Ben King / Lionsgate / Everett Collection / Netflix
Frankenstein’s monster: terrifying, tragic… and sometimes surprisingly hot. Over the decades, filmmakers have stitched together everything from patchwork horrors to shirtless supernatural hunks, proving that a little lightning bolt and a few scars can go a long way. And let’s not forget the Brides, who are equal parts terrifying, tragic, and totally gorgeous.
We’ve rounded up the most memorable, bizarre, and downright sexy iterations of Frankenstein’s monster and his famous companions, from Boris Karloff’s iconic flat-top to Jacob Elordi’s “ugly-cute” monster muscles. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and some will make you… rethink what counts as a date-night crush. Prepare for the newest addition to the list by checking out the sexiest of Frankenstein’s monsters.
Who is your favorite Frankenstein creation? Let us know in the comments!
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13. The Creature, The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
Sorry, but this one lands firmly in the monster category, not the man crush one (don’t worry, the hunks are coming). Christopher Lee’s Creature is a patchwork of body parts stitched together through some questionable medical ethics. The skin’s blotchy, the scars are screaming, and one eye’s permanently off duty. And let’s be real, there’s zero charm or intellect to balance out the chaos. Iconic horror? Absolutely. Sexy Frankenstein? Not even close.
Prime Video
12. Adam, Frankenstein (2015)
This adaptation flew surprisingly under the radar considering its stacked cast (McKenna Grace!), but it definitely earns a spot on the list. This version of Frankenstein leans hard into realism — no mismatched body parts here. Instead, Adam (Xavier Samuel) is born whole, but his cells begin to fail, leaving him covered in painful deformities. The result is haunting, heartbreaking, and beautifully tragic — less “sexy monster,” more “someone please hug him immediately.”
20th Century Fox Film Corp. / Everett Collection
11. The Monster, Young Frankenstein (1974)
In this comedic classic, Peter Boyle gives us a bumbling yet oddly endearing Frankenstein’s monster. He’s light blue, slightly bald, and not exactly bursting with emotional depth — but hey, at least he’s not covered in gore. The minimal scarring helps his case, and his unexpected (and hilarious) romance with Madeline Kahn’s Elizabeth adds a surprisingly sweet, flirty charm to the monster mash.
TriStar Pictures / Everett Collection
10. The Creature, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994)
Even Robert De Niro couldn’t resist stepping into the monster role, though this version trades pale, stitched-together flesh for a network of jagged scars criss crossing his face. His Creature is vengeful yet deeply lonely, making him one of the more human and heartbreaking Frankensteins on the list. Later, we meet his would-be bride: the reanimated Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), equally scarred, missing much of her hair, and unable to use one eye. The monster dreams of romance, but she’s… understandably not thrilled about the whole “brought back from the dead” situation.
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9. The Monster, Frankenstein (1931)
Now this is the Frankenstein’s monster everyone knows — and yes, the one inspiring countless Halloween costumes to this day. Boris Karloff rocks the iconic neck bolts, droopy lids, and signature flat-top hair. Bonus points for that strong-set jaw and the smoldering smize that somehow makes stitched-up horror… a little swoonworthy.
Jonathan Hession / Showtime
8. John Clare, Penny Dreadful
Frankenstein’s story isn’t just for the big screen (or straight-to-TV cult films), it gets a gothic upgrade in Penny Dreadful. Rory Kinnear’s John Clare rocks a dramatic side part, a fierce scar slicing across his face, and pale, flawless skin — no other obvious undead cues needed. The dark lipstick is a bold choice, but honestly, it works. Still, poor Clare sometimes gets overshadowed by Harry Treadway’s Victor, who tends to hog the spotlight.
Everett Collection
7. Sacha, Flesh for Frankenstein
Also known as Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein, this film serves up a wildly provocative, stylized take on the classic tale. Dalila Di Lazzaro’s female monster is stunning, with barely a flaw in sight, while Srdjan Zelenovic’s male monster somehow manages to be far too attractive to be undead, his only nod to horror being a single scar across his throat. It’s campy, erotic, and totally over-the-top… in the best way.
Tubi
6. Frankenhooker
Every Frankenstein list needs a little dark comedy. Jeffrey Franken (James Lorinz) accidentally kills his fiancée with a gift—an automatic lawnmower for her dad—and rebuilds her using the body parts of, well, prostitutes. It’s low-budget body horror, so the costume is… minimal: Patty Mullen rocks a pointed purple bra clearly channeling Madonna. But we are here for the purple wig, the camp energy, and the sheer audacity. It’s ridiculous, hilarious, and somehow iconic — definitely earning her a spot on the list.
Prime Video
5. Viktor, the Monster, The Bride (1985)
Of course, Sting’s adaptation had to make the list! In this version, Baron Charles Frankenstein creates a female mate for his monster—only she ends up too perfect for him. Naturally, she decides to take matters into her own hands… literally. Clancy Brown’s monster isn’t exactly a heartthrob, with sparse hair and dramatic wounds, but his sweet, earnest soul eventually wins the girl. Meanwhile, Jennifer Beals as Eva is absolute perfection, earning this one a solid mid-list placement.
Ben King / Lionsgate / Everett Collection
4. Adam Frankenstein, I, Frankenstein
This time, Frankenstein’s monster has a name: Adam. And yes, this story comes with archangels, demons, and all the supernatural chaos you can imagine. Played by Aaron Eckhart, this is easily the most human (and shirtless) version of the male monster: six-pack abs, scars, and a trench coat included. The movie might not have set the box office on fire, but Adam? This version of the Creature turned up the heat.
Prime Video
3. Eve, Bikini Frankenstein
Sometimes, filmmakers just decide to take an 1800s classic and turn the vilified monster into a hot girl in a bikini. And honestly… why not? In this erotic reimagining, Dr. Frankenstein loses his job after getting a little too cozy with his student, then brings a stunning woman back to life. Cue a lot of… extracurricular activities. Played by Jayden Cole, Frankenstein’s monster/Eve is playful, provocative, and absolutely gorgeous. The plot may be a little wild, but she gets the job done.
Warner Bros.
2. Frankenstein, The Bride! (2026)
This one gives us a menage-a-trois scenario we never knew we needed—and now can’t stop thinking about. Maggie Gyllenhaal writes and directs, with her scarf-toting brother popping in, but the real spotlight belongs to the monster couple: Christian Bale as Frankenstein and Jessie Buckley as “the Bride,” created solely to be his companion. Bale rocks the classic Frankenstein vibe—head nails, patchwork skin—but there’s a strange light in his eyes that keeps it captivating. Buckley leans into a Harley Quinn–inspired aesthetic: pale skin, black lips, and a scarred cheek, totally owning 1930s Chicago goth glam.
Netflix
1. The Creature, Frankenstein (2025)
And now… the reason you’re really here: Jacob Elordi. Guillermo del Toro’s long-gestating vision has been in the works for over 25 years—clearly waiting for Elordi to hit peak monster-boy energy. The prosthetics team did their thing, and yes, this is probably the “ugliest” Elordi can look. But somehow, it’s adorably ugly—like a crusty little white dog you just want to hug. He’s a lonely, sweet soul, and don’t worry… the muscles absolutely deliver. We can’t wait for you all to experience the hottest Frankenstein creation yet.