The Howling (1981)

Is The Howling the best werewolf movie ever made? That’s the big question on this week’s Born to Watch, where the team dives deep into this 1981 horror classic. In The Howling (1981) Movie Review, Whitey and Damo take a nostalgic trip back to one of the most iconic (and unsettling) werewolf films of all time.

The crew kicks things off by reminiscing about their first encounters with The Howling. For Damo, it was a forbidden treat at the movie theater as a kid, lured in by schoolyard hype over one particular scene. Whitey recalls the unforgettable VHS cover—the infamous clawed-through poster that haunted every video rental store. But does this film still hold up more than 40 years later?

The discussion quickly turns to the werewolf genre as a whole. Why are werewolf movies so rare? What makes The Howling stand out from other lycanthropic horror films like An American Werewolf in London or Dog Soldiers? The gang breaks down the film’s eerie atmosphere, its chilling transformation sequences, and the stunning practical effects that made Rob Bottin (the man behind The Thing) a legend in Hollywood.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Born to Watch without some hilarious tangents. The guys analyze everything from the film’s oddball characters (like the ultra-horny werewolf Marsha) to its bizarre plot twists, including one of the worst sting operations in movie history. And let’s not forget the infamous werewolf sex scene—equal parts steamy and unsettling. Was it necessary? Was it too much? Or was it just the kind of batshit-crazy moment that makes ‘80s horror so much fun?

Speaking of fun, The Howling is filled with hidden gems and cool trivia, including surprise cameos from legendary director Roger Corman and future Adam Sandler film director Dennis Dugan. The team also unpacks the film’s lasting legacy, from its disastrous sequels (Howling VI: The Freaks, anyone?) to its influence on modern werewolf flicks.

And in true Born to Watch fashion, there’s plenty of debate:
🐺 How does The Howling stack up against An American Werewolf in London?
🐺 Are its werewolf transformations the best in cinema history?
🐺 Was the final news broadcast scene a stroke of genius or pure absurdity?

By the end of this episode, you’ll either be howling with laughter or rethinking your next trip to a secluded therapy retreat.

So grab your silver bullets and press play!

🎧 Listen now and let us know—where does The Howling rank on your werewolf movie list?

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