Hi all!

Today I am ranking every single Universal Monster film. The Universal Monsters are a media franchise based on a series produced between the 1930s and the 1950s. Founded by Carl Laemmle in 1912, Universal was not a big player during Hollywood’s early years. However, when the company discovered audiences wanted thrills, the studio turned its energies to the horror genre. The films listed below are still considered classics today. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Spoilers Ahead! 

1.) Frankenstein (1931) 

In first place, we have Frankenstein from 1931. This story has always been close to my heart. It’s no surprise it took my number one spot. Directed by James Whale, Frankenstein tells the tale of a deranged scientist, with a strong desire to reanimate the dead. Soon after, the monster begins displaying violent tendencies, leading to the horrific discovery that it possesses an abnormal brain. The film itself is equally unsettling and heartbreaking. It is also deeply philosophical. Can audiences blame the creature and its actions, when it never asked to be reanimated to begin with? Iconic actor, Boris Karloff, played the monster perfectly. Working with limited dialogue, Karloff’s talents shone through his stiff movements and towering presence. I was so moved, especially by the ending. If you’re interested in watching the Universal Monsters, start with Frankenstein. You will not be disappointed.

Fun Fact: In order to achieve the sunken-cheek look, Boris Karloff removed his partial bridgework. 

2.) Phantom of the Opera (1943)

In second place, we have Phantom of the Opera from 1943. It is the only Universal Monster film to be shot completely in Technicolour. The rest were presented in black and white. Similar to Frankenstein, the story of Phantom of the Opera has a special place in my heart. Jobless violinist, Erique, spends his money anonymously to subsidise the musical lessons of a soprano named Christine, whom he secretly loves. After a tragic event permanently scars his face, he begins to haunt the Paris Opera House, with a close eye on the woman of his dreams and her burgeoning career. Firstly, the beauty of this movie is something to behold. The costumes, the colours and the vibrancy will leave you breathless. Secondly, it is such a touching tale of true love. I love Claude Rains as an actor. His performance as Erique was outstanding. Thirdly, for a film from the 1940’s, it is surprisingly progressive. Christine ultimately chooses her career over the two men fighting for her hand in marriage. She recognised the Phantom’s sacrifices and didn’t want them to be in vain. It’s perfection!

Fun Fact: Smelling salts were kept in theatres, in case women fainted from the phantom’s scarred-face reveal. 

3.) The Wolf Man (1941)

In third place, we have The Wolf Man from 1941. What a masterpiece of a film! Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr), returns to his Welsh ancestral home from America, upon learning of his brother’s passing. When he tries to save Jenny, a rural girl being attacked by a werewolf, he gets bitten, thus cursing him with the same affliction of lycanthropy. I’m a big fan of werewolf movies, so this was always going to resonate with me. I absolutely loved Lon Chaney Jr.’s performance. He was so captivating to watch, as was his fictional father (Claude Rains – see above). There is also a cameo from Bela Lugosi, who played Dracula (see below). It is a quintessential horror movie that would’ve scared audiences at the time. Highly recommend!

Fun Fact: When the character of Larry Talbot fights the werewolf, it was actually just Lon Chaney Jr.’s German Shepherd. 

4.) The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) 

In fourth place, we have The Creature from the Black Lagoon from 1954. This Universal Monster movie is the most impressive – from a design perspective. It required a lot of underwater filming and creative cinematography. When a team of experts venture into the Amazon rainforest to research fossils, they find themselves at Black Lagoon. Upon entering the body of water, they capture the attention of an unknown beast. I had so much fun watching this classic. The story is relatively simple, yet the Gill Man is creepy and unique. Drawn to the female lead, the creature is eager to take her away from the alpha males aboard the boat. I understand why it made such a splash (pun intended) when it first came out.

Fun Fact: Ricou Browning – who played the Gill Man – was required to hold his breath for upwards of four minutes at a time. 

5.) The Invisible Man (1933) 

In fifth place, we have The Invisible Man from 1933. Claude Rains plays a power-hungry chemist, with a thirst for death and destruction. After discovering a drug that turns him invisible, he realises he can take over the world. This movie made me cackle. It’s legitimately hilarious. There is a scene where he is skipping down the road, but only his pants are visible. He is singing, whilst chasing a terrified, screaming woman. It made me laugh so hard. Maybe at the time it was meant to be taken seriously but as a viewer of today, it’s a hoot and a half! Watch it for the comedic factor alone.

Fun Fact: A double, who was taller, with a more prominent nose, was often filmed instead of Claude Rains.

6.) Dracula (1931) 

Why is the iconic Dracula from 1931 so low on my list? To be perfectly honest, aside from Bela Lugosi’s performance as a formidable vampire, I was quite bored. The story isn’t anything particularly exciting. After enslaving a solicitor travelling to Transylvania, Count Dracula heads to Carfax Abbey, where numerous tragedies follow. I know this might be a bit unfair to critique for a movie of its time, but the practical effects were lousy. You can literally see cardboard bats hanging on strings in the background. It took away from the terror. Having said that, I give huge props to Bela for taking on such a notorious role and making it his own.

Fun Fact: Bela Lugosi requested to be buried in his Dracula cape. 

7.) Bride of Frankenstein (1935) 

In second last place, we have Bride of Frankenstein from 1935. This is the sequel to Frankenstein (see above). In this follow-up, the doctor decides to leave his evil experiments behind, but Dr Pretorius kidnaps his wife, forcing him to help create a new creature. My main issue was we only saw the bride (Elsa Lanchester), for a total of five minutes at the very end. I was hoping for so much more, given the title. The majority of the story follows the monster learning to talk and reason, via the people he meets on his travels. It just didn’t give what I thought it would.

Fun Fact: Elsa Lanchester’s spitting, hissing performance was inspired by the swans in Regent’s Park, London.

8.) The Mummy (1932) 

In last place, we have The Mummy from 1932. Unfortunately, this was my least favourite of the Universal Monster movies. I don’t think anything will ever be able to top the Brendan Fraser remake. It’s a rare case where the reboot trumps the original. An Egyptian mummy, discovered in an archaeological expedition, returns to life to stalk the reincarnation of his lost love. It sounds more exciting than it actually is. The story is slow and boring. Boris Karloff did an incredible job, but he was barely featured. I wish it had been more interesting and pushed a lot further.

Fun Fact: It took 8 hours to put Boris Karloff into his Mummy make-up and 2 hours to remove it. Oof! 

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank these films?

Peace & Love xoxo