The 22 Greatest Vampire Motion pictures: From Everlasting Classics to Biting Disappointments

Individuals have been intrigued by the supernatural for so long as they will keep in mind. Werewolves, vampires, the undead and ghouls have made up most movies, TV collection, books, and fan fiction. So naturally, creating an unique idea involving these ghoulish night time stalkers has been fairly troublesome. And that’s to not say there aren’t some nice takes on overused tropes and narratives. An excellent instance of that is the fascination folks have with vampires and the way their immortality is utilized throughout the romance style. There have been completely different tellings of vampiric life, however the most well-liked is often a love story between a mortal and a vampire. And inside the previous couple of many years, there was an inflow of flicks involving vampires. Some have romanticized these creatures, whereas others villainize them. And if you happen to had been ever interested in which vampire flicks are value testing, this checklist is ideal for you.

This checklist will rank a few of the hottest vampire films launched in the previous couple of many years, from greatest to worst. The rating will closely rely upon the evaluations of the movies from critics and audiences alike. The checklist will kick off with the higher movies and regularly get into the extra questionable works. And though the movies on the ‘worst’ finish of the checklist might have titles which might be recognizable even to individuals who have by no means seen the movie, you will need to do not forget that the movie can nonetheless be unhealthy objectively. And sure, that even consists of cult traditional movies. And as a small disclaimer earlier than starting, many of those films will fall into the horror style because it entails vampires. Due to this fact, be warned that fairly a number of are horror movies or include horror parts (jumps scares, gore, mature themes, and many others.).

2. Cronos (1993)

3. Solely Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Starring Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, Jim Jarmusch’s comedy-drama is a must-see for vampire lovers. The movie follows the lifetime of a depressed vampire-musician named Adam, watching society hit all-time low. Lastly, he’s reunited together with his centuries-old romantic companion, Eve, who makes an attempt to save lots of him from his depressive episode. Nonetheless, issues turn into more and more troublesome for the 2 vampires when Eve’s youthful sister, Ava, reveals up, proving to be uncontrollable. This can be a very inventive and ethereal movie with a novel ambiance and tackle the vampire style, therefore its excessive rating on this checklist of greatest vampire films.

4. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)

What We Do within the Shadows (2014) has undoubtedly earned its place as one of many best vampire movies ever created, due to its contemporary and uproarious method to the style. Directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, this mockumentary-style film presents a comedic and modern perspective on the each day lives of vampires cohabiting in up to date society. The movie excels in its flawless comedic timing, intelligent dialogue, and memorable performances by the ensemble forged, together with the sensible portrayals by Waititi and Clement themselves. By seamlessly mixing humour with real moments of empathy, What We Do within the Shadows distinguishes itself, permitting audiences to type a heartfelt reference to these supernatural characters on a profoundly human degree.

4. The Transfiguration (2016)

That is one other fascinating have a look at the vampire style set in Brooklyn, New York. The movie focuses on Milo (performed by Eric Ruffin) in his fascination with vampire lore and mythology. He’s an alienated outcast who meets Sophie (performed by Chloe Levine), a woman who’s equally obsessive about vampirism as he’s. They type a relationship bordering on being unhealthy as they blur the strains between fantasy and actuality. The movie was praised for exploring harmful obsessions and the way simply they will turn into problematic, particularly in youthful folks. The movie was additionally praised for its sensible ambiance and wonderful performances.

RELATED: Nosferatu 1922, The First Vampire Film Nonetheless Scares 100 Years Later

5. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves, that is one other vampiric masterpiece value watching. This cult traditional is Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 gothic horror movie that follows Vlad Dracula (performed by Oldman) as he makes an attempt to avenge the loss of life of his love, Elisabeta. He quickly meets Mina. Issues take an sudden flip when he begins to consider that Mina is the reincarnation of Elisabeta. This is without doubt one of the movies that cemented the vampire trope inside Western tradition and was praised for its adaptation of the novel. It has impressed many extra works in movies, collection, and books. The movie additionally stars Anthony Hopkins, Richard E. Grant, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci, and Sadie Frost.

