Top 25 Vampire Movies Ever Ranked

Vampires have been a staple of horror cinema since before Universal Studios first brought Dracula to life in Hollywood's early days. Over the decades, we've witnessed a myriad of vampire portrayals—from sparkling romantic leads to grotesque creatures, from comedic roommates to countless other imaginative reinventions. Vampires have always haunted the shadows, and their bat-like wings will continue to flap under the moonlight. Our mission here is to spotlight the cream of the crop in vampire cinema, traversing through the ages as horror trends evolved with the speed of Dracula fleeing daylight.

While personal favorites like "Suck," "The Transfiguration," "Byzantium," "Blood Red Sky," and "Blade" may not have made our list, they are certainly worthy of recognition. These films spark essential conversations among fans, and we encourage you to share your top vampire movie picks in the comments after perusing our selections below.

Let's sink our teeth into this vast subgenre and explore the 25 best vampire movies of all time. For more horror delights, don't miss our list of the best monster movies.

25 Best Vampire Movies of All Time

View 26 Images25. Vampyr (1932)

Image credit: General Foreign Sales CorpDirector: 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

Criterion has rightfully hailed "Vampyr" as a horror classic. Danish director Carl Theodor Dreyer leveraged the limited technological advancements of his time to craft a black-and-white vampire mystery characterized by surrealistic visuals. "Vampyr" is renowned for its use of shadows that move with apparent autonomy, lending a dreamlike quality to the supernatural elements. While it may not reach the heights of "Nosferatu," it showcases how vampire films can stand out through ethereal visual effects and ghostly disorientation, even with the constraints of early cinema. Ambition always finds a way to shine through.

24. Bit (2019)

Image credit: Vertical EntertainmentDirector: 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" aces the vibe check with its vibrant, neon-lit aesthetic. Nicole Maines plays a transgender teenager who moves to Los Angeles and joins a fierce group of vampires led by the cool-as-ice Diana Hopper as Duke. This indie film captures the essence of LA culture, from its messages to its depiction of the city's nightlife, accentuated by a perfect needle drop of Starcrawler's "I Love LA." Despite its budget constraints, "Bit" boasts tenfold the style of many contemporary vampire films and delivers authentic themes, ambitious execution, and satisfying gore for horror aficionados. It's a film that boldly embraces its feminist narrative, making it a compelling addition to the genre.

23. Nosferatu (2024)

Image Credit: Focus FeaturesDirector: 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 has finally realized his passion project with "Nosferatu," and the result is as visually stunning and atmospherically unnerving as expected. Jarin Blaschke's meticulous cinematography earned one of the film's four Oscar nominations, a testament to Eggers' commitment to crafting an unparalleled cinematic experience. Bill Skarsgård transforms into the menacing Count Orlok under layers of grotesque makeup, while Lily-Rose Depp captivates as his tormented muse. Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe provide stellar support as Eggers reimagines Henrik Galeen's and Bram Stoker's tale into a sublime, gothic horror masterpiece. It's a film that's both beautiful and terrifying, showcasing Eggers' unique vision.

22. Fright Night (2011)

Image credit: Walt Disney Studios 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 remake of "Fright Night" earns its spot on this list, surpassing the beloved 1985 original in several ways. With Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, and Toni Collette leading the cast, the film delivers heightened intensity and a brisker pace. The performances, especially Farrell's menacing portrayal and David Tennant's flamboyant Vegas showman, distinguish this version from its predecessor. While the original's practical effects are unmatched, "Fright Night" (2011) excels in every other aspect, maintaining a relentless predatory atmosphere from start to finish.

21. Bloodsucking Bastards (2015)

Image credit: Scream FactoryDirector: 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

Vampirism can embody various metaphors, and "Bloodsucking Bastards" cleverly uses it to satirize office culture. This horror comedy, starring Fran Kranz and Pedro Pascal, follows a sales team as they slowly transform into nocturnal sales agents of doom. The film humorously critiques the soul-draining nature of cubicle life, turning it into a literal vampiric existence. As the plot unfolds, it blends the humor of a "Workaholics" episode with the biting satire of a Mike Judge comedy, culminating in a thrilling corporate battle where office supplies become weapons. If you're a fan of horror comedies with a "Worksploitation" twist, this is a must-watch.

