An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Kernel Score: 83% · 2,651 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Horror
Released: 1981-08-21
Runtime: 97 minutes
Is An American Werewolf in London worth watching?
Must-watch. Two American backpackers are attacked on the Yorkshire moors, and one begins to change. It's funny, scary and sad all at once, with groundbreaking transformation effects. A true classic of horror-comedy.
Watch it if you
- love horror-comedy
- enjoy practical monster effects
- like 80s cult classics
Skip it if you
- dislike gore and dark humour
- want pure horror
Best for: Cult horror night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch An American Werewolf in London
- Stream: Prime Video, AMC+, AMC
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Philo, The CW
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
American tourists David and Jack are savagely attacked by an unidentified animal while hiking on the Yorkshire Moors. After retiring to the home of a beautiful nurse to recuperate, David soon begins experiencing disturbing changes to his body and mind.
An American Werewolf in London parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this classic R-rated horror film features graphic werewolf transformation and violent creature attacks.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Graphic werewolf attacks and a famously intense, painful-looking transformation sequence.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Some sexual content between characters typical of an R-rated horror film.
- Language: Some — Occasional strong language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like An American Werewolf in London
If you liked An American Werewolf in London, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) — 85%: Smart British horror-comedy blending laughs and gore.
- Evil Dead II (1987) — 84%: Wild horror-comedy full of slapstick gore.
- The Return of the Living Dead (1985) — 80%: Cheeky 80s horror-comedy about zombies.
- Fright Night (1985) — 78%: 80s monster comedy with a playful mood.
- Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) — 84%: Funny, gory horror comedy built on mistaken identity.
- What We Do in the Shadows (2014) — 87%: Deadpan monster comedy.
Director
Cast
- David Naughton as David Kessler
- Jenny Agutter as Nurse Alex Price
- Griffin Dunne as Jack Goodman
- John Woodvine as Dr. J.S. Hirsch
- Don McKillop as Inspector Villiers
- Brian Glover as Chess Player
- David Schofield as Dart Player
- Lila Kaye as Barmaid
- Rik Mayall as Second Chess Player
- Sean Baker as Second Dart Player
An American Werewolf in London FAQ
Is An American Werewolf in London worth watching?
Must-watch. Two American backpackers are attacked on the Yorkshire moors, and one begins to change. It's funny, scary and sad all at once, with groundbreaking transformation effects. A true classic of horror-comedy.
Where can I watch An American Werewolf in London?
In the US you can stream An American Werewolf in London on Prime Video, AMC+ and AMC, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Philo and The CW and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is An American Werewolf in London OK for kids?
An American Werewolf in London is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this classic R-rated horror film features graphic werewolf transformation and violent creature attacks.
What movies are like An American Werewolf in London?
If you liked An American Werewolf in London, try Shaun of the Dead, Evil Dead II, The Return of the Living Dead and Fright Night.