An American Werewolf in London (1981) Review in 2025
A horror-comedy classic about two American tourists who get attacked by a werewolf while backpacking in England, and one of them becomes infected with the curse.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to some gore and mature themes, but suitable for older teenagers and adults.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for horror and comedy fans, and is suitable for streaming or watching in theaters. However, be warned that some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie starts with two American tourists, David and Jack, backpacking in England. They get attacked by a werewolf while on a solo hike, and David is bitten. As the full moon approaches, David starts to experience strange and terrifying transformations into a werewolf. Meanwhile, Jack tries to help David find a cure, but things take a dark turn when David's transformations become more frequent and violent.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of horror and comedy elements. The plot is clever and original, with some unexpected twists and turns.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with some standout performances from the cast. David Naughton and Griffin Dunne have great comedic chemistry, and Jenny Agutter is excellent as the love interest.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with some great comedic performances from David Naughton and Griffin Dunne. Jenny Agutter is also excellent as the love interest, Nurse Alex.
direction9.00/10
John Landis does an excellent job of balancing horror and comedy elements, creating a unique and entertaining viewing experience. The pacing is well-handled, and the film's tone is consistently engaging.
cinematography8.50/10
The cinematography is excellent, with some great use of lighting and camera angles to create a creepy and atmospheric mood. The special effects are also impressive, especially considering the film's budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's unique blend of horror and comedy, excellent performances from the cast, and impressive special effects make it a standout classic.
Cons
Some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers, and the pacing can be a bit slow in some parts.
Notable Quotes
"Don't worry, I'm not going to bite you... much."
"I'm an American, I can handle it!"
"You're a werewolf, David! You're a werewolf!"
