Top 40 Vampire Movies of All Time

40. Twilight Saga (2008)

Ah, Twilight – the vampire franchise that launched a thousand awkward stares and set teenage hearts (and a fair share of ironic adult ones) ablaze. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s books, this saga made Robert Pattinson’s Edward Cullen the brooding bloodsucker of every high schooler’s dreams, while Kristen Stewart’s Bella Swan somehow managed to survive both supernatural boyfriends and high school melodrama. Let’s not forget Taylor Lautner’s Jacob Black, whose shirt allergy became a running joke. Whether you loved it, hated it, or just enjoyed the chaotic fandom wars, Twilight undeniably redefined vampires for a whole new generation. And yes, we all still remember that baseball scene. | © Summit Entertainment

39. Underworld Saga (2003)

If Twilight is the pop music of vampire cinema, Underworld is the heavy metal cousin who shows up in all black and never leaves. Kate Beckinsale absolutely slays (literally) as Selene, a no-nonsense Death Dealer caught in a war between vampires and werewolves that’s been raging longer than most of us have been alive. With Bill Nighy’s delightfully sinister Viktor and Michael Sheen’s feral Lucian bringing some Shakespearean gravitas, this saga delivers on style, action, and an endless supply of blue-tinted cinematography. Underworld knows exactly what it is: a sleek, leather-clad rollercoaster of fangs, bullets, and a mythology so dense it might require a flowchart. | © Screen Gems

38. Blacula (1972)

Long before vampires sparkled, they grooved. Blacula took Bram Stoker’s legend, added a dose of 1970s soul, and created one of the most unique vampire flicks of all time. William Marshall stars as Mamuwalde, an African prince cursed by Dracula himself and resurrected centuries later in modern-day Los Angeles. The result? A funky, stylish horror film with a sharp bite of social commentary. Marshall’s performance gives the film a regal intensity, proving that even in a cape and ruffled shirt, he’s a force to be reckoned with. With a killer soundtrack and some of the best sideburns in vampire history, Blacula remains a cult classic that’s as groovy as it is gory. | © American International Pictures

37. Once Bitten (1985)

Before Ace Ventura and The Mask, Jim Carrey was just another awkward teen trying to avoid eternal life with a seductive vampire. Once Bitten is a delightfully goofy ’80s horror-comedy where Carrey plays Mark Kendall, a hapless high schooler targeted by a glamorous, centuries-old vampire countess (played by the ever-stunning Lauren Hutton). With its neon-lit dance sequences, over-the-top camp, and Carrey’s signature rubber-faced expressions, this film is like a lost relic from the VHS era that deserves more love. It may not be the scariest vampire movie out there, but it’s got charm, absurdity, and a truly spectacular amount of hairspray. | © The Samuel Goldwyn Company

36. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Before Sarah Michelle Gellar turned Buffy into an icon on TV, Kristy Swanson was the original high-kicking, vampire-slaying cheerleader in this early ’90s cult classic. Buffy the Vampire Slayer plays like a tongue-in-cheek sendup of horror tropes, complete with Paul Reubens hamming it up as a particularly melodramatic vampire and Donald Sutherland showing up as the world’s least enthusiastic mentor. Throw in a young Luke Perry as the obligatory love interest and Rutger Hauer as a flamboyant vampire lord, and you’ve got a film that never takes itself too seriously. It may not have the depth of the TV show, but hey, it’s still a fun slice of campy, stake-wielding chaos. | © 20th Century Fox

35. Daybreakers (2009)

Imagine a world where vampires aren’t lurking in the shadows but running the world like a dystopian corporate nightmare. That’s Daybreakers, a slick sci-fi/horror hybrid where Ethan Hawke plays a reluctant bloodsucker who’s not exactly thrilled about the whole “eternal night” situation. With Sam Neill as a power-hungry vampire CEO (because of course he is) and Willem Dafoe as a crossbow-wielding badass, this film asks the important question: what happens when the blood supply runs out? Spoiler alert – nothing good. Packed with stylish action, a surprisingly fresh twist on vampire lore, and just enough gore to keep horror fans happy, Daybreakers is one of the more underrated modern vampire flicks. | © Lionsgate

34. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

What starts as a Quentin Tarantino-fueled crime thriller about two outlaw brothers (played by George Clooney and Tarantino himself) suddenly flips the script and becomes an all-out vampire bloodbath – because, why not? From Dusk Till Dawn is peak ’90s madness, directed by Robert Rodriguez and featuring an all-star cast, including Harvey Keitel as a troubled preacher, Juliette Lewis as his rebellious daughter, and Salma Hayek as the most hypnotic snake-dancing vampire in cinema history. The second half of this movie is pure chaos, with Tom Savini wielding a gun in the most, uh, “creative” way possible and Danny Trejo doing what he does best – being terrifying. It’s grindhouse, it’s gory, and it’s got Clooney dropping one-liners like a pro. What more do you need? | © Dimension Films

33. The Transfiguration (2016)

This isn’t your typical vampire flick with fangs and capes – The Transfiguration is more of a moody indie drama that just happens to have a blood-drinking protagonist. Eric Ruffin delivers a haunting performance as Milo, a lonely New York City teen who’s disturbingly obsessed with vampirism (and maybe even believes he is one). The film takes a deep dive into trauma, isolation, and horror movie fandom itself, making it more of a psychological study than a straight-up monster movie. With shades of Let the Right One In and Martin, it’s a quiet, unsettling take on the genre that lingers long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for something artsy and thought-provoking, this one’s for you. | © Strand Releasing

32. Stake Land (2010)

Take The Walking Dead, swap out zombies for feral, bloodthirsty vampires, and you’ve got Stake Land, a post-apocalyptic road movie that deserves way more love. Connor Paolo (of Gossip Girl fame) plays a young survivor taken under the wing of Mister (Nick Damici), a grizzled vampire hunter who’s basically the Clint Eastwood of the undead. Together, they trek across a ruined America, dodging not just monsters but also unhinged human cultists – because humanity always finds a way to make things worse. With grimy, practical effects, an eerie atmosphere, and some genuine emotional weight, Stake Land is a hidden gem of vampire cinema that proves survival horror isn’t just for the zombie crowd. | © Dark Sky Films

31. Blade Saga (1998)

Before superheroes dominated the box office, Wesley Snipes put on sunglasses at night and made vampires wish they’d stayed in their coffins. Blade wasn’t just a badass action-horror flick – it was the blueprint for modern comic book movies. With Snipes delivering iconic one-liners (“Some motherf***ers are always trying to ice skate uphill”), Stephen Dorff chewing scenery as the evil Deacon Frost, and Kris Kristofferson growling his way through every scene as Blade’s grizzled mentor, this movie is just pure ’90s cool. And let’s not forget that legendary blood-rave opening – it set the tone for an entire franchise. Blade II (2002) brought in Guillermo del Toro for some monster magic, and Blade: Trinity (2004) gave us Ryan Reynolds cracking jokes years before Deadpool. The saga might have ended (for now), but Snipes’ Blade remains the coolest vampire hunter to ever rock a trench coat. | © New Line Cinema

30. Lake of Dracula (1971)

If you ever wondered what a Japanese take on gothic vampire horror would look like, Lake of Dracula is your answer. This eerie, atmospheric film is part of Toho’s vampire trilogy, proving they could do more than just unleash Godzilla on Tokyo. With its haunting visuals, dreamy cinematography, and a chillingly hypnotic vampire played by Shin Kishida, this one leans into the Hammer Horror aesthetic while giving it a distinctly Japanese twist. It’s got all the classic elements – misty graveyards, creepy castles, and a heroine who probably should have left town the moment strange things started happening. While it never reached the mainstream heights of Western vampire flicks, Lake of Dracula is a moody, hidden gem that deserves a watch – preferably on a foggy night. | © Toho

29. Vampire's Kiss (1988)

Ah, Vampire’s Kiss – the movie that gifted the world with Nicolas Cage at his most unhinged. Seriously, if you’ve ever seen a meme of Cage looking wild-eyed and manic, chances are it came from this movie. Here, he plays a New York literary agent who slowly descends into madness, convinced he’s turning into a vampire after a bizarre encounter with Jennifer Beals' mysterious woman of the night. What follows is an absolute fever dream of insanity, complete with Cage eating a real cockroach (yes, really), screaming about alphabet recitations, and delivering one of the most batshit performances of his career – which is saying something. Is he actually a vampire, or just a guy completely losing it? That’s up to you to decide. Either way, this cult classic is a wild ride that only Cage could make so unforgettable. | © Hemdale Film Corporation

