The undead have been part of pop culture for centuries; vampires are the king of monsters. From folk tales, to novels, and then TV and film, these mysterious immortals have fascinated the masses for as long as they’ve been around. Even the most underrated vampires have a very special mythology to them that draws audiences in. Having forever at their fingertips, yet also relying on killing in order to maintain it poses so many fascinating dilemmas to explore. Vampires have been portrayed as evil bloodsucking monsters and conflicted romantic heroes, and the most powerful movie and TV vampires can manipulate and enthrall.
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There’s also so much lore that gets changed around depending on what fits a particular story, which allows the vampire characters to develop all kinds of personality traits dependent on their limitations. In some stories, they can’t go out in the daylight, making their lives fully nocturnal and limited. In others, they can’t enter someone’s premises without being invited, which means they need to either be skilled manipulators or hunters. Each rule means there have been vampires with completely different histories and lives, allowing for some fascinating characters to emerge, making upcoming vampire movies even more exciting.
10 Spike (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, 1997-2004)
Played by James Marsters
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The moment Spike crashed into Sunnydale, with his Billy Idol style, and untraceable British accent, he was a smash hit with viewers. He added so much to the show, and what was meant to be a guest spot as a mid-level villain, turned into a regular role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel too. What makes his character so compelling is the mix of rebellious anarchic tendencies mixed with the need to be loved and accepted. Even in his fully villainous form, Spike is driven by his love for Drusilla and jealousy of Angelus.
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He’s the sort of charismatic anti-hero that audiences root for, and Marsters brought so much relatable imperfection to the role. When Spike gets the chip implanted and is no longer able to kill people, he develops into an unwilling ally to the Scoobies and gets closer to the Slayer. As his relationship with Buffy develops, he starts feeling more humanity, conflict, and need for redemption. Spike ends the series as a hero and will be remembered for his epic fight scenes, savage humor, and great singing skills.
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9 Eve (Only Lovers Left Alive, 2013)
Played by Tilda Swinton
An ancient and enigmatic vampire with a calm, ethereal presence, Eve has a deep love for art, literature, and life itself. In the film directed by Jim Jarmusch, Tilda Swinton offers a unique take on how vampires adapt to immortality. Eve serves as a contrast to the melancholic Adam (Tom Hiddleston), with her more grounded and optimistic outlook.
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Eve’s relationship with Adam is central to her character. Despite their differences, they have an enduring and passionate bond that spans centuries. Eve is a refreshing take on the vampire archetype, that mixes sophistication, wisdom, and empathy. Tilda Swinton’s nuanced portrayal adds depth to this complex character. The focus on the love of human culture and curiosity of her ever-changing surroundings provides a different take on what being a vampire is like.
8 Pam (True Blood, 2008-2014)
Played by Kristin Bauer
Among the many vampires of Bon Temps, Louisiana, Pamela Swynford De Beaufort stands out for her wit, class, and loyalty. Pam is a vampire with an extremely sharp tongue, and a deeply cynical yet dedicated personality. Her relationship with Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård) is where most of her softer side can be seen, while her position as his number two in command, also showcases how strong and authoritative she can be. She begins her journey on True Blood as a human-hating protege to an enigmatic leader, and as time progresses, develops a deeper understanding of humankind and becomes a mentor herself.
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Kristin Bauer’s performance gives audiences a glimpse into the souls of a seemingly soulless creature, and her line delivery is a cutting as it is hilarious.
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As Pam’s outlook represents the darker side of immortality, she uses sarcasm and biting remarks to cope with everything, and expresses her strong personality in her killer fashion sense. Kristin Bauer’s performance gives audiences a glimpse into the souls of a seemingly soulless creature, and her line delivery is a cutting as it is hilarious. Pam will have an immortal spot in the hearts of many dedicated viewers.
7 David (The Lost Boys, 1987)
Played by Kiefer Sutherland
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Rocking a bleach-blonde mullet and plenty of attitudes, David owns every scene he’s in and delivers several of The Lost Boys‘ best quotes. His character embodies danger, rebellion, and magnetism, making him one of the more iconic figures in vampire cinema. As the leader of the chaotic group of vampires, David is full of confidence and charm, commanding the loyalty of his gang. Kiefer Sutherland’s strong presence and rebellious attitude make him both captivating and menacing. Reckless and wild, David embraces the anarchism of the vampire lifestyle with enthusiasm, indulging in thrills and plenty of dangerous activities.
He lives by the mantra of eternal youth and freedom, embodying a hedonistic and carefree existence which makes for thrilling viewing. This is a trope that makes some of the vampire antagonists so much more interesting than their conflicted hero counterparts. They allow audiences to indulge in a world with no set rules, and focus solely on pleasure. David’s punk rock style and sinister charisma stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
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6 Caroline (The Vampire Diaries 2009-2017)
Played by Candace Accola
Caroline Forbes starts the show as a shallow teenager, with not much on her mind than boys and clothes. But, her journey as a vampire is what helps her grow throughout the whole series, making her one of the most beloved characters from Mystic Falls. Her transformation from a human to a vampire reveals her resilience, strength, and heroism, making her one of the show’s most compelling vampires. As her emotions become amplified after the change, so does her compassion. Her devotion to those closest to her is also what makes viewers connect with this resilient young vampire.
