When we think of Halloween we often think of our favorite horror films, but more generically we think of ghosts and monsters. The classics of these monsters include zombies, vampires, Frankenstein’s monster, and of course werewolves. It’s not Halloween without a good monster flick. While universal pictures may have introduced us to many of the classics, these monsters have now become reoccurring in many horror films. My favorite of these have always been werewolves, and of course while many movies exist depicting this beast; one stands the test of times as one of the best werewolf films ever made: An American Werewolf In London.

 

Created in 1981, an American werewolf in London tells the story of two American college students David and Jack touring Britain. While trying to find their way, as it grows darker they stop in a local pub where the locals all seem a tad off. Deciding to leave, they are warned by the locals not to go out at night. David and Jack leave anyway and soon discover why the locals are afraid of what comes out at night.

 

American Werewolf In London manages to infuse humor and scares together, as David our  lead is well developed and likeable with the horror coming from his, coming to grips with what he has become, and deal with the spirits of his victims who can’t move on until David himself is dead. American Werewolf In London is not only a great story, though dated it still has some of the best and most visceral effects especially David’s transformation scene which still holds up today as one of the most gruesome and terrifying werewolf transformations on film. 

 

For a solid story, laughs and scares. I give An American Werewolf In London 3.5 out of 4 stars.