An American Werewolf in London (1981)

An American Werewolf in London is a groundbreaking horror-comedy that brilliantly fuses terrifying werewolf transformations with dark humor, making it one of the most iconic films in the genre. Directed by John Landis, the film follows two American backpackers, David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), who are viciously attacked by a werewolf during their travels in the English countryside. Jack is tragically killed in the attack, while David survives, only to realize he is cursed to transform into a werewolf during the next full moon.
What sets this film apart is its perfect blend of horror and humor. The intense and often gruesome transformation scenes are groundbreaking, with groundbreaking special effects that still hold up today. The film balances this with witty dialogue and a darkly comedic undertone, creating a unique viewing experience that both scares and entertains.
David Naughton delivers a compelling performance as the doomed protagonist, and Griffin Dunne is outstanding as Jack, especially in his posthumous appearances. The film also features an unforgettable soundtrack, with tracks like “Blue Moon” adding to its eerie charm.