6. The Misplaced Boys (1987)

This black comedy horror movie directed by Joel Schumaker is one other cult traditional that modified the vampire style endlessly. The movie was praised for its sensible manufacturing design and iconic soundtrack. Moreover, the movie was impressed by one other fashionable traditional, The Goonies (1985). The movie follows Lucy, the mom of two sons, Michael and Sam, as they transfer to California. Inside the small city they now reside is the place the 2 boys uncover that vampires are, actually, actual. They get pulled into the world of bikers, vampires, and vampire hunters when the angsty older brother, Michael, falls for Star, the lady of the chief of a biker gang named David (who seems to be a vampire).

7. The Habit (1995)

The Habit is extensively considered a standout vampire movie, owing to its distinct and intellectually stimulating tackle the style. Helmed by Abel Ferrara, the film ventures past the customary depiction of vampires as easy bloodsuckers, delving into profound philosophical and existential topics. The central character, Kathleen, masterfully portrayed by Lili Taylor, assumes the position of a metaphorical embodiment of substance dependence, skillfully probing the alluring and sinister features of the vampire mythos.

The movie’s official synopsis reads: “A New York philosophy grad pupil turns right into a vampire after getting bitten by one after which tries to return to phrases along with her new way of life and frequent longing for human blood.”

7. Fright Night time (2011)

This horror comedy is a remake of the 1985 traditional. Starring Colin Farrell as a sadistic vampire, the movie follows Charley (performed by Anton Yelchin), who has grown suspicious of his neighbour, Jerry. There was a string of unusual disappearances within the space, and Charley suspects Jerry is behind them. Not solely that, however he additionally believes that Jerry is a vampire. As to be anticipated, no person believes him, and the one particular person prepared to assist him eliminate Jerry is a self-proclaimed vampire slayer named Peter. The movie has a sequel that follows the same plot and is praised for its wonderful performances, particularly Farrell as Jerry. Moreover, the humour was additionally praised as critics claimed it to be good and truly humorous.

The movie’s forged — which additionally included David Tennant, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Dave Franco — ensured that this vampire flick turned successful.

8. Daybreakers (2009)

Have you ever ever questioned what it could appear like if a virus turned a lot of the inhabitants into vampires as a substitute of zombies? Nicely, this movie is the one you might be in search of. Though it could possibly be thought-about a mid-tier movie by way of manufacturing, the premise is definitely fairly fascinating. Starring Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, the movie is about in a world ten years after a plague has turned everybody into vampires. The world is shipped into chaos when there’s a blood scarcity, and it’s as much as Edward (performed by Hawke) to develop a blood substitute. Issues take a flip when he discovers two human beings on the run that declare they’ve a cue for the virus. Though the movie is a refreshing tackle the style, it nonetheless obtained common score scores from followers and critics alike.

RELATED: Daybreakers 2: Ethan Hawke’s Vampire Sequel Isn’t Fully Lifeless

9. The Hunted (2015)

With the same score to the earlier entry on this checklist, this movie could be thought-about mediocre at greatest. Nonetheless, it’s a low-budget film that managed to entertain audiences with its creativity and humour, therefore its placement on this checklist. It follows Bob, an aspiring actor who has to just accept the truth that he received’t be capable of start a profitable performing profession. As he struggles to return to phrases together with his newfound actuality, issues flip round when he’s bitten by a feminine vampire named Susan. He quickly discovers that she is the daughter of an obsessive vampire hunter.

10. Byzantium (2013)

That is an underrated horror movie (which, if this was a horror checklist, would see the movie ranked larger) that takes an fascinating have a look at the standard vampire mythology. It tells a compelling story and sees stunning cinematography because it creeps alongside in its pacing. The movie follows two fugitive ladies, Elenor and Clara, who search refuge in a small seaside city to cover from a gaggle in search of them. It seems that the 2 ladies are vampires, and the group looking them are additionally kindred creatures. They need to work arduous to keep up their secret with out making anybody suspicious of them. The movie noticed its director, Neil Jordan, win Greatest Director for a Movie award on the IFTA Awards in 2014.

11. Vamp U (2011)

This movie obtained respectable evaluations because it was entertaining sufficient that the plot didn’t collapse. Moreover, the comedy side of the movie was on level, permitting for the extra questionable elements to be neglected. The plot follows the story of an impotent vampire, Wayne, who develops an incapacity to develop his tooth when he harms the love of his life, Mary. He decides to show historical past at a university and finally ends up assembly Chris, a pupil who appears to be like precisely like Mary, with whom he finally ends up having an affair. He turns her, resulting in the eruption of pure chaos on campus grounds as Chris turns quite a few ladies. It’s nonetheless value a watch if you wish to see a bunch of school ladies wreaking havoc.

