The Howling Movies in Order & How Many Are There
The Howling movies are a series of horror films that have captured the imaginations of horror movie enthusiasts worldwide. The franchise is known for portraying werewolves and their transformation, coupled with intense storytelling and chilling special effects. With a loyal fanbase, The Howling movies have become a cult classic in the horror genre, inspiring numerous spin-offs, comics, and even a television series.
Over the years, the franchise has seen several sequels, each adding new twists and turns to the storyline while staying true to the original concept. However, with so many movies in the series, it can be challenging for new viewers to know where to start. In this article, we will explore The Howling movies in order and how many there are, delving into the plots, characters, and cinematic experience that have made this franchise a favorite among horror movie lovers.
How many The Howling movies are there?
There are currently eight The Howling movies in the franchise. The first film was released in 1981 and introduced audiences to a terrifying world of werewolves and the humans who hunt them. Since then, several sequels have been released, each adding to the franchise’s mythology and exploring different aspects of the werewolf mythos. Here is a list of The Howling movies in order:
- The Howling (1981)
- Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
- Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
- Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
- Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)
- Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
- Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)
- The Howling: Reborn (2011)
While the franchise has seen some ups and downs over the years, it remains a beloved part of the horror genre, with its unique take on the werewolf mythology and memorable characters.
The Howling movies in order
If you’re a fan of werewolf movies, then The Howling franchise is one to add to your watchlist. The series has been terrifying audiences for over 40 years, and with eight movies, there’s plenty of content to sink your teeth into. Each film builds on the mythology of the werewolf, taking viewers on a journey through different eras, locations, and storytelling techniques. In this section, we will take a closer look at The Howling movies to explore the plots, characters, and themes that make this franchise so beloved by horror fans.
The first seven movies are part of the same series, while the eighth one, The Howling: Reborn (2011), is a reboot of the series and is not connected to other movies. Let us now see what each movie is about.
The Howling (1981)
The Howling (1981) is the first movie in The Howling franchise and follows the story of Karen White (Dee Wallace), a television journalist investigating a string of murders in Los Angeles. After a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, Karen and her husband Bill (Christopher Stone) travels to a secluded mountain resort to recover. However, as the couple begins to settle in, they realize that the town’s residents are not what they seem, and a dark secret lurks in the forest. Soon, Karen discovers that the locals are werewolves, and she must fight for survival against the pack.
Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985) picks up immediately where the first film left off, with the brother of the first movie’s protagonist, Ben White (Reb Brown), seeking to avenge his sister Karen’s death. He is approached by a mysterious woman named Stirba (Sybil Danning), who claims to be the queen of the werewolves and invites him to join her pack. With a journalist named Jenny (Annie McEnroe), Ben travels to Transylvania to stop Stirba and her minions from spreading their curses.
Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
Howling III: The Marsupials (1987) takes a unique twist on the werewolf mythology, introducing a new type of shapeshifter known as the marsupial werewolf. The film is set in Australia, where filmmakers investigate reports of a werewolf-like creature. They soon discover a community of marsupial werewolves living in the outback and become embroiled in a battle between the creatures and a government agency determined to wipe them out.
Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988) is a more faithful adaptation of Gary Brandner’s original novel, The Howling. The film follows Marie (Romy Windsor), a writer who retreats to a secluded cabin to work on her next book. As she settles into her new surroundings, Marie begins to experience strange visions and dreams of werewolves. She soon realizes that the town’s residents are all werewolves and that she has become the target of their bloodthirsty desires.
Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)
Howling V: The Rebirth (1989) takes a different approach to werewolf mythology, focusing more on the mystery and intrigue surrounding the characters. The film is set in a castle in Hungary, where a group of strangers has been invited to spend the weekend. As the guests explore the castle’s many rooms and corridors, they discover that they are not alone and that a dark secret lurks within the walls.
Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
Howling VI: The Freaks (1991) takes a different approach to the werewolf mythology, introducing a sideshow carnival and its inhabitants into the mix. The film follows a drifter named Ian (Brendan Hughes), who stumbles upon the carnival and becomes embroiled in the lives of its strange and unusual performers. As Ian learns more about the carnival’s secrets, he discovers that some performers are werewolves and that a battle between the creatures is about to unfold.
Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)
Howling: New Moon Rising (1995) takes place in a small town in the Australian outback, where a mysterious stranger named Ted (John Ramsden) arrives on the night of the full moon. As the townsfolk suspect, Ted is a werewolf, tensions rise, and a battle between the humans and creatures looms.
The Howling: Reborn (2011)
The Howling: Reborn (2011) is The Howling franchise’s eighth and final installment. It is a reboot and is not connected to the rest of the Howling franchise. The film follows high school student Will Kidman (Landon Liboiron), who discovers he is a werewolf and is being hunted by a secret organization called the Syndicate. Along with his girlfriend, Eliana (Lindsey Shaw), and a group of fellow werewolves, Will sets out to stop the Syndicate and uncover the truth about his past.
Do you need to watch The Howling movies in order?
You should watch the first seven The Howling movies in order by the release date. The eighth movie is a reboot and can be watched at any time.
Will there be more The Howling movies in the future?
There is no official news about any new The Howling movies being developed. The franchise has seen its share of highs and lows over the years, with the later installments in the series failing to live up to the standards of the earlier films. While there is always the possibility of a new entry in the future, it’s unclear whether there is enough interest in the franchise to warrant a continuation.
