Ever since 19-year-old Mary Shelley went on a writing holiday and dreamed up the genre-bending “Frankenstein,” audiences have been captivated by the titular mad scientist and his lonely, abandoned creation.
When cinema brought Frankenstein’s characters to life on the big screen, filmmakers wasted no time offering countless adaptations of the classic novel. Some play it straight, others lean into humor (with varying degrees of success), but all share a single goal: to give fans a fresh take on a story that has evolved from literary classic to pop culture icon.
5. ‘Lisa Frankenstein’
Watch On
Uprooting “Frankenstein” from its dark, gothic roots and dropping it into neon-soaked 1980s suburbia, “Lisa Frankenstein” is to “Frankenstein” what “Clueless” was to “Emma.” Kathryn Newton stars as Lisa, a high schooler trying to navigate the fallout of her mother’s violent death and her father’s lightning-fast remarriage to a monstrous stepmom.
But life gets even stranger when a Victorian-era corpse (Cole Sprouse) is resurrected, hoping Lisa can help him replace some missing body parts. From there, she embarks on a chaotic, hilarious journey of self-discovery, finding empowerment in the act of literally reassembling her very own dream man. It may not be a traditional “Frankenstein” adaptation, but it has a spark all its own.
Rent/buy on Apple TV or Prime Video
4. ‘Frankenstein’ (2025)
Watch On
The latest cinematic “Frankenstein” (2025) — now streaming on Netflix and playing in select theaters —has perhaps the perfect director for Shelley’s masterpiece: Guillermo del Toro.
This version aims to stay true to the novel’s spirit (while inventing a few new characters and set pieces), anchored by a powerhouse cast. Oscar Isaac is riveting as the brilliant but tormented Victor Frankenstein, yet it’s Jacob Elordi who steals the show as the monster. Through him, we witness a being brought into the world and met with cruelty, yet still yearning for connection and companionship—a timeless portrait of the tragic outsider.
Watch on Netflix
3. ‘Poor Things’
Watch On
A postmodern, feminist twist on “Frankenstein,” Yorgos Lanthimos directs Emma Stone as a young woman resurrected by her creator and father figure, Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), whom she aptly calls God. But as she grows in mind and spirit, she defies the men around her, refusing to evolve according to their expectations. Instead, she charts her own path, exploring her sexuality and sense of self beyond the limitations of a 19th-century patriarchal world.
Stone delivers a towering performance — both physically and intellectually — that earned her a second-career Oscar, transforming the story into something wholly modern and daring.
Watch on Hulu
2. ‘Frankenstein’ (1931)
Watch On
The 1931 James Whale version of “Frankenstein” takes liberties with Shelley’s novel — most notably, the creation’s famously silent portrayal by Boris Karloff. Yet it’s this version that became the definitive cinematic Frankenstein, launching the beloved Universal monster movie legacy.
Moody and atmospheric, the film balances horror and pathos, with Karloff imbuing the monster with a vulnerability that makes you sympathize with him despite his terrifying presence. It’s a timeless classic that captures the essence of the story while creating an indelible cinematic icon.
Rent/buy on Apple TV or Prime Video
1. Young Frankenstein
Watch On
It’s almost impossible to believe a parody could rank as a top Frankenstein adaptation, but Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” proves it can. Gene Wilder gives a career-best performance as Frederick Frankenstein, Victor’s reluctant descendant, who initially reviles his family’s infamous legacy. Yet upon arriving at the ancestral home, he quickly catches the mad scientist bug, plotting to create life with his loyal (and hilariously snarky) assistant Igor (Marty Feldman) and the lovely Inga (Teri Garr).
“Young Frankenstein” delivers endless laughs while offering a surprisingly thoughtful interpretation of Shelley’s novel and the films it inspired, balancing homage with hilarity in perfect measure.
Not available to stream
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
