If you’re counting down the days until Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein hits streaming giant Netflix, then you’re not alone. Many fans are excited about what he does with the classic story. However, before that, it’s a great time to look back at some of his best projects. Famously known for his work across genres like fantasy and horror, and for bringing stunning visuals to life, he’s among the most imaginative filmmakers of our time.

Whether it’s a dark fantasy take or a monster-filled adventure, every movie of his details his love for storytelling. So, if you’re new to his work or want to enjoy his greatest hits again, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 of Guillermo del Toro’s best movies you should watch before Frankenstein.

Mimic may not be Guillermo del Toro‘s best work out there, but it’s definitely worth a watch if you want to understand how far he’s come as a filmmaker. Released all the way back in 1997, this was his first Hollywood movie—and well, it shows. The studio interfered a lot, and del Toro himself has mentioned that the final product didn’t reflect his true vision. That’s the reason why the movie might seem uneven to many.

Plot-wise, Mimic details the story of genetically engineered insects that evolve to mimic and hunt animals. It has its fair share of creepy moments and some cool creature designs – something that the director is known for. There are also hints of his usual themes, like man’s place in nature and the blurred line between monster and human.

But given the studio interference, the characters feel flat, and the emotional core is missing. However, if he ever gets to remake it on his own terms, it could definitely be something truly special.

Before superhero movies were everywhere, Hellboy arrived in 2004 with a fresh take on the genre. Directed by del Toro, it stood out from the rest for its dark visuals, unique characters, and loyalty to the original comic book by Mike Mignola. To make things more interesting, the filmmaker never attempted to conform Hellboy to mainstream expectations. Instead, he leaned into the weirdness—and it obviously worked.

In the movie, Ron Perlman plays the role of Hellboy, a demon raised by humans who now fights supernatural threats. The actor brings in a mix of humor and toughness to the role, making Hellboy feel like a real person despite his red skin and filed-down horns. The movie is a perfect blend of monsters and mythology in a way that only del Toro can pull off.

While some parts of the story focus more on a human character named John Myers to help explain things to the audience, it’s still Hellboy who leaves the biggest impact. So, if you’re exploring Guillermo del Toro’s filmography before Frankenstein, Hellboy is a must-watch.

Blade II is where del Toro brings his unique filmmaking style to the superhero world. Released all the way back in 2002, this sequel feels more like a fresh new start than just a follow-up. That’s right – the director takes the vampire-hunting world of Blade and gives it a darker yet fun twist filled with creepy creatures, fast-paced action sequences, and a deeper look at the vampire underworld.

Wesley Snipes returns as the iconic Blade, but this time he’s not fighting alone. In fact, he teams up with a group of vampires to stop a new and dangerous threat – the Reapers (a mutated breed of bloodsuckers). These new monsters are terrifying, but del Toro still gives them a strange sense of tragedy (something he’s great at doing).

Moreover, the movie is packed with great fight scenes, but it doesn’t delve too deeply into the characters. Still, it presents the deep love del Toro has for monster lore. So, this one definitely deserves to have a spot on your list.

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If you’re a big fan of robots, monsters, and epic battles, then Pacific Rim would be a perfect choice for you. Released in 2013, this movie is a massive nod to classic Kaiju movies, and del Toro goes all out here. He brings in giant robots called Jaegers and enormous sea monsters known as Kaiju to life with a design that makes every fight scene exciting to watch.

Plot-wise, it follows humanity teaming up in giant mechanical suits to fight off waves of monster attacks. The visuals are stunning, and the action sequences are full of energy and imagination. The filmmaker clearly has fun with the world-building, especially through the quirky science characters and the deep connections between pilots and their machines.

While the main characters and their emotional arcs may not be the strongest aspect of the movie, it still demonstrates how del Toro can transform even the biggest blockbusters into something personal and visually rich.

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Cronos, released in 1992, was Guillermo del Toro’s first feature film, and it’s one that quietly introduced the world to his dark and creative mind. It follows an elderly man who discovers a strange golden device (the Cronos) hidden inside a statue. This ancient machine grants him eternal life, but only if he feeds on blood. What begins as curiosity slowly becomes addiction.

Even though this was del Toro’s debut, you can already see signs of the filmmaker he would become. Although it’s not perfect and may not seem smooth to many, it’s a touching and thoughtful movie that showcases the heart the filmmaker puts into his monsters.

If you’re looking for jump scares and nonstop horror, then you can definitely go for Crimson Peak. While it has ghosts and a creepy mansion, at its core, this 2015 movie is more of a dark love story rather than a traditional horror flick. Here, the filmmaker perfectly incorporates mystery and Gothic horror to create something hauntingly beautiful.

