Vampires have been a staple of horror cinema since the early days of Hollywood, even before Universal's iconic Dracula emerged from his coffin. Over the years, we've witnessed countless interpretations—from brooding heartthrobs to grotesque monsters and even comedic undead housemates. These nocturnal creatures continue to fascinate audiences, lurking in shadows and soaring through moonlit skies. Our mission is to spotlight the finest vampire films across decades, celebrating timeless classics that have shaped the genre as horror trends evolved faster than Dracula vanishing at dawn.
Many personal favorites didn't make our list but still deserve honorable mentions. Films like Suck, The Transfiguration, Byzantium, Blood Red Sky, and Blade all warrant discussion when debating the greatest vampire tales. We'd love to hear your picks too! After exploring our selections below, share your top vampire films in the comments.
Now, let's sink our teeth into this rich subgenre. Here are the 25 greatest vampire movies ever made. For more creature features, check out our list of the best monster movies.
25 Best Vampire Movies of All Time
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25. Vampyr (1932)
Director: 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
Vampyr earns its status as a Criterion horror classic through Danish filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer's ingenious use of early cinematic technology. This black-and-white vampire mystery employs surreal techniques, particularly its groundbreaking use of autonomous shadows that lend supernatural elements a dreamlike quality. While it may not rival Nosferatu, Vampyr demonstrates how vampire films can distinguish themselves through inventive visual storytelling—even with technical limitations—proving that creative ambition always finds a way to shine.
24. Bit (2019)
Director: 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 indie gem Bit delivers a fresh take on vampire lore with flying neon colors. Nicole Maines stars as a transgender teen who falls in with an all-female vampire gang led by the fiercely charismatic Diana Hopper. The film oozes LA nightlife attitude, complete with a killer Starcrawler soundtrack, punching far above its weight with stylish execution that favors youthful energy while still satisfying horror fans with bloody thrills. Its unapologetic feminist themes and self-aware approach make Bit a standout in modern vampire cinema.
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Looking for more vampire content? Explore our guides to the best vampire anime and most memorable vampire movie deaths.
Upcoming Vampire Movies
While Robert Eggers' Nosferatu remake recently debuted, several more vampire films are brewing for 2025 and beyond. Keep an eye out for:
Dracula: A Love Tale - July 30, 2025
Devour - TBA 2025
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires - TBA 2025
Brides - TBA
Flesh of the Gods - TBA
