The 10 best and worst vampire films of all time, before Renfield release
Nicholas Cage takes to the big screen as the infamous Transylvanian Count Dracula in Universal Pictures’s Renfield today. But before that, here are some of the most iconic titles in the vampire genre - for the best or worst reasons.
But first, the trailer for Renfield:
Vampire films have long been a popular genre, with some of the best examples capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide. From the eerie, expressionistic visuals of Nosferatu to the melancholic, wintery setting of Let the Right One In, these movies have enthralled viewers with their haunting and unconventional storytelling, but not all cinematic takes on the blood-sucking undead are created equal.
Though these films offer a mix of horror, romance, satire, and social commentary, proving that the vampire mythos can be endlessly versatile in the hands of skilled filmmakers; for every great vampire movie, there are plenty of duds. We take a look at the best and worst vampire films of all time, from classics to cringe-worthy adaptations.
The Greats:
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
This moody drama, directed by Jim Jarmusch, stars Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston as centuries-old vampires who reunite in present-day Detroit. The film's languid pacing and unconventional storytelling make it a standout in a genre often prone to cliché.
Thirst (2009)
This darkly comic film, directed by Park Chan-wook, follows a Catholic priest who becomes a vampire after undergoing a medical experiment. The film's mix of horror, romance, and satire is typical of Chan-wook’s work, and the film's stunning visuals and bold themes make it a must-see.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
This hilarious mockumentary, directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, follows a group of vampire roommates living in modern-day New Zealand. The film's deadpan humor and clever subversion of genre tropes have made it a cult favorite.
Cronos (1993)
This stylish horror film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, tells the story of an antique dealer who discovers a mysterious device that grants eternal life at a terrible cost. The film's blend of horror, fantasy, and social commentary is typical of del Toro's work, and its inventive creature design and haunting score make it a standout.
Let the Right One In (2008)
This haunting Swedish film, directed by Tomas Alfredson, explores the unlikely friendship between a bullied young boy and a vampire girl. The film's wintry, desolate setting and understated performances lend it a sense of melancholy that makes it stand out from more traditional vampire fare.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic novel stars Gary Oldman as the titular Count, who travels from Transylvania to Victorian-era England in search of fresh blood and eternal love. The film's sumptuous production design, lush score, and inventive visual effects make it a feast for the senses, while the cast - which includes Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, and Anthony Hopkins - delivers memorable performances.
A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)
This stylish horror film, directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, tells the story of a skateboarding vampire (played by Sheila Vand) who prowls the streets of a fictional Iranian town. The film's black-and-white cinematography, eclectic soundtrack, and subversive blend of genre tropes - including romance, revenge, and social commentary - make it a standout in the crowded vampire genre.
Nosferatu (1922)
This silent horror classic directed by FW Murnau is widely considered to be the first great vampire film. It tells the story of Count Orlok, a mysterious creature who preys upon a young couple in their isolated home. The film's eerie, expressionistic visuals and Max Schreck's haunting performance as Orlok have made it a landmark of early cinema.
Afflicted (2013)
This found footage horror film, directed by Derek Lee and Clif Prowse, follows two friends who embark on a globe-trotting adventure - only for one of them to develop mysterious powers and cravings after being bitten by a woman in Paris. The film's low-budget aesthetic and intense, visceral scares make it a tense and memorable addition to vampire cinema.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
This family-friendly animated comedy, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, imagines a world in which Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) runs a hotel that serves as a refuge for monsters seeking to escape human persecution. The film's bright colors, zany characters, and irreverent humor make it a fun and accessible introduction to the vampire mythos, while its themes of acceptance and family resonate with audiences of all ages.
The Duds:
Vampires Suck (2010)
This movie is a parody of the Twilight series, and unfortunately, it fails miserably at being funny. The humor is forced, the acting is terrible, and the writing is predictable. The film is a waste of time for anyone looking for a good laugh or a decent vampire movie.
Dracula 3000 (2004)
This sci-fi/horror is set in space and features a terrible portrayal of Dracula. The acting is awful, the special effects are subpar, and the story is incredibly cheesy. The film tries to be scary and fails miserably, making it a painful viewing experience.
Queen of the Damned (2002)
This movie is a messy adaptation of the Anne Rice novel of the same name. The acting is terrible, the story is confusing, and the special effects are dated. The film fails to capture the complexity and richness of Rice's work and leaves viewers disappointed.
Bloodrayne (2005)
An adaptation of a video game and features a half-human, half-vampire heroine named Rayne, the film features terrible acting and laughable special effects. The film tries to be an action-packed horror flick and fails miserably.
Dracula 2000 (2000)
This movie tries to modernize the Dracula story by setting it in the year 2000. The film features a poorly written story, terrible acting, and subpar special effects. The movie fails to capture the horror and suspense of the original story and instead comes across as cheesy and forgettable.
Twilight: New Moon (2009)
The second installment in the Twilight series is widely regarded as the franchise’s weakest. The film suffers from a lack of direction, with a slow and uneventful plot that fails to engage the audience. The acting is wooden and uninspired, and the dialogue is cringe-worthy at times. The film relies heavily on cheap emotional manipulation to elicit a response from viewers, making it a forgettable and disappointing movie.
Blade: Trinity (2004)
Based on the eponymous Marvel Comics character, the film fails to capture the dark and gritty atmosphere of the previous Blade movies and instead opts for a more comedic and cheesy approach. The performances fall flat and the villains are poorly developed, making it difficult for the audience to care about the outcome of the story.
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009)
Based on the popular young adult novel series of the same name, the film struggles with pacing, with a meandering plot that fails to engage viewers. The acting is mediocre, and the characters are underdeveloped, making it difficult to care about their fate.
Underworld: Awakening (2012)
The fourth installment in the Underworld series and also its weakest. The film suffers from a lack of originality, with a recycled plot that fails to offer anything new to the franchise. It relies heavily on action scenes and special effects, but they fail to impress, making it a forgettable and disappointing movie.
Morbius (2022)
Though based off of a Marvel Comics character, this Sony Pictures adaptation is atrocious. The film suffers from a horrible script that fails to capture the complexity of the character or the comicbook storyline. The acting is insipid and the special effects are revolting, making it one of the worst films of last year.
Catch Renfield in theatres today.