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Caroline i also witty and hilarious. Her one-liners are some of the best on the show and Accola delivers them with charm and a vicious sweetness that is perfectly matched to this character. Her love life is also fascinating to follow. The chemistry with Klaus (Joseph Morgan) is off the charts, and her longing for Stefan (Paul Wesley) shows a vulnerability that’s very emotional to watch. Caroline Forbes is a great example of a modern day vampire, trying to navigate this new promise of forever, as well as all the pitfalls of being a young adult.
5 Lestat (Interview With A Vampire, 1994)
Played by Tom Cruise
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Having first appeared in Anne Rice’s novel of the same name, Lestat is a highly charismatic and morally ambiguous vampire. His layered personality combines danger and vulnerability with an elegant flair, making him one of the most memorable figures in vampire fiction. Lestat is a captivating character, and he carefully uses his innate magnetism to lure both humans and fellow vampires into his hedonistic world. He delights in tormenting others, particularly Louis, after having turned Louis into a vampire against his will and emotionally binding the two together.
Tom Cruise navigates this character’s journey from a “seductive vampire” archetype, to mentor and protector, to a cruel antagonist who wants to ruin his former companion’s attempt at happiness. His presence is felt even when he’s not on the screen, as Louis and Claudia (Kirsten Dunst) try to make a life without him. He also has one of the most iconic jump-scares at the end of the film as he reveals himself in the reporter’s car.
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4 Blade (Blade, 1998)
Played by Wesley Snipes
With a slightly different origin story than most vampires, Blade, known as the “Daywalker,” straddles the line between humanity and vampirism. Wesley Snipes combines an action-hero intensity with a personal vendetta against vampires. His mother had been turned into a vampire whilst pregnant, which is one of the reasons Blade feels such disdain for the species, despite having some of the same powers they do. A brooding antihero, he vows to protect humanity by any means possible, which often means bloody fights and brutal killings.
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Blade is a master swordsman and is skilled at many different types of combat. With a focus on eliminating the immortals, his morality lies in a slightly gray area. He utilizes his ability to go out during the day to hunt nests, and take out the bloodsuckers he so looks down upon. The use of garlic-based explosives and UV-light devices shows the innovation and determination behind his hunting tactics, making Blade one of the more resilient and resourceful vampires around. He is also a groundbreaking character in both vampire and superhero genres, as one of the first black superheroes to headline a major film franchise, which plants him firmly in the history books.
3 Nadja (What We Do In The Shadows, 2019-2024)
Played by Natasia Demetriou
Image via Hulu
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Brash, sarcastic, and outspoken, Nadja is one of the more flamboyant of the mockumentary vampires. Completely eccentric, and unapologetically mischievous vampire, she is equal parts glamorous and hilarious. Her tumultuous relationship with Laszlo offers up a lot of chaotic drama, but her biting retorts never fail to steal any scene she’s in. Utilizing the stereotypical Transylvanian accent, Demetriou navigates the modern world with an old-world attitude.
Utilizing the stereotypical Transylvanian accent, Demetriou navigates the modern world with an old-world attitude.
Nadja is the matriarch of the household, and manages to be the boss of a bunch of highly disorganized male vampires. She also promotes women’s empowerment, which is something from the modern world she’s keen to champion. Nadja is undoubtedly one of the funniest and sassiest characters in What We Do in the Shadows. She perfectly embodies the show’s balance of supernatural absurdity and heartfelt comedy, that makes her a joy to watch.
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2 Dracula (Bram Stoker’s Dracula, 1992)
Played by Gary Oldman
Probably one of the most well-known vampires in history the Dracula that the public knows and fear was initially made famous by Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Brought to the screen in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula, he embodies both terror and tragedy, blending the archetype of a monstrous villain with that of a tortured romantic figure. A tragic backstory reveals his transformation into a vampire that stems from the loss of his wife and his renunciation of God. But, after years of living this cursed existence, he’s at his core, a predator who thrives on the blood of the living.
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Dracula uses his charm and hypnotic powers to seduce and control his victims, making him as alluring as he is terrifying. Much of his power lies in the mystery surrounding him, and he is shrouded in legends. Gary Oldman brings his sinister charm to life and plays him as a powerful and manipulative figure, that’s one of the most memorable portrayals of this legendary vampire.
1 Nosferatu (Nosferatu, 1922)
Played by Max Schreck
Count Orlok is a chilling and grotesque character who serves as one of the earliest cinematic representations of a vampire. Unlike the suave and charismatic vampires popularized by later media, he is monstrous and eerie, embodying fear and decay rather than seduction. Monstrous and predatory, this vampire is driven by the primal need to feed on human blood. He shows little humanity or empathy, acting purely on instinct and malice. His appearance, with his long clawed fingers and inhuman face, has been striking fear in viewers for nearly 100 years.
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The vampire in Nosferatu is a pure embodiment of horror. He is monstrous, alien, and unsettling. His character taps into primal fears, portraying the vampire as a predator to be feared. His shadowy silhouette on the screen perfectly encapsulates the terror he instills in his victims. With a new cinematic version of the character coming to theaters in 2024, it will be interesting to see how he’s represented so many years later.
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