The Best 20 Vampire Movies You Need To See
Vampire movies have fascinated audiences for decades, blending horror, romance, and thrilling suspense in stories that explore these blood-sucking demons of the undead. While the market may feel saturated with vampire films, new releases continue to bring fresh perspectives and innovative twists to the genre. In this list of the 20 best vampire movies, we’ll explore the must-see titles that have defined vampire cinema, proving that there's still plenty of bite (see what I did there) left in these fangtastic (see what I did there too! OK, I’ll stop) tales.
20. Underworld
Underworld trailer.
A centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves intensifies when a vampire warrior uncovers a forbidden love and secrets that could shift the power balance forever.
Kate Beckinsale in a latex catsuit (‘nuff said!) leads this gothic action film where vampires battle werewolves in a centuries-old war. Packed with slick action and an impressive cast, it delivers serious popcorn fun, even if it’s a bit too self-serious. Despite sequels, the first film remains the best.
19. Vampires
Vampires trailer
A team of mercenary vampire hunters, led by a hardened leader, battles a powerful vampire master who seeks an ancient relic to unleash chaos.
Made in the days before James Woods was blacklisted from Hollywood for being a pain in the arse, John Carpenter's Vampires boasts it's a reinvention of the genre, but it’s not really. It’s still super fun with some great action set pieces but still remains as just another good vampire movie.
18. Blood Red Sky
Blood Red Sky trailer
A mother with a dark secret fights to protect her son and survive a hijacking aboard a transatlantic flight as a monstrous threat awakens within her.
A surprise German hit.. This movie appeared on Netflix back in 2021 without much hype or marketing. But as soon as it gathered attention, audiences around the world really started to love it. Set on an aeroplane, a mother must protect her son after terrorists take over. However, unbeknownst to them, the mother carries a lethal disease that she lets take over herself to help fight back.
17. Fright Night (2011)
Fright Night 2011 trailer
A high school student suspects his charming new neighbour is a vampire and turns to a Las Vegas magician for help, unleashing a fight for survival.
A remake of the 1985 version, the late Anton Yelchin gives a great performance as the unexpected vampire hunter, after he suspects his fanged neighbour, Colin Farrell, is trying to seduce his mother. A fun, thrill ride of a movie that delivers on laughs, action and scares during its 106 minute run time.
16. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
In a twist on history, Abraham Lincoln hunts vampires who threaten America, wielding an axe in a supernatural war against the undead.
Now, this is certainly the oddball in the group, but nonetheless, a fast-paced, history-bending adventure. This movie is not one to shuffle along like a zombie, as it moves at a rate of knots. It’s energetic, high octane and uniquely directed by Timur Bekmambetov, helmer of Night Watch and Day Watch. Definitely one to sink your teeth into when you’ve got mates over.
15. Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Bram Stokers Dracula Trailer
Dracula journeys from Transylvania to Victorian England, driven by a centuries-old love, but his pursuit sets off a tragic battle with those he ensnares.
One of the vampire classics and an all-star cast to boast about. Francis Ford Coppola’s visionary retelling of the classic tale is a slow-burn, yet atmospheric masterpiece. As usual, Gary Oldman smashes his performance out of the park.
14. Near Dark
Near Dark trailer
A young man is reluctantly drawn into a nomadic vampire gang, struggling between his humanity and the violent, bloodthirsty world he’s entered.
Kathryn Bigelow’s horror masterpiece is a game-changer for the vampire genre, earning its place as a cult classic beloved by horror fans. This film redefined the bloodthirsty undead, infusing them with moral conflicts and emotional turmoil, all wrapped in a gritty, post-punk, western aesthetic.
13. Hotel Transylvania
Hotel Transylvania trailer
Dracula opens a luxury hotel for monsters to relax away from humans, but chaos ensues when a human stumbles in and falls for his daughter.
Now you might be thinking, what is the bizarre kids comedy doing on this list? Well to be frank, because it’s awesome. It’s a repeat movie, every October, in my house. My daughter loves it and it’s got the classic hammer hoodlums in it too - Dracs, Mummy, Frankenstein, Werewolf and the Invisible Man. But it's definitely got great Halloween vibes and it’s consistently hilarious. The cast is fantastic too, with Adam Sandler playing Dracs, Selena Gomez as Mavis and Andy Samberg as Jonathan. The sequel rocks too!
12. Renfield
Renfield trailer
Renfield, Dracula’s long-suffering servant, yearns for freedom but must find the courage to stand up to his monstrous boss and reclaim his life.
This movie is a delightful surprise, delivering far more than expected with a perfect blend of blood, gore, and comedy. Nicolas Cage is fantastic as Count Dracula, while Nicholas Hoult shines as the brilliantly terrified Renfield. The humour is sharp and consistent throughout, accompanied by gloriously bloody action scenes. It’s a true popcorn blast from start to finish!
11. Daybreakers
Daybreakers trailer
In a world where vampires dominate, humanity is nearly extinct, leading a vampire scientist to seek a cure before the blood supply runs out.
