The Best Vampire Movies Ranked (Including Nosferatu)

As someone who grew up watching horror movies, I can confidently say that Universal’s 1931 Dracula, starring the legendary Bela Lugosi, holds a special place in my heart. The film is not only a testament to Lugosi’s extraordinary performance but also to the timeless storytelling of this classic monster tale.

Growing up in Transylvania (well, not really, but a girl can dream), I was always fascinated by stories about vampires and Dracula was at the top of my list. The film captures the eerie atmosphere of Eastern Europe perfectly and Lugosi’s portrayal of Count Dracula is nothing short of iconic. It’s like he drank straight from the source!

The film’s rapid pace and well-structured narrative make it a great ‘starter horror’ for young audiences, and it remains a go-to movie for those who love classic monster movies. While there are other adaptations that have their merits, such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula, they just don’t quite hit the mark like this 1931 masterpiece does.

In all seriousness, if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving Dracula a watch – just make sure to keep your neck covered! And remember, never go to bed angry… or with fangs in your neck! (I kill me)

With Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” hitting theaters, this seems like the perfect opportunity to delve into the rich history of vampire movies! For more than a hundred years, artists from around the world have offered their unique perspectives on how a vampire story should unfold, and the results have been varied. Yet, in those films, there are definitely some gems waiting to be discovered.

A ranking of vampire movies should be somewhat exclusive due to the vast number of films in this genre. For instance, you won’t find movies like “Twilight” or “Dracula: Dead and Loving It” on our list. However, there are some films that may not have been blockbusters but are still worth watching, such as the 2023 duo of “Renfield,” featuring Nicholas Hoult from “Nosferatu”, and “The Last Voyage of the Demeter.” Other notable mentions include George A. Romero’s “Martin”, Ken Russell’s “The Lair of the White Worm”, John Carpenter’s “Vampires”, and Tony Scott’s “The Hunger”. If you’re looking for some campy fun, movies like “Sleepwalkers” and “Vampire’s Kiss” starring Nicolas Cage are sure to provide a few chuckles.

Now here are 15 of the best vampire movies ever, ranked from lowest to highest.

15. From Dusk till Dawn (1996)

Robert Rodriguez’s film, From Dusk till Dawn, essentially combines two distinct genres. Initially, it follows the style of a crime movie akin to Quentin Tarantino’s works, with Tarantino himself appearing in the cast. Later on, it transforms into a thrilling action-horror film centered around vampires. While the vampire segment might not be as strong as the crime story, watching actors like George Clooney and Harvey Keitel impale vampires with stakes remains an enjoyable experience.

14. The Omega Man (1971)

Many people might recognize the tale of a post-apocalyptic world depicted in “The Omega Man” from its highly profitable (yet often considered less compelling) remake called “I Am Legend,” which borrows its title from the original story by Richard Matheson. The narrative centers around Col. Robert Neville, M.D., portrayed by Charlton Heston, who is one of the rare survivors after a nuclear war-induced plague transformed most ambulatory beings into bloodthirsty, nocturnal albinos. It’s also worth watching another film that Heston and producer Walter Seltzer collaborated on: “Soylent Green.

13. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Neil Jordan, who had previously directed an unusual take on the werewolf genre (The Company of Wolves), was selected to transform Anne Rice’s 1976 novel into a movie. And he certainly delivered. Filled with big-name actors, Interview with the Vampire is a captivating and intriguing blend of horror and drama that offers Tom Cruise an opportunity to showcase his acting skills beyond his usual roles. This vampire film manages to cover several decades in a compelling manner within a relatively short span of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

12. Horror of Dracula (1958)

The 1958 movie titled “Horror of Dracula,” often simply referred to as “Dracula,” was the initial installment in the seven Hammer Horror Dracula series, featuring the late and esteemed actor Christopher Lee. This film adaptation is more faithful to Bram Stoker’s original work than the Universal Monsters version, portraying Dracula as a seductive figure. However, over time, the Dracula films starring Lee tend to offer less in terms of quality. The 1958 production and its sequel, “Dracula: Prince of Darkness,” released in 1966, stand out as significant contributions to Dracula’s extensive legacy due to their graphic and visually striking scenes.

11. The Lost Boys (1987)

The Lost Boys, a timeless ’80s masterpiece, stands as Joel Schumacher’s finest directorial effort for Batman Forever. What truly shines in this film, aside from its skillful blend of horror and humor, is the exceptional casting. Actors like Jared Padalecki, Dianne Wiest, Jamie Gertz, Edward Herrmann, Stuart Townsend, and the dynamic duo of Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, deliver flawless and endearing performances in their respective roles.

10. The Monster Squad (1987)

Among all the entries in this ranking, it’s highly likely that “The Monster Squad” stands out as the most memorable one. This film is a delightful blend of horror and comedy, serving as an affectionate tribute to the classic Universal Monsters movies from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. It shares similarities with films like “The Goonies” or “Gremlins“, making it an excellent choice for growing up with. Director Fred Dekker was coming off the success of “Night of the Creeps“, and if you enjoy “The Monster Squad“, I strongly recommend checking out “Creeps” as well.

