Table of Contents
Robert Eggers’ remake of Nosferatu is finally here and seems to have been living up to the hype.
It’s got great reviews, a boffo box office, and awards season buzz. It’s also got the approval of hardcore horror nerds. To no one’s surprise, the remake of one of the greatest vampire movies of all time, by one of the best, most uncompromising directors of the modern era seems to be hitting the nail on the head (or is it stake in the chest?). It is a rare mainstream, commercial film for those who often scoff at it.
But its success doesn’t really hide the fact that Vampires in the mainstream have been neutered to an abysmal degree. They were once at the forefront of horror, literature, cinema, and pop culture. The fear and allure they represented has been reduced to diluted to Tumblr fan fiction archetypes and sleazy softcore fantasies; due to lame franchises like Twilight and True Blood; among many other dubious films and TV shows.
But in 2024, just like the COVID conspiracy theories, vampires are slowly finding their way back into the mainstream. And as people who often find happiness and solace in the deranged, dark gothic, bloodsucking fantasies that they inspire, we could not be more excited. In fact, if your idea of vampires is a bunch of overglossed perfume commercial models; maybe it’s time for a change in mentality and exploring some quality vampire fiction.
So until you watch the movie, why not check some of these out first?
Nosferatu (1922) and Nosferatu (1978)
Needless to say, before the remake, you need to watch the original(s).
There’s nothing more to be said about the iconic 1922 German Expressionistic Classic that hasn’t already been said. It is a critical film in cinematic history and one of the few films that pioneered storytelling when films began to transition from silent films to ‘talkies’. In 2024, it refreshingly holds up and is still as fun as ever. Not only that, but it is also fully (and legally) available for free on YouTube.
Werner Herzog’s 1978 remake is also excellent and breaks down the power and expressions of the original classic into moody, existential, psychological contemplation. It’s more art-house than the original. But still very entertaining and worth watching. I mean Klaus Kinski playing Orlok gives it instant classic status by default.
The only problem is that it isn’t available on streaming, and physical media-wise, it is really hard to track down. If you can manage it, then you no doubt get bragging rights.
Dracula (1958-1973) film series
Most kids (and overgrown adults) may only know him as Saruman in the Lord of the Rings movies (which is hardly anything to complain about). But the great Christopher Lee’s best, most iconic role is most definitely playing the terrifying Transylvanian count. A few of these films are absolute classics; while some are a bit uneven. But there’s no doubt that Lee’s portrayal is excellent and will no doubt resonate with modern audiences.
If nothing else, Dracula(1958) and Taste the Blood of Dracula(1970) are still excellent. Seek them out.
Dracula (1993)
As far as the count is concerned, he truly is to horror what Hamlet is to classical Shakespeare. Francis Ford Coppola’s 1993 interpretation is melodramatic, campy, large-scale, and visually stylish. Yet very, very close to the Bram Stoker’s original texts.
Featuring one of Gary Oldman’s best performances as the count himself, one of the best ‘doomed romances’; and Keanu Reeves doing some of the best ‘bad acting’ ever (that is still memed to this day).
This one should not be missed. Just a whole lot of fun.
Blade 1 and 2
Speaking of fun, just forget Wesley Snipe’s lame, neutered cameo in Deadpool vs Wolverine, and hop on to the early 2000’s adrenaline fuel that is the first two Blade films.
These films aren’t high art or literary, but they’re ultra-stylish, ultra-violent action junk with loads of blood, and tons of cinematic flair. It’s to 25-year-old edge lords what Transformers is to 17-year-old kids. Which is far from a bad thing.
Blade movies rule, and that’s why they are considered cult classics to this day. Grab a pizza, and a Diet Coke and enjoy guilt-free entertainment.
Tomb of Dracula (Marvel Comics)
Speaking of Blade, this is the comic-book series where he first originated. Marv Wolfman’s excellent run for Marvel comics replicated the feel of classic horror storytelling. Well-written, exquisitely drawn, and free from any sort of extraneous baggage.
Just old-fashioned storytelling designed to make you have fun. It is proof that sometimes sticking to the basics is only what’s needed. Not endless cameos from Iron Man and Thor.
Vampires the Masquerades: Bloodlines (Video game)
Troika’s famous vampire multi-media franchise has a huge following. But personally, we are only fans of (and familiar with) their 2001 PC RPG; which finally realized an interactive fantasy of playing as a vampire with all the perks and powers you can accept. Players were immersed in a living, breathing, dark, gothic word with systems, factions, and multiple storylines and hidden secrets.
Filled with blood, sex, violence, profanity, murder, and all sorts of uncompromising taboo topics like cannibalism, serial killings, fetishism, etc.–it will probably turn off the squeamish. However, mature audiences will look past all that and enjoy the brilliant writing, storylines, and world building of this unique, one-of-a-kind game.
Castlevania (Franchise)
Konami’s Castlevania video game franchise is probably the biggest name in the vampire media, so you don’t need further introductions from us. All we’ll say is that replaying Rondo of Blood got us through the pandemic; and many of these games are still incredible classics.
Symphony of the Night and Aria of Sorrow are among our favorites, and we also have a soft spot for bloodlines. The Netflix Castlevania anime is great as well (side scroll to see all images!)
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013 film)
That’s right. Vampires aren’t just for wannabe, try-hard, edge lords. They can be a part of serious, thinking adults as well. Jim Jarmusch’s 2013 film explores the existential jadedness and romantic stagnation of a vampire couple who have existed for millennia, and are only too aware of it. The film follows their misadventures as they navigate through the mundanity and pointlessness of modern life and explore various thematic and existential concepts.
Too art-house? Well, yes, since it’s a Jim Jarmusch film. But this film is far from pretentious. It’s a lot more atmospheric and fun and features great performances from Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. As well as an incredible soundtrack.
What We Do in the Shadows
This movie (and the accompanying) TV series is so good; that you’ll never believe that the guy who made Thor: Love and Thunder created it. Like Only Lovers, it focuses on the mundane and day-to-day of a bunch of eccentric vampire flatmates and their struggles to settle in a modern, urban environment. While some of the humour is specific to its native Australian/New Zealand tropes, its broad strokes are very, very funny. Mixing dark, macabre stuff with dry observation almost perfectly. Both the film and the corresponding TV show are worth watching.
Indian Vampire Movies
While we remain hopeful, thus far vampire movies haven’t hit the paydirt when it comes to Indian cinema (our opinion). Sure, they might be a time when they are good, but right now, they just flat-out suck. Looking at you, Dracula 2012 (ugh).
With that said, we do have a soft spot for the Ramsey brothers’ Bandh Darwaaza. The notoriously sleazy schlockmeisters (think India’s answer to Russ Meyer or Roger Corman) have cheerfully dealt in the B-movie/exploitation film genre. And while they do come up with a lot of crap; occasionally they manage to create an unintentional cult classic.
If you aren’t familiar with their work, you can read up on them here. They definitely occupy a weird space within Indian cinema and are 100% worth exploring.
What are some of your favourites?
Stay tuned for our review of Nosferatu(2025)! In the meantime, let us know what are some of your pieces of vampire fiction. In fact, feel free to give us some of your recommendations in the comments below, so that we can expand our knowledge base. You can write to us here: [email protected], or drop a comment on this article!
