Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Landmark horror comedy has violence, sex, nudity, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
An American Werewolf in London
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 : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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