Fangs, blood, and angst: vampires and the supernatural have been in the media for decades, appearing as early as the 1800s. With Bram Stoker’s release of his novel “Dracula” in 1897, vampires began to find their way into mainstream pop culture, movies and television. Over the years, they have cultivated their own genre and shifted from haunting horror to frisky fantasy. Today’s vampires have become a watered-down version of what they used to be, and vampire movies and TV are often regarded as a joke.
Not only did the genre shift, but so did the target audience. Since the 2000s and the release of influential movies like “Twilight,” vampire media has become incredibly popular among teenage girls. Whether it’s because of the mystery or danger of it, teenage girls have kept the genre alive and transformed it into something new.
In order to determine which vampire media is the best, I have compiled a list and ranking of popular vampire TV and movies from the 1930s to 2023.
7. Dark Shadows (2012)
“Dark Shadows” is the 2012 reboot of one of the most influential gothic soap operas of the 1960s and 1970s. The original show, which aired in 1966, has over 1000 episodes and several movie spin-offs. “Dark Shadows” was the first soap opera directed towards teenagers. It became especially popular when the show introduced the vampire protagonist Barnabas Collins, who went on to become one of the biggest influences on the future of vampire media.
The original show is based on the lives of the Collins family, who are faced with odd and supernatural happenings in their day-to-day lives. The 2012 movie reboot, however, focuses specifically on Barnabas Collins. Barnabas, after being cursed by a witch he broke off a relationship with, transforms into a vampire and is cursed so that anything he loves will die. The witch and the townspeople go after Barnabas and lock him in a coffin underground, where he is stuck for 100 years until he is accidentally released by a construction crew. The movie chronicles Barnabas as he attempts to navigate the modern world and fix the tarnished Collins name.
The film does a good job of setting up the storyline quickly and efficiently for those who have not seen the original TV show. However, it is not a memorable or notable movie. Despite the star-studded cast, featuring Johnny Depp as Barnabas, the movie is a bit underwhelming. The overall plot of the film is lighthearted and enjoyable, but the humor is hit-or-miss. Some scenes will leave you laughing and some will have you wanting to turn it off because you can not believe someone actively chose to put something so odd in the movie.
One saving grace of “Dark Shadows” is the scenes that feature gothic cinematography reminiscent of the original show. Tim Burton’s style is evident in this film, which makes it more entertaining. “Dark Shadows” gets a 6/10 because although it is no spectacular film, it is a solid reboot of a classic.
6. Dracula (1931)
Count Dracula, the most famous vampire, has appeared countless times in pop culture and the media, spanning from the 1922 silent film “Nosferatu” to the children’s TV show “Sesame Street.” Though there are many films dedicated to the infamous vampire alone, the most popular, well-known and influential by far is Tod Browning’s “Dracula” released in 1931 starring Bela Lugosi as its title character.
The film, based on Bram Stoker’s gothic novel and a stage play inspired by it, portrays the story of vampiric Count Dracula. After hypnotizing a British Soldier to do his bidding, Dracula travels to take residence in London and create mayhem in the area, turning young women into vampires. The film follows professor turned vampire-hunter Abraham Van Helsing as he works to stop Dracula.
Something about Bela Lugosi and his freaky little eyes in this movie will leave you shifting uncomfortably in your chair. From the opening scene up until the very end, the gothic and dark cinematography and lack of a film score creates an unsettling atmosphere for the viewer. Combined with Dracula’s creepy stares, this movie is surprisingly haunting. However, it is not unbearably scary due to the fact that we never actually get to see Dracula bite someone; it always skips to the next scene as soon as he leans in.
The overall plot of the movie follows similarly to that of Bram Stoker’s novel, with only a few minor changes. Though there are many strong points of this movie, including the attention to detail, the best parts of the film are the moments that feel so dated they become funny. Because the film was created over 90 years ago, there are scenes in the film that were intended to be serious, but now feel silly because of how ridiculous they are. For example, Dracula flinging himself dramatically away while throwing his cape over his eyes all because he saw a little cross is such a goofy thing for a killer vampire to do; viewers cannot help but laugh.
“Dracula” is a surprisingly entertaining film that is definitely worth watching. Despite being old, it is a timeless film that gets a 7/10 for its strong gothic cinematography and status as a classic movie.
5. What We Do In the Shadows (2019)
Taika Waititi and his quirky film work has struck again. “What We Do in the Shadows,” a series released in 2019 and based on a movie, is a mockumentary that follows four vampires who have lived together in Staten Island for a century. The fictional documentary crew films them and their human companion, called a “familiar,” as they clash with the modern world and other supernatural beings.
This modern take strays away from many past stereotypes of vampire media, and manages to be original in a genre that has been done many times before.
The first episode of “What We Do In the Shadows” is quite painful to watch. But, much like many other series, the show gets better the further into it you get. The humor in the show is weird and disturbing at times, yet the jokes are so shocking and odd that it is funny. It is a very specific type of humor that isn’t for everyone, but it works in the show’s favor.
Though the characters are odd and say uncomfortable things, you cannot help but love every single one of them. Colin Robinson is easily the best one on the show, because the concept of an energy vampire who drains people not by drinking their blood, but by boring the life out of them is hilarious.
“What We Do In the Shadows” is a unique take on vampires in the modern world and it strays away from the common stereotypes of vampire television. It gets a 7/10 for its oddity, humor and originality.
4. The Vampire Diaries (2009)
“The Vampire Diaries” tells the story of high schooler Elena Gilbert, who is still reeling from the death of her parents. As she attempts a fresh start, she begins to fall in love with vampire Stefan Salvatore. The series follows the pair, as well as Stefan’s vampire brother Damon, as they attempt to protect Elena and the town from various threats and villains.
