By Brett Glisson
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, is set to widely open on May 22, and monster movie fans are dying to get a taste of one of its most anticipated worlds: Dark Universe.
From the revolutionary minds at Universal Creative comes a realm of myth and mystery. When guests step through the portal from Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe, they’ll find themselves immersed in a land where legend and reality intertwine. Here, the classic monsters we all know and love become more than scary stories told in the dark; they’re brought to life like never before.
Featuring spook-tacular attractions, eerie eateries, and jaw-dropping animatronics, Dark Universe is a one-of-a-kind immersive environment. Guests can encounter the residents of Darkmoor Village, shop for spooky souvenirs at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, or even dine among vampires in Das Stakehaus. For those eager to unleash their inner monster, the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience offers ghoulish transformations so good, they’re to die for.
But to truly appreciate the magic of Dark Universe, it helps to understand where it all began. The Universal Monsters are part of a world over 100 years in the making. Their legacy has been passed down from generation to generation and they continue to be reimagined for new audiences. Beyond specific characters and stories, the moody, atmospheric, and often expressionistic black-and-white cinematography of these early films heavily inspires the gothic look and feel of Darkmoor village itself.
So, before you wander the foggy streets of Darkmoor Village, be sure to check out these 7 Universal Monster films to enrich your themed experience.
7. The Invisible Man (1933)
This underrated classic, based on H.G. Wells’ science fiction novel, perfectly encapsulates the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition, and the vicious nature of humanity.
In this film, we follow Dr. Jack Griffin (Claude Rains), a scientist who creates a potion that turns him invisible. Unfortunately, the side effect is insanity, sending him on a violent rampage as the police scramble to track him down.
The 2020 remake by writer and director Leigh Whannell takes the story in a different direction, framing it as a psychological thriller rather than a traditional monster movie. But nothing beats the 1933 original, which stands out for its groundbreaking visual effects and the depth of its title character.
Visitors of Dark Universe, beware: The Invisible Man is known to lurk around Darkmoor Village. The only problem? You won’t see him coming.
6. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Many consider The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) to be even better than its predecessor, Frankenstein (1931). While the original laid the necessary groundwork, it’s worth noting that the sequel cleverly plays against audience expectation. You’ll certainly find yourself thinking about the ending long after you’ve watched it.
After surviving the angry mob attack at the end of the first film, the monster roams the countryside in search of companionship. He eventually stumbles upon Dr. Pretorius, who agrees to create a mate for him with the help of Dr. Frankenstein.
Although the Bride (Elsa Lanchester) appears on screen for only 3 minutes, her impact on pop culture is undeniable. “The most memorable thing I did in that film, I believe, was scream,” Lanchester once said. “In almost all my movies since, I’ve been called upon to scream.”
If you want to meet the Bride yourself, there will be a designated meet-and-greet location within Darkmoor Village. And if you’re lucky, she might even be willing to take a photo with you.
5. The Wolfman (1941)
While it may not be considered scary by today’s standards, especially compared to modern interpretations of werewolves, The Wolf Man is an essential part of the Universal Monsters legacy.
With a runtime of just over an hour, the plot centers on Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) who returns home to Wales and is tragically bitten by a wolf during an encounter in the woods. He quickly begins to realize that he is transforming into a wolf himself.
One of the best elements of this movie is the set design crafted by Russel A. Gausman. A few of the best scenes depict Larry, now the Wolf Man, prowling around the fog-drenched forest. The yak-hair makeup and gnarly lower-jaw fangs are visually striking against the moody, gothic backdrop.
Dark Universe will feature a family thrill ride titled, Curse of the Werewolf, dedicated entirely to the Wolf Man. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you might just catch him again in the land’s flagship attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
4. The Mummy (1932)
Fans of Universal Studios Florida will already know the thrills of Revenge of the Mummy, a fan-favorite rollercoaster that has thrilled guests since 2004. While that attraction stars Brendan Fraser from the 1999 remake, the experience becomes more meaningful once you’ve seen the 1932 original.
The narrative revolves around an archaeological expedition team that awakens the Egyptian prince Imhotep (Boris Karloff). Now resurrected, he searches Cairo for the woman he believes to be his long-lost princess.
Directed by Karl Freund, the legendary cinematographer of Metropolis, The Mummy (1932) is regarded as one of the most nuanced of the Universal horror films. Rather than jump scares or physical violence, it relies on atmosphere, slow-building tension, and the quiet intensity of Karloff’s performance.