28. Twins of Evil (1971)

Hammer Horror was known for its lurid, gothic takes on classic monsters, and Twins of Evil is no exception – only this time, they doubled down. Literally. Starring real-life twin Playboy Playmates Mary and Madeleine Collinson, this film blends seductive vampirism with good old-fashioned witch-hunting hysteria. Throw in Hammer legend Peter Cushing as a puritanical vampire hunter (who’s really not here for any of this nonsense), and you’ve got a blood-soaked tale of superstition, sibling drama, and fanged debauchery. It’s got all the Hammer trademarks – flowing nightgowns, technicolor blood, and an atmosphere thick with gothic melodrama. The film may be called Twins of Evil, but honestly, the real evil is the 17th-century patriarchy. | © Hammer Film Productions

Cropped The Fearless Vampire Killers 1967

27. The Fearless Vampire Killers or: Pardon Me, but Your Teeth Are in My Neck (1967)

Yes, that’s the actual title. And if you think that’s ridiculous, wait until you watch the movie. Roman Polanski directs (and stars in) this oddball horror-comedy, which plays like a slapstick Hammer Horror spoof with a hefty dose of surreal weirdness. Following two bumbling vampire hunters (Polanski and Jack MacGowran) as they infiltrate a Transylvanian castle, the film is filled with lavish sets, absurd humor, and a memorable turn from Sharon Tate as the damsel in distress. The movie is equal parts charming and bizarre, with a dreamlike quality that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into a feverish nightmare – one that happens to have a great sense of humor. If you like your vampire flicks with a side of camp, this one’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to make complete sense. | © MGM

26. Salem’s Lot (1979)

If you thought small towns were creepy before, Salem’s Lot will make you want to move to a city immediately. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this made-for-TV miniseries (yes, it’s technically not a movie, but we’re counting it) is pure nightmare fuel. Directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre), the film follows David Soul’s skeptical writer as he returns to his hometown, only to find that something very, very wrong is happening. And by “something wrong,” we mean blue-skinned, Nosferatu-style vampires peering into bedroom windows and traumatizing an entire generation of horror fans. James Mason adds a layer of eerie sophistication as the sinister Mr. Straker, and while it moves at a slow burn, the payoff is worth it. Seriously, if you watch one scene, make it the floating vampire kid at the window – it’s still terrifying decades later. | © Warner Bros.

25. Byzantium (2013)

Vampire movies often focus on tortured immortals, but Byzantium gives us something fresher – a mother-daughter duo navigating centuries of bloodlust and secrecy. Saoirse Ronan plays Eleanor, a quiet, melancholic vampire with a penchant for writing sad stories, while Gemma Arterton’s Clara is her fiercely protective and wildly unapologetic mother. Directed by Neil Jordan (who gave us Interview with the Vampire), the film is a slow-burning, gothic fairytale full of brooding aesthetics, feminist themes, and an undercurrent of tragic beauty. It’s the kind of vampire movie that replaces jump scares with poetry, trading in horror clichés for something more soulful and haunting. If you’re looking for a vampire flick that feels like a dark lullaby, Byzantium is the one. | © StudioCanal

24. Vampires (1998)

John Carpenter making a vampire western? Yes, please. Vampires is loud, bloody, and unashamedly over-the-top, giving us James Woods as the ultimate wisecracking vampire slayer, Jack Crow. He’s got a team, he’s got a crossbow, and he’s got an attitude that suggests he’s been fighting bloodsuckers for far too long. When a centuries-old vampire master (played menacingly by Thomas Ian Griffith) wipes out Crow’s crew, it’s time for revenge – Carpenter-style. That means bar fights, shotgun blasts, and action scenes dripping in pulpy goodness. Throw in Daniel Baldwin and Sheryl Lee for good measure, and you’ve got one of the most underrated vampire action flicks of the ‘90s. It’s messy, it’s macho, and it’s an absolute blast. | © Columbia Pictures

