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Fans are anxiously awaiting the latest in a long line of zany Nicolas Cage movies. The film is titled Renfield and stars Cage as the famous Count Dracula. The dark comedy also stars Nicholas Holt as the titular vampire assistant. Horror fans are excited because the movie looks to be loosely connected to the classic Universal Monster movies from the 30s and 40s. Several trailers show remade scenes from the original Dracula, so it is clear there is a connection. Here are ten of those legendary movies to watch in preparation.
10. Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1943)
Renfield will supposedly feature Cage reinventing the Bela Lugosi version of Dracula. While Lugosi is most famous as the Count, that isn’t the only monster he played for Universal. Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman is the first time classic monsters crossover, and Lugosi plays the titular man-made monster. Lugosi has no lines as the creature, although he originally did. While watching the movie, pay attention to the monster’s mouth. There are several scenes where his mouth moves, but the lines were edited out.
9. House of Frankenstein (1944)
Before Marvel dominated the box office, the Universal Monster movies were the original cinematic universe. After Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman became popular, Universal decided to have a mash-up of all their popular monsters. House of Frankenstein features Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, and Dracula played by John Carradine. While far from the best movie featuring Dracula, the film still gives new audiences a taste of the Count in action. Carradine played the character more than anyone else in the Universal series, and he is pretty good at it. Technically this is the same version of the Count played by Lugosi, so by extension, it is the same version played by Cage as well.
8. House of Dracula (1945)
After House of Frankenstein proved successful, Universal did it again with House of Dracula. This movie is once again a crossover of classic monsters, only this time Dracula is front and center. The movie shows Dracula in a more protagonist role, wanting to cure himself of his supernatural elements. Cage’s performance will likely take more from Lugosi, but Carradine does give a performance worthy of the Count.
7. Dracula’s Daughter (1936)
The second movie in the Dracula series doesn’t even feature the famed vampire. Instead, the focus is on Countess Marya Zaleska, the daughter of Dracula. The film follows the Countess as she desperately tries to cure herself of her father’s curse, but must fight her vampiric urges. While neither Lugosi nor even Dracula appears in the film, his presence is heavy. The looming dread Dracula is responsible for is likely going to be touched on in Renfield as well.
6. Son of Dracula (1943)
Vampirism seems to run in the family. A veteran of the Universal Monster movies, Lon Chaney Jr, stars as the titular vampire. Going under the name of Alucard, the vampire doesn’t share his sister’s longing for humanity. Instead, he fully embraces his heritage and looks to honor his legacy. While the title suggests Alucard is the son of Dracula, many fans feel he is actually the original vampire. Chaney is best known as the Wolfman, although he has played all of the core monsters at least once. He plays Dracula here and played the monster in Ghost of Frankenstein. For many, this performance of the count is one of the best, second only to Lugosi himself.
5. Frankenstein (1931)
While the original Frankenstein has no connection to Dracula, it is mandatory viewing in any classic horror marathon. This legendary film is chilling even today and serves as the ultimate warning of meddling in science. Boris Karloff stars as the monster of the titular scientist, a performance that helped usher in the horror genre. Calling the film iconic seems like an understatement. Even today it is a chilling experience that every horror film should experience.
4. Son of Frankenstein (1939)
The third entry in the Frankenstein series isn’t as well known as the original or it’s sequel, Bride of Frankenstein. Regardless, many fans still feel this is the best of the Universal movies. This is due in no small part to Bela Lugosi. Lugosi plays Igor, a hunchback who uses the monster for his own sinister needs. He enlists the help of Frankenstein’s son to transfer his brain into the monster’s body, making him unstoppable. Unlike other portrayals of the hunchbacked assistant, Lugosi’s Igor is an evil, scheming man looking for ultimate power. Seeing Lugosi in action in any role would make Renfield all the more enjoyable.
3. The Wolf Man (1941)
One of the more well-received of the Universal Monster movies is The Wolfman. The movie actually features Bela Lugosi in a small role. Lugosi plays a Gypsy fittingly named Bela. Bela travels with his mother telling fortunes. He hides a dark secret, however, and this secret helps get the plot rolling. Bela is a werewolf, and he infects Larry Talbot before succumbing to wounds. Bela’s role may be small here, but it is arguably the most important as it sets forth Larry’s werewolf curse.
2. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
This movie helped create horror comedy. Renfield is a horror comedy featuring Dracula as well, so this film is a no-brainer to watch in preparation. The film is also notable because it sees Lugosi reprise his Dracula role for the first time since 1931. The film sees legendary comedy duo accidentally stumble upon several of the classic monsters. Frankenstein’s monster, Wolfman, and a cameo from the invisible Man all join the Count in this classic comedy that gave birth to a subgenre.
1. Dracula (1931)
This is where it all began. Dracula was the first Universal Monster movie and still remains one of the best. Lugosi’s role as the titular vampire is nothing short of legendary. Whenever somebody plays the character, they are compared to this version. The film also features the character of Renfield, who is obviously the focus of the upcoming movie. The new movie looks to be a loose sequel to this film, so it is mandatory viewing. The film is chilling with a spooky atmosphere that still more than holds up today. Lugosi gives a mesmerizing performance that many feel has yet to be topped today.