These Are the Bloody Best 51 Vampire Movies of All TimeRanked! – Rockdale Newton Citizen

Photo by Franco S. Origlia/Getty Images

From Hollywood blockbusters like Twilightand Interview With the Vampireto low-budget indies that struck a chord likeLet the Right One InandWhat We Do in the Shadows, this is the definitive ranking of the best vampire movies of all time. In this expansive list, we're covering everything from guilty pleasures to timeless horror masterworks. In ascending order, here arethe 50 best vampire movies ever, ranked.We've even included honorable mentions.

Best Vampire Movies of All Time, Ranked

51.Once Bitten(1985)

HowardStorm's horror-comedy is best known as the first starring vehicle ofJim Carrey, who plays a bumbling high-school student seduced by a beautiful woman who turns out to be an ancient vampire.Once Bittenreceived marginally positive reviews and opened atop the U.S. box office. Years later, Carrey became the first star in history to earn a standard $20 million per picture.

50. Queen of the Damned(1995)

Based on the third installment ofAnne Rice'sThe Vampire Chronicles,Michael Rymer's horror pic sawStuart Townsendtake over the role of Lestat. The picture was a modest box-office hit despite less-than-glowing reviews.Queen of the Damnedis best known as the final film ofAaliyah, who died just after its completion.

49.Blade Trinity(2004)

In the third and final film of theWesley Snipestrilogy, the war between vampires and humans rages on; it also gets duller and more convoluted. Series newcomerRyan Reynoldsbrings some undeniable charm to the proceedings, at least.

48.Van Helsing(2004)

Stephen Sommers'summer tentpole was all over the map when it should have been a home run. Mega-watt, appropriately self-aware performances fromHugh JackmanandKate Beckinsaleare at odds with tonal inconsistencies, a messy plot and awful CGI. Despite negative critical notices,Van Helsinggrossed over $300 million at the box office.

47.New Moon(2009)

The weakest and silliest of theTwilightfilms is the one that caused "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob" to take off. Despite the series' weakest reviews,New Moonwas a flat-out phenomenon at the box office, setting records for biggest cumes for midnight previews and single-day opening-day grosses (among others).

46.Vampire in Brooklyn(1995)

The union of mega-talentsEddie Murphy,Angela Bassettand directorWes Cravenshould have been gold. Instead,Vampire in Brooklynwas a critical and commercial disappointment in 1995. Modern reassessments are more favorable, praising the chemistry of the stars and Craven's direction specifically. This is a bona fide cult classic.

45.The Last Man on Earth(1964)

Four decades beforeWill Smithstarred inI Am Legend,Richard Matheson's book of that title was adapted into this post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror picture starringVincent Price.The Last Man on Earthentered the public domain in the 1980s.

44.Hotel Transylvania(2012)

The vocal talents ofAdam Sandler,Andy SambergandSelena Gomezfill in this family-friendly hit from Sony Pictures Animation. Three sequels followed in 2015, 2018 and 2022.

43.The Twilight Saga: Breaking DawnPart 1(2011)

In the penultimate film,Bella (Kristen Stewart) is a pregnant vampire. Stewart's committed performance and the overdue introduction of some actual sex into the franchise are the film's highlights.

42.The Twilight Saga: Eclipse(2010)

Team Edward (Robert Pattinson)versus Team Jacob (Taylor Lautner) reaches its zenith in the thirdTwilightinstallment, which is also the most fun one.Dakota Fanningsteals a lot of scenes, and Lautner takes his shirt off innumerable times.Eclipseis harmless fun.

41.Vampire's Kiss(1988)

Robert Bierman's supernatural black comedy is best known for what is arguably the most meme-worthy and iconicNicolas Cage"Cage rage"freakout in film history. Share the magic of the scene above with your friends and loved ones. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

40.Daybreakers(2009)

Ethan HawkeandWillem Dafoestar in this post-apocalyptic actioner set in a dystopia ruled by vampires.Daybreakersgrossed twice its budget and received mixed-to-positive reviews.

39.Blacula(1972)

William Crain's blaxploitation fantasy film received mixed reviews, but was a major financial successone of the year's highest-grossing films against a small budget. This is the most well-known blaxploitation horror film. A sequel titledScream Blacula Screamfollowed a year later.

38.Underworld(2003)

Len Wiseman's action-horror hybrid was a surprise hit at the box office, with audiences falling for the mix of vampires versus werewolves mythology, impressive set pieces and S&M imagery. The series absolutely would not have taken off the way that it did withoutKate Beckinsale's composed, sexy turn as Death Dealer Selene, one of the 21st century's most popular action heroines.

37.30 Days of Night(2007)

Josh Hartnett,Melissa George,Danny HustonandBen Fosterstar in this meat-and-potatoes action picture about a showdown between bloodsuckers and small-town folk in an Alaskan blackout. Based on the comic book series of the same name.

