With Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein arriving on Netflix this November, now is the perfect moment to revisit the Best Guillermo del Toro movies to watch before Frankenstein on Netflix, celebrating his ability to blend fantasy, horror, and heartfelt storytelling. From dark fairy tales to visually inventive blockbusters, del Toro’s work is renowned for its imaginative creatures, complex characters such as Ofelia and Elisa, and the emotional journeys that define his signature style.
Fans and newcomers alike can find something magical in every corner of his filmography. Whether it’s the journey of a grieving father in Pinocchio voiced by David Bradley, the trials of a mute janitor played by characters like Elisa, or the adventures of heroes like Ron Perlman’s Hellboy, each film reveals another side of the acclaimed director’s creative world. As anticipation for Frankenstein grows, here are 12 essential Guillermo del Toro movies to enjoy before his newest project arrives on Netflix.
1. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Dark Fantasy and Harsh Realities
Pan’s Labyrinth stands out as del Toro’s crowning achievement, combining haunting fantasy with the cruel truths of war. The story follows Ofelia, a young girl who moves with her mother during the Spanish Civil War, only to become entangled in a magical world that challenges her understanding of innocence and hardship. Encounters with fantastical beings like a mysterious faun reveal her destiny as a lost princess, but not before she’s tasked with three dangerous trials.
Throughout, the film never shies away from highlighting the severe actions of figures like the brutal army officer, contrasting them with Ofelia’s bravery. Del Toro’s vision delivers not only mesmerizing visuals but also a powerful meditation on survival, imagination, and the cost of hope during turbulent times. Pan’s Labyrinth’s blend of dreamlike horror and emotional turmoil makes it essential viewing for anyone exploring his body of work.
Currently, you can rent Pan’s Labyrinth in the USA on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
2. The Devil’s Backbone (2001): Ghostly Secrets Amid War
The Devil’s Backbone serves as one of del Toro’s most personal films, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Carlos, a young boy sent to a distant orphanage, becomes haunted by the ghost of a child and drawn into the shadows of the adults around him. The structure of the orphanage mirrors the isolation and turmoil of war, while the supernatural elements deepen the story’s emotional resonance.
Rather than relying on simple scares, del Toro uses the ghost as a lens through which the true horrors are revealed: the brokenness and suffering of people shaped by conflict. The film finds compassion in unexpected places and doesn’t see any character—villain or otherwise—as simply good or evil. The Devil’s Backbone is a must-watch that demonstrates del Toro’s skill at intertwining horror and human vulnerability.
The Devil’s Backbone is available for rent on Apple TV+ in the USA.
3. The Shape of Water (2017): A Love Story Beyond Words
The Shape of Water reimagines the monster movie as a poignant romance set during the Cold War in America. The narrative centers on Elisa, a mute janitor who discovers a captive amphibian creature in a government facility overseen by an unyielding colonel. As Elisa forms a deep bond with the creature, she dares to orchestrate a daring rescue, embodying compassion in the face of cruelty.
Through this inventive framework, del Toro explores what it means to be an outsider and exalt the power of empathy. The relationship between Elisa and the creature challenges the idea of monstrosity, focusing instead on the shared humanity in all beings. This film, recognized with the Oscar for Best Picture, remains a testament to del Toro’s ability to turn the bizarre into something profoundly touching.
Rent The Shape of Water in the USA on Apple TV+.
4. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008): A Monster-Filled Spectacle
Hellboy II: The Golden Army elevates superhero spectacle with a bursting cast of creatures and a vibration of mythic fantasy. Ron Perlman returns as the beloved big red demon, joined by loyal characters forming a team to battle Prince Nuada, an elvish warrior intent on awakening a devastating mechanical army.
The narrative distinguishes itself by complicating hero-and-villain lines; Prince Nuada’s motivations originate from real pain and history, making the film’s conflicts resonate beyond typical action fare. Visually, del Toro fills every frame with fantastical beings and wondrous settings, showing his passion for the extraordinary. The Golden Army is a vibrant blend of action and heart—an absolute must in del Toro’s filmography.
You can rent Hellboy II: The Golden Army now on Amazon Video and Apple TV+ in the USA.
5. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022): An Animated Tale Reimagined
In Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, viewers are invited into a world where familiar stories are given a soul-stirring, original twist. The heart of the film revolves around Geppetto, beautifully voiced by David Bradley, who, grieving the loss of his son, carves a puppet that miraculously sparks to life. Pinocchio, given voice by Gregory Mann, is wild, curious, and often a handful, exploring what it truly means to be alive.
This 2022 feature stands out not only for its handcrafted animation and imaginative visuals but also for its exploration of themes like love, resilience, and mourning. Del Toro’s version is imbued with a darker emotional weight, making it as moving for adults as it is spellbinding for children. Recognized with the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2023, this film reflects del Toro’s love for animation and deep understanding of the human spirit.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is streaming on Netflix in the USA.
6. Nightmare Alley (2021): Ambition and Deceit in a Noir Setting
Nightmare Alley offers a step away from del Toro’s supernatural creatures, focusing instead on the psychological darkness within ambition and deception. Bradley Cooper portrays Stanton Carlisle, a carnival worker who uses his intellect and charm to ascend the social ladder. His rise is fraught with risks, many stemming from the enigmatic psychologist portrayed by Cate Blanchett, whose interactions test his limits and reveal humanity’s shadowy side.
This adaptation leans into the conventions of film noir, drenched in foreboding and moral ambiguity, while still carrying del Toro’s trademark tension and style. In a world where fate is turned by small betrayals and secrets, the film shows the tragic consequences of reaching too high too quickly. For those fascinated by stories of downfall and duplicity, Nightmare Alley is an experience not to miss.
