Werewolves are a long-time staple of the horror genre. These stories portray the chilling and suspenseful transformation of individuals into ferocious werewolves—usually during the full moon. These stories often explore themes of primal instincts, inner struggles, relationship to the way a body changes over time, the phenomena of "othering", and the thin line between humanity and monstrosity.

As the moon waxes, characters grapple with the horrifying changes to their bodies and psyches, resulting in visceral and terrifying tales of suspense, survival, and the battle against their own savage nature.