Calling all fans of classic Universal Monsters! We’ve got a wickedly delightful treat for you—a list of ten essential horror movies that pay homage to those iconic creatures, monsters, and tragic villains! From howlingly funny werewolves to cheeky phantoms and monstrously hilarious experiments, these films are a must-see for horror fans who are looking for a fresh take on the classic beasties of yesteryear; Dracula, Th Mummy, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, Phantom of the Opera, and more!
Tristar Pictures
The Monster Squad (1987)
Dracula and his monstrous pals descend upon a small town, but don’t fret! A group of brave kids forms “The Monster Squad” to take them down. With humor, heart, and a tribute to classic Universal Monsters, this film delivers thrills and giggles.
Why it’s a must-see: The Monster Squadis a wickedly fun tribute that brings together the classic monsters in a fresh and hilarious way. Get ready for a monstrously good time!
Universal Pictures
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
After a savage werewolf attack, a man grapples with his new hairy alter ego and the restless spirits of his victims. This horror-tinged-with-comedy gem boasts groundbreaking effects, laugh-out-loud moments, and a howlingly good time.
Why it’s a must-see: An American Werewolf in Londoncombines horror and humor like a perfectly blended cocktail. It’s a hair-raising and side-splitting experience that will leave you howling for more.
50Th Street Films
Bride of Re-Animator (1989)
Dr. Herbert West continues his wild experiments in reanimation, this time cooking up a bride for his reanimated assistant. It’s a gory and hilariously dark sequel that pays homage to classic Universal Monsters, like The Bride of Frankenstein, with a twisted sense of humor.
Why it’s a must-see: Bride of Re-Animator is a campy and bloody good time. It serves up grotesque practical effects and laughs in equal measure, making it a perfect fit for horror enthusiasts with a taste for the delightfully macabre.
HOT AT THE SHOP:
Warner Bros.
Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
In this hilarious spoof, Mel Brooks takes on the iconic monster Dracula, delivering laughs as he enlists Leslie Neilson to sink his teeth into some unsuspecting victims. With slapstick humor and witty one-liners, it’s a fang-tastic twist on the classic vampire tale.
Why it’s a must-see: Dracula: Dead and Loving Itoffers a tongue-in-cheek take on the vampire genre. With Mel Brooks at the helm, you’re in for a bloody good time filled with clever gags and silly shenanigans.
Universal Pictures
The Mummy (1999)
Brace yourself for a swashbuckling adventure as an ancient mummy wreaks havoc in his quest for immortality. This action-packed horror-comedy pays tribute to classic Universal Monsters while delivering laughs, thrills, and Brendan Fraser’s irresistible charm.
Why it’s a must-see: The Mummy blends comedy, adventure, and horror into a rollicking good time. With a dash of self-awareness and a heap of entertainment, it’s a mummy movie that will leave you wrapped in laughter.
Marvel Studios
Werewolf by Night (2022)
“On a dark and somber night, a secret cabal of monster hunters emerges from the shadows to gather at the eerie Bloodstone Temple. The unexpected death of their leader thrusts the attendees into a mysterious and deadly competition for a powerful relic.”
Why it’s a must-see: Werewolf by Nighttakes you on a haunting journey into the world of monster hunters, where shadows hold secrets and danger lurks at every turn. With its unique choice of presenting the story in black and white, this Disney+ special adds an atmospheric layer that will transport you back to the golden age of horror cinema. Get ready for an immersive and visually stunning adventure that will leave you howling for more.
Fries Distribution Company
Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge (1989)
Set in a mall, this slasher film puts a humorous spin on The Phantom of the Opera story. With ’80s mall culture, gory kills, and a cheeky phantom seeking revenge, it’s a killer comedy that knows how to have a good time.
Why it’s a must-see: Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revengecombines the iconic Phantom tale with ’80s slasher goodness. Expect laughs, thrills, cheese, and a killer soundtrack that will transport you straight back to the neon-colored decade.
Levins-Henenlotter
Frankenhooker (1990)
When a medical student’s fiancée meets a tragic end, he uses body parts from deceased prostitutes to bring her back to life. This darkly comedic and over-the-top horror film is a hilarious take on the Frankensteinstory.
Why it’s a must-see: Frankenhookeris a mad scientist’s dream come true. With its outrageously-funny premise and a generous serving of campy humor, this film will leave you electrified with laughter.
Lionsgate
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Two teenage sisters navigate the trials of puberty while dealing with the hairy consequences of a werewolf bite. This Canadian horror gem weaves together scares, dark humor, and a feminist twist that will leave you howling for more.
Why it’s a must-see: Ginger Snapsrejuvenates the werewolf subgenre with its clever blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. It’s a fur-ocious coming-of-age tale that will have you laughing and pondering the monstrous side of adolescence.
Universal Pictures
The Invisible Man (2020)
Brace yourself for an electrifying and chilling reimagining of the classic Universal Monster tale. When a woman escapes her abusive partner, she realizes he may have found a way to become invisible, leading to a game of cat and mouse like you’ve never seen before.
Why it’s a must-see: The Invisible Man delivers a chilling and suspenseful experience while cleverly exploring themes of gaslighting and psychological abuse. It’s a modern twist on an iconic character that will make you second-guess what’s lurking in the shadows.
These ten must-see horror movies for fans of classic Universal Monsters inject a healthy dose of wit and comedy into the timeless tales we know and love. From monster-slaying kids to howlingly funny werewolves, and fang-tastic parodies, these films offer laughter, scares, and an entertaining ride through the world of horror. If you’re looking for some modern monsters, look no further than these updated beasts!