36.The Twilight Saga: Breaking DawnPart 2(2012)

Bill Condontook the reins for the finalTwilightfilms, and the series went out with a bang.Breaking Dawn: Part 2 surprised androcked Twi-Hards with a gory epic battle sequence fakeout that's not in the books. BD2grossed a massive $830 million, the highest-earning film of the mammoth franchise.

35. Fright Night(1985)

Tom Holland's directorial debutabout a 17-year-old kid who discovers his next-door neighbor is a vampirewas a success in its day, and it remains a cult favorite.

Fright Nightspawned a direct sequel, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood remakes.

34.Martin(1977)

Late horror master George A. RomerosaidMartinwas his favorite of all his films. The deliberately paced, stylish psychological thriller starsJohn Amplasas a young man who believes he is a vampire.Martinwas the first collaboration between Romero and iconic effects masterTom Savini.

33.Fright Night(2011)

A little bit scarier, a little bit funnier, undeniably more polished,Craig Gillespie's remake is arguably even better than the original. It's a tough call, though. MVP here is hilarious, insanely sexy vampireColinFarrell, and the film is a testament to the talents of lateAnton Yelchin, tragically killed in an accident at 27. GoryFright Nightwas released by Disneyunder their Touchstone banner (reserved for less kid-friendly fare).

32.From Dusk till Dawn(1996)

Written byQuentin Tarantinoanddirected byRobert Rodriguez, From Dusk till DawnstarsGeorge Clooney, Harvey Keitel,Juliette Lewis,Salma Hayekand Tarantino himself in a straight-to-the-point action flick about career criminals who face off against a vampire gang. This box-office hit ishighly pleasurable junk food, made by pros who really know what they're doing.

31.Buffy the Vampire Slayer(1992)

Joss Whedonwrote the script for this teen comedy that eventually was taken out of his control. The pleasurable enough, lightweight film is not what he'd intended. The futureAvengersscribe took the reins for the long-running darker TV show starringSarah Michelle Gellar, and the rest is history.

30. Horror ofDracula(1958)

The first of the iconic Hammer Horror films whose influence is very much felt to this day,Draculais lavish, full of technical splendor instead of gory. Sophisticated, sexy and chilly,Christopher Lee's embodiment of the Count is widely regarded as one of the best performances ever in a horror movie.

29.Ganja & Hess(1973)

More experimental and artistically accomplished thanBlacula,Bill Gunn's horror flick starsDuane Jones, best known for starring in 1968'sNight of the Living Dead.Ganja & Hessis about lovers who become vampires thanks to an ancient dagger. The picture was screened at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival, and remade in 2014 asDa Sweet Blood of Jesus, bySpike Lee.

28.Blood for Dracula(1974)

A follow-up toAndy Warhol's gore and nudity-soakedFlesh for Frankenstein,Paul Morrissey's cult classic stars arthouse iconsUdo KierandJoe Dallesandro.

27.Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary(2002)

Guy Maddin's horror performance art film documents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production ofDracula. It's mostly in black-and-white, with judicious splashes of color accenting the monochrome here and there.

26. Cronos (1993)

This stylish, well-acted and gory independent thriller about an antiques dealer and a quest for immortality put Guillermo del Toro on the map. Years later, he found success in the Hollywood studio system with Blade II.

25.The Lost Boys(1987)

Its title a reference toPeter Pan(a group of boys who never grow up),Joel Schumacher's Santa Cruz-shot fan-favorite centers on two brothers and rivaling beach town gangs.The Lost Boyswas a critical and commercial hit, with a strong cult following to this day.

24.Nadja(1994)

Michael Almereyda's subtle arthouse picture starsPeter FondaasHelsing, andElina Lwensohnin the title role. The uneven but highly stylish picture channelsHal HartleyandDavid Lynch.

23. Vampires(1998)

Two decades after he practically reinvented modern horror with the box-office smashHalloween,John CarpenteradaptedJohn Steakley's novelVampires.James Woodsstars in the action-heavy indie horror Western.

22.Isle of the Dead(1945)

Inspired by the painting of the same name, thisVal Lewton-produced RKO feature starred Boris Karloffnearly a decade and a half after he made history as Frankenstein's monster.Martin Scorseseconsiders this one of the scariest films ever.

21.Byzantium(2012)

Neil Jordan's British/American/Irish production is about a mother/daughter vampire duo who move into a rundown hotel to hide from other creatures of the night.

20.Thirst(2009)

Originally titledThe Bat, South Korean auteurPark Chan-wook's horror work centers on a forbidden love triangle between a Catholic priest, his best friend and his best friend's wife.Fun fact: this is the first mainstream Korean film to feature full male nudity. It won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

19.Blade(1998)

Wesley Snipes kicks ass as Marvel's half-mortal, vengeful vampire hunter.Hopes are high forMahershala Ali's take onBlade in the MCU.