12. Interview With the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

Shocked that this movie is ranked so low on this checklist? Nicely, you’ll be much more stunned to search out that this cult traditional solely has a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes regardless of its recognition. Starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst within the movie’s main roles, the narrative relies on the e-book of the identical title by Anne Rice. The movie takes the type of an interview by which Louis (performed by Pitt) particulars his time with Lestat (Cruise), who had turned him and their ten-year-old daughter Claudia (Dunst) into vampires. The story begins in 1791 and is detailed by a modern-day San Francisco reporter. The movie obtained a score this low as a result of elimination of a few of the e-book’s content material and the casting selections. Nonetheless, there was a sequel to the movie and a newer collection remake that caught to the supply materials extra intently.

RELATED: Van Helsing 2: Hugh Jackman’s Vampire Hunter Ought to Get A Sequel

13. Blade (1998)

Launched in 1998, Blade continues to face as a timeless masterpiece, rating among the many most distinctive vampire films ever crafted. Directed by Stephen Norrington and that includes Wesley Snipes within the enigmatic and deadly lead position, this movie seamlessly intertwines parts of horror, motion, and fantasy, charming audiences worldwide.

What distinguishes Blade is its distinctive mixture of visually beautiful aesthetics, gripping storytelling, and flawless performances. Snipes’ portrayal of the half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter is actually iconic, emanating charisma and depth in each scene. Enhancing the movie’s attract is its darkish and atmospheric cinematography, submerging viewers right into a gritty and threatening world.

The reality is Blade is without doubt one of the greatest vampire films of all time.

13. From Nightfall Until Daybreak (1996)

One more entry that can in all probability shock you for being so low down on this checklist, however this cult traditional obtained a 63% Rotten Tomatoes (and sure, Fright Night time has a significantly larger rating). The movie follows the Gecko brothers as they’re attempting to flee the FBI and Texas police after they take pleasure in against the law spree all via the Southwest. First, they take a household hostage to allow them to escape into Mexico, however as a substitute find yourself in a life-or-death battle in opposition to bloodthirsty vampires. The story was written by Quentin Tarantino and starred Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Tarantino himself, and Salma Hayek. The Robert Rodriguez horror film obtained this combined score as a result of inconsistent narrative throughout the runtime.

14. 30 Days of Night time (2007)

That is one other good horror story primarily based on the comedian e-book and mini-series of the identical title. However that might not be the case in terms of being a very good vampire film. The movie is about in an Alaskan city that yearly experiences thirty days of night time. On this specific yr, because the city descends into darkness for the subsequent month, a gaggle of hungry vampires decides to assault. One couple decides to take it upon themselves to guard the townsfolk from these monsters. Sadly, whereas the film does a wonderful job of making horror for its audiences with the claustrophobic ambiance and well-executed antagonist, the movie falls flat by way of vampiric illustration. The creatures lack consistency and appear to play into the traditional lure of inconsistency throughout the legal guidelines and talents these creatures ought to abide by.

15. Twilight (2008)

Based mostly on the novel collection of the identical title by Stephanie Meyer, this movie began one of many greatest vampire-werewolf wars of the 2010s. If you happen to aren’t accustomed to this movie, or at the very least the life-altering query of “Are you Staff Edward or Staff Jacob?” that is value a watch solely for popular culture. Whereas the movie noticed an eruption in recognition with tens of millions of followers worldwide, it introduced in over $3 billion on the field workplace for all of the movies in complete. And though the movie noticed some nice results and casting, the movie fell flat by way of plot and performing. Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan and Robert Pattison as Edward Cullen introduced performances akin to an empty cardboard field, with the actors regretting their resolution to star within the movies even now, over a decade later. The movie follows the story of Bella, who has simply moved to Forks, as she falls in love with the mysterious Edward Cullen at her highschool. Sadly, she quickly discovers he’s a vampire and will get dragged right into a world of hazard, werewolves, and bloodlust. And though this film surprisingly isn’t the worst entry on this checklist, it nonetheless begs whether or not Stephanie Meyer is okay with the romanticized toxicity she launched into the world.

