16 Famous Werewolves in Movies and Television

Werewolves have captured our imagination and given us some of the most unforgettable characters in movies and TV. Why? Because these creatures perfectly blend horror, mystery, and transformation.

Our article explores 16 of the most famous werewolves in movies and television. Which one is your favorite?

Larry Talbot (The Wolf Man)

Let’s be honest. We can’t begin a list of famous werewolves in movies and television without Larry Talbot played by Lon Chaney Jr. Talbot is the OG werewolf from the 1941 classic “The Wolf Man.”

After years of being away, Talbot returns to his family’s estate in Wales, hoping to mend fences with his estranged father.

However, things take a dark turn when he gets bitten by a mysterious beast while trying to save a local girl from an attack. That bite turns out to be a curse, transforming Larry into a werewolf whenever the moon is full.

Fun Fact:
Lon Chaney Jr., who played Larry Talbot, had to endure extensive makeup sessions that often took up to six hours to transform into the Wolf Man. This was an arduous process involving yak hair and gum, making Chaney’s dedication to the role even more impressive.

Larry’s struggle is at the heart of the movie. He’s torn between his human side and the beast within, trying to find a way to break the curse while grappling with his horrifying new reality.

His vulnerability to silver, the inevitable transformations, and the tragic nature of his story have made Larry Talbot an iconic figure in horror cinema.

The film not only sets the bar for werewolf lore but also gives us a relatable character in his desperation and tragic fate.

Despite the monstrous transformations, Larry’s humanity always shines through, making his story one of the most compelling in horror history.

David Kessler (An American Werewolf in London)

Next up on our list of famous werewolves in movies and television is David Kessler. Remember him? Of course, you do. We’ve all seen the film.

In John Landis’s 1981 horror-comedy An American Werewolf in London, David Kessler, played by David Naughton, is an American tourist who is bitten by a werewolf while hiking on the English moors.

Thanks to Rick Baker’s groundbreaking special effects, which won him an Academy Award, his transformation is both terrifying and iconic.

Scott Howard (Teen Wolf)

“Teen Wolf” (1985) is a classic comedy that takes a fun twist on the typical werewolf story.

The film, Starring Michael J. Fox, follows Scott Howard, a high school student who suddenly discovers he has werewolf genes.

However, instead of the usual horror route, this movie mixes laughs with the ups and downs of teenage life. It cleverly uses Scott’s werewolf side as a metaphor for the awkwardness and changes of puberty. It’s a lighthearted take on growing up and finding yourself.

Scott Howard starts off as your average teenager, dealing with typical high school drama—crushing on girls, struggling on the basketball team, and trying to fit in.

SpookySight recommends:

But everything changes when he discovers his family’s hairy secret 🙂

At first, Scott is freaked out by his new abilities and the whole “turning into a werewolf” thing.

However, he soon realizes that being a werewolf comes with some pretty cool perks, like enhanced strength and agility, which make him a basketball star and the most popular guy in school.

Despite the newfound popularity, Scott grapples with staying true to himself and not letting the werewolf persona take over.

He learns important lessons about self-acceptance and the value of real friendships. With the help of his best friend, Stiles, and his understanding dad, Scott navigates the challenges of high school life, love, and… lycanthropy.

The movie was popular enough to inspire a sequel. It even led to a hit TV series, keeping Scott Howard’s legacy of werewolf adventures alive for new generations.

Lucian (Underworld Series)

When it comes to famous werewolves in movies and television, Lucian (played by Michael Sheen) from the “Underworld” series is right up there. This guy doesn’t need much of an introduction.

Lucian is a second-generation werewolf, but he’s not just any werewolf. He’s the charismatic leader of the Lycans—a role that makes him a pivotal figure in the “Underworld” saga.

His story is all about rebelling against the vampire aristocracy that enslaved his kind. He’s not just a fighter; he’s a visionary, leading his people with a mix of ferocity and intelligence.

Lucian’s rebellion against vampire aristocracy can be likened to the Werewolves of Poligny or Gilles Garnier’s trials in France, where social outcasts were often accused of being werewolves and persecuted by the ruling classes.

Related reading:

But what really makes Lucian stand out is his complex character.

He’s got this tragic love story with the vampire Sonja (which adds a whole new layer to his persona). Their forbidden romance is heartbreaking and gives you a glimpse into the softer side of this fierce warrior.

Ultimately, Lucian’s struggle for freedom and equality resonates beyond the supernatural elements, touching on themes of oppression and resistance that feel very real.

Remus Lupin (Harry Potter Series)

In the Harry Potter series, David Thewlis’s character Remus Lupin stands out as a fan-favorite who deals with the challenges of being a werewolf.

As a former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, Lupin teaches with kindness and wisdom, earning the respect and admiration of his students. His membership in the Order of the Phoenix highlights his bravery and commitment to fighting against dark forces.

But why is Remus Lupin such a fascinating character? Because it tackles heavy themes like prejudice and acceptance head-on.

Did you know?
J.K. Rowling named Remus Lupin after Romulus and Remus, the mythical twin brothers raised by a she-wolf in Roman mythology. This clever nod adds a layer of historical and mythological depth to Lupin’s character.

Despite facing discrimination because of his condition, he remains compassionate and strong. His friendship with Harry, Ron, and Hermione adds depth to the story, showing how true bonds can overcome any obstacle.

Lupin’s journey—marked by numerous struggles and triumphs—makes him one of the most famous werewolves in movies and television.

