Do you know who doesn’t go out of style? Our list today will show you that it’s Frankenstein, apparently!
Today, we will show you the 12 best Frankenstein movies, from the first feature-length film to the most recent scare. We’ve flipped through the history of Frankenstein movies, compared the crowd favorites, and looked at the many different opinions of the fans. With that, this list came alive. Better yet, to use the words of the mad scientist: IT’S ALIVE!
1. Frankenstein (1931)
English, Latin 1h 10m IMDb
James Whale
Stars: Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, Boris Karloff
Frankenstein follows Henry Frankenstein and the monster he made in his desire to play god.
It is the first feature-length film focused on the mad scientist and his monster. There is a debate, though, whether it is the first Frankenstein film or not, as there is a 16-minute long Frankenstein film released in 1910. Whether it is or is not the first one, though, it often receives the credit for setting the Frankenstein films in motion.
This film is undoubtedly an ideal watch for any Frankenstein fan.
2. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
English 1h 15m IMDb
James Whale
Stars: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive
This film talks about the creation of the monster’s mate.
The first film’s success did not only set the Frankenstein films moving. It also brought one of the best sequels ever made in the movie world.
The Bride of Frankenstein often gets hailed as one of the best sequels. It is often said that it is an improvement of the first film, with many even going as far as to say it is better than the first.
With that, if you enjoyed the first movie, you want to see this one too!
3. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
English 1h 23m IMDb
Charles Barton, Walter Lantz
Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr.
The film tells how its titular characters meet its titular monster and the chase and craziness that ensues.
Aside from Frankenstein’s monster, the film also features Dracula and a werewolf. With that, this film is ideal not only for Frankenstein fans. Enthusiasts of supernatural creatures in literary classics will also likely enjoy the movie!
In addition, the film is one of the first Frankenstein films to delve into the genre and play with it. With that, this film can be a great watch if you want to see how the Frankenstein films have evolved through the years.
4. The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
English 1h 22m IMDb
Terence Fisher
Stars: Peter Cushing, Hazel Court, Robert Urquhart
The film follows the novel’s premise of a mad scientist and his dabbling with life and death through his very own hands. It told the tale with a different tone, though.
It is an ideal addition to a Frankenstein-themed watchlist to see the many ways to view the characters of the mad scientist and the creature and, of course, the story.
The film is also one of the first gory horrors in the movie world. With that, it can also be a good watch for fans of the genre to get a glimpse of its early days.
5. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969)
English 1h 41m IMDb
Terence Fisher
Stars: Peter Cushing, Veronica Carlson, Freddie Jones
This film follows Baron Victor Frankenstein as he tries to kidnap his former assistant out of an asylum.
This film used elements from the original tale but presented and utilized them differently. With that, it is an ideal watch for those looking for something that rings a bell but does not want to see a copy.
Peter Cushing played the mad scientist in this film. With that, this film can also be a good watch for the fans of the renowned actor.
6. The Spirit of The Beehive (1973)
Spanish 1h 38m IMDb
Víctor Erice
Stars: Fernando Fernán Gómez, Teresa Gimpera, Ana Torrent
The Spirit of the Beehive might not look like a Frankenstein film at first glance, but its tale is tightly weaved and deeply embedded with Mary Shelley’s story.
This film is about a little girl enraptured with Frankenstein’s monster and how this fascination affected her life.
As you probably already know, the novel holds many symbolisms and metaphors. If you are a fan of such, this film is one to check out. The Spirit of the Beehive is not only known for its story. It is also known for all its symbolisms.
7. Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)
English, Latin, French, Chinese 3h 5m IMDb
Jack Smight
Stars: James Mason, Leonard Whiting, David McCallum
1973 is truly one of the best years for fans of the scientist and the monster. Many Frankenstein films came out this year. That is why we just had to include another film for this year.
This film is a re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s story. It stays true to the outline of the tale but offers a unique tone for telling it.