20. The Lost Boys (1987)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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" is a quintessential '80s horror film that blends the innocence of Peter Pan with the menace of vampire lore. It's known for its iconic "Sexy Sax Man" scene and Kiefer Sutherland's portrayal of the charismatic yet menacing leader of a gang of vampire misfits in Santa Carla. Joel Schumacher's direction captures the era's flamboyance, with vampire makeup designed to evoke fear rather than allure. The film is a perfect blend of '80s style and horror, leaving a lasting impression with its unique take on the genre.

19. Norway (2014)

Image credit: Horsefly ProductionsDirector: 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

"Norway" is a hidden gem directed by Yannis Veslemes, a film that waited years for U.S. distribution. This Eurotrash take on vampirism follows a vampire who claims he'll die if he stops dancing, set against the backdrop of 1980s nightclubs. The film blends elements of raves, friendships with prostitutes, and Nazi conspiracies into a visually stunning narrative. Veslemes' artistic ambition shines through in sequences that resemble glitzy music videos, with blood depicted in vibrant colors and miniatures adding to the surreal experience. "Norway" is a unique and groovy exploration of vampire lore that's not to be missed.

18. Cronos (1992)

Image credit: October FilmsDirector: 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 feature, "Cronos," is a unique take on the vampire genre, focusing on an ancient scarab device that grants eternal life. The film features a young Ron Perlman as a mob enforcer and minimal traditional vampire elements, with the protagonist's desperate act of licking blood from a bathroom floor serving as a poignant metaphor for addiction. Del Toro's fascination with humanizing monsters and challenging genre norms is evident from the start, making "Cronos" a standout film that showcases his distinctive style.

17. Blade 2 (2002)

Image credit: New Line CinemaDirector: 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

"Blade 2" stands out as a rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor, with Guillermo del Toro's distinctive touch elevating the film. The sequel features more vibrant landscapes and terrifying vampire creatures, all brought to life with del Toro's signature practical effects. Wesley Snipes' portrayal of Blade remains as cool and compelling as ever, while del Toro's love for the macabre and detailed character work foreshadows his later successes like "Hellboy" and "Crimson Peak." This film is a thrilling blend of action and horror that fans of the genre will not want to miss.

16. Stake Land (2010)

Image credit: IFC FilmsDirector: 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" presents a stark, apocalyptic vision of a world overrun by vampires, released just two years after the "Twilight" saga began. Jim Mickle and co-writer Nick Damici, who also stars, craft a tense, dystopian journey where survivors navigate vampire-infested territories. The film focuses on a mentor-student relationship between a seasoned vampire hunter and his young apprentice, emphasizing survival and tension over romance. "Stake Land" offers a gripping, beastly take on vampire lore that stands as a potent counter-narrative to the era's romantic vampire tales.

15. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Image credit: Soda PicturesDirector: 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" is a cool, indie rock-infused take on vampirism. Tom Hiddleston plays a reclusive musician with the charm of a subdued rock star, while Tilda Swinton embodies a laid-back elegance that captivates. The film explores themes of addiction and humanity's decline through the lens of immortal vampires, punctuated by the chaotic energy of Mia Wasikowska and Anton Yelchin. "Only Lovers Left Alive" is a rebellious, stylish film that captures the essence of its characters without succumbing to pretension, making it a standout in vampire cinema.

14. 30 Days of Night (2007)

Image credit: Sony PicturesDirector: 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

"30 Days of Night" is a gripping comic book adaptation that deserves recognition among the best. Set in an Alaskan town plunged into darkness for a month, the film follows residents as they fend off a brutal vampire gang. Josh Hartnett and Melissa George deliver strong performances, while Danny Huston embodies the primal fear vampires can inspire. The film's relentless pace and graphic violence contribute to its status as a horror classic, showcasing a turning point in horror cinema where gore became more purposeful and intense.

13. Ganja & Hess (1973)

Image credit: Kelly-Jordan EnterprisesDirector: 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 groundbreaking experimental vampire film, notable for its focus on Black characters in a genre often dominated by white European narratives. Duane Jones and Marlene Clark star as lovers bound by bloodlust, with Gunn weaving elements of the Black experience into the story of vampirism as a form of imprisonment. The film's haunting score and raw depiction of human sins make it a powerful exploration of race, horror, and societal issues, standing as a testament to the importance of representation in cinema.