Vampires are one of the oldest staples of the horror genre. Folklore about bloodsucking demons dates back centuries. The fascination and fear of these creatures have been captivating people on screens for over one hundred years. But why do people seem to crave these stories eternally?
I believe the desire for these stories is rooted in a human’s natural romantic desires. Vampires drink blood to survive, often choosing one victim to feed from. Humans benefit from strong emotional connections. To be desired to the extent of being someone’s life source is a pretty extreme romantic notion. But this theme never fails to draw an audience. Most recently, Sinners, a vampire film by Ryan Coogler, quickly became one of the highest-grossing original horror movies. Its box office success exposed a new generation to the vampire genre. This curated list is for those who are new to fanged films and are craving more.
1. Dracula (1931)
The original film adaptation of Dracula, apart from Nosferatu (1922), is the perfect place to start in order to understand the vampire genre. This story lays out the first understandings of how a vampire operates.
Bela Lugosi’s iconic performance solidified the gestures and mannerisms of a vampire. His impactful performance is the blueprint for the genre. His approach to the role made a lasting impression that every vampire movie since stems from.
Dwight Frye, who plays Renfield, Dracula’s mad servant, gives an intense and chilling performance. I would argue that understanding Renfield’s involvement in vampire lore is just as important to appreciating future adaptations and retellings.
Film scores were not yet common in the 1930s. Dracula does not have a score besides Swan Lake in the introduction credits. I feel that the use of silence creates more anticipation for the viewer.
Although this is a horror movie, the scares are tame within today’s expectations. They use rubber bats on strings; there’s no blood, and the scenes cut away before Dracula strikes. The action feels a little underwhelming for a monster movie, but it is worth viewing for its historical aspect.
IMDb: 7.30/10
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video
2. Fright Night (1985)
Fright Night is a movie for horror know-it-alls. When Charley, a horror fanatic, notices his next-door neighbor’s odd behavior, he takes matters into his own hands to protect the people he cares about.
What I love about this movie is that the viewer can put themselves into Charley’s shoes. We all like to think we could take down a villain in a horror movie. Here, we see the main character take his knowledge and put it into action. The usage of body horror sears into your mind in the best of ways. Although the scares are good, the heartfelt plot really drives this movie. The characters’ strong bonds of friendship and self-determination hook the viewer into caring about their fate.
Jerry Dandridge, the main vampire of the movie, leans into a seductive stereotype. This gives him the upper hand. He uses his sexuality to lure prey and persuade skeptics. Jerry’s attractive nature makes him appealing to both the characters and the audience. Typical vampire tests against Jerry, such as holy water, house invitations, sunlight, and mirrors, are all used. These are classic key elements to understanding a vampire’s weaknesses.
3. The Lost Boys (1987)
This movie is a fan favorite and staple of the vampire genre. This 1980s classic brings together what audiences love from the decade. Good casting, iconic fashion, a solid soundtrack, and unique horror elements.
The attire of these vampires is one of the most memorable things about the movie. Keifer Sutherland’s Billy Idol-adjacent attire encapsulates the vibe of the vampire crew. These vampires aren’t sporting typical white ruffles. They wear layered clothes, jewelry, long hair, and they ride motorcycles.
When these vampires feed, their facial structure changes. This makes these characters stand out in the genre, where basic fangs can become stale. The film is well known for its creative methods by which a vampire dies, as every vampire movie has its own rules.
This story centers on a classic trope of the mortal temptation of becoming a vampire. The balance between the horror elements and the comedic timing from both Corey Haim and Corey Feldman is perfect. The Lost Boys has unforgettable lines that will linger in your mind.
This California-set movie is perfect to view on a warm summer night. The soundtrack is full of songs that make each scene memorable and fun. You’ll find yourself singing the main theme, Cry Little Sister by Gerard McMann, after your viewing. This is an absolute must-watch for vampire lovers.
4. Interview With The Vampire (1994)
This film is an adaptation of Anne Rice’s book of the same title. The theme of the film explores a vampire’s struggles with immortality. It suggests that living forever isn’t as it’s glorified to be.
Interview With The Vampire features big-name actors. Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt are its lead vampires. A young Kirsten Dunst is among the cast as well. The aesthetic of the movie leans towards what audiences normally picture a vampire to be.
They have 18th-century attire, brooding attitudes, and exude seduction. This story is darker than the previous listed. Louis, the main vampire, grapples with the reality of living as a monster forever and having to embrace his newfound evil impulses. He must find the meaning of his forever existence. This movie is full of existentialism and melancholy.
The film was successful at the box office. It started a new wave of vampire craze in the 1990s. The goth revival helped popularize this film. The subculture claimed this film, which helped form a strong association between the aesthetic and the vampire genre.
The atmosphere of the film is so immersive that it won awards. The 1995 BAFTA ceremony awarded Interview With The Vampire for best production design and cinematography. The dramatic romantic decoration and candlelit scenes create an environment that is perfect for a vampire to thrive in. This story is full of emotional torment, which is an important perspective on the vampire lifestyle.
5. Queen of the Damned (2002)
This movie is considered to be a sequel to Anne Rice’s Interview With The Vampire, but the themes and aesthetics differ so much from the first story that it could be enjoyed as a stand-alone movie.
This film focuses on the influence that vampires have on goth and other music subcultures. The most important part of this movie, the soundtrack, is curated by Korn’s Jonathan Davis. The nü metal song choices create a distinct atmosphere that makes this film feel dark, gritty, and moody.
Aaliyah, who plays the queen vampire, gives an iconic performance with her hypnotic movement. This film focuses on the benefits of immortality rather than its psychological torment. Lestat, the main vampire, is awoken by rock music and decides to exploit his vampirism to become a rock star.
Queen Akasha is lured by Lestat’s music, and she desires to make him king. Meanwhile, he is infatuated with a human. While this plot could seem unserious compared to the first movie, it is beloved by both the horror and metal communities. Most would agree that this movie is enjoyed for its aesthetic rather than the plot. It takes a unique approach by using multiple facets to enhance the vampire appeal.
What’s the future of the vampire genre?
The Sinners craze promises an exciting revival of vampire movies. Now that newer fans of these bloodsucking creatures have a taste of the genre, I think the demand for these stories will be higher. Like Dracula himself, these classic tales remain immortal for audiences to enjoy.