This film is ideal for Frankenstein fans looking for an interesting retelling of the story. This film will feel familiar but will also offer a fresh look.
8. Young Frankenstein (1974)
English, German 1h 46m IMDb
Mel Brooks
Stars: Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman
Young Frankenstein follows Fredrick Frankenstein, a descendant of the mad scientist, as he finds himself continuing his grandfather’s work.
The film is a horror comedy and a parody of the many remakes of the classic horror. It is an ideal watch for Frankenstein fans looking for something light and different.
In addition, this film can be a good watch for those who have seen most – if not all – of the earlier Frankenstein films as it made references to the past films. These viewers will likely notice and appreciate the nods.
9. The Monster Squad (1987)
English, German 1h 19m IMDb
Fred Dekker
Stars: Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Stephen Macht
The film centers on classic monsters looking to take over the world and a group of kids looking to save it from these monsters.
This film is an ideal watch for fans of Frankenstein’s monster and the other classic supernatural creatures.
Frankenstein’s monster plays a vital role in the film. The creature is put in a different light in this one, though. Instead of acting like a monster, the creature is a gentle giant in this one. With that, this film can also be an interesting watch for those used to seeing the mad scientist’s creation as a monster.
10. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)
English 2h 3m IMDb
Kenneth Branagh
Stars: Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Helena Bonham Carter
As you might have guessed from the title of this film, it tells of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. To date, many consider it the closest adaptation of the novel. With that, if you are a bookworm and like your movies how you like your books, this one is the film for you!
That is not the only thing the film has to offer, though. It also has one of the most popular Frankenstein monsters, with Robert De Niro playing the creature!
11. Frankenweenie (2012)
English 1h 27m IMDb
Tim Burton
Stars: Winona RyderCatherine O’HaraMartin Short
Frankenweenie is a film directed by the renowned filmmaker, Tim Burton. It is about a boy named Victor Frankenstein as he brings his dead dog back to life. This film is a parody of the original story and one of the best movies to let your kid see if you want to introduce your little one to the classic.
On the other hand, it is a lighter take on the classic. That makes it ideal for adults too if you want to give your heart a break from the tragedies often present in Frankenstein remake films.
12. The Last Frankenstein (2021)
English 1h 42m IMDb
David Weaver
Stars: William Barnet, Jana Szabela, Keelie Sheridan
The Last Frankenstein is coincidentally our last film for the day too! It is about Jason Frankenstein as he seeks to continue his family’s experiment.
This film is an ideal watch for those looking for the horror in the story. Many of the old films aimed to make the movie a terror. Many do not bring on the scare to the present-day viewers because of technicalities, though. This film will let you see just how scary the old story could be if it happened today.
More Frankenstein Media to See
If the films above did not fill your watchlist, you might want to consider adding these films and series to your list.
Mary Shelly (2017)
As you might have guessed from the name, this film focuses on Mary Shelly. It does not focus on the scientist or his monster. Instead, it is about the tale’s author and how she came to pen it.
If you have already seen the tale from different angles, it might now be the time to get to know the eyes that saw it first.
The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015 – 2017)
If you want something a little longer, you might want to consider adding a series to your list. This one is a series that has two seasons and twelve episodes, making it an ideal watch for those who want to binge on some Frankenstein media.
Frankenstein Hammer Film Series (1957 – 1974)
If a TV series is still not enough, you might want to consider seeing all the films in the Frankenstein Hammer film series. It consists of seven films and, as you might have guessed, all center on Baron Victor Frankenstein!
Final Words
That’s the 12 best Frankenstein movies through the years!
As you have seen today, the mad scientist and his creation’s story might have come out a century ago, but this tale is far from forgotten. We hope our list got to show that, and we hope we got to be of service to you today with finding some Frankenstein films to add to your watchlist!
Do you want more film and movie suggestions? You can check out our other talks and lists then!