Werewolf Movies Make a Comeback in Cinematic Trends

In 2024 the werewolf movie is making a comeback. More than half a dozen new films are set for release during the year with more to come in early 2025. This resurgence highlights the enduring popularity of werewolves in cinema and the wider appeal of mythological creatures in pop culture.

A search on RedBubble reveals hundreds of t-shirts displaying images of werewolves and horror movies with werewolf themes. Some of the bestsellers at cult fashion brands like Last Exit To Nowhere are inspired by films like “An American Werewolf in London.” And a search of “werewolves” on Etsy returns thousands of results, from miniatures and figurines to jewelry, art, collectibles, books, and even kitchenware.

Elsewhere, the lycanthropic monsters have appeared in live escape room experiences like World of Escapes’ “Doctor Lycan” in Florida and TalentFam’s virtual escape room, “Monsterville.” The theme is also prevalent in iGaming. Those who play online casino games at Paddy Power will be very familiar with the likes of Pragmatic Play’s six-reel slot “Curse of the Werewolf” and other similarly themed games like “Wolf It Up” and “Wolves!,” currently available to play along with Paddy Power’s 60 free spins welcome bonus for new customers. 

Werewolves Are Back in Cinemas in 2024

The year kicked off with “Hellhounds” in January. Check out the exciting trailer on YouTube for a film that combines biker culture with werewolf lore and evokes that 90s straight-to-video charm. “Blackout,” directed by Larry Fessenden, also arrived this year. The film is particularly noteworthy because of its appealing use of practical effects to explore the human condition through its werewolf protagonist.

Films yet to arrive include “Werewolves,” formerly known as “Year 2,” which promises high action and massive werewolves in a post-apocalyptic setting. Christopher Landon’s “Big Bad,” based on a short story by Chandler Baker, will bring his signature blend of horror and humor while “The Beast Within,” starring Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington, offers a familial take on the werewolf tale, set in 1965 England.

The film marks the debut of director Alexander J Farrell, who earned critical acclaim for “Refugee,” a feature-length documentary about a Syrian family trying to reunite after having become separated across Europe during their journey to Germany. Read the director’s fascinating interview on The Guardian in which he described the making of “Refuge.” Its acclaim has led to plenty of buzz around his subsequent work.

Perhaps the most anticipated release is “Wolf Man,” set for release in early 2025. The movie is a remake of the 1941 classic and is directed by Insidious writer Leigh Whannell. Originally, the new “Wolf Man” was set to star Ryan Gosling and be directed by Derek Cianfrance but the actor stepped down, opting only for an executive producer role. Christopher Abbott took over as the lead with Whannell, known for writing and directing 2020’s thrilling The Invisible Man, at the helm.

The Year of the Werewolf

The resurgence of werewolf movies in 2024 marks a significant moment in the horror genre, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling and practical effects. This revival underscores the timeless allure of werewolves, not just in cinema but across various entertainment platforms, from board games and escape rooms to online gaming.

As audiences eagerly anticipate the releases of films like “Werewolves,” “Big Bad,” “The Beast Within,” and the highly anticipated “Wolf Man,” it is clear that the fascination with these mythological creatures continues to captivate. With a diverse lineup of films that promise to explore new facets of lycanthropy, 2024 is set to be a landmark year for werewolf enthusiasts, ensuring that these iconic monsters remain a formidable presence in pop culture.

Related Reviews

Werewolves Within ★★★ – Movie Marker