9. The Addiction (1995)

Director Abel Ferrara, known for directing films that break traditional norms, often creates something truly unique as a result. “The Addiction,” starring Lili Taylor from “The Conjuring” and Christopher Walken, is not just a vampire film; it’s also an extended metaphor for drug addiction. Despite its dual nature, the movie succeeds in both aspects, mainly due to Taylor’s exceptional performance as the protagonist. If you’re looking for a classic “Dracula” experience, this might be challenging, but it’s undeniably worth your time.

8. Abigail (2024)

As a lifelong horror enthusiast who has seen more vampire films than I can count, I must say that “Abigail” is hands down one of the most enjoyable and rewatchable vampire movies I’ve ever seen. Growing up in a small town with a love for all things supernatural, I have always been drawn to stories about bloodsuckers. And let me tell you, this film does not disappoint! The performances from Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and especially Alisha Weir as the titular character are nothing short of exceptional.

The way the movie blends classic Universal Monsters-type elements with a fresh, modern take on vampire lore is truly impressive. It’s rare to find a film that manages to be both inventive and nostalgic at the same time, but “Abigail” achieves that balance perfectly. The cinematography, music, and pacing all contribute to an immersive experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

If you’re a fan of the horror genre or simply looking for a good vampire film to watch, I highly recommend giving “Abigail” a try. It’s a must-see for any self-respecting horror aficionado!

7. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

Among the numerous vampire comedies available, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s What We Do in the Shadows stands out as uniquely straightforward. This mockumentary delves into the daily lives of some eccentric vampire flatmates, with one resembling Count Orlock from Nosferatu, making it one of the funniest films of the 2010s. However, the TV series adaptation surpasses the movie, offering more complex characters and a streak of excellence in every episode.

6. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

Despite being an American film, “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is entirely in Persian. This might deter some viewers who prefer not to watch movies with subtitles, but this unique vampire Western is a must-watch. Its striking black-and-white visuals, skillful genre-mixing, and masterful direction by Ana Lily Amirpour make it stand out. An unusual character study, it’s one of the most captivating films from 2014.

5. Nosferatu (2024)

Without a doubt, Robert Eggers is widely recognized as one of the most gifted horror filmmakers in contemporary cinema. Having been raised with F. W. Murnau’s Nosferatu, it’s no wonder that his passion and skill for the genre are evidently present in every captivating scene of his 2024 remake. The buzz surrounding this film has been positive, and it aligns perfectly with Eggers’ previous works such as The Witch and The Lighthouse, positioning itself among the top horror films released in recent years. It’s highly recommended to catch it on the big screen.

Since we’re discussing this topic, I’d like to mention that the 1922 original movie you mentioned remains impressive and is in the public domain, making it an effortless choice for a double feature night. Notably, Werner Herzog’s 1979 film “Nosferatu the Vampyre” is another intriguing option, while the 2000 film “Shadow of the Vampire” is also worth watching. This latter production entertains the idea that the original movie’s actor, Max Schreck (portrayed by Willem Dafoe), was, in fact, a real-life vampire.

4. Near Dark (1987)

Kathryn Bigelow’s first solo directorial effort, Near Dark, had the potential to establish her as a leading director in Hollywood – however, it failed at the box office. Despite this setback, Bigelow has produced other notable genre-blending films like Blue Steel, Point Break, and Strange Days. Interestingly, even with an Academy Award for Best Picture (The Hurt Locker) to her credit, Bigelow’s captivating vampire film remains her most impressive work. Unfortunately, Near Dark is not readily available for streaming, as it is out of print on both DVD and Blu-ray. However, it is definitely worth searching for.

3. Fright Night (1985)

Similar to The Monster Squad, Fright Night serves as a playful tribute to Universal’s classic monster film series. Unlike The Monster Squad, which is geared towards children, Fright Night carries a more mature tone that resonates with older teens and young adults. Overall, it’s one of those R-rated films that barely earns its rating, yet doesn’t shy away from being frightening, and is consistently enhanced by outstanding performances. Moreover, while many modern horror remakes fall short in comparison to the originals, Fright Night’s remake succeeds. Incidentally, our next entry also boasts a fantastic 2010s remake…

2. Let the Right One In (2008)

The Swedish romantic horror movie titled “Let the Right One In” showcases exceptional acting and mood-setting abilities. The plot is packed with characters whose tales tug at your heartstrings, and as the story unfolds, you find yourself feeling sympathetic towards them. It revolves around a 12-year-old boy who frequently gets bullied, who then forms a friendship with a girl of similar age who has just moved into his neighborhood. As time passes, strange murders begin to occur in the area, and it isn’t long before the boy realizes that his new friend is somehow connected to these crimes, and might not be entirely human. It seems that only a child’s perspective can see beyond societal norms. Interestingly enough, the 2010 American remake of the film, “Let Me In“, is equally impressive and maintains the elements that made the original Swedish movie so moving.

1. Dracula (1931)

Universal’s timeless “Dracula” starring Bela Lugosi cannot be surpassed easily. Lugosi fit the role so perfectly that his portrayal remains unforgettable even after 90 years. Yet, he was not the only factor that made the movie a classic; it is also meticulously crafted and fast-paced, making it an ideal introduction to horror for younger audiences. However, while “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” stays faithful to the novel, there are certain aspects that prevent it from reaching the heights of being called one of the greatest.

2025-01-02 00:11