Grab Your Garlic Necklace and Stakes: 26 Fun Vampire Movies That Aren’t Twilight

Looking for some vampire fun that doesn’t involve the Cullens? Then, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the greatest vampire movies of all time. Happy hunting!

1. The Lost Boys (1987): A Teenage Vampire Thrill Ride

The Lost Boys 1987 Corey Feldman
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

The Lost Boys is a quintessential ’80s vampire movie that blends horror, comedy, and teenage rebellion. Set in a California beach town, it follows two brothers who discover that their new friends are vampires. The film’s rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack and memorable characters have solidified its status as a cult classic.

2. Interview With the Vampire (1994): A Gothic Tale of Immortality

Interview with the Vampire 1994
Image Credit: The Geffen Film Company.

Based on Anne Rice’s novel, Interview With the Vampire explores the intricate lives of vampires. The film delves into themes of immortality, loneliness, and the human condition through the eyes of Louis (Brad Pitt) and Lestat (Tom Cruise). Its lush, Gothic aesthetic and stellar performances make it a standout in the genre.

3. What We Do in the Shadows (2014): A Hilarious Mockumentary on Undead Roommates

What We Do in the Shadows 2014
Image Credit: Resnick Interactive Development.

This mockumentary-style comedy offers a fresh take on the daily lives of modern vampires sharing a flat in New Zealand. With deadpan humor and hilarious situations, it showcases the mundane challenges of being immortal in the digital age. The film’s unique perspective has spawned a successful TV series.

4. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): Vampires and Crime Collide

From Dusk Till Dawn 1996
Photo Credit: Miramax Films.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn takes a crime thriller and plunges it into vampire horror. Two brothers on the run end up at a notorious Mexican bar, only to find themselves fighting for their lives against bloodthirsty vampires. The film’s genre shift and intense action sequences make it a memorable experience.

5. The Forsaken (2001): A Vampire Road Trip Adventure

The Forsaken 2001
Image Credit: Screen Gems.

The Forsaken blends road trip adventure with vampire hunting as a young man and his companion embark on a journey to save themselves from a vampire infection. The film combines elements of action and horror, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The story of a deadly vampire outbreak adds urgency and danger to the tale.

6. Fright Night (1985): A Teen’s Nightmare Neighbor

Fright Night 1985
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

In Fright Night, a teenager becomes convinced that his new neighbor is a vampire. As he investigates further, he finds himself in a battle against the supernatural. The film offers a blend of horror and humor, and its memorable characters and suspenseful moments have made it a beloved classic.

7. Near Dark (1987): A Gritty Vampire Western

Near Dark 1987
Image Credit: De Laurentiis Entertainment Group.

Near Dark takes the vampire genre to the American Southwest, infusing it with a gritty, Western feel. The story follows a young man who gets entangled with a nomadic vampire clan. The film’s dark tone and unconventional take on vampirism set it apart from traditional vampire tales.

8. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013): A Love Story for Eternity

Only Lovers Left Alive 2013
Image Credit: Recorded Picture Company Pandora Film.

Only Lovers Left Alive explores the enduring love between two vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton). Set against a backdrop of decay and culture, the film offers a meditative and visually stunning take on immortality and the passage of time.

9. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992): A Lavish Gothic Retelling

Bram Stoker's Dracula 1992
Image Credit: American Zoetrope.

Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel is a sumptuous Gothic tale. The film features Gary Oldman as Count Dracula, Winona Ryder as Mina, and Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker. Its visual opulence and dark romance capture the essence of the original story.

10. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014): A Stylish Persian Vampire Tale

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night 2014
Image Credit: Logan Pictures.

Set in an Iranian ghost town, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night introduces a lonely vampire who preys on the town’s criminals. This visually striking, black-and-white film combines elements of vampire horror, Westerns, and romance, offering a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

11. 30 Days of Night (2007): Terror Strikes an Alaskan Town

30 Days of Night 2007
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

30 Days of Night plunges a remote Alaskan town into darkness for a month, providing an ideal hunting ground for vampires. The film offers relentless terror and survival horror as the townsfolk fight to make it through the prolonged night.

12. Let the Right One in (2008): A Touching Swedish Vampire Story

Let the Right One In 2008
Image Credit: Canal+.

This Swedish film tells the story of a young boy who befriends a mysterious girl who happens to be a vampire. Let the Right One In combines horror with a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative, exploring themes of friendship and the darkness within us all.

13. Daybreakers (2009): A World Where Vampires Rule

Daybreakers 2009
Image Credit: Lionsgate.

In a dystopian future, vampires rule society, and humans are hunted for their blood. Daybreakers follows a vampire scientist’s quest to find a blood substitute before the human race is eradicated. This film offers a unique twist on the vampire mythos, with a focus on the consequences of a world dominated by vampires.

14. Blade (1998): A Half-Vampire, Half-Human Vampire Hunter

Blade 1998 Wesley Snipes
Image Credit: New Line Cinema.

Blade introduces a new kind of vampire hunter, Blade (Wesley Snipes), who is half-human, half-vampire. With a thirst for vengeance, Blade battles the undead while dealing with his own internal struggle. The film blends martial arts action with horror, launching a successful franchise. The two sequels are great, too.

15. The Hunger (1983): An Elegant Exploration of Immortality

The Hunger 1983
Image credit: MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

The Hunger explores themes of love, lust, and immortality in the context of vampirism. Starring Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie, the film offers an elegant and sensual portrayal of vampires struggling to maintain their allure and vitality.

