There’d be no science fiction without a 19-year-old Mary Shelley in 1816 writing the tale of a scientist who brings their undead creature to life. Ever since, her tale of creation has inspired adaptations that have propelled the evolution of genre in film, television, and even music.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ darkly comedic Poor Things starring Emma Stone may be the latest film inspired in part by Frankenstein’s mythology, but it’s preceded by some legendary monster moments in cinema and pop culture history. From the Universal Monsters classics Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein to Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, to more recent features in shows including Penny Dreadful and the upcoming teen dark comedy Lisa Frankenstein, the lore revivals are extensive.
Click through the gallery for some of the most iconic and aliiiiive moments for Shelley’s characters.