20 of the Best Vampire Horror Movies You Must Watch
Vampires have been a big part of film for over 100 years, and there’s something about them that always draws you in. They’re dark, mysterious, and unlike any other horror monsters out there. With all the excitement around Nosferatu (2024) and the upcoming highly anticipated movie Sinners (2025), I thought it was the perfect time to look back at some of the best vampire horror movies ever made, including a few of my personal favorites.
This list has a little bit of everything—classics, silly comedies, and fresh takes on the vampire trope. Whether you love horror or just want to try something new, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
If you want some similar recommendations, you should also check out my list of 17 of the best Horror & Thriller Movies Set in Snow & Ice!
1. 30 Days of Night (2007)
In an Alaskan town that experiences a month of darkness every year, vampires descend to feast on the isolated population. The townspeople must survive 30 days until the sun returns.
2. Let the Right One In (2008)
A lonely 12-year-old boy befriends a mysterious young girl who moves in next door, only to discover she’s a vampire who needs blood to survive. Set in Stockholm, this haunting and beautiful film explores themes of friendship, isolation, and coming of age.
3. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Based on Anne Rice’s novel, this gothic horror follows vampire Louis as he recounts his life story to a reporter, including his transformation by the charismatic Lestat and their centuries of existence together.
4. Near Dark (1987)
A young man is drawn into a nomadic group of vampires in the American Midwest after being turned by a beautiful stranger. This unique blend of vampire horror and western elements creates a gritty, violent tale of survival.
5. The Lost Boys (1987)
Two brothers move to a California beach town only to discover it’s haunted by a gang of young, fashionable vampires. This cult classic combines horror with humor and 80s pop culture.
6. Blade (1998)
A half-vampire warrior protects humans by hunting vampires. This action-horror hybrid follows Blade’s quest to prevent vampires from taking over the world using an ancient blood ritual.
7. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Two criminal brothers and their hostages find themselves trapped in a truck stop strip club that’s actually a front for vampires. What begins as a crime thriller transforms into a bloody vampire survival story.
8. Fright Night (1985)
A teenager discovers his new next-door neighbor is a vampire, but no one believes him. He enlists the help of a washed-up horror TV show host to fight the supernatural threat.
9. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
A depressed vampire musician reunites with his longtime lover, and they contemplate their place in modern society. This stylish film focuses on the romantic and philosophical aspects of vampire existence.
10. Salem’s Lot (1979)
A writer returns to his hometown to find it’s being taken over by vampires. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this film features one of horror’s most frightening master vampires.
11. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
A mockumentary following four vampire roommates living in modern-day Wellington, New Zealand. While primarily a comedy, it cleverly incorporates genuine horror elements and vampire lore.
12. Nosferatu (1922)
This unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” follows Count Orlok, a terrifying vampire who brings death and plague to a German town. The film’s expressionist style and Max Schreck’s chilling performance make it a cornerstone of horror cinema.
13. Dracula (1992)
Francis Ford Coppola’s lavish adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel follows Count Dracula as he travels to England in pursuit of a woman who appears to be his lost love reincarnated.
14. Thirst (2009)
A Catholic priest becomes a vampire after a failed medical experiment. As he struggles with his new bloodthirsty nature, he falls into a forbidden romance that leads to increasingly dark consequences.
15. Underworld (2003)
Follows Selene, a vampire warrior, as she’s caught up in war between vampires and lycans (werewolves) while falling in love with a human named Michael, who is being hunted by both. This is one of my favorite early 2000s action flicks and if you enjoy this then you should of course check out the 4 other movies in the franchise.
16. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
In an Iranian ghost town, a lonely vampire stalks the streets, preying on men who disrespect women. This stylish black-and-white film combines vampire horror with spaghetti western influences.
17. Let Me In (2010)
In this American remake of the classic Swedish film Let The Right One In, a bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian.
18. The Forsaken (2001)
Follows a young man on a road trip through the desert who finds himself in the middle of a war between a gang of vampires and a vampire hunter.
19. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
Wes Craven’s horror comedy that follows a Caribbean vampire who seduces a Brooklyn police officer who has no idea that she is half-vampire.
20. Queen of the Damned (2002)
In this loose sequel to Interview with the Vampire (1994), the vampire Lestat becomes a rock star whose music wakes up the equally beautiful and monstrous queen of all vampires. I can admit this movie wasn’t the best, but I’m listing it here because Aaliyah is so stunning as she carries the entire film in her final role before her untimely death.
