Werewolf by Night
  • Network: Disney+
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 7, 2022
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 66
  3. Negative: 8 out of 66
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User Reviews

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  1. ryanevo1995
    Oct 7, 2022
    9
    Incredibly interesting left turn for Marvel which was shot and scored beautifully. Visually entertaining addition to the MCU.
  2. MegaCriticBob
    Oct 9, 2022
    6
    This one off special created a brilliantly atmospheric spoof using tropes from classic horror and fantasy movies of the past. The acting was top quality and the direction achieved humour and tension at the same time, quite a feat. The issue with the show is the power levels of the characters - bowing to the woke agenda of Disney the show has the main female character deadlier than itsThis one off special created a brilliantly atmospheric spoof using tropes from classic horror and fantasy movies of the past. The acting was top quality and the direction achieved humour and tension at the same time, quite a feat. The issue with the show is the power levels of the characters - bowing to the woke agenda of Disney the show has the main female character deadlier than its scary monster lead character - seemingly the writers were unaware of how this took away from the impact of the entire show. Or they were forced into by pressure from above. This really took the score down by at least 3 points for me.… Expand
  3. manningn15
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Werewolf by Night was just perfection for me; my favorite TV movie I've seen and one of my favorite movies ever. The cinematography was gorgeous; I loved the decision to do it in black-and-white it helped play into the classic horror movie feel and also liked the shift to color at the end. The visual and practical special effects for Man-Thing, the visual effects when Man-Thing kills people, and the special effects makeup on Gael García Berna in Russell's werewolf form were extraordinary. The writing was outstanding; the story was great, loved the blend of humor and horror, and loved the take on making the movie feel like a classic horror film but modernizing it. The performances from Gael García Bernal, Laura Donnelly, and Harriet Sansom Harris were superb. The fight choreography was awesome. The sets were well designed and cool. The music was great. Werewolf by Night was an A+ movie and a big step for the MCU in being more unique and risky in their releases.… Expand
  4. andy_indierock
    Oct 9, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a nonsensical film. No origin of the monster friendly hero like Marvel thought we all read all Marvel comics.… Expand
  5. raporgi
    Oct 11, 2022
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Metacritic hid or erased my review. tsk tsk. Do yourself a favor and just watch or rewatch "The Wolfman" starring Benicio Del Toro. That's more of a Marvel movie than this garbage. Its even directed by the guy who made the 1st Capt America movie. The titular "Werewolf by Night" is basically a side character in his own movie. Instead we get another angry fempowered character nobody cares about. Man-thing shows up for a bit and there's nothing much else. Ignore the shill reviews claiming this is a return to form for Marvel because its just not. Its low effort and feels very by the numbers.… Expand
  6. shoulderoforion
    Oct 8, 2022
    4
    This was only barely enjoyable, one of the pro reviews said "slight and draggy at the same time" and I couldn't word it better than that. I'm a huge Laura Donnelly fan so seeing her is always pure pleasure, but not so much for Gael Garcia Bernal who played a wimpy Werewolf, and I didn't know that as possible.
  7. Deadpun313
    Oct 8, 2022
    10
    One of the best shows/movies Marvel has put out. Do yourself a favor and watch this immediately.
  8. Emre_Alkan
    Oct 8, 2022
    9
    I love what Marvel did this time! Phase four kinda sucked with Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Widow, She-Hulk, Eternals....
    But there was a tiny project without marketing like usual in MCU and it's maybe the best phase four project.
    It's not necessary connect with a universe adn it's more grounded. I like the 30s style and plot. The wolf isn't CGI and it's appropriate for the old look.    I love what Marvel did this time! Phase four kinda sucked with Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Widow, She-Hulk, Eternals....
    But there was a tiny project without marketing like usual in MCU and it's maybe the best phase four project.

    It's not necessary connect with a universe adn it's more grounded. I like the 30s style and plot. The wolf isn't CGI and it's appropriate for the old look. Man-Thing is amazing and Elsa became my favorite in the first 10 min.!

    Of course there's blood and horror like it's supposed to be in a Halloween special and it's the most brutal show I've seen in a MCU Project.

