Unleash Your Wild Side: Must-Watch Jaw-Dropping Werewolf Movies for Fans of Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition
Experience the raw power of werewolves in these thought-provoking films Unleashing a more cerebral approach, these movies delve deep into the complex nature of lycanthropy Immerse yourself in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Silver Bullet, Wolf, Late Phases, and The Company of Wolves
White Wolf Publishing has finally released the highly anticipated core rule book for Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition, much to the delight of World of Darkness fans. With the release of books for Hunter: The Reckoning and Vampire: The Masquerade, the community has eagerly awaited the werewolf book to complete the beloved trilogy of games.
Now that it's available, players may seek werewolf-centric media to gain inspiration for their shape-shifting player characters. While classic werewolf movies offer aesthetic content, more intellectually inclined gamers might prefer something deeper for their role-play experience. To satisfy this desire, we have compiled a list of films that will surely scratch that itch.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2019)
The Underworld series is a beloved yet sometimes overlooked franchise in the realm of vampires and werewolves. While it may not carry the same weight as Blade or True Blood, it has a dedicated following. Underworld is primarily associated with vampires rather than werewolves, but Underworld: Rise of the Lycans offers a refreshingly tragic and sympathetic portrayal of these creatures. Set in a medieval time period, it stands out from the typical 19th-century or contemporary werewolf stories. Furthermore, Rise of the Lycans serves as a crucial prequel that provides essential context for the rest of the Underworld series. For all werewolf enthusiasts searching for a champion to support, this 2019 film is the answer.
Silver Bullet (1985)
While there are numerous Stephen King novels adapted into movies, Silver Bullet from 1985 may not be the most well-known. Nonetheless, it offers ample intrigue for werewolf enthusiasts and horror aficionados in general, enhanced by an engaging performance by Gary Busey and the trademark Stephen King coming-of-age aspect. Silver Bullet revolves around Marty Coslaw (Corey Haim), a young boy who suspects that one of the residents in his peaceful town may be a homicidal werewolf. Although the protagonist does not possess lycanthropic abilities, King's emphasis on introspection and the struggles of adolescence—interwoven with the werewolf storyline—provides an array of themes and adversaries that will captivate and satisfy role-players.
Wolf (1994)
Wolf is undoubtedly the movie on this list that captures the profound personal terror of existing as a werewolf—the very essence of the Werewolf: The Apocalypse encounter. Jack Nicholson delivers his bone-chilling best as Will Randall, an editor at a publishing house, going through a monstrous physical metamorphosis. Those who were captivated by Nicholson's depiction in The Shining will relish seeing him portray another character that allows him to fully embrace his psychopathic tendencies. However, for those invested in Werewolf: The Apocalypse, this film offers invaluable inspiration for shaping their tormented werewolf characters. It devotes itself almost entirely to exploring the depths of Will's psyche as he undergoes an internal monstrous transformation, veering away from excessive gore and outwardly visible werewolf alterations. No doubt, this creates an authentic slow-burning, cerebral werewolf narrative that will leave a lasting impact.
Late Phases (2014)
Late Phases, also known as Night of the Wolf, stands out on this list for its traditional plot structure and common tropes. What sets it apart, however, is its refreshing focus on an aging protagonist. Meet Ambrose McKinley, a blind veteran who is settling into his later years in a retirement community. Little does he know, some of the residents have met their demise at the paws of supernatural beings disguised as "dogs." This intriguing murder mystery-style werewolf film pays homage to classic monster horror, offering a thrilling and entertaining experience. While Late Phases may not be the most intellectually demanding film on this list, it is undoubtedly a well-crafted tale about elderly werewolves. If you're a gamer looking to immerse yourself in the world of a gray-maned garou, this is one movie you shouldn't miss.
The Company of Wolves (1984)
The final title on this list is The Company of Wolves, and it is undoubtedly the most peculiar one listed. Set in a medieval backdrop, albeit in a dream, this film incorporates a strong fairytale theme. The main character, Rosaleen (played by Sarah Patterson), resembles Little Red Riding Hood in this somewhat familiar narrative of a young girl visiting her grandmother (played by Dame Angela Lansbury). The Company of Wolves takes the beloved fairytale and transforms it into a proper horror film, portraying The Big Bad Wolf through the lens of contemporary werewolf horror. While this has been done before, it is arguably never quite as strangely and delightfully captured as in this 1980s gem. For players seeking a more charismatic and deceptive portrayal of their werewolf character, this film may offer some inspiration for shape-shifting tricks.
