Only a few films about vampires can be defined as sharp-scripted and attention-grabbing. What makes a good vampire movie is the thought-provocative plot, tense scenes, seduction, maybe some action, but most of all there must be sensuality and disclosing the character’s personal dilemma.
Let’s have a look on the most powerful and highly acclaimed vampire movies from 1990 to 2015.
Dracula (1992)
Based on Bram Stoker's gothic horror novel Dracula marked the beginning of a renaissance era for vampire films. Although Nosferatu is considered the Grandfather of vampire genre in cinema, Bram Stoker's ground-breaking turned-into-movie novel remains an ultimate classic reviving the horror vampire genre. Directed by movie genius Francis Ford Coppola, featuring a brilliant script as well as immensely talented cast, including Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins and Keanu Reeves, the film received high international acknowledgement back in 1992. Its success got even larger when received 15 movie awards; among them are 3 Academy Awards, 5 awards of the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, and 4 nominations for BAFTA Awards. There is one more thing we should be very grateful about. Italian sex symbol Monica Bellucci made her debut on the American silver screen with the role of Dracula’s bride. Thank you, Coppola!
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Directed by Neil Jordan in 1994 Interview with the Vampire, along with Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula, remain the most awe-inspiring films about vampires of all-time cinema history. Interview with the Vampire follows the story of two vampires who may not appear to be truly good friends but they certainly can't do well if separated. We have two big movies stars here: Brad Pitt, playing the protagonist character, and Tom Cruise – his wicked friend. The film is an adaptation of Anne Rice's novel, which became a cultural phenomenon.
Vampires (1998)
First movie titles that appear in your mind after you hear John Carpenter's name are most likely to be Halloween, The Fog, Prince of Darkness, and/or Village of the Damned. Yes, he is a true master of horror. Furthermore, he has a vampire movie that might haven't gained that much of a commercial success but it still deserves its place in vampire- movie-lists. Released in 1998, this horror thriller has everything a true full-blooded vampire story would need. Although the storyline doesn't stun with an original content, the engrossing ambience is what makes this film credential and worth your time. If you are a sucker for vampire stories this one might appeal to your taste. Set in the Texas desert background Vampires delivers remarkably horrifying atmosphere that instantly grabs you and makes you feel like part of it - thrown in the deep waters dealing with supernatural forces.
Let the Right One in (2008)
This Swedish horror drama (original title Låt Den Rätte Komma In) represents one of the most touching and skillfully made stories about vampires and their dreadful influence. It focuses on life of Oskar, a boy at age 12, who is constantly bullied. Naturally, a desire to take vengeance starts to grow in him. He meets a girl Eli with weird habits, one which is her total intolerance to daylight. Eli instills confidence in Oskar pushing him to seek his revenge. This is a story about the choices people make and the consequences that come later. Undoubtedly, director Tomas Alfredson has done a great job. Released in 2008 in Sweden, the film gained large commercial success. Its popularity inspired producers to film an English remake, which came out in 2010 and has the shortened title Let me in.
Midnight Son (2011)
Written and directed by Scott Leberecht Midnight Son delivers a highly creative story for which it gives all the proof to acknowledge a vampire movie as sensible, and providing a profound message. The plot tells the story of Jacob, a young man who suffers from a rare skin condition. The illness forces him to avoid daylight and leave his house only at night. Jacob’s world turns upside down when he meets the bartender addicted to drugs Mary . She appears to be the only one who can save him from his life of isolation. The movie concerns more the subject of addiction (whether it is blood or cocaine,) rather than vampire transitions in their typical meaning. For these reasons, it deserves a lot of credit.
Byzantium (2013)
With an IMDB score 6.5 out of 10 this movie is apparently highly underrated by viewers. Byzantium tells the tense and heartful story of Eleanor and Clara, two mysterious and complex heroines who are running to find shelter. They end up in English coastal resort. Clara meets the loner Noel. He is terminally ill, living in a deserted guesthouse called Byzantium. Soon Clara falls in love with him. In the meantime, Eleanor's secrets of her past began to hunt her. Raising the question about immortality, exploring its advantages and disadvantages, Byzantium is smartly made gripping British vampire drama, which makes a total must see for the fans of the genre.
Upcoming vampire movies in 2015
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, directed by Ana Lily Amirpour
Harker, directed by Eli Roth