23. Ganja & Hess (1973)

Forget everything you know about vampire movies – Ganja & Hess is something else entirely. Directed by Bill Gunn, this surreal, art-house horror piece takes the vampire mythos and reshapes it into a haunting meditation on race, addiction, and immortality. Duane Jones (yes, the same Duane Jones from Night of the Living Dead) plays Dr. Hess Green, an anthropologist who becomes a reluctant bloodsucker after an ancient African dagger infects him with vampirism. Enter Ganja (Marlene Clark), a woman who falls into Hess’ orbit, leading to a twisted love story drenched in existential dread. More poetic than traditional horror, Ganja & Hess is like a fever dream that lingers long after you’ve seen it. No wonder Spike Lee remade it as Da Sweet Blood of Jesus – this is vampire cinema at its most experimental. | © Kelly-Jordan Enterprises

22. Daughters of Darkness (1971)

Vampires, but make it luxurious. Daughters of Darkness is what happens when bloodsuckers meet European arthouse cinema, and the result is absolutely hypnotic. Delphine Seyrig stars as Countess Bathory, a glamorous, enigmatic vampire who seduces a newlywed couple in a deserted seaside hotel. And honestly, who wouldn’t be seduced? With its dreamy cinematography, erotic tension, and an atmosphere thick with sensuality and doom, this Belgian horror film feels like a slow, beautiful descent into darkness. Seyrig’s performance alone makes it worth watching – she plays the Countess with such a mesmerizing blend of charm and menace that you’ll wish she’d bite you, too. If you’re into stylish, moody horror that’s more about vibes than jump scares, Daughters of Darkness is your cup of blood. | © Brandon Films

21. Dracula (1958)

If there’s one version of Dracula that defines the classic vampire aesthetic, it’s Hammer Horror’s Dracula – or Horror of Dracula as it was known in the U.S. Christopher Lee’s Count is all towering presence, crimson eyes, and effortless menace, making him one of the most iconic screen Draculas of all time. His battle of wills with Peter Cushing’s Van Helsing is legendary, culminating in one of the best vampire-slaying sequences in cinema history. With its lavish sets, moody lighting, and just the right amount of gore for 1958 audiences, this film established Hammer Studios as the kings of gothic horror. It also cemented Lee as the Dracula to beat, though no one ever truly did. If you haven’t seen this one, you don’t know Dracula. | © Hammer Film Productions

20. Vampyr (1932)

If Nosferatu was the eerie grandfather of vampire cinema, Vampyr is the weird uncle who only speaks in riddles and disappears into the mist when no one’s looking. Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, this early vampire film feels more like a fever dream than a traditional horror story. The plot – loosely based on Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla – follows a young traveler who stumbles upon a small European village plagued by supernatural forces. But let’s be honest, the real star here is the film’s hauntingly surreal visuals: shadows move on their own, disembodied heads float, and reality itself feels like it’s slowly unraveling. It’s slow, it’s strange, and it’s utterly mesmerizing – more of a nightmare captured on film than a typical bloodsucker flick. If you like your horror artsy and unsettling, Vampyr is essential viewing. | © Tobis Film

19. The Addiction (1995)

If a philosophy major wrote a vampire movie while chain-smoking in a dimly lit New York apartment, it would look a lot like The Addiction. Directed by Abel Ferrara, this black-and-white, existential horror film stars Lili Taylor as a philosophy grad student who gets bitten by a vampire and slowly spirals into a bloodthirsty, nihilistic crisis. Instead of just drinking blood, she broods over it, pondering morality, sin, and the nature of evil – because, obviously, vampirism is just another form of addiction. Christopher Walken even shows up as a veteran vampire who warns her about going too far, delivering his usual brand of cryptic menace. If you’re in the mood for a horror movie that feels like a mix between a college lecture and a bad trip, The Addiction is waiting for you. | © October Films

18. Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

What if Nosferatu’s Max Schreck wasn’t just playing a vampire – but actually was one? That’s the brilliant, delightfully unhinged premise of Shadow of the Vampire. Willem Dafoe steals the show as Schreck, giving an eerie, oddly tragic performance that’s equal parts grotesque and hilarious. John Malkovich plays F.W. Murnau, the obsessive director willing to do anything to make his masterpiece – even if it means feeding his cast to a real-life vampire. This film is a darkly funny, deeply weird love letter to classic horror cinema, blurring the line between myth and reality in the best way possible. Dafoe’s transformation is so convincing that you’ll start to wonder if he’s just been a vampire this whole time. Someone check his reflection, please. | © Lionsgate