    As a conclusion I can say, that you have to watch Werewolf by Night!    … Expand
  9. TrickyRikke
    Oct 13, 2022
    10
    10/10. I admit the MCU hasn't had anything mind blowing in quite some time, but this did it for me. Acting is great, story is great, tone is spooky and intriguing, characters were written really well and I can not wait to see more from all of them. It felt new which felt refreshing. Loved it.
  10. MetacriticOnur
    Oct 7, 2022
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  11. TellGoodStories
    Oct 12, 2022
    10
    Unique, Quirky, Engaging - Well worth your time: Everything about this was cool and interesting. It pulls you in, throws unexpected twists, has great characters - and lots of the good kinds of Marvel weirdness. I need a whole season of this. This is the Best Marvel Phase IV I've seen. It restored my faith.
  12. MyNameIsTheName
    Oct 8, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Phase 4 of the MCU has been mediocre so far with a few exceptions. Werewolf by Night is a unique Disney+ Special that takes the MCU to the horror scene. The Special effects, acting, and designs for characters were great, along with the visual style they went for. I was invested in the story the entire time from beginning to end. I cant wait to see where they bring Elsa, Man-Thing, and Jack in the future of the MCU after their brilliant first appearance in the cinematic universe.… Expand
  13. mrahtapot
    Oct 9, 2022
    9
    This was literally what I expected it to be, but only more bloodier (which is a great surprise). The story is simple yet it works really well, aesthetically it’s one of the most creative MCU products so far up there with WandaVision eps 1-6. And it’s so nice to see Michael Giacchino direct something mainstream after years of composing scores. One of the strongest entries of phase 4 and IThis was literally what I expected it to be, but only more bloodier (which is a great surprise). The story is simple yet it works really well, aesthetically it’s one of the most creative MCU products so far up there with WandaVision eps 1-6. And it’s so nice to see Michael Giacchino direct something mainstream after years of composing scores. One of the strongest entries of phase 4 and I feel like this “special presentation” template works better than the tv show concept for MCU. Hoping to see more of Elsa, Jack and Ted in the future of MCU… Expand
  14. Disco20
    Oct 9, 2022
    9
    It’s actually the best Marvel project since last Spider-man. Original, terrifying, wacky. That is the right way to make this franchise great again!
  15. lAMZ0D
    Oct 18, 2022
    0
    Felt like a complete waste of my time. Tried to capture a ‘charming’ old style but ruined it with modern Disney filmmaking tropes. Supremely average and felt entirely unnecessary.
  16. bertobellamy
    Oct 7, 2022
    7
    A nice change in tone for an MCU project. The cinematography was great, and the self-contained story worked well. It could've used more thrills, but I think these specials are a great addition to the lore.
  17. Kai82
    Oct 16, 2022
    9
    I didn't expect something this original and unique to come out in Marvels phase 4. Werewolf by Night is a Halloween special and homage to the old classical horror films. It is even stylishly filmed in black and white and I considered this a strength. The timeline of the story in the MCU is hard to pinpoint but that doesn't matter. After the death of the legendary monster hunter UlyssesI didn't expect something this original and unique to come out in Marvels phase 4. Werewolf by Night is a Halloween special and homage to the old classical horror films. It is even stylishly filmed in black and white and I considered this a strength. The timeline of the story in the MCU is hard to pinpoint but that doesn't matter. After the death of the legendary monster hunter Ulysses Bloodstone a group of monster hunters including the main character Jack Russel is summoned for the ultimate hunt for the successor. The winner gets the Bloodstone which gives superhuman abilities to the owner. However Ulysses estranged daughter Elsa also participates. The Bloodstone should be hers by birthright but she had a fallout with her father and stepmother in the past that lead to be not considered the successor. This is the set up for the story. I was impressed by the story or better said that they could use 53 minutes of screentime this well. It is far better than She Hulk, Hawkeye and other MCU shows. They won me over immediately as I was invested in the story and characters. Gael Garcia Bernal as Jack Russel and Laura Donnelly as Elsa Bloodstone were amazing. Again they did deliver more in 53 minutes than other shows to in hours. Also Harriet Samson Harris as Venussa Bloodstone (Stepmother) is a good antagonist. Of cause I have to praise Ted too. The fights are well choreographed and it is brutal. It helps that it is black and white to get away with a bit gore. The effects are amazing and I praise the decisions to go practical effects (CGI is also used and is fine). Lastly I praise the music which is sneakingly enhancing the atmosphere. Just noticed that the composer is also the director. Should keep an eye out for Michael Giacchino in the future as he seems promissing. Overall this was a nice and positive surprise. It is that refreshing and good that I want to give a 10/10 even if it misses that rating (But not that much). I go with a 9/10 and want a TV show for this or at least a follow up movie.… Expand
  18. SoulWarfare
    Oct 9, 2022
    8
    More like Monkey by Night.

    Nevertheless, this is one of the more interesting and creative Marvel projects in recent years. The black and white, film grainy visual style gives it that great 40s horror movie vibes which I love. I also adore the use of shadows and practical effects, which is a breath of fresh air in Marvel's overuse of CG. The actors also do a great job in illustrating    More like Monkey by Night.

    Nevertheless, this is one of the more interesting and creative Marvel projects in recent years. The black and white, film grainy visual style gives it that great 40s horror movie vibes which I love. I also adore the use of shadows and practical effects, which is a breath of fresh air in Marvel's overuse of CG. The actors also do a great job in illustrating their personalities in this short run time. The soundtrack is also wonderful but this is expected of Michael who is also directing this special as well. My only complaint is that I actually wish it was longer! This is an impressive director debut from Michael Giacchino and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the director's chair. More of this please!    … Expand
  19. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 7, 2022
    6
    A brave self contained left turn into the MCU ever expanding mystical world. Very singular in tone,cinematography and plot allowing for exciting paths to show . Its not an accessible special but it's worth checking out
  20. lawjef
    Oct 12, 2022
    6
    Its a fine, creative little romp through a horror landscape. It belongs on TV instead of a cinema, it probably isn't the kind of show that you will want to re-watch too many times (if at all), it has moments of cringe, and it is no citizen kane. however, it is nice to see something innovative, original, and risky show getting a wide distribution (tackling gender, race, and inequality isn'tIts a fine, creative little romp through a horror landscape. It belongs on TV instead of a cinema, it probably isn't the kind of show that you will want to re-watch too many times (if at all), it has moments of cringe, and it is no citizen kane. however, it is nice to see something innovative, original, and risky show getting a wide distribution (tackling gender, race, and inequality isn't risky, its mundane and by the numbers). Especially compared to, well, basically any Marvel or Star Wars show in the last several years. This show is half decent and not a walking disaster which is all we can hope for these days.… Expand
  21. Diptanshu
    Oct 22, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Awesome Experience and finally an "R" rated stuff from marvel. This set-ups the characters amazingly for futher movies, I'm already hyped about whole monster territory of marvel now, The story was short and crisp and the direction of Michael Giacchino known for composing was surprising brilliant and talking about music it was just intense and good, The black and white classic tone of horror with amazing camera movements and the fight scenes they were delight, The starting set-up and contest with slow build-ups and constants thrills was amazing and the elsa's quest and jack's rescue mission, there meeting and the chemistry it was amazingly developed, the fights and kills were bloody-good and the man-thing's entry was charmingly awesome, the escape scene of ted and further reveal of jack's identity,the prison scene and the ending fight it was entertaining, loved that elsa's rescue by man thing(ted) from her stepmother and the ending with colored tone while elsa is boss now and warewolf and manthing hanging out it was just good, Overall it was a really 'special' special from MCU, Its a great short film.… Expand
  22. VicFerrari
    Oct 8, 2022
    5
    Slight plot and unrealized characters with inane dialogue and uneven acting. It's in black and white, sure, but they've made no effort to light it atmospherically - where are the shadows? Likewise there's the odd scratch and hole in the 'negative' but the image has no grain - it looks like digital footage shot in HDR with a handful of tweaks in post. Half-hearted and disappointing
  23. Dasjjh
    Oct 7, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Der Film ist reich an Potential mit den Konzept eines Horrorfilm im Stil eines 1930er Film, aber die Story rund um die Familie Bloodstone und deren Jagdtradition von Monster und dem Blutstein als Erbe der Familie ist nicht wirklich spannend und verschenkte Potential.… Expand
  24. DolphinReviews
    Oct 7, 2022
    7
    A good change of pace for the MCU. Seeing Man-Thing in the MCU was heavily appreciated. Really looking forward to the hopeful Midnight Suns/Sons.
  25. Tokenbake
    Oct 7, 2022
    10
    So happy the did this correct!! I feel like post Covid Marvel has been a very mixed bag. With even the super highs not being great compared to the past. That said they did this flawlessly!! The only bummer is the length! I won’t more!! Please give us more!!!
  26. Boggiebamph123
    Oct 8, 2022
    9
    Impressive. Black and White throwback to the WolfMan. Maybe Marvel should take over the proposed Universal Dark Universe. If watching She Hulk has left you with a bad taste in your mouth. Give Werewolf by Night a chance.
  27. Fixer84
    Mar 15, 2023
    7
    Perhaps, with this product, Marvel Studios may have found the square as regards the television package. Not necessarily, all minor characters have to have their own television series. Perhaps, for some, or I would say for most of them, a medium-length film is the best thing. There is no elongation of broth, there is a product that has a beginning, a middle and an end.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Oct 7, 2022
    63
    For now, it’s a perfectly pleasant diversion that never transforms into its full potential.
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  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Helen O'Hara
    Oct 6, 2022
    60
    Not quite as toothsome as one might hope, but no howler either, this is a thin, fun Marvel outing that hints at bigger monster business to come.
    Read full review
  3. Radio Times
    Reviewed by: David Craig
    Oct 6, 2022
    40
    While watchable enough and enjoyable in parts, this brief one-shot story isn't the surefire hit it deserved to be, with a quickly worn out gimmick covering for a plot entirely lacking in substance.
    Read full review
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