Werewolves/ Shape Shifters
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
"Two young New Yorkers are traveling around Europe and have ended up in Yorkshire. They receive a frosty welcome at the local pub and leave, wandering across the moor, despite warnings to avoid it, where Jack (Griffin Dunne) is attacked and killed by a supernatural beast. David (David Naughton) runs away, but turns back to help. He wounded but survives. After treatment at a London hospital, where he falls for the nurse (Jenny Agutter), with whom he swiftly moves in, he comes to realize that he is changing into a werewolf.
This all time great classic by John Landis delivered undoubtedly the best werewolf transformation scene ever in the horror genre. Rick Baker won the first ever Oscar for the special effects and makeup for that particular scene, and deservedly so." -
Roshiq
Cat People (1942)
"For the great Val Lewton, onscreen shocks were gimicky and cheap, and while Universal was pumping out monster flick after monster flick, he began a reign of terror which was always ignited by what was not seen, but mostly alluded to.
In
Cat People, Lewton found a launch pad for a story which was much more three-dimensional than the stereotypical genre picture, and through strong sexual undertones, a stark, shadowy world and only a shoestring budget, he achieved what may very well be the scariest motion picture of the 1940s." -
Alkytrio666
Dog Soldiers (2002)
"Clever, dark, oddly funny, and truly frightening,
Dog Soldiers is easily one of the best horror films of the decade, and one of the best werewolf films ever made. Whether it be the seamless makeup on the wolves, the startling twists and turns, or the all around atmosphere of isolation, there's something to be said of this film. It's got it all. A must for any horror fan's shelf, and a must see for everyone else." -
Posher778
The Howling (1981)
"
The Howling is a modern day werewolf film and ranks along with
The Wolfman as one of the all time greats. It was made in 1981 and directed by Joe Dante. It was based on a novel by Gary Brandner. The film starred Dee Wallace Stone, Patric MacNee, Denis Dugan, Belinda Balaski, Christopher Stone and Elisabeth Brooks.
The plot involved around TV news anchor Karen White, who is being stalked by a serial murderer named Eddie Quist. After Quist is supposedly killed and the trama of the event effects Karen and her husband Bill's marriage, her therapist Dr. Wagner sends them to a place called "The Colony" for treatment. Little do the couple know that "The Colony" is a nest of werewolves being treated by Dr. Wagner, who is also a werewolf. The supposedly dead Eddie Quist is there as well. Karen is helped by her friends Terri & Chris to escape. In order to make believers of the outside world, Karen (who was bitten by one of the werewolves herself) turns live into one on the evening news and is killed by a silver bullet.
This film is very atmospheric (especially the scenes at night), tense, thrilling and at time gory which should satisfy all horror fans. The action is non stop, and to me, this is one of the very best werewolf films ever made.
With it's excellent makeup and fantastic transformation scenes, this is definitely a modern day masterpiece." -
Marya Zaleska
The Wolf Man (1941)
Honorable Mentions:
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Dagon (2001)