Teen Wolf

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Teen Wolf is a 1985 American coming-of-age comedy about a high school student who discovers he’s a werewolf. Directed by Rod Daniel and starring Michael J. Fox, the film follows Scott Howard, a 17-year-old in a small Nebraska town who feels unseen until mysterious changes begin: hair and strength appear, and Scott learns he inherits a family werewolf curse from his father, Harold.

Scott is a shy basketball player who dreams of being popular. He has a crush on Pamela Wells and is teased by his rival Mick on the court, while his best friends Stiles and Lewis try to help. When Scott gets stressed during games, he transforms into a werewolf and starts helping his team win, earning him a sudden wave of “Wolf Fever.” He becomes more popular but also strains his friendships. A romance with Boof grows, and Scott must decide how to control his new power, especially after a confrontation with the school’s vice principal.

In the end, Scott decides to be himself. At the big game, he uses his powers to lead the team to victory, and he reconciles with his friends and love interest as he accepts his true self.

Production and reception:
- Budget was about $4 million; filmed in late 1984 and released August 23, 1985.
- The film made roughly $80 million worldwide, including about $33 million in the U.S., and spawned a broader franchise.
- It received mixed reviews from critics but became popular with audiences and fans.

Franchise and legacy:
- It led to a 1986 animated TV series, a 1987 sequel (Teen Wolf Too), and later adaptations, including a 2011–2017 MTV live-action series.
- A film continuation, Teen Wolf: The Movie, was released in 2023.