Vampires have fascinated and entertained audiences for decades, making a name for themselves on the silver screen with hit films such as , , and . While there are plenty of traditional vampire stories, some filmmakers have put their own spin on the mythical creatures, placing them in a modern setting and even adding a bit of comedy like in and .
Even though there is a vast variety of vampire films that come to mind, some titles, including and , rank as some of the greatest horror films of all time. From 's infamous portrayal as Count Dracula in to the iconic period piece Interview With a Vampire starring and , these are .

Concealed by night, vampires roam the Earth battling their sworn enemies, a group of bloodthirsty werewolves known as the Lycan, who are determined to end the vampire bloodline. When the Lycans take a mysterious interest in a mortal doctor (), a vampire and trained killer, Selene () fights to protect and save the doctor before he can be handed over to the Lycan leader, Lucian ().
is a bloody good and imaginative action thriller that taps into the ancient folklore of vampires, putting a modern spin on a good versus evil plot. Initially, Underworld earned underwhelming reviews, but through the years, it has become a popular film franchise and earned a cult following that values the films' passionate performances and gritty, dark tone that sets an alluring atmosphere for any vampire film fan. Even though it's not a classic vampire tale, and ultimately providing an entertaining movie that audiences will really want to sink their teeth into.

Underworld
- September 19, 2003
- 122 Minutes

is a fun and humorous vampire movie about a horror junkie teenager, Charley Brewster (), who becomes convinced that his new and reclusive neighbor, Jerry (), is actually a vampire. To no surprise, no one believes Charley and his ridiculous accusations, and, with no other options, he turns to a washed-up television star () to help him stop Jerry before it's too late.
Fright Night doesn't set out to be a sophisticated vampire flick and pokes fun at the traditional vampire story with a modern twist of cheeky comedy. The film became the second highest-grossing film of the year and earned general praise for its original concept and performances from critics, , who gave Fright Night three out of four stars. Despite not being a dramatic vampire movie, that cements it as a vampire movie that is perfect from start to finish.

Fright Night
- August 2, 1985
- 106 minutes

and star in as centuries-old vampire couple, Adam and Eve, who, over the decades, have had an immense influence on musicians, artists, and scientists. Despite their profound history and influential purpose, Adam starts to feel withdrawn, tired of the corruption and stupidity that has plagued the human race. Adam's unhappiness soon leads to the couple wondering about their place in modern society and if they truly belong.
Only Lovers Left Alive is of self-discovery and romance. Hiddleston and Swinton have a genuine allure together, delivering authentic and heartfelt performances that are typically overshadowed by their more mainstream roles. Although the movie weighs heavier as a romance than a blood-sucking vampire movie, Only Lovers Left Alive is a refreshing change of pace with exceptional performances and a mesmerizing portrait of love between the undead.

Only Lovers Left Alive
- December 25, 2013
- 123minutes
- Jim Jarmusch
- Jim Jarmusch

's follows two brothers, Seth () and Richard (), who, after committing a robbery that left several officers dead, make a run for the Mexican border. As a means of insurance, the brothers kidnap a preacher () and his family as they sneak across the border and hide out in a bar. Unfortunately, the bar they picked as their safe house just happens to be the home of a clan of vampires.
From Dusk Till Dawn is . The plot is outlandish to the point of lunacy that it actually makes sense, convincing audiences that if a vampire can live in an ancient castle, then why not in a Mexican topless bar? Clooney and Tarantino are the essential yin and yang duo who audiences never knew they needed, both playing off each other without missing a beat. In Rodriguez's traditional fashion, From Dusk Till Dawn is packed with action, shoot-outs, and dark humor that solidifies it as a uniquely perfect vampire movie from start to finish.

Set in the 1830s, stars as an estate agent, Thomas Hutter, who travels to Transylvania to complete a deal with the mysterious Count Orlok (), unaware of the horrors and fateful meeting that awaits him. Meanwhile, Thomas' wife, Ellen (), begins to have terrifying visions and dreadful nightmares that, as they increase, she starts to feel closer and closer to death's doorstep. As Orlok confines Thomas to his castle, he travels to find Ellen, bringing a deadly plague of death and misfortune to her and everyone around her.
' recent remake of the infamous silent film, , is a slight retelling of the famous story, providing an erotic and sensual element to the story that ultimately dives deeper into the connection between Ellen and Count Orlok. While the movie might not be everyone's cup of tea, that is simply hypnotic. Although the entire cast gives phenomenal performances, Skarsgård ultimately steals the show with his jaw-dropping performance, conveying both terror and intrigue that puts audiences into a deep trance of curiosity.


Horror of Dracula is one of several starring Christopher Lee as the alluring Count Dracula. The story follows a vampire hunter, Dr. Van Helsing (), and his search for his friend, Jonathan Harker (), who has mysteriously gone missing. His search leads him to the castle of Count Dracula and, after discovering his friend in the vampire's coffin, he realizes that Dracula's next target is Harker's fiancée.
Despite rehashing the familiar tale, Lee's performance as Dracula is spellbinding and invokes an unsettling sense of fear and uncertainty for audiences. The film expertly depicts a Victorian-era backdrop with an accurate, ghastly tone plus , but also a classic vampire flick that is simply to die for.

returns in his signature as the Marvel Comics half-human, half-vampire, Blade, who has made it his life's mission to avenge his curse and save humanity from extinction. In the follow-up to the first film, Blade is forced to set aside his differences and join forces with the ones who he has set out to destroy in order to fight a new kind of monster that threatens both humans and vampires.
is an action-packed vampire film directed by the Maestro of Horror, , and is . Snipes delivers an astounding performance as the hybrid hero and while some might have felt that the sequel lacked character development and plot, .


