The Howling

Play trailer

The Howling

R

Now Playing

1h 31m

Horror

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

130 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In Los Angeles, television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life.

Now in Theaters

Now Playing

Buy Tickets

Critics Consensus

The Howling packs enough laughs into its lycanthropic carnage to distinguish it from other werewolf entries, with impressive creature effects adding plenty of bite.

Read Critics Reviews

David Robinson

The Times (UK)

Jun 22, 2026

What the film lacks in plot it makes up in special effects, bizarre metamorphoses and the sort of gory shocks that the contemporary juvenile audience is said to demand.

Go to Full Review

J. Hoberman

Village Voice

Mar 18, 2026

It's a superior entertainment -- as creepy, witty, and suggestive as its disreputable genre would warrant.

Go to Full Review

Archer Winsten

New York Post

Mar 18, 2026

Director Joe Dante has handled these horrible horror without a qualm.

Go to Full Review

Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

Jul 13, 2026

3.5/5

One of the rare films that could actually benefit from a longer runtime, The Howling nevertheless impresses with incredible practical effects and a raw performance from Dee Wallace.

Go to Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Horror Queers Podcast

Jul 8, 2026

3.5/5

Joe Dante's B-movie is sleazier than An American Werewolf in London (complimentary), and the practical effects are just as good. A little odd, a little sexy, and a nice bit of humanity from star Dee Wallace.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Mar 26, 2026

3.5/4

Second only to 1941’s The Wolf Man as the best werewolf flick ever made.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

steve

Apr 28, 2025

Absolute CLASSIC werewolf flick!!! Worth the watch for old school nostalgia 80s horror.

See more

Christian K

@ckacar 3 days ago

Its a little languid in stretches but has a great practical creature transformation in the 3rd act and a memorable ending.

See more

Jason H

@RT50328122 Sep 26, 2026

I mean, she just stands there...

See more

Jeff R

@umbrellaforbombs Sep 11, 2026

I created this account to do one thing, correct the review left by another saying, "It's practical effects didn't age well..." Proof that in today's time just because you have the ability to share your opinion doesn't mean you should, and it sure don't make it right. The Howling has incredible practical/special effects & makeup. A monster transformation that stands the test of time because it IS real. True Hollywood magic. And if you happen to agree with the other guy then bite me. Add this film to your monster mash marathon. Keep your nose to the wind, shapeshift! And I'll catch you at the next review, ya freaks.

See more

Robert P

@Superbad Sep 7, 2026

The Howling = a 3.5 star movie

See more

Jerod S

@jeroduptown May 23, 2026

It's werewolf effects didn't age well, but the premise of a serial killer leading a news anchor to a cult of werewolves is decently fun.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Joe Dante

Director

Dee Wallace

Karen White

Patrick Macnee

Dr. George Waggner

Dennis Dugan

Chris

Christopher Stone

R. William (Bill) Neill

Belinda Balaski

Terry Fisher

The Entity

62%

62%

The Entity

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Entity

Wolfen

72%

48%

Wolfen

Watchlist

Friday the 13th Part II

28%

49%

Friday the 13th Part II

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Friday the 13th Part II

Amityville II: The Possession

27%

36%

Amityville II: The Possession

Watchlist

The Beast Within

17%

35%

The Beast Within

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Get Ready For an All-New "Thing"

Russell’s "Piranha" Remake Heading to Dimension

View more photos

Synopsis

In Los Angeles, television journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is traumatized in the course of aiding the police in their arrest of a serial murderer. Her doctor recommends that she attend an isolated psychiatric retreat led by Dr. George Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But while Karen is undergoing therapy, her colleague Chris (Dennis Dugan), investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding her shock. When his work leads him to suspect the supernatural, he begins to fear for Karen's life.

Director: Joe Dante
Producer: Daniel H. Blatt, Jack Conrad, Michael Finnell, Steven A. Lane
Screenwriter: Gary Brandner, John Sayles, Terence H. Winkless
Distributor: AVCO Embassy Pictures, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Image Entertainment Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co: AVCO Embassy Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 3, 1981, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 3, 2017
Runtime: 1h 31m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings