Echoes of Creation: Movies Like Frankenstein (2025) That Stir the Soul (Part 2)

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025) has captivated audiences with its gothic reimagining of Mary Shelley's tale, blending visceral horror with profound emotional layers on Netflix.

For those drawn to its shadowy atmospheres and monstrous humanity, Movies Like Frankenstein (2025) offer a gateway to similar chills and thrills.

This listicle curates ten standout films that echo del Toro's masterful touch, from creature features to dark fantasies.

• The Shape of Water (2017)

  
  

The Shape of Water stands as a poignant companion to Frankenstein. This Oscar-winning tale of a mute janitor's forbidden love with an amphibious creature unfolds in a Cold War-era lab, mirroring the isolation and empathy at Frankenstein's core.

Its lush visuals and themes of otherness earned a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it ideal for fans craving romantic monstrosity.

The film's runtime of 123 minutes allows for deep immersion, much like del Toro's patient build-up in Frankenstein. Critics hail its blend of fairy tale and horror, a signature del Toro flourish that feels like a direct prelude.

• Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pan's Labyrinth transports viewers to fascist Spain through the eyes of young Ofelia, who discovers a labyrinthine world of mythical trials.

Del Toro's direction infuses it with the same fairy-tale darkness as Frankenstein, where innocence collides with brutality. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, it explores creation and defiance, echoing the monster's quest for belonging.

This 118-minute masterpiece uses practical effects for its creatures, much like Frankenstein's tangible horrors. Its emotional resonance lingers, perfect for those seeking gothic depth beyond scares.

• Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak weaves a tale of ghosts and family secrets in a decaying English manor, directed by del Toro with Mia Wasikowska in the lead. Its opulent visuals and themes of buried truths parallel Frankenstein's exploration of hidden monstrosities.

Boasting an 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it's a slow-burn ghost story laced with romance.

At 128 minutes, the film indulges in lavish production design, inviting viewers to savor the eerie beauty. For Frankenstein enthusiasts, its blend of horror and heartache feels intimately familiar.

• Frankenstein (1931)

  
  

The 1931 Frankenstein birthed the cinematic monster with Boris Karloff's iconic portrayal. This black-and-white classic captures the gothic essence of creation gone awry, directly inspiring del Toro's vision.

Its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score underscores its enduring power.

Running just 70 minutes, it packs punchy moral dilemmas into a concise frame. Fans will appreciate how it sets the stage for modern interpretations like del Toro's.

• Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)

  
  

Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein stays faithful to the novel, starring Robert De Niro as the tormented creature. Its emphasis on tragedy and ambition mirrors del Toro's humanistic take, earning a 41% on Rotten Tomatoes despite its emotional heft.

This 123-minute epic features stunning period visuals, delving into the creator's hubris. It's a natural follow-up for those pondering Frankenstein's philosophical undercurrents.

• Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

  
  

Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula pulses with erotic gothic energy, featuring Gary Oldman's shape-shifting count. Like Frankenstein, it humanizes its monster through love and loss, with a 72% Rotten Tomatoes approval.

Clocking in at 128 minutes, its lavish effects and Tom Waits' score amplify the romantic horror. Viewers seeking del Toro's blend of beauty and terror will find a kindred spirit here.

• Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Neil Jordan's Interview with the Vampire chronicles immortal longing through Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt's vampires. Its gothic melancholy and family dynamics echo Frankenstein's bonds of creation, scoring 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The 123-minute runtime weaves lush New Orleans nights with profound isolation. For gothic tale lovers, it's a seductive dive into eternal otherness.

• Nightmare Alley (2021)

  
  

Nightmare Alley follows Bradley Cooper's carny con artist into psychological descent. Its shadowy carnivals and moral decay parallel Frankenstein's hubris, with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Spanning 150 minutes, it boasts noir visuals that grip like del Toro's atmospheric dread. It's a cerebral pick for fans of his character-driven horrors.

• The Substance (2024)

  
  

Coralie Fargeat's The Substance dissects body horror through Demi Moore's quest for youth, akin to Frankenstein's reanimation obsessions.

This visceral satire holds a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, blending gore with satire.At 140 minutes, its bold effects and feminist edge add fresh gothic layers.

Those enchanted by del Toro's monsters will relish this modern twist.

• Nosferatu (2024)

Robert Eggers' Nosferatu reimagines the silent vampire classic with Bill Skarsgård's chilling Count Orlok.

Its brooding dread and visual poetry align with Frankenstein's gothic roots, earning 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Running 132 minutes, it immerses in early 20th-century shadows. For del Toro aficionados, it's a haunting evolution of monster mythology.

Some Closing Thoughts

These Movies Like Frankenstein (2025) extend del Toro's gothic legacy, inviting endless nights of shadowy reflection.

Whether through classic revivals or modern visions, they remind us that true horror lies in the heart's creations.

Curate your watchlist and let the tales unfold.

So, which one of the aforementioned films you will be playing first? Let us know in the comments section down below!