Good heavens! I can now understand how God must feel! Discussions will undoubtedly continue regarding which film from Universal’s initial run of monster movies holds the greatest significance. Because *Dracula* arrived less than a year before *Frankenstein*, that often leads to vampire enthusiasts feeling they have reason for celebration. A more relevant question might be, though: which one is actually the better movie? Even those who are devoted fans of *Dracula* must concede that *Frankenstein* surpasses it in every way—though it isn’t quite as strong as its own follow-up... The story doesn't strictly adhere to Mary Shelley’s original novel (she was an incredibly clever woman!), but the central feeling of a sorrowful narrative remains. James Whale directed, and this was early in his career; he is himself often debated among fans when considering the greatest horror directors. However, his remarkable ability to create dramatic scenes and embody the terror of that time is extraordinary, so much so that it will likely be regarded as a timeless horror classic even a century after its release. The story's themes are exceptionally well-developed; the dangers of reckless scientific advancement, along with feelings of isolation and bewilderment, deeply affect the viewer. The more outlandish elements that came to characterize Whale’s later horror films are largely absent here, replaced by a dark and somber atmosphere that persists until the final credits roll after the memorable conclusion. Jack Pierce's outstanding makeup work and Boris Karloff’s creation of an iconic character solidify its place as one of the genre’s most significant films. 9/10

Source on TMDB