๐ŸŽž MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1931 โ€บ Frankenstein

Frankenstein poster

Frankenstein (1931)

โ€œThe man who made a monster.โ€

7.5/10 ยท 1,856 votes 1h 10m nr DramaHorrorScience-fiction

#3 of 4 films from 1931 #866 of 3759 in drama

Directed by James Whale ยท Written by Francis Edward Faragoh, Mary Shelley, Garrett Fort, Robert Florey

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Henry Frankenstein pieces together body parts in the hope of bringing a human-like creature to life. The mad scientistโ€™s dreams are shattered by his monstrous creation awakening with rage to a world that hates and fears him.

Cast

Colin Cliveas Henry Frankenstein
Mae Clarkeas Elizabeth
John Bolesas Victor Moritz
Boris Karloffas The Monster
Edward Van Sloanas Doctor Waldman
Frederick Kerras Baron Frankenstein
Dwight Fryeas Fritz
Lionel Belmoreas The Burgomaster
Marilyn Harrisas Little Maria
Ted Billingsas Villager (uncredited)
Mae Bruceas Screaming Maid (uncredited)
Jack Curtisas Villager (uncredited)
Arletta Duncanas Bridesmaid (uncredited)
William Dyeras Gravedigger (uncredited)

Facts

Release dateNovember 21, 1931
Runtime70 min (1h 10m) โ€” shorter as the 1931 average of 85 min
GenresDrama, Horror, Science-fiction
LanguageEN
Budget$291,000
Box office$12,000,000 (41.2ร— budget)
IMDbtt0021884

More from James Whale

The Invisible ManThe Invisible Man1933 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 11m Bride of FrankensteinBride of Frankenstein1935 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 15m

If you liked Frankenstein

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

MetropolisMetropolis1927 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 2h 28m FreaksFreaks1932 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 4m The Invisible ManThe Invisible Man1933 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 11m Bride of FrankensteinBride of Frankenstein1935 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 15m The MummyThe Mummy1932 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 1h 13m Modern TimesModern Times1936 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 1h 27m City LightsCity Lights1931 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 1h 27m MM1931 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 50m

Questions

How long is Frankenstein?
Frankenstein runs 70 minutes (1h 10m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is Frankenstein worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 1,856 votes, which places it #3 of 4 films released in 1931 in this index (top 50%) and #866 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed Frankenstein?
Frankenstein was directed by James Whale. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Invisible Man (1933), Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
Who stars in Frankenstein?
Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein; Mae Clarke as Elizabeth; John Boles as Victor Moritz; Boris Karloff as The Monster; Edward Van Sloan as Doctor Waldman; Frederick Kerr as Baron Frankenstein.
What is Frankenstein rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Frankenstein?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/158156.

Browse

Best of 1931Best dramaDrama of the 1930sBest horrorHorror of the 1930sBest science-fictionScience-fiction of the 1930sAll lists
MTDbยทBest films by year, genre and runtimeยทA century in numbersยทBrowse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.