Movies News Talk

Universal Monsters: Horror, Comedy, and Iconic Crossover Films

Fans of Classic Horror films will love this! Universal Pictures brought together three iconic monsters for an incredible series of movies back in the 1940s. It's a mashup of horror movie monsters that has delighted audiences for ages.

Monster Mashup

This isn't just some random grouping. Universal Pictures managed to bring together some of the best and most terrifying monsters from these classic films. The 1930s and 1940s brought tons of these memorable moments in Hollywood history. What really helped this happen? They started by creating standalone monster movies that helped introduce the most popular figures, such as Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster and The Wolf Man! The movies did really well at the box office, and gave Universal a lot of success.

Also Read: Longlegs Movie: Nicolas Cage's Horror Film Hits VOD on August 23rd!

House of Frankenstein

Boris Karloff removes the stake from Dracula's heart in House of Frankenstein Image

It may seem weird to put so many classic movie monsters together! These characters weren't related in the storylines but Universal made it happen. The fact that they were able to even begin putting Frankenstein's Monster, The Wolf Man and Dracula in the same movie is something super special, a challenge many others probably wouldn't have ever tried!

However, it makes sense in this new iteration because there's already a precedence! These figures met before in another great crossover "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man!" They went head-to-head with one another before. This means the whole set up might have made things less difficult!

  • This gave writers an easier approach to introduce those beloved, frightening, terrifying characters!

One thing worth pointing out though? This really didn't bring together all three of the classic monsters in every scene! Dracula showed up. However, Dracula wasn't around for that long and sadly, he got taken out pretty early. Even if all three are important this particular film seemed to disappoint those fans wanting to see these iconic monsters clash! This set up the story well for another incredible horror film from this studio that did much more to meet the fans' expectations.

Also Read: Heretic Movie: A Chilling Horror Film Explores Faith and Philosophy

House of Dracula

Cristina-Raines-as-Alison-Parker-from-The-Sentinel-and-Johanna-Brushay-as-Kathy-Jordan-from-Don't-Go-in-the-House Image

The studio managed to create "House of Dracula". This time they truly succeeded in putting the storyline together and managed to make sure that these three big horror icons had more than enough screentime! To make the plot flow the story had a new character called Dr. Edelmann!

  • Dr. Edelmann is introduced. His skillset attracts both Dracula and The Wolf Man who happen to be at the same place.
  • This character was more than enough to give us an idea about just what happened after the ending of "House of Frankenstein."
  • The incredible addition was finding Frankenstein's Monster who got put in a coma.

This may not be a series that gives viewers nonstop fighting and battles! Instead of fights between these characters, we actually learn what happened in their stories, as these characters all search to find some escape from their monstrous form, particularly The Wolf Man, a cursed being and giving closure. Ultimately this brings an awesome end for fans.

Also Read: 'The Radleys' Movie: Damian Lewis Stars in Dual Roles in a Comedy-Horror

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein

Frankenstein with eyes closed as Dracula talks to him in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Image

If you think it is done after two incredible horror films then you're absolutely wrong. Universal Pictures had even more planned to keep delighting fans. But they didn't stop there and decided to switch up things. It is one of those unexpected combinations you might not be sure will work! To take it to a totally different and unpredictable path the team chose Comedy.

Instead of bringing pure horror back to fans the latest adaptation included a team that many might not have predicted Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are two super popular, iconic comedy actors and they bring their comedic approach to a mix of horror that gives everyone a completely new approach to this monster movie mashup!

  • The movie keeps things hilarious and entertaining but doesn't mess up with Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula, and The Wolf Man, as their reputation remains.
  • What adds an additional flavor for fans? The use of Bela Lugosi to play Dracula (again), someone who's helped shape the classic character, showing us why he remains such an unforgettable persona, and adding Lon Chaney Jr., someone who was always well cast for The Wolf Man

There's nothing like having this blend of laughs and the truly captivating imagery. What's more, they keep to the history! All those details and great images remain!

Even after having made those epic films! These crossover films managed to give audiences an incredibly unique adventure, and gave them many years of great Monster Movie moments.

Related Articles