You must watch these 9 movies if you loved Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein

The buzz surrounding Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is already exhilarating, and it has the makings of a cult classic. The other potential blockbuster of 2024 is a somewhat mystical retake on the gothic horror genre.

The buzz already has audiences teeming with excitement for a new retake on del Toro’s special brand of monsters, and it is a good sign of the monologue retakes making a strong comeback. If you admired the captivating allure, there is a set of films that resonates with the same themes of love, loss, and eerie enchantment.

Some are timeless treasures that sparked del Toro’s imagination, while others are contemporary gems that admire the same gothic imagery and emotional intensity. With restorations and streaming making them more accessible than ever, here are nine movies to watch next.

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1. Crimson Peak (2015)

Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak is a gothic romance with elements of horror. The movie transports us to a haunted mansion where ghosts, secrets, and romantic stories are expertly blended. Its breathtaking red clay visuals and eerie set design make it a visual feast. Although it did not receive blockbuster success upon release, in the years following, it has become a cult classic among gothic horror enthusiasts.

Fans and critics have recently reevaluated the film, referring to it as a flawless companion to Frankenstein. It can be streamed on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

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2. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Pan’s Labyrinth is still one of the strongest dark fantasies ever made. It is the story of Ofilia, a young child who discovers a labyrinth during the dark times of wartime Spain. The movie does a great job at causing viewers to question whether the magic is real or simply a coping mechanism, as it intertwines imagination with reality.

It even won three Oscars! Just recently, del Toro decided to preserve his props to roll out for museums in an effort to preserve the legacy of Pan's Labyrinth.

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3. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands is a contemporary gothic fairy tale that is not far from the themes of Frankenstein. It is the story of Edward, a kind man with scissors for hands, who scares society due to his uniqueness. The film mixes an endearing love story with the tragedy of loneliness.

The movie recently trended once more after the fans made comparisons between Edward and characters in recent fantasy series such as Wednesday. Its gothic presentation and emotional depth have made it a classic that can now be streamed on Apple TV and Disney+.

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4. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

One of the greatest horror films ever created, Bride of Frankenstein is a must-see for everyone who enjoyed del Toro's adaptation of the tale. The movie adds depth to the original story, more emotion, and more humanity to the monster, and the introduction of the legendary "Bride." The film has recently been feted at film festivals for its impact on contemporary horror and gothic filmmaking.

Restored releases in HD are now out, enabling new generations to feel its timelessness and mood.

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5. The Shape of Water (2017)

Another Oscar-winning film by Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water is a romance about a woman and an enigmatic amphibious being. It's not only romance but also empathy, the overcoming of social walls, and beauty in what society defines as "monstrous." It has been recently explored in film schools as a contemporary "fairy tale for adults."

If you liked the emotional complexity of Frankenstein, this movie will resonate with you. It is easily accessible to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

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6. Dracula (1992)

Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula is the most visually stunning Gothic film ever produced. Starring Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder, it combines horror, romance, and tragedy in a manner that is very reminiscent of del Toro's style. This film, unlike older adaptations, provides more depth to Dracula, portraying him both as a fearsome monster and a tragic character.

A new 4K Blu-ray release has also returned it to the lists of horror enthusiasts. If you enjoyed the setting of Frankenstein, this is a movie to see.

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7. The Elephant Man (1980)

Directed by David Lynch, The Elephant Man is a poignant tale of John Merrick, an individual afflicted with extreme deformities who just wants to be accepted in society. As is the case with Frankenstein's monster, he is treated as a monster while he desires only kindness and respect. It has been remade in recent years due to discussions regarding empathy and representation of individuals who appear different.

Critics continue to label it as one of Lynch's greatest works. Anyone touched by del Toro's messages of compassion will find this film etched in their heart forever.

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8. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a daring and passionate reimagining of the classic novel. Robert De Niro plays the creature, giving one of the most affecting performances of his life. Although the film was met with mixed responses upon its release, it is now regarded by many as an ambitious and loyal adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel.

The film was also trending once again after it was added to various "best Gothic horror" lists on the web. It can be rented on Apple TV and YouTube.

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9. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is an atmospheric gothic horror, inclusive of misty forests, candle-lit villages, and the horrifying Headless Horseman. Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane, a detective investigating a string of supernatural murders. The film is most memorable for its ghastly ambiance and its striking visuals, which make you feel like you have stepped into a haunted painting.

Social media challenges you to "revisit" your favorite movies, and unrestored versions have helped keep it very prominent and certainly a worthy selection after Frankenstein.

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Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is not simply a film laden with a monster; it is also about discovering beauty in the shadows and kindness in the unlikeliest of places. The films listed here have somewhat of the same gothic spirit and combine mysterious visuals with narratives of outsiders in search of love and family. The availability of restorations and streams on accessible platforms has delivered some classic films and modern masterpieces to new audiences today, showing us their timeless impact.

If del Toro’s narrative had you in awe, these cinematic experiences will have you with the same delight, sadness, and terrifying beauty long after the viewing concludes.