An American Werewolf in London Poster

An American Werewolf in London 1981

★ 7.42,663 votes97 min📅 1981-08-21

"From the director of Animal House... a different kind of animal."

John Landis delivers a genre-blending masterpiece with *An American Werewolf in London* (1981), weaving horror and dark comedy into a chilling tale of transformation.

Director: John Landis

Cast

David Naughton
David Naughton
David Kessler
Jenny Agutter
Jenny Agutter
Nurse Alex Price
Griffin Dunne
Griffin Dunne
Jack Goodman
John Woodvine
John Woodvine
Dr. J.S. Hirsch
Don McKillop
Don McKillop
Inspector Villiers
Brian Glover
Brian Glover
Chess Player
David Schofield
David Schofield
Dart Player
Lila Kaye
Lila Kaye
Barmaid
Rik Mayall
Rik Mayall
Second Chess Player
Sean Baker
Sean Baker
Second Dart Player

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *An American Werewolf in London* (1981) about?

After surviving a savage attack in the Yorkshire Moors, American tourist David begins transforming into a werewolf while recovering in London. As his body and mind deteriorate, he grapples with the horror of his condition—until he learns the grim truth about his new existence.

Who directed *An American Werewolf in London*?

The film was directed by John Landis, best known for his work on *Animal House* and *The Blues Brothers*.

Who stars in *An American Werewolf in London*?

The main cast includes David Naughton as David, Jenny Agutter as Nurse Alex Price, Griffin Dunne as the tragic Jack, John Woodvine, and Don McKillop.

Is *An American Werewolf in London* (1981) worth watching?

Absolutely—this horror-comedy classic balances scares, dark humor, and emotional depth, making it a standout in both genres. Its practical effects and cultural impact have cemented its status as a must-see film for horror fans.

How long is *An American Werewolf in London*?

The film runs for 97 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

An American Werewolf in London (1981): The Horror-Comedy Cult Classic Explained

John Landis delivers a genre-blending masterpiece with *An American Werewolf in London* (1981), weaving horror and dark comedy into a chilling tale of transformation. Two American friends, David and Jack, survive a brutal attack by an unseen beast while hiking the Yorkshire Moors, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare of flesh and fear. As David recovers under the care of a compassionate nurse, his body begins betraying him, his mind unraveling as the curse of lycanthropy takes hold. Landis crafts a film that balances scares with wit, exploring themes of isolation, guilt, and the monstrous within us all.

The atmosphere crackles with dread, punctuated by Landis' signature humor and unforgettable practical effects that set the gold standard for werewolf cinema. With a runtime of just 97 minutes, *An American Werewolf in London* (1981) packs a punch—from its iconic transformations to its haunting soundtrack. A cult classic that redefined horror-comedy, this film remains a must-watch for fans of clever, unsettling cinema.