10 Must-Watch Films Inspired by Frankenstein

      Tighten those neck bolts; it’s time for ten must-see movies inspired by Frankenstein…

      Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a timeless literary classic and one of my favorite books from a cherished literary era. The story of the title character, a doctor who brings a monster back to life, has influenced countless literary works and has also sparked numerous cinematic interpretations, including direct adaptations, variations, and homages that draw heavily from Shelley’s narrative.

      From arthouse films to highbrow Oscar contenders, down to the forgotten corners of video rental stores, thousands of Frankenstein-themed movies have been created, some of which aspire to explore similar philosophical and existential themes as Shelley's original work. With a new adaptation from Guillermo del Toro on the horizon, now is the perfect moment to highlight some essential films inspired by Frankenstein…

      **Poor Things**

      We begin with Emma Stone’s Academy Award-winning performance as Bella Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film. As expected from the bold and unconventional director, Poor Things is a unique, uncompromised work. While his films don’t often appeal to mainstream audiences, his last two have certainly gained popularity.

      There was much buzz last year about the shock factor of Saltburn, but Poor Things rivals it in boldness (for those unacquainted, you’ve clearly not seen Salo or anything by Takeshi Miike). Emma Stone portrays a reanimated unborn child whose brain has been transplanted into her mother’s deceased body after her suicide. Willem Dafoe plays a mad scientist that resembles Frankenstein’s monster but is ultimately an obsessive creator with a troubled past. The film is filled with eccentric characters, odd speech patterns (a Yorgos characteristic), grotesque humor, an abundance of sex scenes, stunning design and cinematography, and an extraordinary performance by Stone.

      **Frankenhooker**

      The internet is full of comparisons between Poor Things and Frankenhooker, thanks to their shared humor, protagonist origin stories, and themes of sexual awakening. So, was Frankenhooker truly ahead of its time? This 1990 comedy, though not Academy-worthy, is an absolute blast.

      Patty Mullen shines as a doctor’s girlfriend who is reanimated after he accidentally kills her with a lawnmower. Jeffrey Franken (James Lorinz) has pieced her back together using parts from sex workers.

      **Blade Runner**

      Replicants are manufactured by the Tyrell Corporation for servitude. When a group of replicants nears the end of their four-year lifespan, they revolt and return to Earth to demand more life from Tyrell. Blade Runner is rife with deep existential questions as Harrison Ford’s Deckard, a sort of hitman, is tasked with ‘retiring’ the rogue Nexus 6 models (led by the captivating Rutger Hauer).

      The film remains visually breathtaking, with extraordinary audio (from the sound design to Vangelis’s remarkable score). Its Frankenstein-like themes are evident, as is its profound influence on the science fiction genre, with countless films since borrowing from Ridley Scott’s masterpiece.

      **Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein**

      As previously noted, many famous film adaptations exist, from Boris Karloff’s interpretations to Kenneth Branagh’s distinctive style. His rendition is as grand and extravagant as Coppola’s Dracula and is often mischaracterized as a faithful retelling (Branagh’s film is marketed as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, whereas Coppola’s is Bram Stoker’s Dracula).

      While Branagh takes fewer liberties than Coppola, his film still boasts a stellar cast (with Branagh as the Doctor, Robert De Niro as the monster, and Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth) and striking visuals, along with unforgettable scenes that modern audiences will easily appreciate.

      **Young Frankenstein**

      Mel Brooks had an incredible year in 1974, delivering two of his most iconic and quotable comedies, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. The latter serves as a brilliant parody of the classic tale and its various adaptations, particularly from the Karloff era. Staying true to the film’s most iconic rendition, Brooks’ work is shot in black and white and looks fantastic.

      Gene Wilder (who co-wrote with Brooks) and Peter Boyle as the monster deliver outstanding performances, filled with numerous memorable gags, making it an absolute joy to watch.

      **Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning**

      From a comically goofy B-movie influenced by Terminator and RoboCop, the Universal Soldier franchise took an unexpected turn with Day of Reckoning, a blend of Lynch, Cronenberg, Noe, Kubrick, and Nicolas Winding Refn’s styles, merging horror, existential angst, and martial arts action. Director John Hyams had surprised many with his previous UniSol sequel, Regeneration, which had a nod to Blade Runner, while this follow-up stands out as an unabashed work of auteur creativity.

      By loosely connecting it to the Universal Soldier universe