Best Werewolf Designs

Worst Werewolf Designs

 Werewolf Transformations Ranked

I tend to have strong opinions on werewolf design.  So I’ll break the various types down here:

The well the designs work depends on the context of what archetype you’re suing

                TYPE 1: Person involuntarily transforms during full moon

                TYPE 2: Person transforms permanently, although the full moon could be a trigger

                TYPE 3: Person transforms at will

                TYPE 4: Person transforms in response to trigger

                TYPE A: Person loses all control of actions during transformation. 

                TYPE B: Person retains humanity

Type 1A is generally the Classic.  Its appeal is that of a good person tormented by guilt with what he did during the full moon.  Twists on the trope can be good as well, though.The designs fall under:

TOO HUMAN: Werewolf looks too much like a human in “werewolf” form so what’s the point.  Might as well just be a vampire.

TOO LUPINE: “Werewolf” form looks too much like normal wolf.  Good werewolf designs are a mix of human and lupine traits.  Once could say that the bestial look is appropriate for type A’s but ideally those should be twisted monsters who target people, not normal animals.

WOLFMAN: I know it’s iconic and “classic,” but let’s be honest, it’s a lame design.  It’s usually a good idea for a werewolf to have a muzzle since biting is its primary mode of attack.  The wolfman design doesn’t look scary or grotesque enough for Type A or appealing enough for Type B.

THE IDEALIZED: Has a lupine head on a humanoid body.  Tails are optional, but it looks a bit creepier without it so better to avoid them.  A tail in generally the difference between a werewolf an a cartoon character.  While they look intimidating, the problem is that they look too appealing for Type A’s and (imo) should be generally reserved for Type B.  The ancient archetype of a monster’s form being inherently corrupt, reflecting either a true monster or a curse human who must free himself of the form, only works if the form is actually grotesque, which brings us to...

THE GROTESQUE: A genuinely hideous abomination that is generally ideal for Type A’s.  This is generally a tough thing to pull off because you still need to maintain a muzzle and a wolf/human hybrid appearance. 

Keep in mind design/type context is being considered in this ranking.

10. WEREWOLVES

Wolf (1994)

Type 2B, Too Lupine

Although I usually dislike the Too Lupine design, this one does have a nice, subtle twist in that the eyes and cranium are more human.

9. WOLFMAN

The Wolfman (1941)

Type 1A, Wolfman

It’s a classic and was probably impressive for the time. 

9. WOLFMAN

The Monster Squad (1987)

Type 2A, Wolfman

I normally don’t like this design, but it’s grotesque and scary enough to work.  Still, nerfed bite reach.

8. SUPER LYCAN

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Type 3B, Idealized

It’s about time this series got it right.

  

7. WEREWOLVES

Van Helsing (2004)

Type 1A, Idealized

A good Idealized design, but not a big fan of these on Type A’s.  A decent twist is that hair color determines fur color

6. WEREWOLF

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Type 1A (1B with Wolfsbane), Idealized

This design works equally well for A/B because it’s equal parts grotesque/appealing while also being able to transition between two and four legs.  It also has an effectively pathetic quality without sacrificing intimidation.

5. THE WEREWOLF FAMILY

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Type 2B, Idealized

While these are cartoonishly cute, it’s mostly a legit werewolf design in a cartoon style.  I also like how the pups incorporate part of the Wolfman design.

 

4. WILLIAM CORVINUS

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

Type 2A, Idealized

This is probably the coolest manifestation of the Idealized, so it’s a real shame it’s been wasted on a Type A.  This is what the Lycans should have looked like in the first movie.

3. GINGER

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Type 2A, Grotesque

This is a rare example of an ideal 2A design.  A truly hideous and scary design that doesn’t sacrifice bite reach.

2. WEREWOLVES

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Type 1A, Idealized

While a bit Idealized for Type A, this does compensate for it by being possibly the scariest looking werewolves in film.  And that’s impressive due to the low budget effects.  Particularly effective is the hairless bodies, which add to the creepiness; it’s Poodling: The Movie.

1. WEREWOLVES

The Howling (1981)

Type 3B, Idealized

Frightening and cool, which makes them effective as they are a symbol of humanity’s struggle with its urges.  Appropriately appealing for Type B as well.

Worst Werewolf Designs