Themes

The history of werewolves in media is long and complicated. It started in the early 12th century, when stories about werewolves were shared mainly through spoken stories passed down by people. These stories often had hidden meanings tied to culture; in some cases, calling a man a “werewolf” suggested he did not fit traditional ideas about what it meant to be a man or to be heterosexual. During this time, some crimes were also blamed on “werewolves,” and people believed these creatures were demons sent from hell. These beliefs later influenced modern media, leading to the common image of werewolves as evil beings.

In the early 1900s, film became an important part of global media. This led to the creation of many monster movies, such as those featuring Dracula and Frankenstein. These films often repeated similar ideas and used overused themes. For example, the 1935 film Werewolf of London included humor that some people found questionable. Because of this, werewolves in media did not receive the same level of attention or widespread popularity as other monster movies.

In modern media, such as romance novels, werewolves began to gain popularity. Some readers find the idea of werewolves appealing, especially because they are often shown as loyal. This image presents an ideal man who has the passion and loyalty of an alpha werewolf toward his partner. In the early 2010s, TV shows like Teen Wolf and Twilight began to appear, showing werewolves as heroes rather than monsters, unlike earlier films.

Witches have been shown in many different ways in media, from evil characters in horror stories to kind or funny characters in fantasy stories. Popular examples include The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and many TV shows that explore witchcraft in modern settings. Supernatural witches have also been shown in movies like Hocus Pocus and Twitches. Authors often use witches and other supernatural characters for entertainment. These characters are especially popular during Halloween with children. One of the first artists to use witches in fiction was Shakespeare, who included witches in his plays. Over time, media changed the idea of witches from being evil to being characters used for entertainment in movies, theater, and by people who dress up as characters. Specific examples include Hermione from Harry Potter, a smart young witch who practices magic at Hogwarts, and Maleficent from The Sleeping Beauty, a graceful character who is vengeful but also shows a kind side.

Ghosts and hauntings have been shown in many ways, mostly in horror and thriller stories. Many ghost stories and supernatural events serve as a way for the past to return and remind characters of their past actions. One of the most notable examples in literature is Beloved by Toni Morrison.

Television

• The X-Files, a suspense drama television series in which characters investigate various paranormal phenomena.
• So Weird, a Disney adventure drama television show about an unorthodox American family and its experiences with paranormal phenomena, starring Mackenzie Phillips, Cara DeLizia, and Alexz Johnson.
• Supernatural, a television drama in which two brothers battle paranormal forces.
• Ghost Whisperer
• The River (U.S. TV series), a new television drama in which characters searching for a missing person in the Amazon find a paranormal being threatening their lives.
• Stranger Things, a Netflix TV series about a little boy's disappearance and a peculiar little girl's reappearance. The little boy's friends, family, and the local sheriff all try to figure out what is going on, as they race against time and government officials who are trying to stop them.
• Gravity Falls
• Twin Peaks
• Wayward Pines

Film

• The Exorcist, a 1973 horror film.
• Poltergeist, a 1982 horror film.
• The Entity, a 1982 suspense film about a single mother who is repeatedly attacked by a spirit.
• Ghostbusters, a 1984 adventure comedy film about three unemployed professors who study the supernatural and start a business to remove ghosts.
• Ghostbusters II, a 1989 sequel to the first movie.
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a 2021 sequel to the first movie.
• Ghostbusters (2016), a new version of the first movie.
• Paranormal Activity, a 2007 horror film.