The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has inspired a multitude of tellings and retellings across media since it was published. The concept of split personalities, alter egos, and opposing personas dwelling within the innermost workings of human beings has fascinated audiences everywhere for years, and the medium of film is no exception.
The idea of becoming another person is certainly something many people can relate to, whether for good or for bad. Inside, viewers are all Jekyll with their controlled nature and Mr. Hyde with their hidden desires. It’s no wonder so many characters have drank the potion and walked on the wild side.
10 Edge of Sanity (5.3)
Although it ranks low on the list, Psycho’s Anthony Perkins’s twisted take on Dr. Jekyll and his sinister alter-ego is certainly an interesting change from the typical cloak-and-dagger approach. This version certainly packs its own brand of bite.
Instead of Hyde just being the anti-Jekyll, he also moonlights as the notorious Jack the Ripper. The way the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde is treated as a pair of brothers is also a noteworthy addition.
9 The Nutty Professor (5.6)
Although the Jerry Lewis version is higher-rated, Eddie Murphy’s version of the comedic classic is certainly the more famous. Sherman Klump might be a bloated caricature of Dr. Jekyll, but Buddy Love has more charm than Hyde could ever hope to achieve.
It’s a comedy, but it checks all the boxes of the Jekyll and Hyde narrative. A doctor creates a potion that turns him into an opposite persona, said persona wreaks havoc on the doctor’s personal life, chaos ensues.
8 I, Monster (5.8)
An adaptation featuring horror icons Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing definitely warrants a mention on the list. Although names have been changed from the original Robert Louis Stevenson novel, very little else is altered. In fact, the name change is entirely unnecessary.
The film is a tad cliche and kitsch, but it has all the makings of a good old-fashioned Gothic horror film. Especially with the incomparable Christopher Lee in that near-perfect Mr. Hyde makeup.
7 Mary Reilly (5.8)
In attempts to breathe new life into a classic story, changing the perspective is always a good move. In the underappreciated Mary Reilly, Viewers are treated to the tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde seen through the eyes of the doctor’s housekeeper.
Julia Roberts plays Mary Reilly, a maid who keeps Jekyll’s house and laboratory. While she falls in love with the good doctor, she puts herself in danger when she encounters the shadowy Mr. Hyde.
6 Jekyll and Hyde (6.2)
Two words, Michael Caine. Although it’s a made-for-tv movie, Michael Caine’s incredible and stunning performance of Jekyll and Hyde really cashes in on the monster movie element. It’s darker, it’s more graphic, it’s violent, and Caine’s transformation into Mr. Hyde is absolutely grotesque.
At times, it can be over the top and overacted, but other times it is absolutely incredible to see just how far Hyde will go. Props to Michael Caine for creating perhaps the evilest and vilest version of the character seen in recent years.
5 Me, Myself, and Irene (6.6)
Although no magic potion or experiment is used in this dark comedy, the split personas of Charlie and Hank are uncannily similar to another tale of dual identities. And with the number of voices and faces Jim Carrey is capable of, it was only a matter of time before he took on this kind of role.
Charlie is a doormat and Hank is a battering ram. But when they both fall in love with the same woman, things really start to get hairy.
4 The Incredible Hulk (6.7)
There is probably no take on the Jekyll and Hyde motif more familiar and recognized than that of Dr. Bruce Banner and his green-skinned alter-ego, The Incredible Hulk. Potions and tiles are exchanged for gamma radiation and an explosive temper, but the results are remarkably similar.
Directly inspired by Stevenson’s duo, Banner uses his unhinged other self for good rather than for evil, but with the same unpredictability as Hyde. Whether he’s a man or a monster, he’s definitely a favorite amongst many Marvel fans.
3 Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical (6.8)
Although David Hasselhoff is not necessarily the best choice for the leading role, this musical adaptation of the story is a bit of a cult favorite amongst Broadway fans. It definitely gives a new flavor to the gothic horror story.
By using the musical medium, the plight of Dr. Jekyll’s battle against his inner demon is further explored on a more emotional and expressive level. If nothing else, it tries something new with a traditional narrative.
2 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) (7.0)
The 1920 silent film featuring John Barrymore is easily one of the most highly regarded adaptations. While it does pull heavily from the original novel, but also sprinkles in a little bit of Dorian Gray for a little added complexity.
The black and white silent film medium definitely gives this adaptation a little extra creep-factor, the simple yet effective transformation scene is truly a testament to Barrymore’s acting ability and facial contortions. For those interested, the film can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube.
1 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) (7.6)
Of course, if there’s one version most are familiar with, it’s the Universal Monsters version. Fredrich March was an actor made for the romantic leading role, so when he stepped into the shoes of Mr. Hyde, it was quite a surprise.
This version has possibly one of the most memorable transformation scenes and portrayals of Mr. Hyde. Hyde himself practically has a life of his own separate from Jekyll, a unique edition not found in the novel. It’s as much a horror story as it is a character examination.
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