A large appeal to this show is its angst and dramatic vibe. If there is no girl in low-waisted jeans moping in her room about her controversially-old vampire boyfriend’s emotional unavailability, then is it really a teen vampire show? “The Vampire Diaries” hits all the marks in that category.
This show has received criticism on the internet and accusations of copying other shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” so my expectations for its quality were incredibly low. However, I was surprised to find myself very entertained and invested in its characters and plots. Although this show falls victim to the vampire-human romance trope, which is pushed heavily as the main plot of the show, the mysterious storylines about the Salvatore brothers and their involvement in the town’s history offer other intriguing aspects to the show.
The show is fast-paced with few comedic moments, so “The Vampire Diaries” is perfect for people who hate filler episodes and love watching dramatic television. All in all, this series gets an 8/10.
3. My Babysitter’s a Vampire (2011)
Unlike all of the other shows in this list, “My Babysitter’s a Vampire” is the only one directed mainly towards young kids. This 2010s kids’ TV show features geeky teenage boy Ethan who gets in trouble with his parents for being a terrible babysitter to his sister. As a result of this, his parents get a babysitter for both him and his little sister who, shockingly, turns out to be a vampire. The series follows Ethan, his best friend Benny and his vampiric babysitter Sarah as they fight off supernatural creatures and evil vampires in order to protect their town.
Despite the fact that this show is technically directed towards kids, it is still entertaining for all ages. It does not necessarily dive deeply into the nuances of good versus evil vampires, but “My Babysitter’s a Vampire” explores an often untouched concept of vampire lore: “fledglings.” Not quite a vampire, but still not human, a fledgling is a turned-vampire who has not yet drunk human blood. These interesting concepts, combined with fart jokes and the humor of a 12-year-old make the series truly a hidden gem.
The show both perpetuates and satirizes vampire movie stereotypes, including female main characters being obsessed with the vampire movie “Dusk,” a “Twilight” parody. This, as well as the hilarious cast of characters and absolutely fire theme song makes “My Babysitter’s a Vampire” a 9.5/10. Its only downfall is the tragic fact that it was never renewed for a third season.
2. The Twilight Saga (2008)
“The Twilight Saga” is arguably one of the most culturally significant movie series of all time. These book adaptations are consistently referenced in pop culture, including in three of the other shows reviewed on this list. However the movies are often referenced in a manner that makes fun of the ridiculous storyline. The criticism is valid, of course, because why is there a love triangle between a 104-year-old vampire, a hot werewolf and a painfully boring teenage girl? Despite the fact that these movies are objectively bad, they are so incredibly unreal and unserious that it is the funniest and most entertaining thing I have ever watched.
These movies follow Bella Swan, a teenage girl who finds herself falling for mysterious Edward Cullen, who soon reveals himself to be a vampire. The first film follows Bella as she becomes acquainted with the Cullen family, a coven of vampires who choose to abstain from drinking human blood. Throughout the film series, the infamous vampire- werewolf- human love triangle begins to form, and chaos and drama ensue.
Stephanie Meyer created this story with absolutely no thoughts about supernatural lore in her mind; she just wanted to create vampire fanfiction. The only vampire lore that is followed in the movies is the fact that the vampires drink blood. Without basic elements like dying in the sunlight, needing an invitation to enter and being killed by a stake through the heart, the Cullens are basically glorified mosquitos. However, it is easy to forget about the lack of attention to detail when the dialogue and plot lines are so funny. Though not written to be a comedy, lines like “hang on tight, spider monkey” being spoken by a vampire from the 1800s is probably one of the funniest things ever written.
Overall, “Twilight” is deservedly iconic and a genuinely entertaining film series. It is a must-watch for every teenage girl, as well as anyone who enjoys a camp movie. This movie gets a 10/10 because of its cinematographic aesthetic, unintentional comedy, perfect soundtrack and hot actors.
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is not only the best vampire TV show, but also one of the greatest shows of all time. Originally based on a movie of the same title, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” was released in 1996 and follows teenage girl Buffy Summers, who has been chosen to be the Slayer. The Slayer is a girl chosen in each generation to fight vampires and other forces of darkness. The show chronicles Buffy’s life as she battles evil, all while trying to be a girl with a somewhat normal life.
It is rare for a TV show to have an actually likable main character; more often than not, the side characters are always the fan favorites. But Buffy Summers is one of the most iconic heroines in the media today. To quote her, “I may be dead, but I’m still pretty. Which is more than I can say for you.” Who else could deliver this line so effortlessly while fighting off a powerful vampire?
It is not just vampires and demons that Buffy and the “Scoobies” fight off, but also the evils of everyday life. This show manages to connect the supernatural with important life themes in a way that feels natural. The way it covers topics of depression, familial loss and sexuality makes “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” more than just your average vampire show.
The show’s humor and lightheartedness is a strong point, but even the episodes that are more haunting and creepy are enjoyable as well. It just never gets boring watching Buffy and her friends fighting evil every episode. Buffy does not just slay vampires– she looks good doing it. The show’s costuming, makeup and overall aesthetic gives viewers all the ‘90s vibes that one could want.
Though it includes human-vampire relationships, this portrayal does far from romanticizing the concept. It is not afraid to show the dark sides of relationships. Instead, it dives deeply into the morally gray areas of “good” versus “bad” vampires.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” gets a well deserved 11/10 for its iconic status, hot vampires, ability to cover deep topics and overall aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
As the vampire genre has changed over the past century, its impact on society has continued to grow. Whether it be a black and white film from the 1930s or an angsty teen flick, there is a vampire movie or TV show for everyone.