17. Martin (1977)

George A. Romero may be known as the godfather of zombies, but with Martin, he gave us one of the most fascinating, stripped-down takes on the vampire mythos ever put on screen. John Amplas plays Martin, a deeply troubled young man who may or may not be an actual vampire – but either way, he’s out there sedating people and drinking their blood. There are no fangs, no supernatural theatrics – just an unsettling mix of psychological horror and social commentary, as Romero cleverly plays with the idea of vampirism as a metaphor for alienation and mental illness. It’s raw, it’s tragic, and it’s criminally underrated. Plus, it features one of the most terrifying vampire attacks ever – a brutal, drawn-out home invasion sequence that feels way too real. Forget capes and castles; Martin makes vampirism feel disturbingly close to home. | © Libra Films

16. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Francis Ford Coppola took Dracula, cranked the gothic romance up to 11, and delivered a visual feast that still looks jaw-dropping today. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the most lavish, extra, and operatic take on the story yet, dripping in deep reds, elaborate costumes, and enough shadow-play to make a film student weep. Gary Oldman gives us a Dracula who is both monstrous and heartbreakingly tragic, while Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves bring the doomed romance (and, in Keanu’s case, a truly legendary attempt at a British accent). Throw in Anthony Hopkins as a hilariously unhinged Van Helsing and Tom Waits eating bugs as Renfield, and you’ve got a film that swings between high art and camp in the most glorious way possible. Over-the-top? Absolutely. A masterpiece? Without a doubt. | © Columbia Pictures

15. Dracula (1931)

The one, the only, the Dracula that defined all Draculas to come. Bela Lugosi didn’t just play the legendary Count – he became him, complete with hypnotic stares, a slow, deliberate accent, and a cape that made every Halloween costume designer’s job a whole lot easier. Directed by Tod Browning, this Universal horror classic isn’t just iconic – it’s the vampire movie that set the template for almost everything that followed. Sure, by today’s standards, the pacing is a little slow and the scares are more atmospheric than outright terrifying, but Lugosi’s performance is still mesmerizing. Dwight Frye’s bug-eating Renfield, meanwhile, might be the most underrated creeper in horror history. Whether you’re a die-hard classic horror fan or just here to see where all the “I vant to suck your blood” jokes started, Dracula is a must-watch. | © Universal Pictures

14. Cronos (1993)

Before Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro gave us Cronos, a vampire film unlike anything else in the genre. This one’s got no capes, no bats – just an ancient mechanical device that grants eternal life, but with a gruesome bloodsucking side effect. Veteran actor Federico Luppi stars as Jesús, an elderly antique dealer who stumbles upon the cursed artifact and suddenly finds himself craving something… a little more crimson. Meanwhile, Ron Perlman plays a brutish thug trying to steal it for his dying employer, bringing his signature mix of menace and charm. With its melancholy tone, stunning visual style, and a deep sense of tragedy, Cronos proves that del Toro was always a master at blending horror with heart. This is vampirism with a touch of poetic beauty – and a whole lot of weird, wonderful body horror. | © October Films

13. The Lost Boys (1987)

What happens when you mix teen rebellion, ‘80s fashion, and a gang of motorcycle-riding vampires? You get The Lost Boys – the coolest, most rock ‘n’ roll vampire movie ever made. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this neon-drenched horror-comedy follows the Emerson brothers (Jason Patric and Corey Haim) as they move to a new town that just so happens to have a serious vampire problem. Enter Kiefer Sutherland as David, the bleach-blond, leather-jacket-wearing vampire leader who redefines the word “badass.” And let’s not forget Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander as the Frog Brothers, possibly the most overconfident vampire hunters in history. With its killer soundtrack, endlessly quotable dialogue, and some of the most stylish bloodsuckers to ever hit the screen, The Lost Boys is peak ‘80s horror at its best. And remember – vampires do have reflection-proof hair. | © Warner Bros.