What are your favorite modern takes on Classic Monsters? Let us know over on Twitter, or better yet, start a conversation in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
10 Must-See Modern(ish) Horror Movies for Fans of the Classic Universal Monsters
Calling all fans of classic Universal Monsters! We’ve got a wickedly delightful treat for you—a list of ten essential horror movies that pay homage to those iconic creatures, monsters, and tragic villains! From howlingly funny werewolves to cheeky phantoms and monstrously hilarious experiments, these films are a must-see for horror fans who are looking for a fresh take on the classic beasties of yesteryear; Dracula, Th Mummy, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, Phantom of the Opera, and more!
The Monster Squad (1987)
Dracula and his monstrous pals descend upon a small town, but don’t fret! A group of brave kids forms “The Monster Squad” to take them down. With humor, heart, and a tribute to classic Universal Monsters, this film delivers thrills and giggles.
Why it’s a must-see: The Monster Squad is a wickedly fun tribute that brings together the classic monsters in a fresh and hilarious way. Get ready for a monstrously good time!
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
After a savage werewolf attack, a man grapples with his new hairy alter ego and the restless spirits of his victims. This horror-tinged-with-comedy gem boasts groundbreaking effects, laugh-out-loud moments, and a howlingly good time.
Why it’s a must-see: An American Werewolf in London combines horror and humor like a perfectly blended cocktail. It’s a hair-raising and side-splitting experience that will leave you howling for more.
Bride of Re-Animator (1989)
Dr. Herbert West continues his wild experiments in reanimation, this time cooking up a bride for his reanimated assistant. It’s a gory and hilariously dark sequel that pays homage to classic Universal Monsters, like The Bride of Frankenstein, with a twisted sense of humor.
Why it’s a must-see: Bride of Re-Animator is a campy and bloody good time. It serves up grotesque practical effects and laughs in equal measure, making it a perfect fit for horror enthusiasts with a taste for the delightfully macabre.
HOT AT THE SHOP:
Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
In this hilarious spoof, Mel Brooks takes on the iconic monster Dracula, delivering laughs as he enlists Leslie Neilson to sink his teeth into some unsuspecting victims. With slapstick humor and witty one-liners, it’s a fang-tastic twist on the classic vampire tale.
Why it’s a must-see: Dracula: Dead and Loving It offers a tongue-in-cheek take on the vampire genre. With Mel Brooks at the helm, you’re in for a bloody good time filled with clever gags and silly shenanigans.
The Mummy (1999)
Brace yourself for a swashbuckling adventure as an ancient mummy wreaks havoc in his quest for immortality. This action-packed horror-comedy pays tribute to classic Universal Monsters while delivering laughs, thrills, and Brendan Fraser’s irresistible charm.
Why it’s a must-see: The Mummy blends comedy, adventure, and horror into a rollicking good time. With a dash of self-awareness and a heap of entertainment, it’s a mummy movie that will leave you wrapped in laughter.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
“On a dark and somber night, a secret cabal of monster hunters emerges from the shadows to gather at the eerie Bloodstone Temple. The unexpected death of their leader thrusts the attendees into a mysterious and deadly competition for a powerful relic.”
Why it’s a must-see: Werewolf by Night takes you on a haunting journey into the world of monster hunters, where shadows hold secrets and danger lurks at every turn. With its unique choice of presenting the story in black and white, this Disney+ special adds an atmospheric layer that will transport you back to the golden age of horror cinema. Get ready for an immersive and visually stunning adventure that will leave you howling for more.
Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge (1989)
Set in a mall, this slasher film puts a humorous spin on The Phantom of the Opera story. With ’80s mall culture, gory kills, and a cheeky phantom seeking revenge, it’s a killer comedy that knows how to have a good time.
Why it’s a must-see: Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge combines the iconic Phantom tale with ’80s slasher goodness. Expect laughs, thrills, cheese, and a killer soundtrack that will transport you straight back to the neon-colored decade.
Frankenhooker (1990)
When a medical student’s fiancée meets a tragic end, he uses body parts from deceased prostitutes to bring her back to life. This darkly comedic and over-the-top horror film is a hilarious take on the Frankenstein story.
Why it’s a must-see: Frankenhooker is a mad scientist’s dream come true. With its outrageously-funny premise and a generous serving of campy humor, this film will leave you electrified with laughter.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Two teenage sisters navigate the trials of puberty while dealing with the hairy consequences of a werewolf bite. This Canadian horror gem weaves together scares, dark humor, and a feminist twist that will leave you howling for more.
Why it’s a must-see: Ginger Snaps rejuvenates the werewolf subgenre with its clever blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. It’s a fur-ocious coming-of-age tale that will have you laughing and pondering the monstrous side of adolescence.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Brace yourself for an electrifying and chilling reimagining of the classic Universal Monster tale. When a woman escapes her abusive partner, she realizes he may have found a way to become invisible, leading to a game of cat and mouse like you’ve never seen before.
Why it’s a must-see: The Invisible Man delivers a chilling and suspenseful experience while cleverly exploring themes of gaslighting and psychological abuse. It’s a modern twist on an iconic character that will make you second-guess what’s lurking in the shadows.
These ten must-see horror movies for fans of classic Universal Monsters inject a healthy dose of wit and comedy into the timeless tales we know and love. From monster-slaying kids to howlingly funny werewolves, and fang-tastic parodies, these films offer laughter, scares, and an entertaining ride through the world of horror. If you’re looking for some modern monsters, look no further than these updated beasts!
What are your favorite modern takes on Classic Monsters? Let us know over on Twitter, or better yet, start a conversation in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!