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The Howling

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76% Tomatometer 130 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
In Los Angeles, television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life.
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The Howling

The Howling

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Critics Consensus

The Howling packs enough laughs into its lycanthropic carnage to distinguish it from other werewolf entries, with impressive creature effects adding plenty of bite.

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Critics Reviews

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David Robinson The Times (UK) Jun 22, 2026
What the film lacks in plot it makes up in special effects, bizarre metamorphoses and the sort of gory shocks that the contemporary juvenile audience is said to demand. Go to Full Review J. Hoberman Village Voice Mar 18, 2026
It's a superior entertainment -- as creepy, witty, and suggestive as its disreputable genre would warrant. Go to Full Review Archer Winsten New York Post Mar 18, 2026
Director Joe Dante has handled these horrible horror without a qualm. Go to Full Review Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast Jul 13, 2026
3.5/5
One of the rare films that could actually benefit from a longer runtime, The Howling nevertheless impresses with incredible practical effects and a raw performance from Dee Wallace. Go to Full Review Joe Lipsett Horror Queers Podcast Jul 8, 2026
3.5/5
Joe Dante's B-movie is sleazier than An American Werewolf in London (complimentary), and the practical effects are just as good. A little odd, a little sexy, and a nice bit of humanity from star Dee Wallace. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Mar 26, 2026
3.5/4
Second only to 1941’s The Wolf Man as the best werewolf flick ever made. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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steve Apr 28, 2025 Absolute CLASSIC werewolf flick!!! Worth the watch for old school nostalgia 80s horror. See more Christian K @ckacar Oct 2, 2026 Its a little languid in stretches but has a great practical creature transformation in the 3rd act and a memorable ending. See more Jason H @RT50328122 Sep 26, 2026 I mean, she just stands there... See more Jeff R @umbrellaforbombs Sep 11, 2026 I created this account to do one thing, correct the review left by another saying, "It's practical effects didn't age well..." Proof that in today's time just because you have the ability to share your opinion doesn't mean you should, and it sure don't make it right. The Howling has incredible practical/special effects & makeup. A monster transformation that stands the test of time because it IS real. True Hollywood magic. And if you happen to agree with the other guy then bite me. Add this film to your monster mash marathon. Keep your nose to the wind, shapeshift! And I'll catch you at the next review, ya freaks. See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 7, 2026 The Howling = a 3.5 star movie See more Jerod S @jeroduptown May 23, 2026 It's werewolf effects didn't age well, but the premise of a serial killer leading a news anchor to a cult of werewolves is decently fun. See more Read all reviews
The Howling

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Cast & Crew

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Joe Dante

Director

Dee Wallace

Karen White

Patrick Macnee

Dr. George Waggner

Dennis Dugan

Chris

Christopher Stone

R. William (Bill) Neill

Belinda Balaski

Terry Fisher

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The Howling

The Howling (1981) The Howling (1981) The Howling (1981) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In Los Angeles, television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life.
Director
Joe Dante
Producer
Daniel H. Blatt, Jack Conrad, Michael Finnell, Steven A. Lane
Screenwriter
Gary Brandner, John Sayles, Terence H. Winkless
Distributor
AVCO Embassy Pictures, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Image Entertainment Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co
AVCO Embassy Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 3, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 3, 2017
Runtime
1h 31m
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