13 Best Frankenstein Films

Again, almost evenly divided between Universal and Hammer Films, the best Frankenstein movies explore Mary Shelley’s themes of presumption, responsibility, betrayal and revenge in unique and creative cinematic ways.

While the Universal efforts concentrate more on the Monster’s actions, the Hammer Films’ later narratives follow the morally bereft goals of Baron Frankenstein. James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein is the summit of Universal horror, and Terence Fisher’s The Curse of Frankenstein initiated a gothic revival quite unlike the original Universal approach. The most faithful adaptation is the 2004 cable television epic which balances the story equally between creator and creation, presenting Shelley’s themes very much as she does. Kenneth Branagh’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein elaborates on the novel as much as it presents it, resulting in a cinematically lush experience that often divides audiences as to its effectiveness. Mel Brooks’ beloved parody of the Universal series still stands as one of his most hilarious movies, while the most creative and ambitious telling comes from horror auteur Roger Corman in his Frankenstein Unbound.

Dr. Steve Haberman is a screenwriter, author and film historian. He received his PhD in Film Studies from De Montfort University in Leicester, England, and earned his BA in Cinema from the University of Southern California.

See other ‘best of’ lists by Dr. Steve Haberman: Best Dracula Films, Best Poe Films, Best Hitchcock Films