The 5 Universal Frankenstein Movies You Need To Watch Before Seeing The Netflix Film

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Okay, so Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein is fantastic and really brings the story to life for today’s viewers. But honestly, before you dive in, you need to check out some of the older Universal Frankenstein films. They’re essential! It’s amazing to think that Mary Shelley’s novel basically created the horror and science fiction we know and love, and it was one of the very first books ever turned into a movie – a true classic that still resonates.

The first film adaptation of Frankenstein appeared in 1910, a short film that took many elements directly from the novel. However, the 1931 Universal version is the one most people think of when they picture the story on screen. Thanks to Jack Pierce’s memorable makeup and Boris Karloff’s frightening performance, the monster quickly became a classic movie icon.

Universal’s popular movie version of Frankenstein led to numerous sequels over the following decades, effectively creating the first shared universe of films. Other studios, like Hammer, soon followed suit, releasing their own successful adaptations of classic stories such as Frankenstein and Dracula. From then on, every decade saw a new take on the Frankenstein story.

Universal’s Frankenstein series has eight movies in total, but you don’t need to watch them all. With a new Frankenstein series on Netflix, many are revisiting these classic monster films. To understand the best of the original Frankenstein movies from the Golden Age, five films are all you really need.

Frankenstein (1931)

To understand how Guillermo del Toro approaches Frankenstein, it helps to look at the original Universal film. That classic movie greatly influenced del Toro’s work, so it’s no surprise he’s always shown respect for James Whale’s creative vision. Released shortly after the studio’s Dracula, Frankenstein really brought horror films into the mainstream.

This early talkie has a dreamlike feel that remains unique. While Jack Pierce created the monster’s appearance, it was Boris Karloff’s heartfelt acting that truly brought it to life. The film differs greatly from the original novel, and surprisingly, most later versions of the story actually take their cues from this Universal movie, rather than the book itself.

The film Frankenstein is more than just a classic horror movie; it’s a fascinating look at how filmmakers told stories during the early days of Hollywood. Even after almost a century, the film feels surprisingly fresh and modern in its approach to storytelling. Director James Whale’s unique style is just as crucial to the film’s impact as the story itself, making it one of the most dynamic movies from that era.

Watching Frankenstein is a must for any fan of the classic Universal Monsters, and many consider it the strongest film to launch a monster franchise. Its influence is clear in the recent Netflix adaptation, even though Guillermo del Toro’s version doesn’t directly copy it. Frankenstein is a truly groundbreaking film, and a lot of modern horror owes it a huge debt.

Bride Of Frankenstein (1935)

Today, we’re used to seeing sequels and franchises, but back in the 1930s, the idea of making a sequel to a horror movie was completely new. Bride of Frankenstein was the first sequel in the series of classic Universal Monster films, and it was a major accomplishment. Importantly, James Whale returned to direct, giving the film a consistent feel with the original.

What really struck me about Bride of Frankenstein is how it actually delved into the more imaginative parts of Mary Shelley’s original novel – something the first Frankenstein film didn’t quite do. It introduces these wonderfully quirky, almost playful moments, moving away from the purely scientific feel of the original, but it does so seamlessly. Honestly, it’s the tone that most Frankenstein movies have been striving for ever since – a blend of horror and genuine whimsy.

Bride of Frankenstein is widely considered the best film in the classic Universal Monsters series, and a true masterpiece of cinema. Visually stunning and incredibly stylish, it perfectly captures the glamour of Old Hollywood. Released in 1935, this sequel is essential viewing for any movie lover.

Guillermo del Toro’s version of Frankenstein clearly shows the influence of Bride of Frankenstein. This classic film is a landmark in horror cinema, and it’s no surprise a director known for dark and visually striking films like del Toro would draw inspiration from it. Even after 90 years, few horror movies have achieved the same level of impact and artistic quality.

Son Of Frankenstein (1939)

While often overshadowed by later Frankenstein movies, Son of Frankenstein is a classic that deserves recognition. Bride of Frankenstein brilliantly followed up the original, and Son of Frankenstein successfully continued the series by offering a fresh take while still staying true to the story.

Boris Karloff plays the monster for the last time in this film, but shares much of the screen with Bela Lugosi, who plays Ygor. Despite having a large cast and several storylines, the movie maintains the spooky, atmospheric feel of the previous installments. It combines the fun of Bride of Frankenstein with the slow-building dread of the original Frankenstein.

While not as immediately impactful as the first two films, Son of Frankenstein remains a significant entry in the series. Its dark and unsettling mood is remarkably bleak for a movie made in the 1930s, and it feels similar in tone to Guillermo del Toro’s later work. This film marked the peak of the Universal Monsters franchise; it would never be quite as good again.

I have to admit, after enjoying the first two Frankenstein films, Son of Frankenstein didn’t quite grab me as much. But it’s still a must-see for me because it really set the pattern for all the Frankenstein movies that came after it. In fact, I think it’s the only one that really nailed that formula and did it right.

Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man (1943)

During World War II, movie studios struggled, so they started using creative tricks to attract viewers. The film Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man marked the beginning of a trend where Universal combined its classic monsters in the same movie, and it also changed how Hollywood thought about film series. Instead of focusing on one monster per film, it pioneered the idea of bringing characters together from different movies.

Despite not being a critical success, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man cleverly shows how adaptable the monster concept could be. The film boldly moves away from Mary Shelley’s original story, and the result is surprisingly entertaining. Even today, the battle between Frankenstein’s monster and the Wolf Man remains a thrilling spectacle.

Though the monster appeared in two more team-up movies before the series ended, the House films aren’t particularly well-remembered. Frankenstein Meet the Wolf Man might seem like a simple novelty, but it’s actually a significant film. Its dramatic sets and over-the-top style are hallmarks of 1940s horror movies.

While Guillermo del Toro probably wasn’t directly inspired by Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, the film subtly impacted his work. It demonstrated that Mary Shelley’s original concept is a fantastic starting point, but the monster’s story doesn’t have to stay fixed in time. Just like the monster can be revived, the idea can be reimagined for new audiences.

Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein effectively ends the classic Universal Monsters series by playfully imitating its famous tropes. While purely a comedy, the film affectionately pokes fun at Frankenstein’s monster, turning him into a comical character, and does so while still honoring the original movies. Long before Young Frankenstein, this comedic duo cleverly satirized the horror genre.

As a huge Abbott and Costello fan, I think Meet Frankenstein is their absolute best! It’s hilarious like all their other movies, but it’s special because it’s also a really clever send-up of those classic monster movies. They brought back so many of the original stars and really nailed the spooky, atmospheric feel of those earlier films – it felt like being back in that golden age of horror!

Before you watch Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, it’s surprisingly worth checking out Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. This comedy film really gets what makes the Frankenstein story work, and it cleverly captures the spirit of monster movies from the previous twenty years, all while being genuinely funny.

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2025-11-18 17:45