12. Near Dark (1987)

Forget gothic castles and aristocratic vampires – Near Dark takes vampirism straight to the dusty highways of the American West. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this genre-bending masterpiece is part vampire horror, part neo-Western, and completely badass. Adrian Pasdar stars as Caleb, a small-town guy who gets bitten by the alluring but dangerous Mae (Jenny Wright) and is dragged into a nomadic gang of outlaw vampires. The real show-stealers, though, are Bill Paxton’s psychotic Severen and Lance Henriksen’s eerie Jesse Hooker, both giving some of the most menacing performances in vampire movie history. With its moody cinematography, sun-drenched violence, and a complete lack of fangs (yep, no bitey teeth here), Near Dark is a unique and gritty take on the vampire mythos that deserves way more love. If you haven’t seen it, saddle up and get ready for one hell of a blood-soaked ride. | © De Laurentiis Entertainment Group

11. Fright Night (1985)

“Welcome to Fright Night… for real.” If you love your vampires with a side of ‘80s cheese and just the right amount of camp, this one’s for you. When horror-obsessed teenager Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) discovers that his suave new neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) is actually a vampire, he does what any logical person would do – seek help from a washed-up horror host, Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), who may or may not actually believe in vampires. What follows is a fun, spooky, and surprisingly heartfelt battle of good versus evil, with plenty of practical effects and that classic ‘80s horror charm. Sarandon’s Jerry is the perfect mix of charismatic and terrifying, proving that sometimes, vampires don’t need to be monstrous – they just need to be really, really smooth. | © Columbia Pictures

10. Thirst (2009)

Leave it to Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, The Handmaiden) to take a vampire story and turn it into something beautifully twisted, deeply tragic, and completely unforgettable. Thirst follows Song Kang-ho (one of South Korea’s finest actors) as a priest who, after a failed medical experiment, develops an unfortunate case of vampirism. Suddenly, he’s torn between his faith and an insatiable thirst for blood – oh, and things get even more complicated when he falls into a steamy, chaotic love affair with the seductive but troubled Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin). The film is equal parts erotic thriller, existential horror, and dark comedy, all wrapped in Park’s signature stylish brutality. Blood-soaked and brimming with guilt, desire, and moral dilemmas, Thirst is a must-watch for those who like their vampires with a side of beautifully deranged storytelling. | © CJ Entertainment

9. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

If vampire movies could be hipsters, Only Lovers Left Alive would be the king of them all. Jim Jarmusch directs this slow-burn, existential take on the vampire myth, starring Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston as two ancient, ultra-cool, impossibly well-read vampires named Eve and Adam. They’re not hunting humans in dark alleys – they’re sipping on blood like fine wine, discussing art, music, and poetry as they navigate the quiet agony of eternal life. Mia Wasikowska pops in as Eve’s wild-card sister to shake things up, but for the most part, this movie is less about bloodlust and more about the weight of time itself. If you ever wondered what a centuries-old vampire would do in modern times (hint: mope around listening to vinyl records and wearing fabulous scarves), this film has all the answers. It’s melancholic, beautiful, and effortlessly cool. | © Sony Pictures Classics

8. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Few vampire films drip with as much gothic grandeur as Interview with the Vampire. Based on Anne Rice’s novel, this one serves up all the brooding, decadent, immortality-induced existential crises you could ask for. Brad Pitt stars as Louis, the reluctant vampire who spends centuries sulking about his condition, while Tom Cruise hams it up as Lestat, the flamboyant, sadistic, and wildly entertaining mentor who really just wants Louis to lighten up and embrace the bloodsucking lifestyle. Throw in a young, terrifyingly good Kirsten Dunst as Claudia – a child vampire with the mind of an adult and a growing resentment toward her immortal "parents" – and you’ve got a vampire epic with serious bite. From its lavish production design to its gorgeous cinematography, this film is peak ‘90s gothic horror, proving that sometimes, being undead is more of a mood than a curse. | © Warner Bros.

