An American Werewolf in London
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
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An American Werewolf in London
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that An American Werewolf in London is an Oscar-winning (for Best Makeup), intense and gory horror comedy that has been hugely influential since its 1981 release. The story centers around David Kessler (David Naughton) who transforms into a werewolf after being attacked while backpacking in the U.K. It has a lighthearted feel but the horror is full-on, with violent werewolf attacks, gore, and scary scenes. There are suicide references and David is seen trying to cut his wrists in one scene. The movie features male and female nudity, with breasts and a character's penis both shown. A sex scene involving David and a nurse, Alex Price (Jenny Agutter), takes place in a shower and bedroom. Occasional strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," one use of "c--t," and the homophobic slur "f--got." Despite the adult content, the movie is playful and fun, making it quality entertainment rather than nightmare fodder. For older teens, it's the perfect gateway to inventive genre-melding movies.
What's the Story?
In AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, two backpackers from the U.S. are attacked by some kind of creature in the English countryside. David Kessler (David Naughton) survives and is taken to hospital in London. But as a full moon approaches, David starts to experience strange transformations.
Is It Any Good?
Not only is this horror comedy a gloriously entertaining watch, it also fizzes with energy. An American Werewolf in London has sparked the creativity and imagination of generations of young filmmakers since its 1981 release. Blending its two genres, writer and director John Landis delivers an experience that feels truly alive. The characters are great to hang out with, whether they're the cagey villagers or the charming young couple David and Alex (Jenny Agutter). The horror is thrilling, relentless, and inventive. While the humor comes just at the right time to ease the tension.
Jack Baker's monster and werewolf transformation effects are gooey and memorable and won the film an Academy Award for Best Makeup. Indeed Landis and Baker worked together again on Michael Jackson's Thriller music video. An American Werewolf in London might not be for everyone but an older teen with an interest in horror, comedy, or both may well find a new favourite movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in An American Werewolf in London. Did you think it was too extreme for a movie that has humor? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the movie portray sex and nudity? Was it affectionate/tasteful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about folklore. Where do you think the legend of werewolves came from? What purpose do folktales serve?
The movie used both comedy and horror. Did you think the blending of the genres worked or do you prefer movies to be just one thing? Have you seen any movies that this film might have influenced?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 21, 1981
- On DVD or streaming: September 15, 2009
- Cast: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne
- Director: John Landis
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Horror
- Topics: Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: December 3, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Shaun of the Dead
Zombie horror-comedy has lots of gore, cursing.
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The Evil Dead (1981)
Horror masterpiece is gory but silly; violence, drugs.
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Teen Wolf (1985)
Cheesy '80s comedy still works thanks to Fox-y star.
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