16. From The Darkish (2014)

This can be a low-budget horror movie that’s set in Eire. And whereas, once more, it could do exceptionally properly as a horror movie, it falls flat the place vampires are involved. The movie follows a pair as they embark on a visit via the Irish countryside. They quickly uncover that they’re at risk as a nocturnal creature begins looking them at night time. The movie doesn’t have probably the most logical plot and has many post-production errors. For instance, a crew member could be seen holding a increase microphone in one of many scenes the place the feminine lead, Sarah, is opening her automobile’s door. That is early into the movie, and the workforce will need to have missed the reflection error upon modifying.

17. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Earlier than the favored television collection in 1997, a movie was launched with the identical title. This comedy horror movie follows Buffy Summers, who discovers that she is from an extended line of vampire hunters. She is the most well-liked lady at school and a cheerleader who is certainly not minimize out for this position. However she is thrust proper into this world when assigned the duty of eradicating a nest of vampires in Los Angeles. Sadly, the movie is closely criticized for its unhealthy directing and horrible plot.

18. Darkish Shadows (2012)

Directed by Tim Burton and starring the likes of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Eva Inexperienced, it might be a shock that the movie made it into the highest 5 of this checklist as one of many worst vampire films up to now. This can be a darkish fantasy movie primarily based on the gothic cleaning soap opera of the identical title; it, sadly, obtained criticism for its underdeveloped characters and plot. Nonetheless, the humour is the movie’s saving grace because it follows Barnabas, who breaks the center of a witch named Angelique via his playboy nature. She curses him with vampirism after which buries him alive for 2 centuries. He manages to flee and seeks revenge on the girl who imprisoned him.

19. Underworld (2003)

Starring Kate Beckinsale as the primary vampire Selene, this action-packed movie has an enormous fanbase regardless of its 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie makes for an entertaining watch because it follows Selene, orphaned as a consequence of a werewolf assault. She lends her abilities to a vampire clan the place she works as a educated murderer and is about to save lots of Michael from a pack of werewolves who’re after him. Naturally, as it’s unnatural to have a robust feminine lead in any other case, she falls in love with him, Michael, and goes in opposition to her clan when he’s became a werewolf. And though there may be an fascinating underlying story with the underground battle between vampires and werewolves, the primary storyline (at the very least for the primary movie) falls flat.

20. Dracula Untold (2014)

Vampires in a historic fiction movie sound nice upon first listening to the premise. And whereas this film might be nonetheless higher than Twilight, it, sadly, landed right here as a result of lack of character growth. The movie’s creators had the primary characters stay true to their stereotypical roles somewhat an excessive amount of. The movie follows the Transylvanian prince, Vlad the Impaler, as he tries to do no matter it takes to save lots of his household and kingdom from the Turkish invaders. He turns into a vampire and saves his kingdom however at what price? This movie sees Luke Evans as Rely Dracula and has an fascinating narrative in comparison with another entries on this checklist. It’s definitely worth the watch if you’re in search of leisure, but when a compelling story is what you need, then the primary half of this checklist will higher serve you.

21. Queen of the Damned (2002)

This can be a sequel to Interview With the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) because it follows Lestat as he wakes from his slumber and….properly, turns into a rock star. The movie is loosely primarily based on the third novel within the collection of the identical title by Anne Rice and has Stuart Townsend as Lestat and Aaliyah as Akasha, the vampire queen raised by Lestat’s music and in the end needs to make him her new king. General, the movie obtained unfavourable evaluations as a result of it was described as ‘goofy’. Moreover, the movie was criticized for its extreme fan service and the horrible execution of accents by the forged.

22. Morbius (2022)

Some of the current movies on this checklist and possibly one of many most-well achieved entries right here; surprisingly, this film claimed the title of worst vampire movie. The movie noticed a very good forged with Jared Leto, Matt Smith, and Adria Arjona within the main roles and was additionally an entry movie for the MCU of Michael Morbius from Marvel Comics. Nonetheless, the movie is in the end thought-about a flop as a result of it’s described as generic in the place Marvel films are involved. The movie can be set in the identical timeline as Spider-Man: No Method House (2021) and is alleged to be backpacking the success of its predecessor. The movie follows the story of Morbius, a scientist who makes an attempt to remedy his uncommon genetic illness via experimentation with a particular breed of bat. Sadly, he conducts a dangerous experiment on himself and turns right into a vampire-like creature. Whereas he’s healed from his illness, the motion has some grotesque penalties. Regardless of its harsh reception, the movie is entertaining, nevertheless it earned its spot on this checklist as a horrible vampire film.