15 Vampire Movies That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

Vampires have fascinated and entertained audiences for decades, making a name for themselves on the silver screen with hit films such as Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, Dracula, and Interview with a Vampire. 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 The Lost Boys and What We Do in The Shadows.

Even though there is a vast variety of vampire films that come to mind, some titles, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Let the Right One In, rank as some of the greatest horror films of all time. From Christopher Lee‘s infamous portrayal as Count Dracula in Horror of Dracula to the iconic period piece Interview With a Vampire starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, these are some of the best vampire movies that are simply perfect from start to finish.

15

‘Underworld’ (2003)

Directed by Len Wiseman

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 (Scott Speedman), a vampire and trained killer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) fights to protect and save the doctor before he can be handed over to the Lycan leader, Lucian (Michael Sheen).

Underworld 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, Underworld does stand out for its rare female-fanged lead, moving away from the typical male Dracula-type leads and ultimately providing an entertaining movie that audiences will really want to sink their teeth into.

14

‘Fright Night’ (1985)

Directed by Tom Holland

Fright Night is a fun and humorous vampire movie about a horror junkie teenager, Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale), who becomes convinced that his new and reclusive neighbor, Jerry (Chris Sarandon), 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 (Roddy McDowell) 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, notably Roger Ebert, who gave Fright Night three out of four stars. Despite not being a dramatic vampire movie, Fright Night still has an intriguing plot with tongue-in-cheek humor and an array of excellent performances that cements it as a vampire movie that is perfect from start to finish.

13

‘Only Lovers Left Alive’ (2013)

Directed by Jim Jarmusch

Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton star in Only Lovers Left Alive 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 a poetic love story that, compared to other vampire films, takes a more humanizing approach, focusing heavily on the characters’ journeys 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.

12

‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ (1996)

Directed by Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez‘s From Dusk Till Dawn follows two brothers, Seth (George Clooney) and Richard (Quentin Tarantino), 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 (Harvey Keitel) 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 a wild vampire movie that, yes, does have an unusual plot but is still the epitome of a Rodriguez classic. 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 an unpredictable horror movie packed with action, shoot-outs, and dark humor that solidifies it as a uniquely perfect vampire movie from start to finish.

11

‘Nosferatu’ (2024)

Directed by Robert Eggers

Set in the 1830s, Nicholas Holt stars as an estate agent, Thomas Hutter, who travels to Transylvania to complete a deal with the mysterious Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), unaware of the horrors and fateful meeting that awaits him. Meanwhile, Thomas’ wife, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), 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.

Robert Eggers‘ recent remake of the infamous silent film, Nosferatu, 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, Nosferatu is a visually captivating vampire film that effectively conveys the historical setting with lavish costuming and set design 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.

10

‘Horror of Dracula’ (1958)

Directed by Terence Fisher

Horror of Dracula is one of several adaptations of Bram Stoker’s famous novel starring Christopher Lee as the alluring Count Dracula. The story follows a vampire hunter, Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing), and his search for his friend, Jonathan Harker (Jonathan Van Eyssen), 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 a shock value of thrills and chills that makes Horror of Dracula not only one of the best horror films, but also a classic vampire flick that is simply to die for.

9

‘Blade II’ (2002)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Wesley Snipes 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.

Blade II is an action-packed vampire film directed by the Maestro of Horror, Guillermo del Toro, and is a fitting continuation of Snipe’s epic character. Snipes delivers an astounding performance as the hybrid hero and while some might have felt that the sequel lacked character development and plot, Blade II still unfolds as a solid vampire film that also gives a new look to the traditional superhero movie.

8

‘Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror’ (1922)

Directed by F.W. Murnau

If there was one silent film movie fans should watch 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 (Max Schreck) who summons Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) 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, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror brilliantly forges its own path as one of the most unique and incomparable vampire films of all time.

7

‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (1992)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Gary Oldman stars as the sophisticated Count Dracula who meets with a young lawyer, Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves), at his home to finalize a land deal. When Dracula sees a photo of Harker’s fiancée, Mina (Winona Ryder), 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 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and is considered to be one of the best and most accurate adaptations of Stoker’s novel. The film is a stunning visual work of art that effortlessly transports audiences to a vivid world of fantasy 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.

6

‘The Lost Boys’ (1987)

Directed by Joel Schumacher

Teenage brothers, Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim) move with their mom (Dianne Wiest) to a small town in Northern California where they make a few new friends and Michael becomes smitten with a local girl, Star (Jami Gertz). 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 (Keifer Sutherland).

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. The Lost Boys is an edgy, blood-sucking film that redefined the vampires of the silver screen and, while some critics may not have given it a rave review, The Lost Boys is still noted for its flawless performances and bold new take on a well-established figure of the horror genre.

5

‘Let The Right One In’ (2008)

Directed by Tomas Alfredson

Set in the early 1980s, Let the Right One In is another phenomenal modern vampire film that follows a sensitive, lonely boy, Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), who is bullied and spends most of his time alone. When he meets his new neighbor, Eli (Lina Leandersson) 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 John Ajvide Lindqvist and gives an almost romantic, innocent perspective on the usual vampire character. The movie features the perfect combination of fear and compelling storytelling, 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.

4

‘Nosferatu the Vampyre’ (1979)

Directed by Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog‘s Nosferatu the Vampyre is a combination of the 1922 silent film as well as Stoker’s novel and unfolds in Transylvania where Jonathan Harker (Bruno Ganz) is sent to Count Dracula’s (Klaus Kinski) castle to sell him a house in Virna. After being captivated by photos of Harker’s wife, Lucy (Isabelle Adjani), 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 first renditions where Dracula 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, Nosferatu the Vampyre is a well-developed and faithful tribute to Muranu’s chilling film while still establishing its own take on the infamous Count Dracula.

3

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)

Directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement

Viago (Taika Waititi), Vladislav (Jemaine Clement), and Deacon (Jonny Brugh) 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 (Cori Gonzales-Macuer) the perks that come with being undead.

What We Do in the Shadows is a clever and hilarious comedy horror mockumentary that puts a unique twist on the traditional style of the modern vampire film 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 Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian.

2

‘Dracula’ (1931)

Directed by Tod Browning and Karl Freund

Bela Lugosi stars in his signature role as Count Dracula 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 (Dwight Frye), 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 (Edward Von Sloan) 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 remains to be an essential vampire film and a timeless classic that set the bar for future on-screen vamps to come.

1

‘Interview with a Vampire’ (1994)

Directed by Neil Jordan

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.

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