The vampire genre has been a central figure in horror for over a century, with tales of blood-sucking undead creatures stretching back far beyond that. The best vampire films are an eclectic mix of styles, ranging from classic “Dracula” adaptations to arthouse nightmares, action-packed blockbusters, quirky comedies, Neo-westerns, and even heartwarming love stories. These, we believe, are the very best of the best.
“Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” (1922)
F.W. Murnau’s silent horror classic still has the power to terrify audiences 100 years later. The film, an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, features Max Schreck as the ghastly Count Orlok, whose move from his eerie castle to Germany brings a supernatural plague in tow. Despite legal battles nearly leading to the film’s destruction, Nosferatu became one of the most influential vampire films ever made, casting a long shadow over all that followed.
“Dracula” and “Drácula” (1931)
Tod Browning’s adaptation of Dracula is iconic, largely due to Bela Lugosi’s performance as the titular vampire. Lugosi’s Dracula is predatory, magnetic, and unforgettable. While Browning’s version is somewhat stiff in its pacing, the Spanish-language version directed by George Melford, shot on the same sets after hours, is more fluid. Although Carlos Villarías’s Dracula doesn’t match Lugosi’s charm, Melford’s Drácula is often considered a hidden gem.
“Vampyr” (1932)
Carl Theodor Dreyer’s ethereal vampire tale follows Allan Gray, a young man whose academic interest in the occult leads him into a small, eerie village filled with danger. With its dreamy, slow-paced storytelling, Vampyr immerses the audience into its eerie world, creating a hallucinatory experience. The film’s unforgettable funeral scene, seen through the eyes of the corpse, is among the most macabre and haunting moments in cinema.
“Horror of Dracula” (1958)
Christopher Lee’s debut as Count Dracula in Terence Fisher’s Horror of Dracula redefined the character, adding a level of height and sensuality that became iconic. Lee’s commanding presence helped launch a series of films where he repeatedly faced off against Peter Cushing’s Van Helsing. Fisher’s film took a larger-than-life approach to the gothic tale, paving the way for many of the grandiose vampire movies that followed.
“The Vampire Lovers” (1970)
Hammer Horror’s The Vampire Lovers is a lush and seductive vampire film, considered one of the most overtly queer horror films ever made. Based on the novel Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, it stars Ingrid Pitt as a beautiful vampire who preys on innocent young women. The film stands as the crown jewel of Hammer’s “Karnstein Trilogy” and remains a milestone in horror cinema.
“Martin” (1978)
George A. Romero’s Martin offers a unique twist on the vampire genre. The film’s protagonist, Martin Matthias, believes he is a vampire, even though he lacks fangs or supernatural powers. Instead, he resorts to using narcotics and razor blades. Martin is a complex, modern take on the genre, a psychological thriller that explores obsession and delusion. It’s an underappreciated gem in Romero’s filmography.
“Dracula” (1979)
John Badham’s adaptation of Dracula is lavish and gothic, with Frank Langella delivering a sensual and powerful performance as the vampire. Set against stunningly atmospheric backdrops, the film has a romantic allure that differentiates it from other adaptations. While the story deviates from Bram Stoker’s original, it remains a captivating retelling of the classic tale.
“Fright Night” (1985)
In Fright Night, Charley Brewster is convinced that his charming new neighbor, Jerry Dandridge, is a vampire. When no one believes him, he enlists the help of washed-up horror actor Peter Vincent. Directed by Tom Holland, this clever spin on Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window combines humor, horror, and plenty of meta-commentary. The result is a delightful mix of scares and laughs, making it one of the first truly self-aware horror films. (And yes, the remake is also worth checking out.)
