Dracula is one of cinema's most prolific characters, appearing on screen dozens of times. His popularity has lead to a modern rise, in the last thirty years, of the Vampire film, which has almost developed into a genre in its own right. With so many Vampire-based films through cinema history, which are the best?
Nosferatu: Eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)
One of cinema's earliest vampiric efforts, this film was supposed to be a screen adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, but, as the filmmakers didn't have the rights to the book, they produced this somewhat similar version of the same tale. This vampire film is notable as it was directed by one of German cinema's most respected artists, F.W. Murnau, and is actually fairly creepy in mood and texture by even today's standards. Nosferatu inspired many of the early Hollywood vampire movies with its dark resonance, and is still well regarded amongst film aficionado's today.
Dracula (1931)
An early faithful rendition of Bram Stokers novel, this film is memorable because its lead star Bela Lugosi became notorious for his depiction of Dracula - his depiction which became the typecast style for Dracula in Hollywood films. Many of the most famous clichés of vampire films came from this version of Dracula, including the costume of the vampire, the settings and tone of the film. Lugosi became so attached to this character - it made him famous in the movie world - that he was buried in his Dracula cape upon passing. Not quite as faithful to the original text as the 1992 version, but follows the story closely.
Dance of the Vampires (1967)
This horror/comedy directed by Roman Polanski is of typical quality by the renowned director. Best described as a dark comedy, this film follows two men who travel into Transylvania to search out vampires and end up getting more than they bargained for. Brilliantly moody, funny and above the level of many low-budget vampire films of the era.
The Lost Boys (1997)
This cult classic was one of the first films to explore the idea that being a vampire might actually be pretty cool - not surprisingly the target group for The Lost Boys is teenagers. Still this film was a pretty important precursor to the Twilight series and takes viewers into a world that explores teen angst, while telling its story from the point of view of the vampire characters. A tad dated now, but still very cool compared with a lot of average vampire movies.
Dracula (1992)
Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola directed this version of Bram Stoker's original book Dracula; perhaps the most faithful adaptation in film history. That aside, Coppola's direction brings a very realistic portrayal of the book to the screen, as realistic as the horror/fantasy element permits, with a host of top notch actors in tow. The film is let down a little by it's rigid following of the book; trying to cram so much into such little time leaves the story feeling a little hollow, but this is still an important film in the Vampiric Cannon of cinema.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Yet another vampire movie under the influence of an important director of the period. This time blood-lusting-yet-cerebral filmmaker Quentin Tarantino directs a film about criminals hiding out in a strip club who fatefully discover that all of the clubs inhabitants turn into Vampires at night. Very violent and confronting but still From Dusk Till Dawn is hugely original worthwhile viewing for those who can handle violence, language and sex in hardcore amounts.
Blade (1998)
A new direction for vampire films emerged once again with Blade. Wesley Snipes stars as a half man/half vampire who, unlike other vampires, can survive during the daylight hours, in what is a pretty entertaining action/martial arts style movie. The horror of most vampire films is replaced by the action, which suits the style of the film and the times. The vampire fantasy element is still there tying this in with the rest of the vampire genre.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)
Japanese animation following a half human/half vampire 'slayer' of vampires. The film is typically Japanese, with bizarre concepts, such as a parasite living in the vampire hunter’s head, which talks to him. Excellent and stylish animation with dark and quirky undertones. Again, worthwhile as is a different and rather fresh take on the vampire genre.