Oz (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Daniel “Oz” Osbourne (played by Seth Green) is the cool, laid-back werewolf in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

As a guitarist in the band Dingoes Ate My Baby, Oz is known for his calm demeanor and sharp wit.

However, his transformation into a werewolf adds a whole new layer to his character. And that is probably what makes his relationship with Willow Rosenberg so complex and interesting.

Despite the challenges in dealing with the curse, Oz remains a loyal and steady presence in the Scooby Gang. In fact, that very struggle makes him such a memorable and beloved character in the Buffyverse.

George Sands (Being Human)

In the UK series “Being Human,” George Sands (played by Russell Tovey) is a werewolf who lives with a vampire (Mitchell) and a ghost (Annie).

Beyond his werewolf nature, George is a deeply compassionate and intelligent individual. He works as a hospital porter, where his meticulous nature and desire to help others shine through.

George’s quirky sense of humor and struggles with everyday life, from work to relationships, make him a relatable and endearing character.

Scott McCall (Teen Wolf TV Series)

We’ve mentioned Michael J. Fox’s Scott McCall character as one of the most famous werewolves in movies and television. But what about Tyler Posey’s more modern interpretation? Well, it’s also up there.

The MTV series “Teen Wolf” (featuring Tyler Posey as Scott McCall) reimagines the 1980s film for today’s audience.

Scott starts off as a regular high school student who’s thrust into the supernatural world. He’s known for his unwavering sense of justice and strong moral compass, which guide him as he takes on the role of protector for his town.

But Scott’s journey is more than that. It also explores his relationships with his best friend Stiles, his love interest Allison, and his mother—who he tries to keep safe from his new, dangerous life.

Jacob Black (Twilight Series)

Love it or hate it, the “Twilight” series remains one of the most popular supernatural trilogies.

But “Twilight” isn’t just about sparkly vampires. It also features one of the most famous werewolves in movies and television: Taylor Lautner’s Jacob Black.

Jacob is a strong character, a loyal friend, and a fierce protector. He’s deeply connected to the protagonist, Bella Swan. He struggles to balance his feelings for her with his responsibilities to his tribe.

Jacob’s strong sense of duty and unwavering support for Bella often put him at odds with vampire Edward Cullen, adding to the series’ intense drama.

Ginger Fitzgerald (Ginger Snaps)

In the 2000 horror flick “Ginger Snaps,” Katharine Isabelle brings to life Ginger Fitzgerald, a high schooler whose world flips upside down after a werewolf bites her.

As Ginger’s transformation intensifies, the film cleverly uses her metamorphosis to mirror the turbulent ride of puberty and female empowerment.

The movie’s mix of body horror and coming-of-age drama makes it a standout in the genre. Ginger’s journey showcases the raw—and often painful—transition from girlhood to womanhood.

Quentin Collins (Dark Shadows)

Quentin Collins (played by David Selby) is a key character in the 1966–1971 ABC cult TV Gothic horror-soap opera “Dark Shadows.”

Introduced as a cursed werewolf, Quentin’s character is embroiled in numerous dramatic arcs involving time travel, family curses, and supernatural intrigue.

His brooding presence, complex backstory, struggle with his werewolf nature, and the quest for redemption add many layers of depth to the show’s already twisting plotlines.

Tyler Lockwood (The Vampire Diaries)

Every fan of the supernatural and vampires knows the TV show “The Vampire Diaries.”

However, while the main focus here is on vampires, the show also features one of the most famous werewolves in movies and television: Michael Trevino’s Tyler Lockwood.

Fun Fact:
Michael Trevino, who played Tyler Lockwood, initially auditioned for the role of Stefan Salvatore before being cast as Tyler.

Lockwood is a high school athlete who uncovers his werewolf lineage in a pretty dramatic fashion. Tyler’s journey is intense—he transitions from the popular jock to a supernatural hybrid, dealing with werewolf curses and later becoming part vampire.

His character arc explores themes of control, destiny, and the constant tug-of-war between his human and wolf sides.

Michael Corvin (Underworld Series)

Back to the “Underworld” series! This time, we’re not just talking about your average werewolf; we’re looking into a unique blend of vampire and werewolf—a “hybrid,” as the series calls it.

Michael Corvin (played by Scott Speedman) is a standout character. He is central to the series’ focus on identity. He’s also a conflicting character who sometimes struggles to navigate his newfound abilities while caught in the escalating war between vampires and lycans.

His relationship with Selene (the vampire warrior played by Kate Beckinsale) is both romantic and complicated.

Derek Hale (Teen Wolf TV Series)

Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Derek Hale in Teen Wolf is full of brooding intensity and a tragic backstory.

As a werewolf with a haunted past, Derek takes on the role of mentor to the show’s protagonist, Scott McCall.

His character deals with the heavy themes of loss—having lost his family—and redemption as he tries to make amends for his past mistakes.

Famous Werewolves in Movies and Television: Alcide Herveaux (True Blood)

In “True Blood,” Joe Manganiello plays Alcide Herveaux, a ruggedly handsome werewolf who becomes romantically entangled with Sookie Stackhouse.

Alcide’s storyline is rich with themes of loyalty and pack dynamics as he navigates the complex politics of the werewolf community in Bon Temps.

His character often finds himself torn between his duty to his pack and his personal desires.

Fenrir Greyback (Harry Potter Series)

We conclude our list of famous werewolves in movies and television with another character from the “Harry Potter” series: Fenrir Greyback.

Dave Legeno’s Fenrir Greyback is the stuff of nightmares. Known for his savage brutality and penchant for targeting children, Fenrir is a feared and loathsome figure.