20 Horror Movies So Good You Overlook Huge Flaws

19. Frankenstein (1931) - It's A Terrible Adaptation

1931's Frankenstein is among the most iconic horror films ever. Boris Karloff's seminal interpretation of Frankenstein's Monster is one of the most recognizable figures in horror, and this particular work has been paid homage to and parodied by a vast array of movies and shows. It's really taken on a life of its own, so much so that it's a lot easier to forget what a bad adaptation of Mary Shelley's iconic novel it actually is. 

Hell, calling it an adaptation feels a little generous, as it basically throws out most of the story while only retaining the central concept. It represents but a surface-level engagement with the story's themes, with the studio prioritizing a fast-paced monster movie over the more philosophical storytelling of the novel. 

To be fair, there is the issue of censorship to consider, and they wouldn't have been able to go as hard as later adaptations, but they would've been able to do a bit more than this. In fact, there's a scene in this very film where the Monster accidentally kills a child, a scene which wasn't in the book, and they got away with that despite some resistance. 

Nevertheless, despite the studio's unfortunate lack of engagement with the story's philosophical musings, 1931's Frankenstein remains an undeniable horror landmark, and it's one that still works very well in its own right. Besides, thanks to Guillermo del Toro, a faithful film adaptation of the novel does now exist.