Top 5 Adaptations of Frankenstein and the Creature

Since 1818, Frankenstein has been one of the most iconic monster stories of all time. Before long, there would be countless adaptations. Since there are so many themes and elements from the novel to explore, each depiction of the story and the monster is so unique.

While there are many different versions of the monster, some of them have certainly gained more attention than others. Without further ado, here are the most popular adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

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Frankenstein (1931)

In 1831, Mary Shelley released the definitive edition of her novel. One hundred years later, Boris Karloff starred in James Whale’s Frankenstein. Undoubtedly, the Universal Monsters film solidified the image of the monster himself. In time, Boris Karloff’s depiction of Frankenstein’s monster became synonymous with the name Frankenstein itself! So, any time a character features an oversized cranium or bolts in their neck, it’s immediately seen as a reference to the monster. Most certainly, the very same could be said for Elsa Lanchester’s iconic depiction of the Bride of Frankenstein in the sequel film!

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Young Frankenstein (1974)

Naturally, not every single adaptation of the novel is particularly serious. In 1974, Mel Brooks released the comedy film Young Frankenstein. In this film, Gene Wilder plays the grandson of Victor Frankenstein. Most adaptations explore the twisted psyche of a scientist gone mad with power or a monster too dangerous for the world. Alternatively, this film tells the story of a scientist who barely believes in reanimation and a monster who loves to sing and dance!

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Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein

Next, we’ll focus on Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein. The novel was a reprint of Mary Shelley’s novel. However, this version included beautiful illustrations. It was a passion project many years in the making — much like Victor’s laborious efforts to create life. Somehow, Wrightson managed to work on his illustrations in between other jobs. Eventually, he created 43 intricate pictures to accompany the story. In 1983, Marvel published his first version of the book. Then, 25 years later, Dark Horse Comics shared a new edition with 47 drawings. Each drawing is truly a celebration of the story and the monster in a unique and beautiful way.

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Frankenstein (2011)

Shelley’s beloved story has also taken to the stage. Truthfully, Frankenstein and plays have always been hand in hand. In fact, there were play adaptations of the novel even within Mary Shelley’s lifetime! It only makes sense that a modern version of the play would rise to monstrous popularity. In 2011, the National Theatre released a version starring both Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. This fascinating adaptation played with the classic question, “Who really is the monster?” Accordingly, Cumberbatch and Miller switched between roles. Yes, both actors played both Victor Frankenstein and his monster!

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Penny Dreadful

Finally, we have the depiction of Frankenstein in Penny Dreadful. Similar to other depictions, Victor Frankenstein is a heartbroken and tormented scientist. As always, he is obsessed with the bridge between life and death. And again, like most depictions, he abandons his creation. Well, that’s where the story gets interesting. In every turn of the creature’s story, Penny Dreadful shows its love for romantic horrors. First, the creature works behind the scenes at a theater, much like Phantom of the Opera. Soon, he was given the name Caliban, like the monster in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Eventually, he took the name John Clare, after the Romantic poet. Through and through, this depiction shows the torment shared between Frankenstein and his creation with nuanced accuracy.

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So, which adaptation of Frankenstein is your absolute favorite? And do you have a specific Frankenstein adaptation that you’re going to watch this Halloween?

Let us know when you join other horror fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup — and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!

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