The moon, often a symbol of romance and mystery, can also be a harbinger of terror in the realm of horror cinema. This curated list of 10 horror films explores the darker side of lunar influence, where the moon's light casts shadows of fear and madness. From werewolves to cosmic horrors, these films delve into the psychological and supernatural effects of the moon, offering a chilling experience for horror enthusiasts and moon watchers alike.

Werewolf of London (1935)
Description: One of the earliest werewolf films, it tells the story of a botanist who becomes a werewolf after being bitten by a creature in Tibet, with the moon triggering his transformations.
Fact: This film was Universal's first werewolf movie, setting the template for many that followed.


Moon of the Wolf (1972)
Description: A Southern Gothic tale where a sheriff investigates a series of murders that coincide with the full moon, leading to the discovery of a local family's dark secret.
Fact: This TV movie was one of the earliest to explore the werewolf mythos on television, blending horror with a detective story.


An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Description: This classic horror-comedy features a man who is bitten by a werewolf under the full moon, leading to a terrifying transformation. The film's inclusion in this list is due to its iconic portrayal of lycanthropy triggered by lunar phases.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use a combination of animatronics and makeup effects for the werewolf transformation scenes, winning an Academy Award for Best Makeup.


The Howling (1981)
Description: Another seminal werewolf film, where a news anchor retreats to a remote colony to recover from a traumatic event, only to discover its inhabitants are werewolves. The moon plays a pivotal role in their transformations.
Fact: The film was inspired by the novel "The Howling" by Gary Brandner, and it features one of the most memorable werewolf transformations in cinema.


The Company of Wolves (1984)
Description: A surreal and atmospheric film that reimagines the Little Red Riding Hood tale, with the moon's phases driving the narrative of transformation and danger.
Fact: The film was directed by Neil Jordan, who also directed "Interview with the Vampire."


Wolf (1994)
Description: Jack Nicholson stars as a book editor who becomes a werewolf after being bitten by a wolf. The film explores themes of power, aggression, and the primal nature brought out by the moon.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the psychological aspects of lycanthropy in a modern setting.


Bad Moon (1996)
Description: This film follows a man who returns from a trip to Nepal, unknowingly infected with lycanthropy. His struggle to keep his condition a secret from his family under the full moon's influence makes it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Thor" by Wayne Smith, and it was praised for its practical effects in depicting the werewolf.


Ginger Snaps (2000)
Description: This Canadian horror film uses the metaphor of lycanthropy to explore themes of adolescence and transformation, with the moon playing a crucial role in Ginger's transformation into a werewolf.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic for its unique blend of horror, dark comedy, and feminist themes.


The Wolfman (2010)
Description: A remake of the 1941 film, this version delves into the tragic curse of lycanthropy, with the moon's light being both a catalyst for transformation and a symbol of doom.
Fact: The film was shot in the UK, using many of the same locations as the original, to maintain authenticity.


Silver Bullet (1985)
Description: Based on Stephen King's novella "Cycle of the Werewolf," this film follows a small town terrorized by a werewolf, with the full moon dictating the creature's attacks.
Fact: The film features a unique wheelchair-bound protagonist, adding an extra layer of challenge to the fight against the werewolf.