7. The Hunger (1983)

If vampires were models walking the runway of eternal life, The Hunger would be their fashion show. Tony Scott’s artful, hypnotic take on vampirism gives us Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie (yes, David Bowie) as a stunningly chic vampire couple who lounge around their New York mansion, feasting on unsuspecting lovers while looking effortlessly cool. That is, until Bowie’s character starts aging rapidly and Susan Sarandon enters the picture, igniting a sensual, eerie love triangle that oozes style and tragedy. With its dreamlike pacing, moody synth score, and an opening sequence featuring Bauhaus’ Bela Lugosi’s Dead, The Hunger is less about plot and more about vibes. It’s sleek, erotic, and drenched in atmosphere – essential viewing for anyone who likes their vampires with a side of avant-garde elegance. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

6. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

If you ever thought vampire movies were taking themselves a little too seriously, What We Do in the Shadows is here to fix that. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement bring us this brilliantly absurd mockumentary about a group of vampire roommates living in modern-day New Zealand. There’s Viago (Waititi), the overly polite dandy who tries to keep things civilized; Vladislav (Clement), a former warlord still bitter about his lost glory days; and Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), the rebellious “bad boy” of the group. Together, they navigate the mundane struggles of eternal life – like chore wheels, nightclubs, and figuring out how to get invited into human homes without looking creepy. With deadpan humor, endless quotable lines, and a surprising amount of heart, What We Do in the Shadows is hands down one of the funniest – and most refreshing – vampire movies ever made. | © Madman Entertainment

Nosferatu The Vampyre (1979)

Werner Herzog's Nosferatu the Vampyre is less a remake and more a haunting homage to F.W. Murnau's 1922 classic. Klaus Kinski steps into the shadowy shoes of Count Dracula, delivering a performance that's equal parts eerie and tragic – because who says vampires can't have feelings too? Isabelle Adjani plays Lucy Harker, the object of the Count's dark desires, while Bruno Ganz portrays her devoted husband, Jonathan. Herzog infuses the film with his signature atmospheric style, transforming the familiar tale into a poetic exploration of death and obsession. The result is a visually stunning, slow-burn horror that lingers like a half-remembered nightmare. | © Gaumont

4. Vampire Hunter D (2000)

In a world where vampires and humans coexist (not always peacefully), Vampire Hunter D introduces us to D, the coolest, most stoic half-vampire, half-human bounty hunter you've ever seen. This Japanese animated film, based on Hideyuki Kikuchi's novels, blends gothic horror with futuristic sci-fi, creating a universe where castles and cybernetics go hand in hand. D, voiced by Andrew Philpot in the English version, is hired to rescue a young woman from a powerful vampire noble, leading to a series of bloody, beautifully animated battles. It's stylish, it's dark, and it proves that sometimes, the best vampire stories come with a side of anime flair. | © Urban Vision

3. Let the Right One In (2008)

Forget sparkly vampires – Let the Right One In gives us a chilling, tender story of friendship and bloodlust in the snowy suburbs of Stockholm. Twelve-year-old Oskar, played by Kåre Hedebrant, is a lonely boy bullied at school, until he meets Eli, a mysterious girl portrayed by Lina Leandersson, who only comes out at night. As their bond deepens, Oskar discovers that Eli is no ordinary girl but a centuries-old vampire. Director Tomas Alfredson crafts a hauntingly beautiful film that balances moments of quiet tenderness with sudden, brutal violence. It's a vampire tale that's more about the monsters within us than the ones lurking in the shadows. | © Sandrew Metronome

2. Nosferatu (2024)

Robert Eggers' Nosferatu is a modern reimagining of the 1922 silent classic, bringing the eerie tale of Count Orlok to a new generation. Bill Skarsgård transforms into the ghastly vampire, delivering a performance that's both unsettling and mesmerizing. Lily-Rose Depp portrays Ellen Hutter, the object of Orlok's dark obsession, while Nicholas Hoult plays her husband, Thomas, who unwittingly invites the vampire into their lives. Eggers stays true to the original's gothic roots, infusing the film with atmospheric dread and stunning visuals. It's a chilling homage that proves some monsters never go out of style. | © Focus Features

Cropped A girl walks home alone at night

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

Dubbed the "first Iranian vampire western," A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is as unique and stylish as that moniker suggests. Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, the film introduces us to The Girl, a chador-clad vampire who stalks the streets of Bad City – a ghost town rife with unsavory characters. Sheila Vand delivers a mesmerizing performance as the skateboarding, bloodsucking vigilante who preys on men who disrespect women. Shot in luminous black and white, the film blends elements of horror, westerns, and Iranian New Wave cinema, creating a genre-defying experience that's as cool as it is haunting. | © Kino Lorber