Best Vampire Movies And TV Shows With each passing generation, there is a constant emergence of individuals who are passionate about vampires. Throughout history, starting from the ancient folklore used to explain diseases like consumption, to literary works like the 1819 short story The Vampyre, these mythical beings have captivated our macabre interests for centuries. This fascination has persisted into the present day with an abundance of vampire-themed movies and television series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Interview with the Vampire.
We find it impossible to resist the allure and irresistible appeal of vampires — so we don’t even try. Even when vampire content becomes cliché and cringe-worthy, we still can’t help but indulge in it as guilty pleasures. That’s why we eagerly consume classics like Nosferatu and comedic gems like What We Do in the Shadows. Below, you’ll find a selection of the finest vampire shows and movies available for streaming, catering to every taste and desire for bloodthirsty entertainment.
The Vampire Diaries universe
Nina Dobrev takes on various roles (doppelgängers) in the original series, including the modern protagonist Elena Gilbert, the ancient vampire Katherine Pierce, and even the original star-crossed immortal lover Amara. At the same time, Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) and Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) strive to protect Elena’s life while simultaneously trying to win her affection. However, Elena is far from being a helpless character. She frequently rescues herself just as often, if not more so, than the Salvatore brothers.
The show enjoyed immense success throughout its 8-season duration, leading to the creation of two spinoffs. One of these spinoffs, The Originals, takes place in New Orleans and revolves around the Mikaelsons, who are the original vampire family. On the other hand, Legacies introduces a new generation of teenagers with paranormal abilities who attend a boarding school for supernatural beings. It is safe to say that chaos is bound to ensue in such an environment.
Interview With the Vampire (movie and TV)
In a blood bank, a vampire enters and inquires about employment. However, this is not the type of interview you might imagine. Anne Rice’s novel “Interview With the Vampire” is widely recognized and highly esteemed as one of the most prominent vampire books in modern literature. Transforming the novel into a film took nearly twenty years, but the cast of Tom Cruise (Lestat), Brad Pitt (Louis), and Kirsten Dunst (Claudia) couldn’t have been more perfect.
As Louis recounts his adventures with Lestat and their vampire daughter Claudia, who never ages, to a journalist, it becomes apparent that certain storylines haven’t aged gracefully. Nonetheless, both the book and the movie continue to be significant contributions to the vampire genre.
In 2022, AMC’s Interview With the Vampire TV show received a contemporary revamp, with a cast that is more inclusive and refreshed storylines. The new ensemble is comprised of talented actors such as Sam Reid (Lestat), Jacob Anderson (Louis), and Bailey Bass (Claudia). Unfortunately, the series was discontinued after its first season.
What We Do in the Shadows (TV and movie)
If you’ve ever watched The Office and thought to yourself, “Interesting story, but what if the characters were vampires?” then What We Do in the Shadows is the perfect show and movie for you. Taika Waititi (Viago) and Jemaine Clement (Vladislav) not only starred in, but also co-wrote and co-directed the 2014 film What We Do in the Shadows. Let’s be honest, the mockumentary genre was lacking one thing until this point – vampires. This documentary-style comedy perfectly captures the essence of what a vampire mockumentary should be.
Instead of using the original characters, the 2019 series with the same title showcases a fresh group of vampires residing in a rundown mansion in Staten Island instead of Wellington, New Zealand. Clement takes on the role of showrunner and producer, while Waititi is responsible for producing the show as well as contributing to its direction and writing.
The cast of the show consists of Kayvan Novak (playing Nandor), Matt Berry (playing Laszlo), Natasia Demetriou (playing Nadja), Harvey Guillén (playing Guillermo), and Mark Proksch (playing Colin Robinson, also known as Vampire Toby Flenderson). The show has successfully continued for five seasons, thanks in part to its ability to constantly refresh itself and mainly because of its outrageous storylines and the excellent comedic timing and dynamic chemistry of the main actors.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV and movie)
Our lives are governed by passion, which we dutifully follow. Angel’s words still hold true as the enthusiasm of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans has remained strong since the show’s premiere in 1997. However, before delving into the seven-season TV series, it is important to acknowledge Kristy Swanson’s 1992 film of the same name. While admittedly cheesy, it provides a lighthearted contrast to darker vampire franchises. Once you have completed the final episode of the Buffy TV show, you can switch over to the movie and witness a staked vampire painfully groaning for three minutes until meeting his demise – quite literally.
When it comes to the TV show, Joss Whedon developed the series led by Sarah Michelle Gellar as a sort of reimagining of his movie. Nonetheless, despite the new cast, it can be considered more of a continuation rather than a complete remake. Completing Buffy’s Scooby gang are Alyson Hannigan playing Buffy’s best friend Willow, Nicholas Brendon as Xander, who often feels like a third wheel, and Anthony Stewart Head portraying Giles, also known as Buffy’s personal Yoda-like mentor called her Watcher.
Naturally, a vampire series wouldn’t be complete without a love triangle. David Boreanaz (Angel) and James Marsters (Spike) are present to fill this void as Buffy battles vampires, demons, and dark forces – all while wearing heels.
Vampire Academy (TV and movie)
The campy nature of Mark Waters’ Vampire Academy movie received a fair amount of criticism, but Zoey Deutch (Rose Hathaway) and Lucy Fry (Lissa Dragomir) brought a fun twist to Richelle Mead’s book series with the same title. It is often overlooked by fans that the first Vampire Academy book has a light-hearted tone, and the movie manages to capture this essence while staying true to the book’s storyline. Additionally, the film possesses its own endearing charm.
The Vampire Academy Peacock series, which premiered in 2022, provided fans with a more intense version of Mead’s universe. Regrettably, the show was short-lived, lasting only one season. However, Julie Plec and Marguerite MacIntyre succeeded in creating a diverse cast that delved into the darker aspects and class dynamics found in the later books.
Sisi Stringer and Daniela Nieves take on the lead roles of Rose and Lissa respectively in this series. The story primarily revolves around the friendship between Lissa, a Moroi royal possessing rare spirit magic, and Rose, a Dhampir assigned to protect Lissa from the malevolent Strigoi. In addition to their supernatural responsibilities, they also have to navigate the challenges of school life. Teen drama can sometimes prove to be even more merciless than vampire fangs.
Dracula and Bram Stoker’s Dracula
If there is anyone who is unfamiliar with the name Dracula, it is evident that they have been in a state of hibernation in a coffin for several centuries. Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, published in 1897, has given rise to the largest number of vampire adaptations ever recorded and maintains its prominent position in both traditional and contemporary vampire pop culture. From the original Dracula to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as well as more recent movies like Renfield and The Invitation, Dracula continues to exert a significant influence on popular culture with no signs of diminishing anytime soon.
Despite the numerous choices available, Bela Lugosi’s 1931 black-and-white movie Dracula and Bram Stoker’s Dracula from 1992, featuring Gary Oldman in the lead role, remain two of the most renowned portrayals of Dracula in popular culture. In terms of the 1992 film, it is hard to find a better cast than Winona Ryder (Mina), Anthony Hopkins (Van Helsing), and Keanu Reeves (Jonathan Harker). However, when it comes to Dracula, Bela Lugosi’s name is perhaps the most synonymous with the character.
Nosferatu
Nosferatu can be considered as Dracula’s ancestor. While technically the 1922 black-and-white film Nosferatu is a loosely based adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the vampire portrayed in it is not particularly charming (though he does enjoy eating hearts). Nonetheless, it is refreshing to witness a monstrous portrayal of a vampire instead of the alluring and despised vampires that have become popular in pop culture.
The silent film’s sudden start-and-stop filming technique contributes a traditional eerie element to the movie that is no longer common. Despite being inspired by Dracula, Nosferatu has a distinct resemblance to an unsettling short story by Edgar Allan Poe. Max Schreck portrays Count Orlok in this F.W. Murnau-directed film, which was written by Henrik Galeen.
Twilight
No matter if you were a supporter of Edward or Jacob, there was no denying the immense popularity of this film that combined teenage angst with vampires and werewolves. Additionally, it served as a launching pad for Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s careers. The Twilight saga, based on a series of young adult novels, consisted of a total of five movies. It explores the intense romance between vampire Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson) and human Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart), from their initial encounter – narrowly escaping being hit by a van – to their dramatic conclusion. If you enjoyed this movie, then you should definitely consider watching other top-rated films similar to Twilight.
Blade
Bottom Line
Vampire movies and TV shows have long been a popular genre, captivating audiences with their thrilling stories and supernatural elements. Whether you’re a fan of classic vampire tales or prefer modern twists on the genre, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to streaming on platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. From cult favorites like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to critically acclaimed films like “Let the Right One In,” these nine selections are sure to satisfy your craving for vampire-themed entertainment. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in the world of vampires with these must-watch movies and TV shows.