Horror’s most classic monsters have earned their claim to fame all thanks to Universal Studios. The first Universal Monsters film dates back to 1923, and was the on-screen retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which starred Lon Channey. Channey would go on to be one of Universal’s leading men as far as monster flicks go, alongside Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and his son Lon Channey Jr. Initially, the Universal Monsters franchise was only set to be individually produced films that would host sequels and crossover stories. However, the iconic creatures have cemented themselves into pop culture, and thus are considered to be a part of the Universal Monsters Shared Universe.
These films, shot entirely in black and white, birthed some of the most classic horror monsters, paving the way for decades to come. In 1931, Universal produced Dracula, bringing to life Bram Stoker’s page-turning nightmare. Dracula’s influence on pop culture has been fundamental to the rules of vampires, and the constant reimaginings of this timeless character. Universal's creatures are regarded by horror fans all over, and even have an assortment of toy figures from NECA. Here are the best Universal Monster movies, ranked.
5 Abott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Bud Abott and Lou Costello were a prominent comedy duo in the 1940s. The two got their start in a film called One Night in the Tropics, and, shortly after, were granted parts as leads in an army comedy called Buck Privates. Abott and Costello are most known for their iconic "Who's on First" skit, but arguably one of their best films is in Universal's 1948 film Abott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. The film is a culmination of Universal's three most known monsters: Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolfman. Abott and Costello find themselves in a predicament when they encounter a shipment encasing Frakenstein's Monster's body, and are soon met by the infamous Count Dracula who seeks to use the Monster for his own benefit. Lawrence Talbot, played by Lon Chaney Jr, attempts to aid the duo to stop his nemesis, Dracula; however, he is also harboring a monster in himself as well. Abott and Costello Meet Frankenstein not only showcases three of Universal's fan favorites, but is among one of the very first horror comedy hits ever made.
4 Creature from the Black Lagoon
Creature from the Black Lagoon, was among one of the last Universal Monster films to be made, but is regarded as a Universal classic. According to Den of Geek, the film just missed what is considered the golden age of Universal Horror. The premise is simple: a group of scientists travels to a jungle-like area to seek out a new species that has been spotted in the deep, but are surprised at the monster they find. The monster was unlike anything that could even be imagined. "Gill-man" had the ability to swim deep in the water, and walk on land, making no place safe for the eager scientists. The costume design for the monster was a full-body suit and mask that was zipped up, and the creature was played by two different actors. Ricou Browning portrayed the monster swimming, and Ben Chapman played the monster on land. Despite having the fewest recognition in terms of sequels, Creature from the Black Lagoon has withstood the test of time, cementing itself with the earlier films.
3 The Wolf Man
Werewolves hold deep roots in ancient mythology, and are among some of the best creature feature transformation in all of horror. While visiting his father, Lawrence Talbot, played by Lon Chaney Jr. is attacked by a large animal that is presumed to be a dog. Shorty after, he transforms by night and stalks the forest as the Wolf Man. The Wolf Man isn't the first Universal werewolf film, but it is the only one to have ever been seen by a large-scale audience. The Werewolf, a film made in 1913 is regarded to be the first werewolf films ever made, but was lost, hence making Chaney Jr's rendition the first one considered. According to Empire, make-up artist Jack Pierce spent a total of nine hours, combined, applying and removing Chaney Jr's wolf man make-up. Despite the excruciating amount of time and precision it took, the practical make-up applied by Pierce is still one of the most highly regarded physical portrayals of a werewolf to this day.
2 Frankenstein
Frankenstein was released in 1931, the same year as Universal's release of Dracula. Like the vampire classic, the film was based off of a novel written in 1818 by Mary Shelley. People often forget that Frankenstein is actually the last name of the Monster's creator. Dr. Henry Frankenstein, played by Colin Clive, is a scientist obsessed with recreating life. He robs grave sites of the freshly deceased and uses the parts to create his very own man. Once he finds a fresh brain, Frankenstein is successful in bringing life to his once dead creation. The Monster, confused and displaced, wreaks havoc along the countryside, and ultimately must be destroyed. Frankenstein is not only one of the great horror literature classics, but remains to be a highly regarded classic in the horror film genre.
1 Dracula
Undoubtedly, vampires have been a fixture in pop culture for decades, however, it is hard to deny that this credit is owed to Universal's 1931 film, Dracula. The Count himself would kick off an almost 20-year era for Universal that would become known as the studios golden age for horror. Like the novel, Count Dracula, played by Bela Lugosi, moves to London to explore new hunting grounds. Dracula preys on the young women of London, and it is up to Dr. Van Helsing, played by Edward Van Sloan, to stop the Count. Dracula not only spawned spin-offs within the Universal Monsters' era of horror, but has been remade throughout the decades to appeal to newer audiences. Although the film may not seem to be horrific or terrifying by today's standards, it is important to pay tribute to the 1931 vampire classic and it's hand in creating some of the best vampire films ever made.