My Favorite Shapeshifter/Body Transformation Movies

People that under go a body metomorphis or simple are able to change into different creatures have always been a favorite of mine. Unfortunately the great flicks of this kind are few and far between. Still the lore lives on and here are 7 of my favorites in this sub-genre.


* An American Werewolf in London (1981)

If there is a better transformation scene from man to wolf, then I've never seen it. Rick Baker's effects hold up amazing well. When I first watched this movie in my youth it scared the crap out me. Later on I grew to appreciate the dark humor elements of the movie. This is still the top of the line in werewolf movies.


* Slither (2006)

James Gunn took all his Troma training and made an awesome bigger budget movie in the style of all that is Troma. Aliens infect humans causing a transformation in them. Over the top gore combine with comedy makes this a bloody great time.


* Ginger Snaps (2000)

High school girls have a tough enough time figuring out their changing bodies...especially if you're just been bitten by a werewolf. Sisters deal with the issue together. The movie has plenty of gore and strong story.


* The Howling (1981)

Another great werewolf movie from the early 80's which gave me nightmares for months as a pre-teen. Another good round of special effects, this time from Rob Bottin, a top notch cast, and a rather dark humor undertone makes this a cant miss movie.


* The Fly (1986)

Nobody deals with the body transformations better than David Cronenberg. This is gory, updated version of the 50's classic. The big differnce here is we slowly watch a man transform into a fly-like creature over the coarse of days. Jeff Goldblum has never been better.


* The Wolfman (1941)

If you haven't figured it out yet, there's a soft place in my heart for the old Universal Studios monster movies. This one is no exception and Lon Chaney Jr. busts out his acting chops as Larry Talbot. The man makes you empathize with his situation. And that is great movie making.


* Dog Soldiers (2002)

A group of soldiers on a training excursion in the deep woods run into a family of werewolves. I'm sold. While the werewolves themselves aren't the best looking things ever, the acting and story more than makes up for it.


* Tetsou 2: The Body Hammer (1992)

Man merges with machine who takes justice in his own hands in this Shinya Tsukamoto classic. A true mind bender.