How to watch

The Howling Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Howling movies in order

Last updated: October 4 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

Werewolves have never been hairier than in The Howling, a sprawling horror franchise that spans eight films. Here's how to watch them in order.

The Howling began with Joe Dante's acclaimed 1981 werewolf film, celebrated for its groundbreaking transformation effects. The series expanded into a long run of increasingly wild and loosely connected sequels, making it one of horror's most unpredictable franchises.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order is the only sensible way to navigate this sprawling series of sequels.

  1. The Howling (1981)
  2. Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
  3. Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
  4. Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
  5. Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)
  6. Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
  7. Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)
  8. The Howling: Reborn (2011)

Because most sequels tell independent stories, story chronology simply follows the release order.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Story chronology matches release order β€” the sequels are largely standalone werewolf tales rather than a single continuous saga.

  1. The Howling (1981)
  2. Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
  3. Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
  4. Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
  5. Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)
  6. Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
  7. Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)
  8. The Howling: Reborn (2011)

Which Order Should You Choose?

The 1981 original is a bona fide horror classic and the essential watch. From there, the sequels range from strange to delightfully terrible, so dive in by release order only if you're a completist. For most viewers, the first film is all you truly need.

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