The Wolf Man

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The Wolf Man

Released Dec 12, 1941

1h 10m

Horror

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Popcornmeter

91%

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45 Reviews

80%

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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

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

Rated: B+

Apr 13, 2020

Full Review

SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

The whole thing is nonsensical, but occasionally strangely compelling.

Apr 13, 2020

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Age Staff

The Age (Australia)

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

Apr 13, 2020

Full Review

Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

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

Rated: 4/5

Jan 21, 2025

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

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.

Rated: 7/10

Jan 17, 2025

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

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).

Rated: 4/4

Oct 24, 2023

Full Review

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Jace T

I have been watching quite a few older movies lately. So, I decided to watch The Wolf Man after watching the new 2025 Wolf Man in theaters. I can definitely be impressed with the make up visuals and werewolf look they ionized from this film, but it is really hard for me to get over how much of a creep, Larry Talbot, played by Lon Chaney Jr., is.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/10/25

Full Review

Leaburn O

Hammy, daft nonsense but it’s also short and fun to watch. Doesn’t take any time to develop characters or get us right into the thick of the story. This is quick, solid storytelling. Ages of the cast are questionable but you just have to overlook that. Watched on DVD.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/18/25

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Nim T

The horror in this film is not like the standard of spooking a person out. The Wolf Man had a clear story that allowed Lon Chaney Jr to bring the character to life. The usage of music and the black and white screens bring the ability to continue watching the film easier. The makeup applied for Chaney as the Wolf Man, followed by the visual effects of changing him from Wolf Man back to self was perfect timing. The movie had some scenes being on the boring side, but nevertheless is fine for a 70 minute film. Looking forward to explore more films of the 1930s and 40s.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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Black C

คลาสสิก เป็นหนึ่งในหนังมนุษย์หมาป่าที่ชอบที่สุดตลอดกาลของผม และเป็นปีศาจที่ชอบที่สุดของค่ายนี้แล้วละ

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/31/25

Full Review

Ryan H

A surprisingly scary werewolf movie. Lon Chaney Jr. thrives as Larry Talbot, and it's no wonder why this movie is so well regarded. A howling success.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

Full Review

Johnathon W

Horror classic that, while is dated today, remains a landmark in the Universal Monster line-up. The is superb, with Lon Chaney Jr. excellent in the title role, playing Larry Talbot with real pathos as someone stricken with being a werewolf. He gets great support from the rest of the cast, especially the great Claude Rains as his father. Behind the camera, director George Waggner delivers a straight forward story that doesn't overstay its welcome, coming in just under 90 minutes, while delivering a nice bit of drama. Plus, the make-up effects, while technically for today, holds up quite well. A true Universal monster classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/25

Full Review

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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

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - Protection From Me

2:22

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - First Kill

2:12

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - A Beautiful Girl

3:01

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - Bear Trap

2:44

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - Heaven Help You

2:08

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - They're Hunting Me

3:00

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - Your Suffering Has Ended

2:16

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - Wolf Attack

2:58

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - I'm a Murderer

2:44

The Wolf Man: Official Clip - The Hunt is On

1:14

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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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