The Wolf Man

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The Wolf Man

1941

1h 10m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

45 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

When his brother dies, Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney) returns to Wales and reconciles with his father (Claude Rains). While there, he visits an antique shop and, hoping to impress Gwen (Evelyn Ankers), the attractive shopkeeper, buys a silver walking cane. That same night he kills a wolf with it, only to later learn that he actually killed a man (Bela Lugosi). A gypsy (Maria Ouspenskaya) explains that it was her son, a werewolf, that he killed, and that Larry is now one himself.

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Critics Consensus

A handsomely told tale with an affecting performance from Lon Chaney, Jr., The Wolf Man remains one of the classics of the Universal horror stable.

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Keith Phipps

AV Club

Apr 13, 2020

B+

It finds modern sophistication and cultured intellects unprepared to deal with a threat that's already at hand, maybe even under our own skin.

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SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

Apr 13, 2020

The whole thing is nonsensical, but occasionally strangely compelling.

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Age Staff

The Age (Australia)

Apr 13, 2020

Lon Chaney, junior, has his first big role as The Wolf Man, but it would take a genius to "get away" with this role.

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Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

Jan 21, 2025

4/5

Gorgeously shot with some handsomely foggy production design, The Wolf Man rightfully earns its place as one of Universal's more memorable monsters.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Jan 17, 2025

7/10

It wastes not a minute, since the running time is barely over an hour, detailing the curse and concluding it in the only way possible for this monumental horror film that would pave the way for so many derivative productions after it.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Oct 24, 2023

4/4

The best werewolf movie ever made also gets my vote as the finest film in the entire Universal series (edging out 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein).

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John F

@RT84127024 1 day ago

Lean and fun to watch but only wish the story was better flushed out. One of the best portrayals of a predator as a victim who the audience feels sympathy for.

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Alex B

@AlexBioni Sep 23, 2026

What's Up with the Feet Shots I really like the atmosphere in this. The foggy woods, mysterious gypsy fortune teller, costumes, and makeup all add to the style. I also like the market in the forest. It adds to the whole vibe. The acting is well done across the board. I liked the tragedy of the main character not wanting to be a werewolf. The Wolfman's transformation was honestly a cool scene, as was what follows in the graveyard. There are some great visuals throughout that give the movie a classic horror feel. The ending seemed rushed, and the story was kind of thin. Personally, I think it's a fine movie overall. I don't have really anything bad to say about it, just that it might not be for me like the original Mummy. I do like this more than The Mummy, though. I'm not sure how often I'll watch it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

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Jay A

@RT92529899 Sep 22, 2026

The Wolf Man is my fave Universal Monster movie. Lon Chaney gives a great performance as Larry Talbot...The Wolf Man. Evelyn Ankers makes a good scream queen & she's pretty too. I like the way Lon walks on his toes & moves as The Wolf Man. Jack Pierce's make up is really cool. Watch it this coming Halloween...show it to your kids.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 13, 2026

The Wolf Man = a *4* star Movie!

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Christian K

@ckacar Sep 3, 2026

It appears that every modern trope of werewolf storytelling began here. While the characters here are fairly weak due to the short runtime, the setting and direction is not. The foggy forest set is one of the best ever put on screen for a horror film.

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bruce F

@bruce999 Aug 4, 2026

may be over -rated, but still its enjoyable to watch

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George Waggner

Director

Lon Chaney Jr.

Larry Talbot

Claude Rains

Sir John Talbot

Ralph Bellamy

Col. Paul Montford

Evelyn Ankers

Gwen Conliffe

Warren William

Dr. Lloyd

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Synopsis

When his brother dies, Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney) returns to Wales and reconciles with his father (Claude Rains). While there, he visits an antique shop and, hoping to impress Gwen (Evelyn Ankers), the attractive shopkeeper, buys a silver walking cane. That same night he kills a wolf with it, only to later learn that he actually killed a man (Bela Lugosi). A gypsy (Maria Ouspenskaya) explains that it was her son, a werewolf, that he killed, and that Larry is now one himself.

Director: George Waggner
Producer: George Waggner
Screenwriter: Curt Siodmak
Distributor: Film Classics Inc., Universal Pictures, MCA/Universal Pictures [us], Screen Gems
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 12, 1941, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Runtime: 1h 10m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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