Monsters by Moonlight: The Ten Greatest Werewolf Movies Ever

Who isn't sick of vampires? Here are ten lycanthropic alternatives, not to be watched alone!

10. The Wolf Man (2010 ) - No, it's not out yet. Yes, it is guaranteed to scare the feces out of you. Be warned: this film will be violent and gory. No existential teenage vampire angst here; only grown werewolves eating grown people, as God intended.

9. Ginger Snaps - This is a coming-of-age tale that combines the more uncomfortable elements of female maturity with lycanthropy. A great understory, and squeamish kills abound.

8. Silver Bullet - Based upon the Stephen King novella, this one works in spite of itself. Corey Haim (when he was still cute and young) is the protagonist, Everett McGill is the beastie, and Gary Busey is the hero. Scary fun!

7. Wolf- Jack Nicholson is a werewolf. In the movie, I mean...not in real life, although if it were true, would any of us be surprised? Plus, Michelle Pfeiffer...rowr...

6. I Was A Teenage Werewolf - Michael Landon chews the screen, torn between coming-of-age and being a murderous monster. The scene in the gymnasium is particularly nightmare-inspiring.

5. Curse of the Werewolf - Hammer Films' entry stars Oliver Reed as the beast. Reed brought a raw athleticism and sexuality to the role that had not been there previously.

4. Dog Soldiers - Neil Marshall's debut, this movie is essentially Aliens but with werewolves. Lots of werewolves, lots of soldiers with guns, and a pretty nice twist near the end

3. The Wolf Man (original) - Lon Chaney Jr.'s classic turn as cursed Lawrence Talbot is the first great werewolf film. Every werewolf movie since this one owes it a debt.

1. (tie) The Howling - Featuring non-repentant werewolves and the greatest transformation sequence on film, this one builds the suspense to the breaking point and finishes in true, downbeat style.

1. (tie) An American Werewolf In London - Director John Landis crafted a horrifying classic. The film is a tour-de-force of modern lycanthropy, and boasts the most graphic attack scene of the genre. A truly great movie.