Keep an eye out for The Mummy in Monsters Unchained. Just don’t get too wrapped up in his curse. Knowing the original Imhotep’s quiet menace (thanks to Karloff’s performance) will add another layer of dread when you encounter him within the attraction.
3. Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954)
The Gill-Man is considered the last of the original Universal Monsters, and remains a cult classic thanks to his designer, Milicent Patrick. (Mallory O’Meara’s book The Lady From the Black Lagoon tells her story).
Released in 1954, this picture tracks a group of scientists on an expedition in the Amazon to uncover the missing evolutionary link between humans and sea life. They find proof in the form of a prehistoric humanoid creature who hunts down anyone who disturbs his Black Lagoon.
Some of the best moments are the ones in which the Creature can be seen swimming under the water beneath Kay Lawrence (Julie Adams). The cinematography captures both his beauty and menace through light, shadow, and mesmerizing close-ups.
While the movie has not been officially remade, Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, The Shape of Water, draws significant inspiration from it.
Gill-Man merchandise can be purchased throughout the Universal Resort theme parks, and visitors to Dark Universe will have the chance to encounter this legendary creature when he rises from the depths in Monsters Unchained.
2. Frankenstein (1931)
Arguably the most famous of the Universal Monsters, Frankenstein’s creature has endured for decades, solidifying his place as a true cultural icon. Actor Boris Karloff once said in an interview, “The Monster turned out to be the best friend I ever had.”
Though the film deviates from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, even altering the Monster’s appearance, it remains a classic horror story in every sense of the word. It explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and “the other,” examining how society fears and rejects what it doesn’t understand. At its core, it’s a cautionary tale that shows how Dr. Frankenstein’s attempt to play God leads to great suffering and destruction.
Dark Universe is heavily influenced by this film to immerse guests in the world. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is undoubtedly the most highly anticipated attraction, and watching the 1931 classic offers valuable insight into how the legacy began. Understanding the Monster’s tragic origins and Karloff’s sympathetic portrayal will enrich your experience as you explore his world in Monsters Unchained and see the nods to his story throughout the village.
Guests can grab a quick bite at the “hottest” eatery in the village—The Burning Blade Tavern, inspired by the memorable windmill from the film. Keep an eye on the towering blades; they just might burst into flames while you’re enjoying a pint and a pretzel.
1. Dracula (1931)
“Every actor’s greatest ambition is to create his own, definite, and original role, a character with which he will always be identified. In my case, that role was Dracula,” said actor Bela Lugosi.
There’s no better pick for number 1. Dracula’s box office success is what paved the way for the golden age of Universal Horror. Without it, there probably would be no Dark Universe today. (Thank you, Count!)
This iconic tale follows the mysterious vampire Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi), who manipulates the naïve Renfield (Dwight Frye) into assisting his voyage from Transylvania to London. There, he sleeps in his coffin by day, and hunts for victims by night, ultimately setting his sights on the beautiful Mina (Helen Chandler).
Visitors of Dark Universe can sink their fangs into a monstrously good meal at Das Stakehaus, an old inn and dining hall that’s surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts. But keep your garlic close—Dracula is stirring up trouble in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and he’s got a knack for turning charm into chaos. Careful not to fall under his spell.
We hope you’ll not only watch these films but also take time to explore the lesser-known hidden gems.
A delightfully frightening universe awaits you.
Explore More: Videos
Epic Universe – FULL Tour of Dark Universe, Monsters Unchained, Darkmoor & MORE
The Monsters of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Explore More: Resources
- Web page: Universal Monster Movies (Monster Complex)
- Article: New Add-On Experiences for Epic Universe Announced (Theme Park Magazine)
- Article: Universal Epic Universe Tickets and Packages: Everything You Need to Know (Theme Park Magazine)
- Article: Drive-In Universal Monsters Ride Idea Entertained at Epic Universe (Theme Park Magazine)
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Brett Glisson is a writer and soon-to-be graduate from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) with a BFA in Writing. She is an old soul with a love for film, literature, and world travel. As a lifelong fan of the Universal and Disney Resort theme parks, she’s excited to celebrate her first professional publication with Theme Park Magazine.
Feature Image: AI Generated. All other images courtesy of Universal Orlando Florida, featuring animatronic monsters at Epic Universe.
