How to Watch Frankenstein Movies and TV Shows in Order
Frankenstein has been an enduring figure in horror, inspiring countless adaptations across films and television. Since Mary Shelley's novel was first published in 1818, the tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his tragic Monster has captivated audiences, with filmmakers exploring the story's moral and philosophical questions. From the iconic 1931 James Whale film to modern reimaginings and parodies, Frankenstein has left a lasting mark on pop culture. Television has also tackled the story, including series like The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015) and animated adaptations, further cementing the monster's place in media history.
How to watch the Frankenstein movies in chronological order
The first Frankenstein movies were produced by Universal with some of the best ones featuring Boris Karloff as the Monster. The other notable franchise included horrors produced by British studio Hammer with Peter Cushing as Victor Frankenstein and Christopher Lee as Frankenstein’s Monster.
Universal Frankenstein movies:
Frankenstein (1931)
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Son of Frankenstein (1939)
The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)
Hammer movies:
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
Standalone entries:
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)
Frankenstein (2004)
Frankenweenie (2012)
I, Frankenstein (2014)
Victor Frankenstein (2015)
The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)
Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Frankenstein (2025)
The best Frankenstein classic to get started with is the 1931 Universal Pictures film directed by James Whale. The black-and-white horror starred Boris Karloff as the Monster. It became the defining portrayal of Frankenstein's Monster and established the look and tone for many future adaptations.
Also directed by James Whale, Bride of Frankenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made. It builds upon the themes of the first film, with the Monster seeking a companion.
In Son of Frankenstein, the 1939 sequel stars Basil Rathbone as the son of Dr. Frankenstein and features Karloff’s last appearance as the Monster. While less iconic, it still expanded the Frankenstein mythos in film.
From the Ghost of Frankenstein onwards, the Universal Frankenstein series replaced Karloff with Lon Chaney Jr. as the Monster. It delves deeper into the Frankenstein family’s cursed legacy.
Then came the crossover Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster (now played by Bela Lugosi) meets the Wolf Man, merging two of Universal’s biggest horror franchises in a fun, campy entry.
In 1957, Hammer Films revived the franchise with this British interpretation. Directed by Terence Fisher and starring Peter Cushing as Dr. Frankenstein and Christopher Lee as the Monster, it’s darker and bloodier than its predecessors. Another Hammer entry, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed showcases Dr. Frankenstein (again played by Cushing) as a ruthless villain, pushing ethical boundaries in his experiments.
After Universal and Horror, all other movies based on Frankenstein or inspired by Mary Shelley’s novel were standalone entries and not connected to any franchise. For instance, Young Frankenstein endures as Mel Brooks' comedic homage to the classic Universal films while Frankenweenie reimagines the story with a resurrected dog. Television has also tackled the story, including series like The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015) and animated adaptations, further cementing the monster's place in media history.
The next promising Frankenstein project is Guillermo Del Toro’s upcoming remake. This adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel is expected to bring the acclaimed horror’s signature gothic aesthetic and deep empathy for misunderstood monsters to life. The cast includes Jacob Elordi as the Monster alongside Oscar Isaac as the British scientist.
If you wish to go on a Frankenstein binge, our guide takes you through all the major movies and the TV series. We also provide you with offers to stream, buy or rent these movies online in India.