Nightmare Alley can be streamed on Fubo TV in the USA.
7. Crimson Peak (2015): A Hauntingly Beautiful Gothic Romance
Crimson Peak blends mystery, romance, and gothic horror, resulting in a visually enchanting and dramatically haunting film. Rather than just a series of scares, the story puts the spotlight on Edith, a young woman swept into a whirlwind marriage with Thomas Sharpe and transported to his decaying and enigmatic mansion. There, she encounters the chilling Lucille Sharpe, played with sinister flair by Jessica Chastain.
The mansion itself seems designed to unsettle both Edith and the audience, filled with dark secrets and echoes of tragedy. Del Toro’s direction infuses every element—from costumes to color palette—with homage to gothic literature and classic ghost stories. Crimson Peak is a unique entry in his catalog that entices fans of atmospheric, emotionally charged cinema.
Rent Crimson Peak on Apple TV in the USA.
8. Cronos (1992): The Start of a Unique Vision
Del Toro’s debut feature, Cronos, unveils his early fascination with the intersection of immortality, addiction, and monstrous transformation. An elderly antiques dealer finds a peculiar, golden device encased in a statue; using it grants him unnaturally long life but requires him to feed on blood. What begins as wonder quickly spirals into obsession and desperation.
Though marked by some narrative roughness reflective of a first film, Cronos already boasts many hallmarks of del Toro’s later works: a deep empathy for its so-called “monsters,” elaborate visual storytelling, and complex moral questions. Its blend of horror and heartfelt drama signaled del Toro as a talent to watch, setting the stage for decades of cinematic invention ahead.
Cronos is available for rent on Apple TV+ and Max in the USA.
9. Pacific Rim (2013): Kaiju and Mechs Collide
Pacific Rim pays tribute to the beloved kaiju and mecha genres, placing audiences squarely into a world where humanity battles monstrous sea creatures with colossal robotic suits. Del Toro’s penchant for larger-than-life visual design is on full display, with every fight between Jaegers and Kaiju feeling dynamic and exhilarating.
While the central characters’ emotional journeys sometimes take a back seat to the monster-versus-robot spectacle, Pacific Rim excels in world-building and energetic set pieces. The film seamlessly integrates quirky scientists, heroic pilots, and intense action, proving that even blockbuster adventures can carry traces of a filmmaker’s unique vision. It’s an ideal watch for fans seeking pure excitement and creativity.
Pacific Rim can be rented on Apple TV+ and Amazon Video in the USA.
10. Blade II (2002): Blood and Action with a Monstrous Twist
In Blade II, del Toro injects fresh life into the superhero sequel genre by layering it with his love of monster mythology. Wesley Snipes reprises his role as the vampire hunter who, in this installment, forms an uneasy alliance with a group of vampires to defeat the deadly Reapers—terrifying creatures that threaten both species.
Del Toro crafts action sequences packed with style while adding emotional complexity to what could have been a straightforward battle. Audiences encounter unconventional monsters and vibrant fight scenes, alongside underlying tragic undertones. Blade II showcases del Toro’s ability to transform familiar genres into inventive, visually rich entertainment.
Blade II is currently available for rent on Apple TV in the USA.
11. Hellboy (2004): A Supernatural Hero Emerges
Hellboy brought a refreshing energy to superhero cinema when it debuted in 2004. Drawing inspiration from Mike Mignola’s comics, the film focuses on Hellboy, played with wit and grit by Ron Perlman, a demon raised by humans to protect the world from supernatural menaces. Rather than fitting into mainstream expectations of the genre, del Toro celebrates the story’s weirdness and unique mythology.
Though the character of John Myers functions as a human lens for the audience, Hellboy’s internal struggles and heroic deeds remain at the film’s core, combining humor, action, and monster lore. The result is an adventure that’s equal parts comic, touching, and visually inventive.
Stream Hellboy on Hulu and Max in the USA.
12. Mimic (1997): Early Experimentation with Monsters
Mimic represents del Toro’s introduction to Hollywood filmmaking, with a story about genetically engineered insects that adapt and evolve to prey on humans. Although the director’s full creative vision was affected by studio interference—sometimes resulting in uneven narrative and characters—the film nevertheless showcases some iconic monster design and the recurring motif of blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity.
The presence of creatures, the unsettling atmosphere, and early echoes of del Toro’s themes lay the groundwork for his later masterpieces. Watching Mimic offers insightful context for how del Toro grew as a storyteller, and fans often wonder what the result would be if he had complete creative control.
Rent Mimic in the USA on Apple TV and Paramount+.
Del Toro’s Enduring Creative Impact Before Frankenstein
Del Toro’s movies span a dazzling array of genres and themes, yet every film—from the tragic fairy tales of Pan’s Labyrinth to the adventurous spectacle of Pacific Rim—carries the director’s unmistakable flair for storytelling and character development. Alongside prominent figures like Bradley Cooper, Jessica Chastain, and Cate Blanchett, his films feature unforgettable roles for characters such as Geppetto, Elisa, and Hellboy, who help ground fantastical worlds in genuine emotion.
The upcoming Frankenstein on Netflix is poised to carry forward his tradition of blending the beautiful and the macabre, promising another story of ambition, humanity, and possibly, downfall. Enthusiastic fans and those new to del Toro alike can immerse themselves in his past classics and appreciate the creativity, heart, and vibrant imagination that have defined his career. Each viewing offers new layers of insight, ensuring that del Toro’s legacy will only grow stronger as Frankenstein makes its debut this November.
