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Parents' Guide to

An American Werewolf in London

By Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Landmark horror comedy has violence, sex, nudity, language.

Movie R 1981 97 minutes
An American Werewolf in London movie poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 15+
I don't understand why everyone loves this movie!
age 13+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (5 ):

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.

Movie Details

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