The Howling

Name: The Howling
Director: Joe Dante
Genre: Horror
Released: 1981-01-01
Duration: 91 min
Rating: 6.6
Cast: Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan, Christopher Stone, Belinda Balaski

1981Dir. Joe Dante1h 31m

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Runtime1h 31m

Released1981

Budget$1M

Box office$18M

DirectorJoe Dante

About This Movie

Joe Dante's 'The Howling' is a fascinating blend of horror and social commentary. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the pacing strikes a nice balance between dread and dark humor. The practical effects are a standout—Rob Bottin's work here is something else, especially for werewolf transformations. The performances, particularly from Dee Wallace, ground the surreal elements in a way that feels really unsettling. There's a layer of critique on media sensationalism and our own fears that makes it more than just a creature feature. You can feel Dante's playful yet eerie touch throughout, and the whole thing has this gritty 80s vibe that I find really compelling.

Released by MGM, 1981, in theaters.Notable for groundbreaking werewolf transformation effects.Features a score by Pino Donaggio.Filmed in California, with a distinct 80s aesthetic.