Plot-wise, the movie follows Edith, a young woman who falls in love with a mysterious man named Thomas Sharpe and moves to his eerie mansion. Things quickly take a chilling turn when she discovers that the house holds terrible secrets – and so do the people living in it. Jessica Chastain plays Sharpe’s sister Lucille, whose presence adds a sinister twist to the story.

Everything, from the visual effects to the costumes and color palette, reflects del Toro’s love for Gothic literature and classic ghost stories.

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If you enjoy dark stories about ambition, lies, and downfall, then Nightmare Alley should definitely be on your watch list. This movie steps away from del Toro’s usual world of ghosts and monsters and dives deeper into the shadows of the human mind. Here, Bradley Cooper plays the role of Stanton Carlisle, a carnival worker who uses charm and tricks to rise through society.

But as he reaches for power, he crosses paths with a mysterious psychologist, played by actress Cate Blanchett, and his life begins to spiral. Nightmare Alley is a perfect blend of drama, secrets, and a strong sense of foreboding, much like classic film noir. But what makes it truly del Toro is the way he builds tension and explores the darkest sides of people.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is not your typical fairytale story. While we’ve all seen the wooden boy’s story before, del Toro gives it a deeper, emotional twist. In this 2022 hit, the heart of the movie isn’t just about the magic of becoming a real boy, but it’s about love, grief, and learning what it truly means to be human.

Here, Geppetto, voiced by David Bradley, is a grieving father who builds a puppet after losing his real son. When Pinocchio comes to life, he’s wild and curious about the world around him. And with Gregory Mann voicing the character, this movie hits harder than most versions.

With stunning animation and darker tones, del Toro transforms this children’s tale into a powerful story for adults. Because of this, his version won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2023. It’s an imaginative movie that proves del Toro’s love for animation – and it definitely deserves a spot on your watch list.

If you want to see Guillermo del Toro, go all out with fantasy creatures and epic battles, then Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a must-watch. Released in 2008, this sequel brought back the big red hero with even more monsters than the first movie. Premise-wise, this movie follows Hellboy and his team as they face off against Prince Nuada (an elf warrior who wants to awaken an unstoppable mechanical army).

But what makes the sequel special is that the villain isn’t just evil for the sake of it – his actions actually raise real questions about the clash between the human world and the supernatural one. So, with this and plenty of action and visual wonder, Hellboy II is definitely a must-watch.

y now in the USA on Amazon Video and Apple TV+.

This movie won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture and is a romantic fantasy set during the Cold War era in America. Here, we meet Elisa, a mute janitor at a high-security secret government facility. She discovers a mysterious humanoid amphibian creature held captive for experimentation.

As she bonds with the creature, the two fall in love, and she plans to save him from the hands of an evil colonel.

This movie is a huge celebration of misfits and the power of compassion in a cruel world. To bring his vision to life, del Toro used a “monster movie” framework to tell a deeply human story. And given its Oscar win, it surely managed to impress viewers as well.

You can rent The Shape of Water now in the USA on Apple TV+.

If you enjoy ghost stories with a deep emotional weight, then The Devil’s Backbone is a must-watch. Set during the Spanish Civil War, the movie follows the life of a young boy named Carlos, who is sent to a remote orphanage. There, he starts seeing the ghost of another child and uncovers dark secrets about the people running the place.

This is one of del Toro’s most personal projects, as it mixes supernatural elements with the harsh reality of war. What makes it even more special is how the director shows compassion for every character – even the villain isn’t purely evil, just broken by life and trauma. Though the ghost is creepy, the real horror lies in what people are capable of during desperate times.

You can rent The Devil’s Backbone now in the USA on Apple TV+.

Pan’s Labyrinth truly shows Guillermo del Toro at his best. The movie is set during the Spanish Civil War and centers on a young girl named Ofelia who moves with her mother to live under the rule of a cruel army officer. Lonely and scared, she discovers a hidden fantasy world where a mysterious faun tells her that she’s a lost princess.

However, in order to return to her magical kingdom, she must first complete three dangerous tasks. This 2006 movie is a blend of dark fantasy and brutal reality, a combination that’s both heartbreaking and beautiful. It’s a powerful story about innocence and the hard choices people face in times of war, making it one of his most memorable movies.

You can rent Pan’s Labyrinth now in the USA on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

After watching all the above-mentioned movies, be sure to check out Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, premiering on Netflix this November.