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Poster for Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Seen it?

1931 | 70 min | Drama, Horror, Science Fiction

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), people are still talking about it, audiences rate it highly (7.5 out of 10) and it made about 46 times its budget. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for horror fans and sci-fi fans. If you loved Frankenstein or The Fly, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 10 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1931: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Obsessed scientist Dr. Henry Frankenstein attempts to create life by assembling a creature from deceased body parts. Aided by his loyal misshapen assistant, Fritz, Frankenstein succeeds in animating his monster, but it flees into the countryside and begins to wreak havoc.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $12 million worldwide on a $262K budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactVery strong

    About 405K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by James Whale

  • Colin CliveHenry Frankenstein
  • Mae ClarkeElizabeth
  • John BolesVictor Moritz
  • Boris KarloffThe Monster
  • Edward Van SloanDoctor Waldman
  • Frederick KerrBaron Frankenstein
  • Dwight FryeFritz
  • Lionel BelmoreThe Burgomaster
  • Marilyn HarrisLittle Maria
  • Ted BillingsVillager (uncredited)