Director hub · 3 films · 1931 to 1935
James Whale: every horror film in order
Brought wit, theater and outsider sympathy to Universal's monsters. Mostly classic monster, sci-fi horror and horror comedy. Below, every James Whale film in the Horror Planet catalog in release order, with what each one is about and where it led.
The films, in release order
- 1
Frankenstein (1931)
Boris Karloff under Jack Pierce's flat-top makeup. 'It's alive!' became the genre's battle cry.
- 2
The Invisible Man (1933)
Claude Rains is heard far more than seen. John P. Fulton's effects still hold up.
- 3
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Whale's witty, subversive sequel and Elsa Lanchester's lightning-streaked hair.
Where it led
- Frankenstein to Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein 1948
The monster's comic farewell.
- Frankenstein to The Curse of Frankenstein 1957
Hammer had to avoid copying Universal's makeup.
- Frankenstein to Frankenstein 2025
Del Toro has called Whale's film a lifelong inspiration.
- The Invisible Man to The Invisible Man 2020
Universal's monster reimagined.
Questions
Which James Whale horror movies are on Horror Planet?
3 so far, from 1931 to 1935: Frankenstein (1931), The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
Where should I start with James Whale?
Start with Frankenstein (1931). Boris Karloff under Jack Pierce's flat-top makeup. 'It's alive!' became the genre's battle cry.