Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein arrives on Netflix today, November 7, 2025. Starring Oscar Isaac as the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his tragic creation, the film blends horror, drama, and fantasy in a visually stunning take on the classic tale. Critics praise its craftsmanship and emotional depth, positioning it as a standout release of the year.
Release Details
'Frankenstein' becomes available for streaming exclusively on Netflix starting November 7, 2025. Directed and written by Guillermo del Toro, the R-rated film runs 149 minutes and features English dialogue. It marks del Toro's passion project, drawing from his lifelong fascination with the monster genre and Mary Shelley's 1818 novel. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, haunted by his mother's death, as he assembles a creature from body parts in a bid to defy mortality. However, the experiment spirals into tragedy, exploring themes of creation, isolation, and consequence.
Cast and Production
Oscar Isaac portrays the egotistical Dr. Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi embodies the Creature, bringing sympathy to the role. Mia Goth joins the cast in a supporting capacity. Del Toro employs practical effects and analogue techniques, collaborating with top artisans for a Gothic visual style that emphasizes atmospheric horror over digital excess. The production has been in del Toro's mind for decades, finally realized as a Netflix original.
Critical Reception
Early reviews highlight the film's strengths. IndieWire describes it as an 'immaculately crafted' visual feast that showcases del Toro's love for monsters. Us Weekly calls it a 'definitive Frankenstein' that is both horrific and moving, deeming it one of Netflix's best movies of 2025. What's on Netflix awards it four stars, noting exceptional detail and casting, with expectations for Oscar nominations. Boston Globe critic Odie Henderson gives it four stars, praising its blend of horror and heartbreak in a tale of forced existence.
The release coincides with a busy streaming weekend, but 'Frankenstein' stands out for its literary roots and del Toro's signature touch, appealing to fans of thoughtful genre cinema.
