The Howling

Play trailer

The Howling

R

1981

1h 31m

Horror

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

127 Reviews

60%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In Los Angeles, television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life.

Critics Consensus

The Howling packs enough laughs into its lycanthropic carnage to distinguish it from other werewolf entries, with impressive creature effects adding plenty of bite.

Read Critics Reviews

J. Hoberman

Village Voice

Mar 18

It's a superior entertainment -- as creepy, witty, and suggestive as its disreputable genre would warrant.

Go to Full Review

Archer Winsten

New York Post

Mar 18

Director Joe Dante has handled these horrible horror without a qualm.

Go to Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Boston Phoenix

Mar 18

If it's too clever for its own good, the movie is also full of entertaining ideas and special effects, and a lunatic wit seems to bubble up every time there's a lull in the action.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Mar 26

3.5/4

Second only to 1941’s The Wolf Man as the best werewolf flick ever made.

Go to Full Review

Kirk Honeycutt

Escondido Times-Advocate (CA)

Mar 18

If "The Howling" doesn't get you with pure fright, it'll kill you with laughter.

Go to Full Review

Paul Taylor

Monthly Film Bulletin

Mar 18

Were it not for the gruesome efficacy of Rob Bottin's expert special make-up effects, the whole ironic edifice might be overbalanced by its in-joke knowingness.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

steve

04/28/2025

Absolute CLASSIC werewolf flick!!! Worth the watch for old school nostalgia 80s horror.

See more

revolver.0 8

@Revolver08 Apr 6

clunky and slow paced

See more

Aaron S.

@Aaron0309 Feb 17

The Howling has great practical effects and a surprisingly strong storyline, making it one of the most memorable werewolf films for me.

See more

Farah R.

@Farah Feb 13

The Howling boasts the best werewolf transformation through practical effects since An American Werewolf in London. That scene alone makes up for the slow pace and predictable plot.

See more

James H.

@420Drive-in Jan 23

The howling is a top tier monster movie. The practical effects rival that of An American werewolf in London. This is a truly gritty adaptation of werewolf lore and is definitely worth a watch.

See more

Stephen O.

@DonSevo Nov 27

Solid werewolf movie. The suspense is palpable at times, and the effects are quite convincing. I would say that the werewolves are akin to Dog Soldiers. It has its flaws for sure, but great movie overall. I definitely recommend at least one watch on this.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Joe Dante

Director

Dee Wallace

Karen White

Patrick Macnee

Dr. George Waggner

Dennis Dugan

Chris

Christopher Stone

R. William (Bill) Neill

Belinda Balaski

Terry Fisher

The Entity

62%

62%

The Entity

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Entity

Wolfen

75%

48%

Wolfen

Watchlist

Friday the 13th Part 2

29%

49%

Friday the 13th Part 2

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Friday the 13th Part 2

Amityville II: The Possession

27%

36%

Amityville II: The Possession

Watchlist

The Beast Within

17%

35%

The Beast Within

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

In Los Angeles, television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life.

Director: Joe Dante
Producer: Daniel H. Blatt, Jack Conrad, Michael Finnell, Steven A. Lane
Screenwriter: Gary Brandner, John Sayles, Terence H. Winkless
Distributor: AVCO Embassy Pictures, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Image Entertainment Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co: AVCO Embassy Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 3, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 3, 2017
Runtime: 1h 31m