As you might guess of a group called Powerwolf, the German power-metal veterans know a thing or two about the lupine world. Take, for instance, how the quintet’s forthcoming ninth album, Wake Up the Wicked, delivers an 11-pack attack of snarling guitar hooks, teeth-bared metal aggression, and a double-dose of harmonious vocal melodies for fans to howl into a moonlit night, telling tales of the 16th century “Werewolf of Bedburg” and more.
That lupine aesthetic likewise extends into the Powerwolf cinematic universe, where recent videos for “1589” and “Sinner of the Seven Seas” have arrived with blood-slicked, lycanthropic transformation scenes that should scratch the itch for metal-loving horror fans.
With all of that in mind, it’s no surprise that vocalist Attila Dorn is a lifelong devotee of werewolf cinema. But from the silent film days, to Lon Chaney’s star-making turn in 1941’s The Wolfman, to the practical effects explosion of the Eighties, to the CGI-shaggy modern-era, there’s bound to be a few flicks that stand out from the rest of the pack.
From horror-comedy classics, to 2010s gothic moodiness, to monster-mashing blockbusters, these are the werewolf movies Dorn thinks have the most bite.
The Howling (1981)
Probably difficult to understand today, and for the younger generation it is a film that they would put down after a few minutes. But the film ends up here for nostalgia reasons, and a transformation scene that lasts almost three minutes just deserves a place here.
Underworld (2003)
Not every part of the series is on the same level, but it would be going too far to single out just one particular movie! The old story and the conflict/battle between werewolves and vampires is well-written and gives individual characters a life and a place in the story. The film’s dark, gothic aesthetic is visually great, and the lore and mythology built around the Lycans add depth to the story, making the werewolf characters more than just monsters.
Van Helsing (2004)
To be fair, this movie isn’t about werewolves in particular, but it does have some damn strong werewolf scenes alongside other iconic monsters. Here, it’s mainly the fast-paced action sequences that are exciting and fun to watch in a nostalgic mix of horror, fantasy and action. And Hugh Jackman is simply a cool actor!
The Wolfman (2010)
Even though it’s not the original but just a new interpretation, the atmosphere and effects are great, and it doesn’t feel like a cheap remake. Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins deliver strong performances, adding depth to their characters. The atmospheric setting, coupled with a moody score, creates an intense horror experience. The transformation scene where the wolfman is wheeled up before the officials from the hospital is intense!
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
It is a classic and probably the most iconic movie when it comes to werewolves. Great horror-comedy, seamlessly blending humor with genuine terror. The transformation scene was groundbreaking back in the day, and still inspired us to some extent in the transformation scene in our new video for “1589.” The dialogue, dark humor and the tragic fate of the protagonist works perfectly.