Boris Karloff, a towering figure in gothic horror and one of Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride! draw inspiration from the classic Universal monster movies, paying homage to the iconic imagery and storytelling that Karloff helped to pioneer.

While best ed as the lumbering Frankenstein's monster, Karloff's portrayal transcended the character's brutish design, imbuing it with unexpected sensitivity. Throughout his career, Karloff defied expectations, portraying monstrosity in a variety of forms, showcasing his versatility as an actor. These roles reveal Boris Karloff’s range and the evolution of horror cinema, from early gothic monsters to complex villains who blur the line between human and monstrous. Each performance showcases his ability to bring unique depth and sometimes even sympathy to his characters, making them striking icons of horror.

6 Frankenstein’s Monster

Universal's Most Iconic Monster

Boris Karloff first played the Universal Frankenstein’s monster when he was 44 years old. He had already been in several stage productions and movies and caught the attention of the director, James Whale, in a studio cafeteria. The role had famously been offered to Bela Lugosi, who turned it down. The result was an iconic character design that persists today (the character treatment was very different before Karloff was cast.) Whale's gothic sensibility and Karloff's powerful performance combined to create a timeless horror classic.

His interactions with the Bride, played by Elsa Lanchester, are some of the most memorable moments in the film.

Karloff first portrayed the Creature in the Son of Frankenstein (1939). This was Karloff’s last time playing the Monster, showing a weary, emotionally wounded character manipulated by those around him.

5 Jekyll And Hyde

A Comedic Take On A Classic Dual Role

Following his gothic roots, Karloff continued to explore the dark heart of man when he starred in an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic novel, Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953). In this horror-comedy, the famous duo Abbott and Costello get tangled up with Dr. Jekyll, who transforms into the sinister Mr. Hyde. Though not a horror in the strictest sense, Karloff plays a dual role that blends menace with comedy, showcasing his versatility as both a monster and a comedic foil. While arguably not among the best Jekyll and Hyde movies, it's great entertainment.

While Boris Karloff was prominently featured in the marketing for Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, it's important to note that he primarily portrayed Dr. Jekyll. Once the transformation scenes were complete, stuntman Eddie Parker took over the role of Mr. Hyde. This detail was even hinted at in promotional materials that showcased both Karloff and Parker in their respective makeup. Nonetheless, he steals the show, adding a touch of class to the decidedly slapstick movie.

4 Hjalmar Poelzig

Karloff Played An Occultust Monster

The Black Cat (1934) saw Karloff play a different kind of monster. A couple on vacation encounters a malevolent architect, Hjalmar Poelzig, whose dark past involves Satanism and betrayal. Poelzig, played by Karloff, is an occultist who manipulates those around him, revealing a twisted obsession with death and revenge. In this role, Karloff portrays a sophisticated yet sinister villain, one who embodies a psychological and spiritual kind of horror.

Karloff's performance as Poelzig is irable for its subtle intensity and chilling menace. His portrayal of a seemingly ordinary man with a twisted mind added a layer of psychological horror to the film. The character's quiet intensity and manipulative nature made him a truly terrifying villain. Karloff and Lugosi are both at the top of their game in their respective roles.

The Black Cat is one of several movies The Raven also starring Vincent Price, despite being the lead. These subtle rivalries fueled the rumors about their infamous feud (Far Out Magazine).

3 The Mummy

Another Universal Icon

After the mummy of Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian priest, is accidentally revived by archaeologists, he assumes the identity of Ardath Bey and roams modern Egypt in search of his lost love, Princess Ankh-es-en-amon. Obsessed with reuniting with her soul, he finds a modern woman who resembles the princess and seeks to reincarnate her as his queen. Karloff’s portrayal of Imhotep is haunting, blending menace with a tragic love story. It is widely celebrated as one of his most iconic roles. It is often noted for its elegance and restraint, contrasting sharply with other horror characters of the time.

Critics then and now have praised Karloff’s performance for making Imhotep both terrifying and sympathetic. Reviewers highlight the emotional complexity Karloff brought to the role. According to some modern critics, this layered depiction adds to the timeless allure of the film, cementing Karloff’s Imhotep as an icon. His restrained but powerful performance set a standard for horror villains, emphasizing atmosphere and emotion over shock value. For example, one review refers to “…a restrained but menacing performance from Karloff, whose languid mannerisms, decrepit the-mummycountenance, and hypnotic gaze provide Imhotep with a number of ominous qualities befitting his undead character.“ (Midnite Reviews)

2 The Grinch

He's A Mean One, Mr. Grinch!

Based on Dr. Seuss’s classic, the animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) follows the bitter Grinch as he schemes to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. Karloff’s narration, paired with his voice for the Grinch, captures the character’s initial malice and eventual transformation, adding depth to the beloved holiday story. For his role as both the narrator and the voice of the Grinch, Boris Karloff received a Grammy Award in the category of Best Recording for Children. The Grinch, with his distinctive look and personality, has become a cultural icon, his voice synonymous with the character.

This Grammy, awarded in 1968, marked the only major industry award in Karloff’s career and acknowledged his captivating vocal performance, which was essential to the special’s success. The show’s director, Chuck Jones, noted that Karloff’s distinctive voice brought depth and charm to the character, striking a perfect balance between the Grinch’s grouchiness and the warmth of Dr. Seuss’s story. Karloff’s contribution to The Grinch continues to be celebrated as a classic in holiday animation, and his Grammy win remains a testament to his impact beyond his iconic horror roles in cinema.

1 Morgan

A Mute, Menacing Drunk

The Old Dark House was an early role for Boris Karloff, released in 1932. Stranded travelers take refuge in a mysterious, storm-battered mansion owned by the bizarre Femm family. The butler, Morgan, is a mute, menacing, and brutish servant prone to drunken violence, adding to the tension and danger within the house. Karloff's performance as Morgan is a masterclass in physical horror. His towering stature and menacing demeanor create a palpable sense of dread. While the character lacks dialogue, Karloff's expressive face and body language convey a world of menace and cruelty.

This was very close to the release of Frankenstein, the role that made Boris Karloff forever a huge horror star. Morgan’s intimidating presence and silent aggression contribute to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, reinforcing his role as a monstrous figure of chaos and threat rather than a creature of complex emotions. Morgan’s menace heightens the eerie humor in the film by Frankenstein director James Whale, who skillfully blends horror and dark comedy through gothic cinematography and witty dialogue.