Vampires have long been a staple of horror cinema, emerging even before Universal unleashed Dracula in Hollywood’s early days. From seductive heartthrobs to grotesque monsters, the vampire genre has evolved with countless reimaginings. These creatures of the night continue to captivate, their stories unfolding under moonlit shadows. Here, we celebrate the finest vampire films in history, spanning iconic eras of horror as trends flickered faster than a vampire in sunlight.
Some beloved films didn’t make this list but merit honorable mentions. Titles like Suck, The Transfiguration, Byzantium, Blood Red Sky, and Blade spark lively debates among fans. Share your favorites in the comments below after exploring our selections!
Now, let’s dive into the dark heart of this timeless genre. Here are the 25 greatest vampire movies ever made. For more monstrous thrills, check out our top monster movie picks.
25 Greatest Vampire Films Ever
View 26 Images
25. Vampyr (1932)
Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer | Writer: Carl Theodor Dreyer, Christen Jul | Stars: Julian West, Rena Mandel, Sybille Schmitz | Release Date: May 6, 1932 (Germany), August 14, 1934 (US) | Runtime: 75 minutes | Review: IGN's Vampyr review | Where to watch: Stream on Max and The Criterion Channel
Carl Theodor Dreyer’s Vampyr earns its status as a horror classic. The Danish director uses early cinematic techniques to craft a haunting black-and-white vampire mystery. Shadows move with eerie autonomy, creating a dreamlike supernatural aura. While not as iconic as Nosferatu, Vampyr showcases innovative visuals and ghostly disorientation, proving ambition thrives even with limited technology.
24. Bit (2019)
Director: Brad Michael Elmore | Writer: Brad Michael Elmore | Stars: Nicole Maines, Diana Hopper, Zolee Griggs | Release Date: April 24, 2020 | Runtime: 90 minutes | Where to watch: Stream on Prime Video, Hoopla, or Freevee (with ads)
Brad Michael Elmore’s Bit radiates vibrant Los Angeles energy. Nicole Maines plays a transgender teen who joins a fierce, all-female vampire crew led by the magnetic Diana Hopper. With a bold soundtrack featuring Starcrawler’s “I Love LA,” the indie film blends gritty style, authentic themes, and bloody thrills. Its feminist narrative holds strong, delivering a seductive, confident take on modern vampirism.
23. Nosferatu (2024)
Director: Robert Eggers | Writer: Robert Eggers | Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe | Release Date: December 25, 2024 | Runtime: 132 minutes | Where to watch: Stream on Peacock
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu fulfills his lifelong vision with stunning artistry. Jarin Blaschke’s cinematography, earning an Oscar nomination, complements Eggers’ meticulous craft. Bill Skarsgård’s grotesque Count Orlok and Lily-Rose Depp’s intense performance anchor a gothic masterpiece. Supported by Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe, this reimagining of Bram Stoker’s tale blends beauty and horror with unparalleled precision.
22. Fright Night (2011)
Director: Craig Gillespie | Writer: Marti Noxon, Tom Holland | Stars: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant | Release Date: August 19, 2011 | Runtime: 106 minutes | Review: IGN's Fright Night review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
The 2011 Fright Night remake surpasses its 1985 predecessor with sharper pacing and fierce performances. Colin Farrell’s predatory vampire and David Tennant’s flamboyant showman elevate the film, distinct from the original’s charm. While the 1985 version excels in practical effects, this update delivers relentless dread and standout acting, carving its own bloody path.
21. Bloodsucking Bastards (2015)
Director: Brian James O'Connell | Writer: Brian James O'Connell, Ryan Mitts, Dr. God | Stars: Fran Kranz, Pedro Pascal, Joey Kern | Release Date: September 4, 2015 | Runtime: 86 minutes | Where to watch: Stream on Peacock, Pluto TV, and Prime Video
Bloodsucking Bastards turns the corporate grind into a horror-comedy gem. Fran Kranz and Pedro Pascal star as office workers facing a vampire takeover, where cubicle life becomes a literal bloodbath. The film’s sharp satire, akin to Mike Judge’s wit, uses workplace tools as weapons in a darkly funny battle against undead ambition.
20. The Lost Boys (1987)
Director: Joel Schumacher | Writer: Janice Fischer, James Jeremias, Jeffrey Boam | Stars: Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest | Release Date: July 31, 1987 | Runtime: 97 minutes | Review: IGN's The Lost Boys review | Where to watch: Rent from Amazon Prime Video and other platforms
The Lost Boys reimagines Peter Pan with a bloody twist. Kiefer Sutherland leads a gang of vampiric rebels in 1980s Santa Carla, blending gruesome horror with vibrant style. Joel Schumacher’s vision, complete with iconic makeup and a bold soundtrack, delivers a thrilling boardwalk adventure that defines an era.
19. Norway (2014)
Director: Yannis Veslemes | Writer: Yannis Veslemes | Stars: Vangelis Mourikis, Alexia Kaltsiki, Daniel Bolda | Release Date: January 3, 2015 (Greece), December 19, 2017 (US) | Runtime: 73 minutes | Where to watch: Stream on Screambox
Yannis Veslemes’ Norway is a wild, little-known gem. This Eurotrash vampire tale follows a dance-obsessed bloodsucker in 1980s nightclubs, tangled in vibrant conspiracies. With music video flair and bold visuals, it’s a psychedelic, groovy nightmare that redefines the genre’s boundaries.
