Top Five Vampire Films to Sink Your Teeth Into!

I love horror and I love vampire films. Dracula and Nosferatu are obviously brilliant stories, and you should watch any adaption you come across of either (although, of course, some are better than others), but aside from these, what other vampiric offerings should be on your must watch list? Here are five brilliant vampire films you should watch!

5 – Blade

Released in 1998, Blade is a Marvel superhero and vampire hunter. Born as a "dhampir", a half human, half vampire, he has all the strength but none of the weaknesses of vampires. Determined to avenge the death of his mother, he is on a mission to destroy the vampire society which is secretly running the world. This is a slick, sophisticated and action-packed vampire film which I absolutely loved.

4 - What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows, released in 2014, is an absolutely hilarious horror comedy which I really enjoyed. The film is a mockumentary, and follows four vampire roommates – Viago, Vladislav, Deacon and Pety – who live together in Wellington, New Zealand. Whilst they struggle with the obvious challenges of immortality and rivalries with local werewolves, they also navigate the frustrations of everyday life, such as paying rent, washing dishes and finding victims – oh wait, that one isn't quite so everyday for us, is it? Full of great chemistry between the cast, hilarious moments that poke fun at vampire tropes and the hilarious dynamic between the vampires and the werewolves, this is a laugh out loud must watch.

3 - Daybreakers

Released in 2009, Daybreakers is set in a dystopian future on the brink of complete collapse. Set in 2019, 95% of the human population has transformed into vampires thanks to a plague, leading to a blood shortage despite the existence of "blood farms". With humans on the brink of extinction and the consequences of not drinking blood being terrible for vampiric individuals, Edward Dalton, a vampire haematologist, is tasked with developing a synthetic blood substitute which could save both vampires and humanity. Brilliant world building, a great cast and a return to truly monstrous vampires all come together to create an absolutely brilliant entry in the vampire film category.

2 - The Lost Boys

The 1987 classic horror comedy film, The Lost Boys, follow two brothers, Michael and Sam, who have moved to Santa Carla in California to live with their grandfather after their parents' divorce. Michael falls for Star, a mysterious girl he sees on the boardwalk, and is quickly drawn into the world of a local biker gang led by David. As he is initiated into the gang, Michael unknowingly drinks blood – something that will transform him into a vampire. In order to save his brother, Sam teams up with two teenage vampire hunters and begins their mission to destroy the clan's leader. Full of pop culture fun, a good balance of comedy and horror and a brilliant cast, this is an iconic classic which is well worth a watch.

1 - Interview with the Vampire

I would absolutely argue that Interview with the Vampire is the best vampire film ever made. Released in 1994, the film follows Louis, who is 200 years old, as he recounts his tragic life from his human beginnings in 1790s Louisiana to his toxic bond with his maker, Lestat and a child they turned – trapping her in a child form forever – Claudia. The film explores the twisted family dynamic the three have, vampiric culture and betrayal in this adaption of the classic Anne Rice novel. I love the characters, the plot is engaging with a perfect tone and brilliant pacing, the performances are remarkable and the atmosphere is stylish and dark. This is, to me at least, the best vampire film in the genre.

So here they are, five vampire films you should absolutely watch if you haven't already. Are there any here that surprise you and what would you add to the list?

Written by Tam Page