10 Best Universal Monster Movie Reboots, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Universal monsters movies maintain their legacy through revamps that offer new directions and modern twists.
Hammer Pictures’ reboots like “Curse Of Frankenstein” and Blumhouse’s “The Invisible Man” bring unique horror approaches to iconic monsters.
Films like “Van Helsing” and “The Mummy” (1999) highlight a shift from horror to action-adventure, appealing to a wider audience.

As a long-time enthusiast of horror films, I must say that these three movies are absolute gems in the Universal Monsters series. Each one offers a unique take on classic creatures, while still maintaining the essence that makes them so beloved.

Audience members are once again stepping into the realm of classic Universal monster films, as Leigh Whannel’s reimagining of “The Wolf Man” is set to premiere on January 17, 2025. Movies like “Dracula”, “The Wolf Man”, and “Frankenstein” have solidified these monstrous characters into enduring pop culture symbols that continue to captivate us nearly a century since their creation.

Just like many other studios, Universal has played a crucial role in maintaining the enduring popularity of legendary monsters by continuously updating their appearance across generations. This process often leads to reboots that explore significantly new directions for these creatures. Some of these adaptations have fallen short of expectations, while others have managed to achieve or even surpass the fame of the original versions.

10 The Mummy (1959)

Hammer Pictures Were Giant Love Letters To Universal

Release Date: December 16, 1959
Director: Terence Fisher
Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Yvonne Furneaux, George Pastell

In a follow-up to their “Dracula” film by Hammer Pictures, “The Mummy” combines elements from the initial two Universal films. Christopher Lee reprises his role as the mummy, Kharis, but the real antagonists are those who manipulate ancient sorcery to compel him into slaying innocents.

Hammer’s adaptation was commended for preserving the deliberate tempo of Universal’s The Mummy, yet infusing it with the bloody horror style reminiscent of its sequel. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee proved to be compelling leads in this endeavor. The outcome was a chilling Victorian-era horror film, boasting a higher degree of brutality and eeriness than many films of its era. This was a signature trait that Hammer later became renowned for, especially with their reboots.

9 The Invisible Man (2020)

Blumhouse Took The Universal Monster In A Realistic Direction

Release Date: February 24, 2020
Director: Leigh Whannell
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid

Following the less-than-satisfying take on The Mummy in 2017, Universal decided to revamp their monster universe once more with Leigh Whannell’s film, titled The Invisible Man. Instead of a traditional, larger-than-life monster movie, The Invisible Man opted for a shift in focus, emphasizing the chilling terror inherent in being pursued by an unseen murderer.

In their latest film, Blumhouse and Whannel drew inspiration from their past horror productions and presented Adrian Griffin not so much as an eccentric murderer, but rather as a sinister influence in his ex-wife’s life. This approach effectively heightened the anticipation for his more extreme actions, as Leigh Whannel was commended for his authentic portrayal of this well-known monster. Elisabeth Moss delivered a powerful performance as Cecelia.

8 The Curse Of Frankenstein

The Mad Doctor Is Just As Scary As The Monster

Release Date: June 25, 1957
Director: Terence Fisher
Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Hazel Court, Robert Urquhart

In contrast to many adaptations of Mary Shelley’s novel, the character of Victor Frankenstein in Hammer’s “The Curse Of Frankenstein” does not express remorse for his actions. Instead, the portrayal by Peter Cushing is that of an unyielding and unfaltering mad scientist, prepared to go to any lengths to achieve his objectives. This interpretation poses the age-old question in the Frankenstein tale: who truly embodies the monster, the creature or the scientist?

As I delved into the chilling world of “The Curse of Frankenstein,” I found myself face-to-face with the towering figure brought to life by the legendary Christopher Lee. Just like in the haunting tale of “The Mummy,” this monster was no mere spectacle; he was a tormented being, laboring under the weight of his own existence, every movement an agonizing struggle.

7 Van Helsing

The Action-Packed Monster Mash That Is Cheesy But Fun

Release Date: May 7, 2004
Director: Stephen Sommers
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxborough, David Wenham

After the triumph of “The Mummy” in 1999, Universal veered towards the action-adventure blockbuster genre instead of horror. In this new venture, titled “Van Helsing”, iconic characters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolf Man, and Mr. Hyde shared the screen. Hugh Jackman portrayed the heroic Van Helsing, while Richard Roxborough brought a delightfully flamboyant interpretation of Dracula to life.

Initially released in 2004, Van Helsing faced harsh criticism due to its overly cheesy direction. However, over time, it has developed a dedicated fanbase and achieved cult classic status. The action remains engaging, the urban gothic style served as inspiration for numerous films and video games from that era, the monsters were skillfully showcased in a cohesive universe, and many of its special effects continue to impress for a film produced in the early 2000s.

6 Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Kenneth Branagh Faithfully Adapted The Book As An Epic Drama

Release Date: November 4, 1994
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Robert De Niro, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hulce

Individuals seeking a Universal horror movie that stays true to the book might find satisfaction with “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein“. In this film, Kenneth Branagh both stars and directs, offering a perspective that delves into the human protagonist rather than the monster. The narrative portrays the emotional turmoil that fueled his ambition to bring immortal life to fruition, while also delving into his remorse over the creature’s creation.

