25 Best Vampire Movies, Ranked
Blade, Count Orlok, Dracula, Lestat, and yes, even Edward—they're all here.
This week, Esquire is celebrating Halloween season with an ode to our favorite nocturnal creature: the humble vampire. Whether you want to relish in the beauty of What We Do in the Shadows's Nandor, relive the indelible camp of Twilight, or simply catch up on the best vampire novels and films, we’re here to provide a smattering of vampire-themed stories, made just for you. So grab your garlic and a stake, dear reader—we’re taking a trip to the underworld.
Alright, I’ll admit it: I used to be a vampire hater. I never understood people’s obsession with the pale creatures, who drink blood (gross!) instead of water (wasteful!), and occasionally look like Robert Pattinson. Now, upon further review, I’ll admit that vampires are pretty cool. Want to know what changed my mind?
Twilight. I know, I know.
Feel free to take a lap around the block and come back.The glittery vamps showed me what I’d been missing out on for so many years. Ghastly bloodsuckers whose eternal lives hold more drama than a telenovela? I was hooked. As a recent convert, it’s only right to let you in on the fun, which is why we—to kick off Esquire's Vampire Week—have rounded up a slew of tantalizing vampire stories. Whether you’re new to the hype or have been a devoted member since day one, these will satisfy all creatures of the night. From The Lost Boys to Blade, these are the 25 best vampire movies of all time. Dig your teeth in—and enjoy.
30 Days of Night (2007)
Vampire's Kiss (1988)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Sure, the long-running TV series has overshadowed this campy '90s teen comedy (also written by Buffy creator Joss Whedon), but don't sleep on this little gem, which stars Kristy Swanson as the valley girl who comes into her own when she discovers she's the next in a long line of vampire killers.
Blood for Dracula (1974)
Andy Warhol produced this cult classic starring Udo Kier as the famed Transylvanian count, who travels to Italy in search of virgin blood to regain his strength. The film co-stars notable Warhol superstar Joe Dallesandro and features a cameo from Roman Polanski.
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
F. W. Murnau's landmark silent horror film Nosferatu launched the vampire movie genre when it was released in 1922. Eight decades later, John Malkovich starred as Murnau in this behind-the-scenes tale of the making of the film, which reveals that its lead actor (played perfectly by Willem Dafoe) is actually a vampire.
The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967)
Roman Polanski directed and starred in this spoofy comedy, which also featured his future wife Sharon Tate, playing the bumbling apprentice to a vampire hunter named Professor Abronsius. On a mission in Transylvania, the duo encounter the devious Count von Krolock and must defeat him to save a small village from certain doom.
Blade (1998)
Often unrecognized as the first successful Marvel Entertainment production, Blade stars Wesley Snipes as the titular superhero: a half-vampire who possesses superhuman abilities and uses his powers to fight against the race of vampires led by Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff), who aims to defeat humanity and control the world.
Thirst (2009)
Korean auteur Park Chan-wook directed this inspired adaptation of Émile Zola's classic novel Thérèse Raquin, giving it a surprising horror bent. After a botched vaccination experiment, a Catholic priest becomes a vampire. But blood isn't the only thing he lusts after once he reconnects with a childhood friend and meets the man's beautiful wife.
El Conde (2023)
This isn't a drill: Pablo Larraín, the legendary Chilean director, made a vampire movie this year. It's as spectacular as you'd think. If you're going to watch one new horror film this Halloween season, please—let it be this.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Adam (Tom Hiddleston) is a depressed musician who cannot handle the existential dread of everyday life. But a reunion with his devoted lover Eve (Tilda Swinton) reignites his passion for life—that is until her wild little sister comes in to shake things up. Oh, and of course: They're vampires, having lived and loved and loathed humanity for centuries.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Flight of the Conchords's Jermaine Clement co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in this comedy alongside Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi as 8,000-year-old vampires who share a flat in Wellington, New Zealand. Along with their two roommates, the vampires struggle with keeping up with modern-day life as they're unable to go out during the day—that is until they turn an intended victim into a new vampire and bond with him and his best friend, Stu.
Cronos (1993)
Guillermo del Toro launched his genre-bending career with this tale of an antiques dealer who discovers a 16th century contraption that stabs anyone who opens it, giving that person eternal youth. But it comes with a price—the desire for human blood—and a pair of men who are hunting for the device.
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