The Howling Movies: Release Order
The Howling franchise begins with Joe Dante's 1981 cult classic, a well-made werewolf film that stands as one of the better entries in the subgenre. After the first film this release order watch list quickly becomes a journey through drastically diminishing returns and abandoned continuity.
Only Howling II maintains any connection to the original, serving as a direct sequel that shifts dramatically toward campy absurdism. From Howling III onward, each entry essentially reboots the concept with new mythologies, characters, and varying levels of production quality - most being low-budget, direct-to-video affairs.
The bizarre and absolutely awful New Moon Rising attempts to retroactively connect several sequels using recycled footage, while Reborn is a modern teen-oriented reboot. This watch list is only recommended for true horror completists!
There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.
The Howling
A newswoman recovering from a traumatic encounter with a serial killer is sent to a remote rehabilitation center where the residents harbor a dark and supernatural secret.
Howling II: Stirba - Werewolf Bitch
After a young journalist dies under mysterious circumstances, her brother discovers through the enigmatic Stefan Crosscoe that she fell victim to a deadly werewolf curse.
Howling III: The Marsupials
A sociologist studying a mysterious race of human-like marsupials that have appeared in Australia becomes romantically involved with one of the creatures, leading to unexpected complications.
Howling IV: The Original Nightmare
An author recovering from a nervous breakdown in the mysterious town of Drakho begins experiencing supernatural encounters with ghosts, demons, and werewolves. As she discovers these visions are real, she uncovers dark secrets about the town's sinister past.
Howling V: The Rebirth
A diverse group of people gather at a centuries-old Hungarian castle in Budapest, unaware that a werewolf lurks among them and begins picking them off one by one.
Howling: New Moon Rising
When a mysterious motorcycle rider arrives in a small California town, a series of brutal murders begin that bear the terrifying hallmarks of werewolf attacks.
The Howling: Reborn
A high school student discovers he's destined to become a werewolf just as he finally connects with the girl of his dreams. Together, they must fight against his transformation and an army of supernatural beasts threatening their lives and humanity.
Other Film Series
Child's Play
A horror franchise following the murderous adventures of Chucky, a killer doll possessed by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray.
Evil Dead
A horror franchise following the battle against ancient evil forces unleashed by the Necronomicon, spanning from Sam Raimi's original trilogy to modern entries.
Frankenstein
Classic horror films based on Mary Shelley's novel, spanning from Universal's iconic 1930s series to Hammer's gothic interpretations and modern reimaginings.
Open Water
An anthology of standalone survival horror films about people stranded at sea, with no narrative connections between installments.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
A horror franchise following the cannibalistic Sawyer family and their chainsaw-wielding member Leatherface across multiple timelines, reboots, and alternate continuities.
The Omen
A supernatural horror franchise following the Antichrist Damien Thorn from his sinister origins through his rise to power, plus a modern remake.