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The Howling

Play trailer Poster for The Howling R 1981 1h 31m Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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The Howling

The Howling

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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.

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Critics Reviews

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David Robinson The Times (UK) Jun 22
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
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
Director Joe Dante has handled these horrible horror without a qualm. Go to Full Review Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast 3d
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
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
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

Audience Reviews

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steve 04/28/2025 Absolute CLASSIC werewolf flick!!! Worth the watch for old school nostalgia 80s horror. See more Jerod S @jeroduptown May 23 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 Erik E. @TiltedFoliage May 21 An excellent werewolf movie with an ending that's still relevant 40+ years later. I highly recommend giving the Howling a watch. See more revolver.0 8 @Revolver08 Apr 6 clunky and slow paced See more Aaron S. @Aaron0309 Feb 17 The Howling has great practical effects and a surprisingly strong storyline, making it one of the most memorable werewolf films for me. See more Farah R. @Farah Feb 13 The Howling boasts the best werewolf transformation through practical effects since An American Werewolf in London. That scene alone makes up for the slow pace and predictable plot. See more Read all reviews
The Howling

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Cast & Crew

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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

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The Howling

The Howling (1981) The Howling (1981) The Howling (1981) View more photos

Movie Info

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