Image via Film Arts Guild
If there was one in their lifetime, it should be Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, which ranks as one of the greatest and most influential horror movies of all time. The film is an unofficial take on Stoker's novel and follows Count Orlok () who summons Thomas Hutter () to his remote castle in Transylvania. Once Hutter arrives, he learns of Orlok's true nature and as he struggles to escape the vampire's castle, Orlok sets his sights on Hutter's wife as his next victim.
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is a German Expressionist vampire film that makes up for the lack of sound with impeccable performances and a terrifying portrayal of a vampire who leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Aside from Schrek's horrifying appearance, his intricate movements and facial expressions induce more fear than any words or special effects could ever achieve. While the movie takes a few liberties with Stoker's famous story, vampire films of all time.

Nosferatu
- February 16, 1922
- 95 Minutes

stars as the sophisticated Count Dracula who meets with a young lawyer, Jonathan Harker (), at his home to finalize a land deal. When Dracula sees a photo of Harker's fiancée, Mina (), he's taken aback by how much she resembles his deceased wife. In an effort to make her his bride, Dracula imprisons Harker in his castle before traveling to London in search of the beautiful Mina.
Bram Stoker's Dracula is an epic Gothic horror and is considered to be one of the best and most accurate adaptations of Stoker's novel. populated by overly defined and unforgettable characters. Despite some mixed reviews, Bram Stoker's Dracula received four Academy Award nominations, winning three for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Editing.


Teenage brothers, Michael () and Sam () move with their mom () to a small town in Northern California where they make a few new friends and Michael becomes smitten with a local girl, Star (). The boys soon realize their town is a safe haven for vampires and also learn that Star is under the spell of the leader of the undead, David ().
The Lost Boys is a dark horror comedy that puts a modernized spin on the traditional vampire with a star-studded cast and an ambitious story. The movie essentially helped shift the traditional image of vampires in pop culture to a sexier, youthful portrayal that inspired a new generation of on-screen vampires. and, while some critics may not have given it a rave review, and bold new take on a well-established figure of the horror genre.

Set in the early 1980s, Let the Right One In is another phenomenal modern vampire film that follows a sensitive, lonely boy, Oskar (), who is bullied and spends most of his time alone. When he meets his new neighbor, Eli () the two begin to develop a friendship, but Oskar starts to notice things about Eli that make him believe she isn't like everyone else. Soon, Eli reveals her secret to him as well as her involvement in a series of local bloody murders.
Let the Right One In is a Swedish horror film based on the 2004 novel written by and gives an almost romantic, innocent perspective on the usual vampire character. , all set against an effective, ominous atmosphere. Let the Right One In earned generally positive reviews and, unlike other vampire films, it doesn't rely on excessive blood and gore to depict the plot and relies on other (and surprising) methods to terrify audiences.

's is a combination of the 1922 silent film as well as Stoker's novel and unfolds in Transylvania where Jonathan Harker () is sent to Count Dracula's ( castle to sell him a house in Virna. After being captivated by photos of Harker's wife, Lucy (), Dracula settles in Virna, bringing death and misfortune with him, plaguing the town with his thirst for human blood and his desire for Lucy.
Nosferatu the Vampyre is one of the is unable to die or grow old, ultimately bestowing him with a curse of immortality. The film has been credited as an intense and stunning portrayal of the famous Count, but also focuses on the pathos of Dracula, such as his desire for love and companionship in a world where he is essentially alone forever. While it takes a more emotional path, on the infamous Count Dracula.

Viago (), Vladislav (), and Deacon () are hundreds of year-old vampires and roommates who are trying to adjust to the new modern world and all the complications that come with it. As the trio try to navigate their way through a tech-savvy, progressive world, they also try to show a recently newly turned vampire () the perks that come with being undead.
What We Do in the Shadows is a clever and hilarious comedy horror mockumentary that and is without a doubt one of the best vamp movies in recent years. Based on Waititi and Clement's 2005 short film, What We Do in the Shadows was met with overall positive reviews from critics and was named the best comedy of the year by .

in Universal's 1931 classic Dracula, which is based on the 1924 stage adaptation of Stoker's novel. The story begins with Dracula traveling from Transylvania to London with the help of a British solider, Renfield (), who has been hypnotized by the vampire to do his bidding. As Dracula begins preying on the young women in the area, a vampire hunter, Dr. Van Helsing () is enlisted to stop the Count's blood-sucking rampage.
Even though there had been previous adaptations of Stoker's novel, Dracula is cemented in cinema history as the most iconic and ultimately established the traditional image of the famous vampire in pop culture. Lugosi is a sight to behold as the Count. Between his piercing glare and sinister grin, he brings a natural and authentic sense of fear to the role that is like no other experienced on the big screen. Despite the countless adaptations and versions, .

Dracula
- Release Date
- February 12, 1931
- Runtime
- 74 Minutes

Brad Pitt stars as an 18th-century lord turned vampire, Louis, who, after remaining alive to witness the bicentennial, agrees to tell his story to a young San Francisco reporter (Christian Slater). Louis recalls his extensive life starting with the tragic loss of his family and choosing immorality with the help of a vampire, Lestat (Tom Cruise), providing a complex portrait of a tortured soul doomed to walk the Earth forever.
Interview with a Vampire is a fascinating Gothic horror film and one of the best vampire movies based on Anne Rice's 1976 novel by the same name and features an all-star cast including Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Thandie Newton. Pitt and Cruise give incredible performances accompanied by a young Dunst who doesn't disappoint in a profoundly mature role. Despite mixed reviews from audiences and critics, the movie was a commercial success and earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Original Score.

interview with a vampire
- Release Date
- November 11, 1994
- Runtime
- 123