first film should have but didn't (looking at Frankenstein sympathetically, showing that he only lashes out as a reaction to others attacking him out at him out of ignorance) and the sets are really quite breathtaking at points.
Rated 08 Jun 2013
80
99th
What can be more horrifying then the Frankenstein monster sitting around smoking himself high, learning that wood is good and getting horny?!
Rated 21 Jun 2013
45
10th
Canavar, bilim adami, canavarin sigara ictigi sahne (41. dakika) (serinin ilk filmi kaldigi yerden devam ediyor. Canavar, bir degirmenin içinde yakilmistir fakat herkesin öldügünü düsündügü canavar hala yasamaktadir. Bu arada cevresine korku vermektedir. Doktor frankenstein ölümden dönmüstür ve bu islere tevbelidir. Baska bir doktor olan Pretorius, Frankenstein'i canavara eş yapma konusunda zorlamaktadir. İlk filme göre daha cok aksiyon var.
Rated 16 Jul 2013
80
81st
watched: 2013, 2023
Rated 24 Oct 2013
65
19th
Pales in comparison to its predecessor.
Rated 05 Nov 2013
82
86th
This is really more like an extra helping of the first movie, and the "bride" plays a pretty small part in the whole thing. She's nowhere near as interesting as the Boris Karloff monster, but I really think I prefer this one to the first, since it adds more depth to the monster and Frankenstein. Even after all these years, it can still stand out as a unique movie.
Rated 09 Jun 2014
92
98th
Not only is this an improvement over the classic original, but its one of the greatest sequels EVER made. Its influence still shakes Hollywood today. An absolute daring classic, bringing comedy to horror for perhaps the first time in movies.
Rated 21 Dec 2014
6
83rd
often touching and rather funny. this doesn't seem to be formally known as a comedy, but it seems quite clearly to contain quite a few elements that are parodic of the first film, and it works. some of the imagery in the finale was absolutely gorgeous, metropolis-like in its expressionist beauty. i would need to see the first again to make sure, but i think this is probably an improvement.
Rated 07 Feb 2015
50
29th
Ernest Thesiger is mad, Una O'Connor is madder, and the whole thing was a mad excursion, verging on the camp side of the horror spectrum.
Rated 25 Feb 2015
30
9th
Comic relief servant woman and the Mini people almost ruin the film before it really has a chance to begin. The atmosphere that made the original work so well is also missing here. Ultimately it's a lot sillier then the first and the score is more distracting than anything else. Nothing in this movie seems to work I'm extremely disappointed.
Rated 28 Mar 2015
80
65th
Still a bit too goofy for my taste, but wow was this well shot. Once it gets moving, it's really good and Karloff is even better here than in the first one. And despite knowing, more or less, the story of Frankenstein, there are several surprises in the climax and fallout. Remove some of the humour/awkwardness (though not all, the burgomaster has some good moments) and I'd like it more.
Rated 23 Aug 2015
72
63rd
Mad scientists and monster mayhem. What more could you ask for? More than two minutes of The Bride!!
Rated 31 Aug 2015
100
88th
Always thought that 'Bride' was better than Frankenstein.Whale at his absolute best!
Rated 18 Dec 2015
85
86th
The Bride of Frankenstein is how all sequels should be made. Whale recognized all the elements that made the original stand out and cranked them all up a notch: Grander and more elaborate sets, louder and more spectacular sound, more Expressionist imagery and philosophical heft, and best of all, a monster that was more sympathetic, human and, ultimately, heart-breaking. He even added in some campy humour and queer subtext for good measure. A sequel that's actually better than it's predecessor.
Rated 23 Feb 2016
19
99th
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Rated 05 Jul 2017
90
92nd
Between the setup with Mary Shelley, a blind man teaching Frankenstein the joys of smoking, and "even madder scientist" Dr. Praetorius, this is a goofy horror classic for the ages that's still supremely entertaining over 80 years later. Karloff gets a lot more to do, and the script is a lot more focused than that of its predecessor. The best of the Universal monster movies I've (yet) seen.
Rated 29 Jan 2018
95
99th
The perfect sequel, dare i say surpassing the original
Rated 17 Feb 2018
50
11th
Doctor Pretorius: "It is my only weakness."
Rated 27 Aug 2018
66
66th
Generally well made and entertaining film made in the relatively early days of film-making. I would have preferred it without the prologue which really doesn't fit the style and action of the rest of the movie. The only other minor issue is the goofy humour can be a bit too much, again for the flow of the movie.
Rated 04 Nov 2018
50
59th
The opening sets the stage for melodrama dressed up as a horror movie. The only likable person is the blind hermit.
Rated 25 Nov 2018
80
78th
Brilliant, if problematic due to the name -- the Bride barely gets ten minutes of screen time. Instead, we get a drinking, smoking monster who is growing up before our eyes. The miniature scenes in the lab must have been stunning in the 1930s (they're not half-bad today). The film does tend to wobble between taking itself too seriously and not seriously enough, but overall it's an enjoyable watch.
Rated 28 Feb 2019
92
88th
92.00
Rated 19 Nov 2019
85
92nd
The jump in quality both technically and narratively from the Dracula to this four years later is astonishing.
Rated 18 Sep 2020
73
78th
(Rewatched on 18/11/23):
Rated 17 Jan 2021
65
54th
Kind of drags in the end but at least they tried to adapt some of the novels core elements (aside from some dude trying to conquer life for some reason).
Rated 14 Feb 2021
65
45th
This is a weird one, isn't it? The cast turn in strong performances, but tonally it's all over the place & the characterization of Karloff's monster is clumsy. Famously, the actual bride is only there for about two minutes, with zero explanation of where that massive head of hair came from- even if it is a super cool look. The whole thing is also oddly campy compared to the original, but it mostly works. Some fun moments- the stuff with the blind man is great- but overall a bit messy & rushed.
Rated 31 Oct 2021
100
98th
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Rated 18 Nov 2021
90
95th
The 20min climax framing the creation of the Bride, with marchines sparking all over the place, Frankenstein grunting as hell, and finally the Bride's disturbing sounds and expressions and looks form maybe the greatest finale of all time in Hollywood. It's still brutally violent, but in a way more refined than the original, with some unpredictable camp humor and some strong acting by Lanchester and Thesiger. Frankenstein walking the swamp cemetery while JC in a cross is just pure mayhem beauty.
Rated 22 Oct 2022
95
90th
It is completely weird and gets emotional (friend?) and it is beautifully shot and visually & technically stunning. Every frame a gothic photograph. Loved the maid and Dr. Pretorius.
Rated 02 Jul 2023
68
26th
This was a fun watch. I dig the dark vibes and Frankie is funny at times, definitely misunderstood so you feel for him and root for him. Dare I say the original anti-hero? Hm. Also, I've read people say there are underlying gay vibes but I don't get it?? This came out in 30s but still fresh, honestly. Spoiler: why is this called Bride of Frankenstein when she is only in it like the last 5 minutes lol
Rated 08 Oct 2023
94
90th
Had surprisingly little Bride in it. Okay, the story feels pretty much like a cashgrab, but the execution goes even deeper into the monster's sympathetic qualities, making for a more enjoyable movie than the original. Imagine playing a future horror icon, but only having like five minutes of screen time, and the credits say the character was played by "?".
Rated 22 Oct 2023
62
54th
Thought the first movie was better.

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