There has been a resurgence of vampire-centric movies and TV shows in recent years, from Netflix's Interview With The Vampire recently announced.
Their mystic and intriguing depictions make them classic villains for any tale, with fans thirsting for more. Since 1931's original Dracula movie starring Bela Legosi, viewers have seen many movies and TV shows with the classic monster, but these are the picks fans believe to be the best, according to Ranker.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
True Blood (2008 - 2014)
The supernatural mystery romance show, True Blood, was on the screens from 2008 to 2014, with seven seasons overall. The show starred Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress in Louisiana where vampires have been able to make themselves known to mankind and fight for equal rights.
Fans loved this show due to the long-standing and difficult romance between Sookie and the 174-year-old vampire, Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), as well as the complex world of different supernatural creatures. While the premise is intriguing, going against the norm with vampires not having to hide, the show gained the most traction with the in-depth storylines and compelling characters.
30 Days Of Night (2007)
This 2007 horror thriller film, 30 Days of Night, sees Stella (Melissa George) and Eben Olson (Josh Hartnet) survive against vicious vampires that attack an Alaskan town while they experience a month of darkness. With the majority of the vampires in the town being vicious and brutal, they follow the lead vampire (Danny Huston).
What makes this a good film is that it isn't clear if the vampires are run by instinct or if they enjoy toying with their victims, playing into the horror genre. While the actions and portrayal of the vampires are compelling, the film is reinforced by the desolate landscape in which it was filmed, allowing the audience to get a feel for the terrifying atmosphere.
Blade (1998)
In the 1998 film, starring Wesley Snipes and directed by Stephen Norrington, Blade follows a vampire hunter protecting humanity and preventing the vampires from taking control over the human race. The catch? He is part vampire.
Based on a Marvel comic book hero, fans enjoy this superhero film due to its comedic elements, such as the vampire fight club, and the extraordinary action sequences. While many comment on the questionable CGI and dry dialogue, the overall cinematography is innovative and the choreography was intriguing to watch, especially in the late 1990s before the mass wave of Marvel superhero films.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 - 2003)
The 1997 supernatural TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer sees Sarah Michelle Gellar in the titular role. The high school student tries to live a normal life while embracing her responsibilities as a vampire and demon hunter.
While fans have said that the show was slightly tacky, many agree that the show is a classic. Buffy stands out amongst the other teen dramas of the '90s due to its well-written storylines and the intriguing characters throughout, seeing some well-renowned actors such as Alyson Hannigan, best known for her role as Lily in How I Met Your Mother.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Starring George Clooney and Salma Hayek and directed by Robert Rodriguez, From Dusk Till Dawn follows the Gecko's brother's run from the law, who instead find themselves mixed into a battle with a vampire gang.
Written by Quentin Tarantino, the story is a masterful tale that is filled with action, gore, and lots more. While the film is considered a horror, it is also comedic and emotional, and yet the tension throughout leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat. The incredible choreography for each fight scene plays its hand in being amongst Tarantino's best movies.
Fright Night (1985)
In this 1985 horror-comedy, directed by Tom Holland, Fright Night follows Charley Brewster's (William Ragsdale) suspicions that his new neighbor is a vampire and enlists the help of a washed-up TV vampire killer Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall).
Fans enjoy this film due to the intriguing and comedic premise that grabs the viewer's attention from the start. The practical effects throughout are some of the best, reminiscent of Creep Show and homage to the classic horror films of the decade and keep the tension building.
Underworld (2003)
Underworld is the first movie of a dark fantasy franchise that follows a group of people caught up in a war between vampires and werewolves. Starring as the lead, Kate Beckinsale plays Selene, who is based on the Marvel comic book character of the same name.
Fans enjoy the extravagant costumes and sets for the world, with in-depth worldbuilding throughout both sides of the war. The actors throughout give relatable performances, with somewhat questionable dialogue. Despite this, it still does a good job gripping the audience and providing a worthwhile watch.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves and based on the novel of the same name, 1992's Bram Stoker's Dracula sees Count Dracula swear to avenge the death of his wife before meeting Mina, someone he sees as her reincarnation.
The beautiful cinematography and romantic adaptation of the book is a classic in cinema, with a star-studded cast, stunning costumes, and mesmerizing sets. While it does take the name of the book, there are some key differences. However, these make the film even more intriguing and gripping for the average viewer, while still demonstrating the original nuances of the classic vampire.
Interview With The Vampire (1994)
Currently being remade by AMC into a new TV adaptation, 1994's Interview With The Vampire follows Brad Pitt's character, Louis de Pointe du Lac, telling his life story to a reporter, beginning from his turning by Lestat (Tom Cruise) and the turning of 10-year-old Claudia (Kirsten Dunst).
The interesting premise, based on a novel by Anne Rice, is a mind-boggling mystery as viewers learn, alongside the reporter, the truth. This shows an insight into a side of vampires that audiences hadn't seen at the time, as they were always the villain and not the sympathetic protagonists. The soundtrack, along with the message of the film, made it an emotional rollercoaster.
The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys follows two boys who move with their mother (Dianne Wiest) to a small town. While the younger (Corey Haim) finds comic book fans, his older brother (Jason Patric) falls for one of the vampire's minions, wrapping himself up with the local gang of vampires.
The outstanding acting from the lead vampire, Kiefer Sutherland, and the rest of the cast allows for the already amazing script to shine through in the nostalgic 1987 movie. While still somewhat underrated, the soundtrack, choreography, and cinematography allow this film to shine and give the audience a message of individuality and not following the crowd.
