Vampire myth dates back to 1725

The vampire myth has intrigued people for centuries. It first appeared around 1725 with Arnold Paole and Peter Plogojowitz, two Austrian soldiers who, after their deaths, were said to return as vampires to haunt the villages of Medvegja and Kisiljevo.

Vampire in cinema has evolved over time

In popular culture and especially in cinema, the vampire has inspired many directors. Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau adapted Bram Stoker’s cult novel Dracula to make Nosferatu in 1922, which depicted the vampire as a fierce monster. Today, some reinterpretations explore the human and sensitive side of the vampire.

Vogue France highlights top vampire films

Vogue France revisits the 10 best vampire films to watch or rewatch, especially for the Halloween season. These films range from classic adaptations to modern reinterpretations, each offering a unique perspective on the vampire myth.

Nosferatu by Murnau is a horror classic

Nosferatu by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau (1922) is an iconic horror film known for its hunched shadow and bent fingers. It contributed to the popularity of German expressionism, using abstract sets and romantic beauty. The film is an unauthorized adaptation of Dracula and features Count Orlok as a bloodthirsty vampire.

Dracula by Tod Browning is a silent classic

Dracula by Tod Browning (1931) is the first film under that title. It features Renfield, played by Dwight Frye, who travels to the Carpathians to meet Dracula, only to discover he is a bloodthirsty vampire.

Herzog reimagines Nosferatu in 1979

Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu, Phantom of the Night (1979) reinterprets the original 1922 film with Klaus Kinski as the vampire. It is a sublime reworking that highlights the new German cinema of the 1970s, influenced by the French New Wave.

Tony Scott’s The Predators features immortals

In The Predators (1983), Catherine Deneuve plays Miriam, an immortal vampire who gives immortality to David Bowie’s character. When John suddenly ages, Miriam tries to stop the process.

Interview with the Vampire is a literary adaptation

Interview with the Vampire (1994) is based on Anne Rice’s novel of the same name. It follows a journalist recording the confessions of a centuries-old vampire. Originally intended for River Phoenix, the role was eventually played by Christian Slater.

Coppola’s Dracula adds eroticism

Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula (1992) reimagines the vampire as a seducer, with Gary Oldman playing the titular character. The film adds eroticism to the narrative, making the vampire a central figure in a kitsch and delicious melodrama.

Blade explores the human side of vampires

Blade (1998) by Stephen Norrington highlights the futuristic and human sides of vampires. The film follows a hybrid vampire hunter who tries to avenge his mother’s death. A new Blade film with Mahershala Ali is planned for 2022.

Twilight redefined the vampire for teens

Twilight (2008) by Catherine Hardwicke became a cult film for teenagers, telling the story of a love between a vampire and a human. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Edward Cullen popularized the image of a sexy vampire.

Only Lovers Left Alive is a romantic vampire film

Only Lovers Left Alive (2016) by Jim Jarmusch explores the romantic side of vampires through the relationship of two eternal lovers. The film is noted for its sensuality and romanticism, making it an essential watch for vampire film enthusiasts.

Vampire humanist seeks a consenting suicidal is a fresh take

Vampire humanist seeks a consenting suicidal (2024) by Ariane Louis-Seize offers a modern and feminine take on the vampire myth. It features a vampire with empathy, a rare trait that challenges the traditional vampire narrative.

Nosferatu by Robert Eggers is a new horror classic

In Nosferatu (2025), Lily-Rose Depp portrays Ellen Hutter, a young woman possessed by a bloodthirsty demon. Directed by Robert Eggers, the film explores the desires and struggles of a female character in the vampire myth, adding depth to the genre.