As a gamer immersed in this captivating world, I can’t help but be drawn to the central figure who steals the show – the creature itself. And let me tell you, Robert De Niro delivers an unforgettable performance that brings this character to life in a way that truly resonates. Much like its creator, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster is portrayed with a deep sense of tragedy, showing both his heartbreaking and villainous aspects as he develops after being brought back to life. This interpretation strikes a chord with fans of the original story, offering a nuanced portrayal that adds depth to the classic tale.

5 Horror Of Dracula

Christopher Lee Changed Dracula Portrayals Forever

Release Date: May 8, 1958
Director: Terence Fisher
Starring: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Melissa Stribling, Michael Gough

In the eyes of many devotees, Christopher Lee significantly refined the depiction of Dracula on film with his ominous and malevolent portrayal in “Horror of Dracula.” He skillfully played the character as a captivating nobleman residing in a castle, but when he transformed into a horrifying vampire, Lee truly embodied the terror of the role.

Director Terence Fisher effectively instilled a foreboding Victorian ambiance throughout Horror Of Dracula, creating an eerie tension that amplified Dracula’s presence. This gothic approach to horror served as a significant influence for numerous popular Castlevania games by Konami. Moreover, it marked the first time Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing appeared together in a monster movie, with the latter convincingly playing Abraham Van Helsing.

4 Hollow Man

Kevin Bacon Is Terrifying As An Invisible Killer

Release Date: August 2, 2000
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Elisabeth Shue, Josh Brolin, Kim Dickens

Under exceptional visual effects, the film “Hollow Man” presents a unique take on invisibility, different from Universal’s “The Invisible Man.” Kevin Bacon portrays the character Sebastian Shaw, convincingly depicting his transformation from a quirky yet brilliant scientist to a ruthless, power-hungry individual with divine aspirations. As viewers, we witness this chilling metamorphosis as Shaw loses touch with humanity.

The film “Hollow Man,” initially not a blockbuster upon release, eventually garnered a devoted fanbase who admired the innovative special effects that made Kevin Bacon appear genuinely invisible and featured some gruesome deaths. Transitioning from an inward exploration of a villain’s origins to a slasher-movie style enabled Kevin Bacon to demonstrate his versatility in portraying complex, dark characters.

3 The Wolfman (2010)

Benicio Del Toro Shines In The Bloody And Brutal Retelling

Release Date: February 12, 2010
Director: Joe Johnston
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving

In “The Wolfman,” Benicio Del Toro takes on the role of one of Universal’s saddest beastly creatures. Instead of Lawrence Talbot choosing to become a werewolf, he is compelled by fate to transform every time the moon is full. This modern adaptation offers unexpected surprises that differentiate it from the 1941 film and keep it feeling contemporary, while still preserving the charm of the original storyline. Del Toro’s performance as the werewolf adds an extra layer of excitement to the tale.

The Wolfman, particularly in its unrated version, truly excels with its transformations that blend physical and digital effects, and the way the Wolfman brutally attacks its victims. The Wolfman stands out as one of Universal’s most gory monster films, adding depth to Lawrence’s tragic storyline, which Del Toro skillfully portrays, depicting a man struggling with his curse and wanting to avoid hurting anyone.

2 Dracula Untold

The Dracula Movie That Showed The Potential Of The Dark Universe

Release Date: October 10, 2014
Director: Gary Shore
Starring: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Charles Dance, Dominic Cooper

In the movie “Dracula Untold,” the character of Dracula, played by Luke Evans as Vlad The Impaler, appears more like an anti-hero who transforms into a vampire to save his people. This portrayal can be likened to a superhero version of Dracula, which adds appeal rather than detracting from the story; originally, he was intended to be the equivalent of “Iron Man” in a universe where monsters coexist.

As I navigate through the digital realm of gaming, I can’t help but draw parallels with the captivating tale of Dracula Untold. In this dark epic, I find myself endowed with the power to summon bat swarms and equipped with superhuman speed and strength – yet, I remain a monster at heart.

1 The Mummy (1999)

Chills And Thrills Made For An Iconic Brendan Fraser Movie

Release Date: May 4, 1999
Director: Stephen Sommers
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, Arnold Vosloo, John Hannah

The film that catapulted Brendan Fraser into stardom, famously known as The Mummy, eventually led to a series of sequels, an animated TV show, and video games based on the movie. It was a huge success for Universal, striking a perfect blend of adventure and horror, which they attempted to replicate in various projects for quite some time.

Brendan Fraser is well-known for playing Rick O’Connell as an iconic hero, but Arnold Vosloo’s portrayal of the Mummy, Imhotep, is often regarded as the definitive version, even surpassing Boris Karloff’s beloved character. The powerful and terrifying nature of Imhotep, manifested through his many undead forms, has made him a renowned villain in the series, and this is further amplified by exceptional design and direction in production.

2024-10-07 01:35