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Frankenstein

Play trailer Poster for Frankenstein 1931 1h 11m Horror Drama Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 96 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
This iconic horror film follows the obsessed scientist Dr. Henry Frankenstein as he attempts to create life by assembling a creature from body parts of the deceased. Aided by his loyal misshapen assistant, Fritz, Frankenstein succeeds in animating his monster, but it escapes into the countryside and begins to wreak havoc. Frankenstein searches for the elusive being and eventually must confront his tormented creation.
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Frankenstein

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Critics Consensus

Still unnerving to this day, Frankenstein adroitly explores the fine line between genius and madness, and features Boris Karloff's legendary, frightening performance as the monster.

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Critics Reviews

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Ella H. McCormick Detroit Free Press Jan 18, 2023
[James Whale] is to be complimented upon his handling of the incidents chosen from the book, and the artistry with which he has built up the picture. Go to Full Review Nelson B. Bell Washington Post Jan 18, 2023
[Boris Karloff's performance] is a skillful but unsavory bit of imaginative and grotesque portraiture that the delicately constituted will dream about through many haunted nights. Go to Full Review Irene Thirer New York Daily News Jan 18, 2023
3/4
It's a study of a chemical experiment -- one which clutches at you icily and holds you until the romantic ending guarantees satisfaction after an hour's worth of gripping, intriguing horrors. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Oct 31, 2025
4/5
…there’s zero international travel, no glaciers, no sailing ships, just a bare-bones summary of a quarter of the novel...the bits invented for Whale's film are undeniably cinematic, so generations have just learned to tune out during the romance sections Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Oct 26, 2025
3.5/4
Under the ingenious makeup created and applied by studio artist Jack Pierce, Karloff is astonishing in a role that Lugosi had turned down. Go to Full Review Carson Timar ClapperCast Oct 31, 2023
It is the small moments of empathy that stand out here. That is where James Whale shines and as a queer director, he is a master of his craft. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Richard Oct 26, 2025 Spectacular filming in black and white. The makeup of the monster was very well done. Overall, very good movie. See more Robert Oct 24, 2023 Great movie, it's truly awesome getting to see movies I never got to see on the big screen, even though I've seen them a hundred times it makes it like a brand new experience, hopefully they keep showing old movies See more John G @RT08513575 2 days ago Arguably as influential in how we think about Frankenstein as the original novel, Karloff’s menacing portrayal of the Creature, and Clive’s maniacal screaming of “It’s Alive” are just two of the many reasons this foundational horror flick still holds up today. See more Tyler S @tylerking24 6 days ago A film that nearly perfectly establishes the horror genre. See more Drew D @Roadwarrior52 Oct 4, 2026 Short, sweet, and dark as hell, the 1931 Classic has become a watershed moment in popular culture and has given us one of the most iconic symbols associated with the Halloween season See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 4, 2026 An iconic movie based on Mary Shelly's famous novel that was written in one night! See more Read all reviews
Frankenstein

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Cast & Crew

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James Whale

Director

Colin Clive

Dr. Henry Frankenstein

Mae Clarke

Elizabeth (Henry's fiancée)

John Boles

Victor Moritz

Boris Karloff

The Monster

Edward Van Sloan

Dr. Waldman

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Movie Info

Synopsis This iconic horror film follows the obsessed scientist Dr. Henry Frankenstein as he attempts to create life by assembling a creature from body parts of the deceased. Aided by his loyal misshapen assistant, Fritz, Frankenstein succeeds in animating his monster, but it escapes into the countryside and begins to wreak havoc. Frankenstein searches for the elusive being and eventually must confront his tormented creation.
Director
James Whale
Producer
Carl Laemmle Jr.
Screenwriter
Mary Shelley, Peggy Webling, John L. Balderston, Francis Edward Faragoh
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Genre
Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 21, 1931, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Runtime
1h 11m
Sound Mix
Mono
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