Daybreakers flips the vampire genre on its head with a fresh and unique twist. Set in a future where vampires have taken over the world, the film explores the terrifying reality of a dwindling blood supply. What happens when the very thing vampires crave is about to run out? As they scramble to find new cures and alternative blood sources, the story delves into a stark contrast between the rich and the poor, adding a socio-economic layer to the horror. Such a great concept and has a delightful cast to boot, check this out if you haven’t already.
10. Salems Lot (1979)
Salems Lot trailer
A writer returns to his small hometown, only to find it under siege by vampires, forcing him to confront an ancient evil consuming his community.
From one of Slaughter Shack’s favourite authors, Stephen King, comes his first epic vampire tale, Salem’s Lot. While a recent HBO Max release has stirred mixed reviews, here we’re diving into Tobe Hooper’s 1979 TV adaptation of the novel. Known for its chilling, unforgettable scenes, this version left a lasting impact on viewers—especially those who snuck a peek when they were far too young. Hooper’s take captures the eerie essence of the story and delivers a uniquely haunting interpretation.
Read the book too - it’s a must! And, will no doubt, always be better than any film/ tv adaptation.
9. Blade 2
Blade 2 trailer
In this slick, highly acclaimed sequel from Guillermo Del Toro, Vampire hunter Blade teams up with a vampire elite force to combat a new breed of super-vampires threatening both human and vampire existence.
A whole new level of vampire movie this one. GTD takes the franchise to new heights with its class-a action, set pieces and gore. Sometimes it’s genuinely quite freaky, but builds on the world in all the best new ways.
8. Let Me In
Let Me In trailer
A lonely young boy befriends a mysterious new girl in his neighbourhood, only to discover she harbours a dark, bloodthirsty secret.
A quiet, slow burn of a horror movie. Excellent acting from the youngsters in this one and has a very eerie sense about it. Combined with some tense and gory moments, this is a remake definitely worth a watch.
7. 30 Days Of Night
30 Days Of Night trailer
In a remote Alaskan town plunged into a month-long night, residents must fend off a horde of vampires who thrive in the darkness.
If you love snow and vampires, this movie is for you. It's such a great concept with a perfect location and the threat of a never-ending night creates the perfect tension throughout. The vampires are hardcore too which makes them all the more terrifying.
6. What We Do In The Shadows
What We Do In The Shadows trailer
This mockumentary follows a group of vampire roommates in New Zealand, hilariously navigating modern life and centuries-old rivalries.
Now a superb TV series, this movie started it all. A great blend of comedy and vampires with brilliant side characters. If you’re a fan of Flight of the Conchords, then this is your bag. Hilarious to the end with some truly memorable moments - especially when you meet the Werewolves gang.
5. The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys trailer
A teenager moves to a new town and discovers it's a haven for vampires, leading him to a dangerous clash with the undead.
An undisputable 80’s classic. Vampires and vacation. Stylish, cool and filled to the brim with attitude. Bringing on a new take to the genre, similar to what Kathryn Bigelow’s Near Dark did too - punk and edgy. A flick to watch with a box of popcorn and your sunglasses on.
4. Abigail
Abigail trailer
A young girl discovers her mysterious magical abilities while searching for her father in a steampunk city under quarantine due to a supposed epidemic.
Arriving fresh in 2024, this gory, stylish vampire thriller from the creators of Ready or Not delivers exactly what fans expect. With a single intense location, a memorable cast of characters, and a monster lurking in the shadows, it's a wildly entertaining, inventive ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
3. Interview with the Vampire
Interview with the Vampire trailer
A vampire recounts his 200 years of dark, often tragic, life to a modern-day journalist, revealing the pain of immortality.
Interview with the Vampire is a darkly seductive journey into the lives of immortal beings, blending gothic horror with emotional depth as it explores love, loss, and the haunting allure of endless life. Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt deliver unforgettable performances, making this a beautifully tragic, must-see vampire tale. It’s now been retold in a superbly crafted TV series too. Go check it!
2. Blade
Blade trailer
A half-human, half-vampire hybrid, Blade hunts vampires to avenge his mother’s death and protect humanity from the vampire underworld.
Blade is a sleek, adrenaline-pumping thriller that redefines vampire lore, with Wesley Snipes delivering a legendary performance as the half-human, half-vampire daywalker. Packed with intense action scenes, stylish visuals, and a bold, gritty atmosphere. Blade is a thrilling, unforgettable ride with more blood and guts to fill your boots.
1. From Dusk Til Dawn
From Dusk Til Dawn trailer
Two criminals on the run take a family hostage and seek refuge at a bar in Mexico, only to find it's infested with vampires.
From Dusk Till Dawn is a wild thrill ride that starts as a gritty crime drama and morphs into a full-blown vampire horror spectacle. With George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino taking a family hostage all the way to a seedy Mexican bar, the film explodes into chaos as the local punters transform into blood thirsty vampires. Blending sharp dialogue with dark humor and gory action this is an absolute cult classic that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
So if you’re fan of the vampire genre, then let us know in the comments. Or if you have any other recommendations that you think Slaughter Shack should know about, then holla at us. We look forward to seeing more undiscovered fangtastic vamp movies!
