Universal’s Classic Monsters Ranked by Personal Style

Movie: The Werewolf of London (1935)
Actor: Henry Hull

Universal didn’t really get the Wolf Man right the first time—and I’m not talking about the horror or the story. I’m talking about the Wolf Man’s lewk. Dr. Glendon is a basic aristocratic botanist when he’s out of his werewolf drag, and he looks like a kid gearing up for trick or treating when he’s under the full moon’s sway. The most striking thing about his appearance is how Henry Hull looks like a stern-faced cross between Michael Keaton and Joel McHale.

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Movie: The Invisible Man Returns (1940)
Actor: Vincent Price

Listen: we love a monster in full suit eleganza. Universal’s monster slate occurred during what is quite possibly the golden era of suiting, and every single man in all of these movies—from villagers to scientists—looks like they mean business. Vincent Price’s Invisible Man, though, is just fine. His suits get the job done, but they aren’t stunners. It doesn’t help that his most eye-catching piece, his electric yellow goggles, don’t translate to the film’s black and white palette.

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Movie: The Phantom of the Opera (1943)
Actor: Claude Rains

Now we’re talking. If you’re gonna haunt an opera house, you gotta look the part. The Phantom, as played by Claude Rains, is more dashing than horrifying and has quite possibly the best sideburns of the entire 1940s. As the Phantom, he sports an angular mask that gives him the highest cheekbones imaginable. Of course the scariest thing about the Phantom in 2020 is the sight of a mask that doesn’t cover the mouth.

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Movie: The Wolf Man (1941)
Actor: Lon Chaney Jr.

Now this is a Wolf Man! Not only is the hair right, but the outfit is on point. Larry Talbot wasn’t a stodgy socialite or brainy scientist, clad in his best white tie tux. My dude is running amok in Wales in a killer head-to-paw denim ensemble. This Wolf Man is a workwear icon who likes to keep it comfy while striking terror. He’s not just a werewolf. He’s a hype beast.

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Movie: Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Son of Frankenstein (1939)
Actor: Boris Karloff

Steve Jobs had his turtleneck, Ariana Grande has her high pony, Andre Leon Talley has his caftans, and Frankenstein has his black blazer and platforms. This man, this monster—he figured out what works on his hulking frame and he committed. The platforms elongate his legs and the too-short sleeves elongate his arms, thus making his massive torso seem slimmer in comparison. Pair that with a statement flattop and some gorgeous neck bolts and you have a monster who never surprises you but he also never disappoints.

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Movie: The Mummy (1932)
Actor: Boris Karloff

Oh, y’all read “mummy” and thought you were just getting dusty ol’ bandages, huh? That is not the truth of Imhotep’s situation. This mummy busted out of his tomb and spent a decade on a glow-up journey. Sure, it didn’t include a lot of skincare. It’s hard to beat a mug that’s older than dirt. But still—Imhotep made up for it with the jewels, the fez, the patterns! Change your costume, Mummy—change your costume, change it around!

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Movie: Dracula (1931)
Actor: Bela Lugosi

The ultimate monster in formalwear, it is hard to deny that Dracula is more than just the king of the vampires: he’s also the king of elegance. Like Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula found a style and silhouette that works for him and he stuck with it… for centuries. The only thing keeping Dracula from clawing his way to the top of this list is a lack of variety. A medal does not a new look make!

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Movie: The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Actor: Elsa Lanchester

If you’re gonna commit to one look for the brief moments you’re alive (alive!), let it be a look like this. The severe shoulder pads! The shiny, silky arm bandages! The breathtaking hair, mama! But of all the creatures on this list, the Bride is the one that has ick factor and the it factor. With that bone structure and piercing gaze, she could grace the cover of Vogue just wearing a tablecloth (well, actually, she kinda is).

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Movie: The Invisible Man (1933)
Actor: Claude Rains

Who knew that menswear peaked the instant Dr. Jack Griffin decided to go on a maniacal rampage through Sussex? His double breasted suit is cut AF, with lapels that could slice a person open. And when he wants to get casual? There’s a statement dressing gown and scarf waiting for him. Sure, he spends most of the movie terrorizing people while buck naked. It doesn’t matter; the instant the Invisible Man puts on clothes, it becomes a menswear moment.

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Movie: Dracula’s Daughter (1936)
Actor: Gloria Holden

Category is: Drop Dead Gorgeous. The Countess does it all in her lone film appearance, bringing life to look after look in a series of show stopping gowns that would be on the best-dressed list today. Dracula’s daughter shops exclusively at the intersection of Old Hollywood Blvd. and Horror Drive. No other undead icon even comes close when it comes to personal style. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Countess speaking. We have arrived.

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