18. Cronos (1992)
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Writer: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman, Claudio Brook | Release Date: December 3, 1993 (Mexico), March 30, 1994 (US) | Runtime: 94 minutes | Review: IGN's Cronos review | Where to watch: Stream on Max, The Criterion Channel
Guillermo del Toro’s debut, Cronos, reimagines vampirism through a golden scarab granting eternal life. Ron Perlman’s gritty performance and del Toro’s focus on addiction-like bloodlust create a unique, humanized monster tale. This rebellious film sets the stage for del Toro’s later masterpieces.
17. Blade 2 (2002)
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Writer: David S. Goyer | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman | Release Date: March 22, 2002 | Runtime: 117 minutes | Review: IGN's Blade 2 review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms
Guillermo del Toro’s Blade 2 outshines its predecessor with vivid visuals and terrifying creatures. Wesley Snipes’ iconic vampire hunter battles with high-tech flair, while del Toro’s macabre style elevates the action. This sequel’s bold practical effects make it a standout in comic book cinema.
16. Stake Land (2010)
Director: Jim Mickle | Writer: Jim Mickle, Nick Damici | Stars: Connor Paolo, Nick Damici, Kelly McGillis | Release Date: October 1, 2010 | Runtime: 98 minutes | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy and Prime Video
Stake Land delivers a gritty, apocalyptic vampire saga. Jim Mickle and Nick Damici craft a tense tale of a vampire hunter mentoring a young survivor in a ravaged world. With relentless action and dystopian dread, it’s a fierce counterpoint to romanticized vampire stories.
15. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Director: Jim Jarmusch | Writer: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska | Release Date: November 7, 2013 (Lithuania), April 11, 2014 (US) | Runtime: 123 minutes | Review: IGN's Only Lovers Left Alive review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and other platforms
Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive exudes cool with its indie rock vibe. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton shine as reclusive vampires, their chemistry electric. Exploring addiction and human flaws, the film blends punk attitude with haunting performances, effortlessly stylish and profound.
14. 30 Days of Night (2007)
Director: David Slade | Writer: Steve Niles, Stuart Beattie, Brian Nelson | Stars: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston | Release Date: October 19, 2007 | Runtime: 113 minutes | Review: IGN's 30 Days of Night review | Where to watch: Stream on Paramount+ Apple TV, rent on Amazon and most platforms
David Slade’s 30 Days of Night is a brutal comic book adaptation. Josh Hartnett and Melissa George fight for survival in an Alaskan town plunged into darkness, facing Danny Huston’s ferocious vampire pack. Its relentless pace and graphic horror make it a genre standout.
13. Ganja & Hess (1973)
Director: Bill Gunn | Writer: Bill Gunn | Stars: Duane Jones, Marlene Clark, Bill Gunn | Release Date: April 20, 1973 | Runtime: 112 minutes | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy
Bill Gunn’s Ganja & Hess is a bold, experimental vampire romance. Duane Jones and Marlene Clark portray lovers bound by bloodlust, weaving Black experiences into a raw exploration of vampirism. With haunting visuals and a powerful score, it challenges conventional genre norms.
12. Interview With the Vampire (1994)
Director: Neil Jordan | Writer: Anne Rice | Stars: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas | Release Date: November 11, 1994 | Runtime: 123 minutes | Review: IGN's Interview with the Vampire review | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Interview With the Vampire is a lavish, seductive epic. Tom Cruise’s charismatic Lestat and Brad Pitt’s brooding Louis lead a stellar cast through centuries of vampiric drama. With opulent sets and bold performances, it’s a flamboyant classic that embraces its queer undertones.
Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire TV series, released in 2022, offers a fresh take on the same saga.
11. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Director: Robert Rodriguez | Writer: Quentin Tarantino | Stars: George Clooney, Juliette Lewis, Quentin Tarantino | Release Date: January 19, 1996 | Runtime: 108 minutes | Review: IGN's From Dusk Till Dawn review | Where to watch: Watch free (with ads) on Pluto TV, rentable from other platforms
Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s From Dusk Till Dawn morphs from a gritty crime thriller into a chaotic vampire brawl. Salma Hayek’s electrifying dance and relentless action, fueled by practical effects, create a wild, Mexican-infused horror spectacle that’s endlessly entertaining.
10. Dracula (1931)
Director: Tod Browning, Karl Freund | Writer: Garrett Fort | Stars: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners | Release Date: February 14, 1931 | Runtime: 75 mins | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms
Bela Lugosi’s iconic Dracula defines the vampire archetype. Tod Browning’s gothic masterpiece, with its haunting sets and shadowy visuals, captivates despite early cinematic limitations. Lugosi’s commanding presence and hypnotic gaze make this a timeless cornerstone of horror cinema.
Explore more top horror films for additional chilling classics.
9. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Director: Ana Lily Amirpour | Writer: Ana Lily Amirpour | Stars: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Mozhan Marnò | Release Date: November 21, 2014 | Runtime: 101 minutes | Review: IGN's A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night review | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy
Ana Lily Amirpour’s A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a striking Iranian vampire tale. Sheila Vand’s enigmatic loner prowls Bad City, blending romance and vengeance with indie rock and Western vibes. Its bold style and sharp storytelling mark a visionary debut.
8. The Hunger (1983)
Director: Tony Scott | Writer: Ivan Davis, Michael Thomas | Stars: Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, Susan Sarandon | Release Date: April 29, 1983 | Runtime: 97 minutes | Review: IGN's The Hunger review | Where to watch: Rent Amazon and more
Tony Scott’s The Hunger is a sultry vampire classic. Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon ignite a seductive love triangle, set to Bauhaus’s “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” Its chaotic allure and bold sensuality make it a standout in the genre.
7. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Director: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi | Writer: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi | Stars: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer | Release Date: June 19, 2014 (NZ), February 13, 2015 (US) | Runtime: 86 minutes | Review: IGN's What We Do in the Shadows review | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV and more
Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s What We Do in the Shadows is a hilarious vampire mockumentary. Spoofing genre tropes with sharp wit and gory humor, it’s a comedy gem that’s endlessly quotable and deeply knowledgeable about its bloodsucking subjects.
Don’t miss the spin-off TV series for more vampire hilarity.
6. Let the Right One In (2008)
Director: Tomas Alfredson | Writer: John Ajvide Lindqvist | Stars: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar | Release Date: October 24, 2008 | Runtime: 114 mins | Review: IGN's Let the Right One In review | Where to watch: Stream on FuboTV and Hoopla
Tomas Alfredson’s Let the Right One In is a poignant vampire tale. Focusing on the bond between two outcast children, it blends tender romance with brutal realities. Its understated horror and emotional depth make it a modern classic.
5. Near Dark (1987)
Director: Kathryn Bigelow | Writer: Eric Red, Kathryn Bigelow | Stars: Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Bill Paxton | Release Date: October 2, 1987 | Runtime: 94 minutes | Review: IGN's Near Dark review | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Kathryn Bigelow’s Near Dark fuses vampire horror with Western grit. Bill Paxton and Lance Henriksen lead a ruthless vampire pack, delivering raw intensity. Its sun-scorched setting and innovative blood transfusion twist set it apart as a fierce genre hybrid.
4. Afflicted (2013)
Director: Derek Lee, Clif Prowse | Writer: | Stars: Derek Lee, Clif Prowse, Baya Rehaz | Release Date: April 4, 2014 | Runtime: 85 minutes | Review: IGN's Afflicted review | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV
Afflicted redefines found footage horror. Derek Lee and Clif Prowse star in a visceral tale of a man’s vampiric transformation, captured through dynamic GoPro shots. Blending parkour thrills with raw terror, it’s a bold, innovative addition to the genre.
3. Nosferatu (1922)
Director: F. W. Murnau | Writer: Henrik Galeen | Stars: Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim | Release Date: March 4, 1922 (Germany), 1929 (US) | Runtime: 94 mins | Where to watch: Stream on Prime Video, Screambox, Kanopy, and more
F. W. Murnau’s Nosferatu is a silent horror legend. Max Schreck’s chilling Count Orlok, with his talon-like fingers and eerie presence, remains terrifying. Its atmospheric richness and haunting visuals prove the enduring power of early vampire cinema.
2. Thirst (2009)
Director: Park Chan-wook | Writer: Park Chan-wook, Jeong Seo-kyeong | Stars: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-bin, Seo Dong-soo | Release Date: April 30, 2009 | Runtime: 134 minutes | Review: IGN's Thirst review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and more
Park Chan-wook’s Thirst is a daring exploration of desire and morality. A vampire priest and a restless wife unravel in a chaotic, taboo-breaking romance. With stunning visuals and a gripping climax, it’s a masterful, thought-provoking vampire saga.
1. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Writer: James V. Hart | Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves | Release Date: November 13, 1992 | Runtime: 128 minutes | Review: IGN's Bram Stoker's Dracula review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video and more
Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a gothic triumph. Using only in-camera effects, it delivers breathtaking visuals and powerhouse performances from Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins. Its lavish spectacle and bold style make it the ultimate vampire film.
Discover more of Keanu Reeves’ best roles in our curated list.
That’s our ranking of the top 25 vampire films! Agree with our choices? Share your thoughts or nominate your favorites in the comments. Rank your own list using our tier list tool below!
Rank The Best Vampire Movies
Rank The Best Vampire Movies
Craving more vampire thrills? Explore our guides to the best vampire anime and iconic vampire movie deaths.
Upcoming Vampire Movies
The vampire genre keeps thriving with new releases. Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu remake hit theaters in late 2024, and more bloodsucking tales are on the horizon.
Upcoming vampire films to watch for:
Dracula: A Love Tale - July 30, 2025 Devour - TBA 2025 Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires - TBA 2025 Brides - TBA Flesh of the Gods - TBA