16. Underworld (2003): A War Between Vampires and Werewolves

Kate Beckinsale Underworld
Image Credit: Screen Gems.

Underworld combines vampires and werewolves in a centuries-old conflict. The film follows Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a vampire warrior, as she becomes embroiled in a battle that reveals the complex history between the two supernatural species.

17. Thirst (1979): A Daring Exploration of Lust and Desire

Thirst 1979
Image Credit: New Line Cinema.

This Korean vampire film, directed by Kim Ki-young, takes a bold approach to the genre. It explores the sexual desires and taboos of its characters in a way that is both provocative and thought-provoking.

18. Salem’s Lot (1979): A Stephen King Adaptation

Salem's Lot best TV miniseries 1979
Image Credit: Warner Bro. Television.

Based on Stephen King’s novel, Salem’s Lot is a TV miniseries that tells the story of a writer who returns to his hometown and discovers that it’s plagued by vampires. The film captures the creeping dread and terror of King’s work.

19. Queen of the Damned (2002): Anne Rice’s Lestat on Screen

Queen of the Damned 2002
Image Credit: Village Roadshow Pictures.

Queen of the Damned brings Anne Rice’s vampire Lestat (played by Stuart Townsend) to the big screen. The film explores the world of ancient vampires and their interactions with humanity.

20. Shadow of the Vampire (2000): A Meta Look At Vampire Filmmaking

Shadow of the Vampire 2000
Image Credit: BBC Films.

Shadow of the Vampire is a fictionalized account of the making of the classic silent film “Nosferatu.” The twist? The actor playing the vampire, Max Schreck (Willem Dafoe), might actually be a real vampire.

21. The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023): A Tale of Horror at Sea

The Last Voyage of the Demeter 2023
Image Credit: Amblin Entertainment.

Based on a subplot from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Last Voyage of the Demeter tells the story of the ill-fated ship that brings the vampire count to England. This upcoming film explores the horrors that unfold during the voyage.

22. Vampire’s Kiss (1988): Nicolas Cage’s Eccentric Vampire Performance

Vampire's Kiss
Image Credit: Hemdale Film Corporation.

Vampire’s Kiss features a memorable performance by Nicolas Cage as a publishing executive who becomes convinced that he’s turning into a vampire. Cage’s over-the-top portrayal of madness and vampirism has become legendary.

23. Renfield (2023): A New Take On Dracula’s Henchman

Renfield 2023
Image Credit: Universal Studios.

Renfield is centered around Dracula’s loyal henchman, Renfield. The film is a fresh perspective on the character and his relationship with the infamous vampire.

24. Byzantium (2012): A Mother-Daughter Vampire Story

Byzantium 2012
Image Credit: IFC Films.

Byzantium explores the lives of a mother and daughter who happen to be vampires. Their unique history and struggles with immortality are at the heart of this thought-provoking film.

25. Van Helsing (2004): Monster Hunter Versus Dracula

Van Helsing 2004 vampires
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Van Helsing stars Hugh Jackman as the legendary monster hunter who faces off against iconic creatures, including Count Dracula. The film combines action and horror elements in a high-stakes battle.

26. Vampires (1998): A John Carpenter Take On Vampire Hunting

Vampires 1998
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

Directed by John Carpenter, Vampires follows a team of vampire hunters led by Jack Crow (James Woods). The film offers a gritty, Western-inspired approach to vampire hunting.

22 Films Guaranteed to Make the Hair on the Back of Your Neck Stand Up

Prom Night 1980
Image Credit: AVCO Embassy Pictures.

It’s that time of year again. Fall decorations are coming out. Pumpkin spice is taking over, and scary movies are begging your attention. As a connoisseur of horror films, these are the ones that have stood out over the decades as having major creepy vibes and hair-raising experiences. Have you seen them?

15 Most Racist Movies of All Time According to IMDb — Do You Agree?

Shirley Temple The Littlest Rebel
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

According to a ranked list on IMDB, these movies have been criticized for various reasons, including cultural insensitivity, perpetuating stereotypes, and reinforcing racial biases, contributing to their reputation as racist or racially insensitive by today’s standards.

16 Once Upon a Time Hilarious TV Sitcoms That Nobody Remembers — Do You?

Obscure TV sitcoms
Image Credit: NewRadio -Sony Pictures Television. Major Dad – Universal Television. Caroline in the City – Barron/Pennette Productions and CBS Productions.

Every time I click into an article about sitcoms, these are never mentioned, and it’s a travesty! Hey, I love The Office and Friends as much as the next guy, but these sitcoms are worthy of another watch.

15 Terrible Films That Are Hilariously Bad — Do You Agree?

The Apple 1980
Image Credit: The Cannon Group.

While the cinema industry has given us numerous masterpieces, there’s another side that elicits a different kind of appreciation. It’s those films that are so bad that they actually become funny for viewers.

Though they lack critical acclaim, these movies have found a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts who want to have a good laugh. Here’s a list of 15 such cinematic disasters, and we want to know if you agree with our selection or not!

26 Movies That Prove 1985 Was One of the Best Years in Cinema

Fletch 1985 Chevy Chase
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Do you remember what Hollywood was producing in 1985? It was an awesome year for films. So, I compiled a list of 26 of the absolute best of the bunch. Enjoy!