5 Best 'Frankenstein' Adaptations to Watch Before Guillermo del Toro's Movie, Ranked by IMDb
These movies left a mark on the history of cinema and revealed the full complexity of the tragedy of the genius and his creation.
Since Mary Shelley first wrote it two centuries ago, the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation has captivated minds and remained at the heart of popular culture.
As we await the release of Guillermo del Toro's highly anticipated film, which promises to be one of the most authentic and poignant adaptations yet, we invite you to explore the rich legacy of this myth.
5. 'Victor Frankenstein', 2015
IMDb Score: 6.0/10
Starring James McAvoy as Victor Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as Igor, this movie offers a unique adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel.
Through Igor's perspective, we discover the dark secrets of the young doctor's assistant and the redemptive friendship between them. We also witness the transformation of the doctor's creation into the monster we know today.
4. 'Frankenweenie', 2012
IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Based on the short film of the same name, Tim Burton's outstanding animated movie follows a boy named Victor whose beloved dog, Sparky, dies in an accident. Unwilling to accept his loss, Victor calls upon science to bring Sparky back to life.
At first, things seem fine, but when Sparky escapes, Victor's friends, parents, teachers, and townspeople discover that bringing a pet back to life can have unexpected – and even terrifying – consequences.
3. 'Frankenstein', 1931
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
In Mary Shelley's classic Gothic novel the monster is portrayed with extreme ambivalence. The creature evoked pity because it was abandoned by its creator and constantly humiliated because of its grotesque appearance.
On the other hand, the monster sated its inner pain by killing innocent people. Hollywood's black-and-white portrayal of the monster as both victim and perpetrator was difficult to achieve.
Therefore, in James Whale's version, the creature is portrayed solely as a victim who is too stupid to comprehend its actions or power. Whale's film became a classic, and many people first became acquainted with the character and his story through it.
2. 'Bride of Frankenstein', 1935
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
This classic horror movie with comedic elements is a direct sequel to 1931's Frankenstein.
In Whale's original film, Victor Frankenstein brings the dead to life and faces the consequences. The sequel depicts the part of Shelley's story where the monster yearns for human affection.
The wounded Dr. Frankenstein is brought to a castle to recover while the monster roams the countryside. The eccentric Dr. Pretorius appears and blackmails the reluctant Dr. Frankenstein into helping him create a bride for the monster.
1. 'Young Frankenstein', 1974
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
This eccentric comedy is a brilliant parody of old Hollywood horror films. Gene Wilder stars as Frederick Frankenstein, a surgeon and the grandson of the infamous Baron. Frederick travels to Transylvania to claim an inheritance.
It turns out that the inheritance is notes on experiments with the famous monster. Unable to resist temptation, Frankenstein Jr. creates his own monster, causing chaos in the villages surrounding his castle.
