Vampires, those mythic beings of the night, have been with us from time immemorial. Their shadows stretch from the murky dusk of folklore, into the blazing spotlight of our favorite films and TV shows today.
Whether it’s their hauntingly beautiful allure, their tragic existence, or just the fact that they’re so devilishly cool, vampires have a way of mesmerizing us again and again. Let’s sink our teeth into some of the most iconic portrayals of our favorite bloodsuckers.
A Love Affair That Just Won’t Die: Our Fascination with Vampires
You might even say they’re the black-clad poster boys and girls of ‘don’t call it a comeback; they’ve been here for years.’ This point becomes particularly clear when we start to count the number of celebrities, like hip-hop superstar Megan Thee Stallion, who’ve confessed their obsession with vampire shows.
In July 2021, Stallion publicly expressed her appreciation for “The Vampire Diaries,” with a specific fondness for Nina Dobrev’s portrayal of Elena Gilbert. Her candid acknowledgment of the nostalgia she felt following Dobrev’s departure from the series is emblematic of a broader cultural trend. Vampires continue to captivate the collective imagination, much like the enduring allure of immortal creatures themselves.
The Two Faces of the Vampire: Romantic & Terrifying
Megan Thee Stallion’s admiration for the romantic charm of Damon Salvatore in “The Vampire Diaries” is one perspective among many. Vampires in popular culture encompass a diverse spectrum, ranging from romantic figures to menacing monsters. A prominent example of the former category can be found in the cast of the “Twilight” series.
While Twihards might remember Edward Cullen’s sparkly skin and swoon-worthy declarations of love, actor Robert Pattinson has a decidedly different take on the franchise. “The books are very romantic, but at the same time, it’s not like, The Notebook romantic,” he once quipped during a Variety’s Actors on Actors conversation.
Pattinson draws an uncanny yet oddly fitting parallel here: Edward Cullen is not the charming Noah Calhoun, ready to rebuild a house for his lady love. Instead, he’s a creature of the night, battling his own monstrous appetite, straddling the line between forbidden desire and terminal danger.
The Transformative Arc of the Vampire
Traveling back in cinematic history, we encounter Count Orlok from the silent film era in “Nosferatu.” This early and iconic depiction of a vampire on screen, rooted in German Expressionism, redefined the vampire archetype. Unlike the charming and aristocratic vampires of modern portrayals, “Nosferatu” presents Count Orlok as a monstrous and rat-like creature, offering a stark departure from the conventional image of vampires.
Moving forward, we encounter “True Blood,” another fan-favorite TV show that left its indelible mark. Characters like Bill Compton and Eric Northman spun the vampire story into a Southern Gothic tale, complete with an exploration of discrimination, societal otherness, and of course, a heavy dose of blood and raunch.
There’s something truly fascinating about watching the vampire narrative morph and evolve with the passage of time, just as the mythical creatures themselves transform with each setting sun. If history is any guide, we’re sure to keep being entranced by these immortal beings for a long time to come.
As the reels of film history roll, we encounter a legion of mesmerizing vampires. Here, we present the very best of these immortal fiends.
10. Jerry Dandridge (Fright Night)
Whoever said the villain can’t steal the show? Jerry Dandridge, adroitly played by Chris Sarandon in “Fright Night,” makes you question who you’re really rooting for. This vampire is not your typical cape-wearing, coffin-sleeping stereotype; he’s suave, charming, and fashionably late eighties. What elevates him from just a charming antagonist? Well, he masterfully toys with our protagonist, Charlie, forcing him into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
9. David (The Lost Boys)
In ‘The Lost Boys,’ Kiefer Sutherland’s David is a classic example of a “bad boy” that you can’t help but love — or, more aptly, fear. His slicked-back hair, black leather, and menacing stare make him a vampiric James Dean, a rebel with a lethal cause. The surprising part? You almost find yourself happy to join his lost band of night stalkers. Almost.
8. Selene (Underworld)
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Selene – the badass vampire of the new age. This leather-clad, gun-wielding, impeccably athletic vampire from ‘Underworld’ offers a refreshing portrayal of femininity and power. Her relentless pursuit of truth amid the vampire-werewolf animosity puts her on our list. And let’s not forget that death-dealing accuracy. Curiously refreshing, isn’t it?
7. Severen (Near Dark)
Severen, played by an eerily gleeful Bill Paxton in “Near Dark,” is a vampire who gets a kick out of his immortality and embraces the chaos. He’s more of a drink ’til you drop (dead), cowboy boot-wearing, barroom-brawling vampire – an absolute delight in his unabashed villainy. Not so squeaky clean, just viciously unique.
6. Eli (Let The Right One In)
Imagine being perpetually trapped in the body of a twelve-year-old girl. This is our Eli — sweet, innocent, and yet, dreadfully monstrous. The Swedish film “Let The Right One In” portrays Eli as a complex yet sympathetic vampire who longs for connection but is bound by her gruesome nature. She’s a firm reminder that, while scary, the idea of vampires can also be heartbreakingly tragic.
5. Adam & Eve (Only Lovers Left Alive)
How about a change of pace? Here are Adam and Eve (not the biblical figures), gloriously played by Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton in the indie film “Only Lovers Left Alive.” The vampire couple exudes a sort of melancholic beauty with their elaborate history, love for arts, and their shared existential dread. They offer an intriguing exploration of what it truly means to be immortal.
4. Blade (Blade)
Is it even a vampire list if you don’t include Marvel’s famed daywalker — Blade? Equal parts human and vampire, Blade uses his hybrid status to mercilessly hunt down his full-blooded counterparts. Blade’s not just a vampire; he’s a symbol – a complex affirmation that even the darkest origins can birth a hero.
3. Santanico Pandemonium (From Dusk Till Dawn)
No one does exotic and deadly better than Selma Hayek as Santanico Pandemonium in “From Dusk till Dawn.” She’s not just a vampire; she’s entertainment incarnate. The sight of her enslaving patrons with her dance before descending into bloodbath madness is nothing short of a monstrous masterclass.
2. Dracula
You can’t talk about cool movie vampires without mentioning the OG: Count Dracula. Whether you fancy Bela Lugosi’s old school portrayal, Christopher Lee’s terrifyingly mesmerizing version, or Gary Oldman’s elegantly dark performance, Dracula is the definition of iconic. He has transcended pop culture and become an enduring figure around which vampire lore revolves.
1. Count Orlok (Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror)
Finally on our list, we have Count Orlok from “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror.” This silent German classic gives us the creepiest, most nightmare-inducing vampire on film. Max Schreck’s Count Orlok is a far cry from suave and sophisticated – he’s all about the shock and shudder factor. Count Orlok is not just the embodiment of onscreen horror but a chilling reminder of the origins of vampire myth.
