The Howling Horror Movie Saga: From Worst to Best

The Howling franchise, known for its unique take on werewolf lore, has produced a mix of films since its inception in 1981. While the original film is often celebrated, the sequels have garnered varying degrees of success and critical reception.

These horror movies are based on the novel The Howling, written by Gary Phil Brandner in 1977. The story centers on the life of Karyn Beatty, a woman whose existence is devastated after a brutal attack on her home in Los Angeles. After that tragedy, she and her husband Roy decide to move to a quiet mountain town called Drago, seeking a fresh start and a more peaceful environment.

However, Drago's apparent tranquility is deceptive. As Karyn tries to recover, she begins to hear strange howls coming from the nearby forest, leading her to suspect that something sinister lurks in the darkness. Her mental health is compromised, and her relationship with Roy becomes strained, as he believes she is losing her sanity.

The novel was a huge publishing success, and it was decided to make it into a movie because of its incredible creative potential.

Here’s a comprehensive ranking of the Howling movies from worst to best based on multiple sources.

8. The Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)

This film is frequently cited as the worst in the series. It suffers from a lack of coherent storytelling and is criticized for reusing footage from earlier films, making it feel like a poorly constructed compilation rather than a standalone movie.

7. The Howling Reborn (2011)

Aimed at a younger audience, this entry is disconnected from the original series and is often described as melodramatic and lacking in substance. While it is slightly better than New Moon Rising, it still fails to impress.

6. Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)

Attempting to adapt the original novel more faithfully, this film falls short of the original's quality. It is often criticized for its slow pacing and lackluster production values, making it a tedious watch despite its potential.

5. Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)

This installment features a more engaging plot than its predecessors but still suffers from poor execution. It involves a group of people trapped in a castle with a werewolf, but the film's execution leaves much to be desired.

4. Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)

This film takes a bizarre turn by introducing werewolves with kangaroo-like traits. While it is considered bad, it has gained a cult following for its oddity and humor, making it a more enjoyable experience than some of the other sequels.

3. Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)

Featuring Christopher Lee, this sequel is known for its campy charm and memorable moments. It blends horror with humor, making it a guilty pleasure for many fans of the franchise.

2. Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)

This entry is often praised for its unique storyline and character development, focusing on a circus of werewolves. It stands out for its creativity and is generally well-received compared to other sequels.

1. The Howling (1981)

The original film remains the pinnacle of the franchise, celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects, suspenseful storytelling, and social commentary. Directed by Joe Dante, it set a high standard for werewolf films and continues to be a classic in the horror genre.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Howling franchise has its share of low points, the original film and a few sequels offer entertaining experiences for horror fans.

This horror saga has the virtue of having popularized the myth of the werewolf. The plot highlights the possibility that a human being could unleash all their inner evil in the worst possible way, destroying everything in their path.