18.Twilight(2008)

Haters gonna hate, but no one can deny the popularity and influence of the film series spun fromStephenie Meyers bestselling vampire chronicles, which practically ruled a pocket of the zeitgeist for nearly a decade.ThirteendirectorCatherine Hardwickes original picture stands tall as the best, overflowing with equal parts angst and eroticism.

17.Interview with the Vampire(1994)

Tom CruiseandBrad Pittstar in the most famousAnne Rice adaptation.Neil Jordan's box-office hit also announced the formidable talents of young Kirsten Dunst, nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

16.A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night(2014)

This is the best American vampire Western in Persian youll ever see! Though it was shot in southern California, Ana Lily Amirpours feminist mood piece is the first screen vampire story ever to be set in the Middle East. In addition to having a brilliant, tantalizing title,A Girl Walks Home Alone at Nightis sweet, sad and haunting, shot in widescreen black-and-white with the rhythm of classic silents.

15.The Hunger(1983)

DavidBowie,Susan SarandonandCatherine Deneuvestar inTony Scott's divisive directorial debut, an erotic horror flick about a supernatural love triangle. Now a cult classic,The Hungeris based onWhitley Strieber's 1981 novel of the same name.

14.Daughters of Darkness(1971)

Harry Kmel's erotic vampire film centers on newlyweds who encounter the sexy supernatural at a hotel.

13.What We Do in the Shadows(2014)

No doubt the funniest picture on this listit's laugh-til-you-cry funny TBH, this shaggy, inventive mockumentary shotTaika Waititiout of a cannon for moviegoing audiences worldwide. He recently won an Oscar for hisJojo Rabbitscreenplay.

12.Shadow of the Vampire(2000)

Co-produced by Nicolas Cage,E. Elias Merhige's work of arthouse metafiction imagines supernatural occurrences behind the scenes ofNosferatu.John MalkovichstarsasF.W. Murnau;Willem Dafoe was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his tragicomic portrayal ofMax Schreck.

11.The Addiction(1995)

StarringLili Taylor,Christopher WalkenandAnnabella Sciorra,Abel Ferrara's black-and-white indie centers on a philosophy student who gets bitten and becomes addicted to human blood. The film is a metaphor for drug addiction.

10.Let Me In(2010)

Nobody asked for a remake of the Swedish masterwork about a lonely boy who befriends a vampiremany fans and critics were even highly opposed to the ideaand thenMatt Reeves's American spin turned out to be brilliant in its own right: exciting, well-acted and touching. One of Reeves's latest projects?The BatmanstarringRobert Pattinson. Perhaps you've seen it!

9.Only Lovers Left Alive(2014)

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes,Jim Jarmusch's romantic comedy/fantasy starsTilda SwintonandTom Hiddlestonas two romantically linked vampires in present day.Critical assessment ofOnly Lovers Left Alivehas only grown since its release.

8.Bram Stoker's Dracula(1992)

Gary Oldman,Anthony Hopkins,Winona RyderandKeanu Reevesstar inFrancis Ford Coppola's sumptuous take onBram Stoker's novelwith way more sex and gore than previous Hollywood studio versions.Bram Stoker's Draculawas a substantial success, grossing $215 million worldwide and winning three Oscars in technical categories.

7.Blade II(2002)

A decade and a half before he swept the Academy Awards withThe Shape of Water, Guillermo del Torobrought vivid artistic flourishes to theBladefranchise's best entry.Roger Ebertwas highly positive in his review, saying, "Blade IIis a really rather brilliant vomitorium of viscera, a comic book with dreams of becoming a textbook for mad surgeons."

6.Near Dark(1987)

Initially a box-office dud,Kathryn Bigelow's neo-western received critical praise, and eventually became a bona fide classic. In 2010, Bigelow became the first woman ever to win the Academy Award for Best Director (forThe Hurt Locker).

5.Nosferatu, The Vampyre(1979)

An exquisite work from a golden age of horror,Werner Herzog's take on Murnau's original is nearly as revered as its inspiration. The saturated color photography will floor you: gorgeous, dirty, dramatic. Above all, scary.

4.Dracula(1931)

Based on Stoker's book and a hit 1924 Broadway play,Tod Browning's "pre-Code" tale of supernatural terror is one of the best and most influential genre pictures in history. Equal parts dashing and menacing,Bela Lugosi's portrayal of the Count is what made the character a cultural icon. There's a tragic bookend to this Hollywood story: after the success ofDracula, the director had a lot of freedom. His follow-up was carnival sideshow-themedFreaks. Arguably an even greater horror work thanDracula,Freakswas too disturbing for audiences of the time. It was butchered by the studio, and Browning's career was destroyed.

More:
These Are the Bloody Best 51 Vampire Movies of All TimeRanked! - Rockdale Newton Citizen

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero