Five Great Vampire Movies For Halloween — Or Any Time
Sure, it’s only August, but those Halloween decorations are creeping into stores, not that anyone needs Halloween as an excuse for a good vampire flick. What’s better than a good vampire movie any time of year? Why, five good vampire movies, of course. And by vampire movies, we’re not talking about the kind where they sparkle in sunlight. We’re talking bloodsucking, garlic-hating, and exploding in the daylight, like a vampire should.
The Most Interesting Man in the World
When people think of vampires, they often think of sexy immortal beings, but once again, we are not talking about Robert Pattinson. We’re talking about the legend of the silver screen who preyed on those damsels in distress and made them swoon: the late, great Sir Christopher Lee.
Lee gave up his capes and his coffins long ago, but even after his passing, his legendary portrayal of The Count remains one of the favorite Draculas of all time. Some of the later films were of somewhat uneven quality, that you can’t go wrong with Horror of Dracula, according to ScreenRant.
An Homage to the House of Hammer
Francis Ford Coppola’s take on the vampire film, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, harkens back to the Victorian-style of the old Hammer horror films, which regularly featured Lee and Peter Cushing. Coppola made the great decision to cast Gary Oldman as the legendary bloodsucker, although paired with a somewhat questionable casting of Keanu Reeves, but it still made the cut for one of Movie Pilot’s all-time favorites. Both of them fight over Winona Ryder to win her heart and soul, in classic Gothic melodramatic style.
With lush sets, costuming, and style, Bram Stoker’s Dracula spins the vampire story as a dark, Victorian romance.
Lost and Found Again
The CW has announced plans to develop a TV version of The Lost Boys, the vampire classic with Jami Gertz and loads of eye candy for the ladies. Kiefer Sutherland and Jason Patrick starred in this movie, along with the “two Coreys,” Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. This film makes a lot of favorite lists, including this one by Horror Movies.
Not only does The Lost Boys play up the sex appeal of vampires in a more modern setting, but it gives them a rock ‘n roll edge. With those motorcycles, it plays a bit as Nosferatu meets Sons of Anarchy. Bonus for the always delightful Dianne Wiest as the naïve mother who has no idea her sons are dealing with vampires right under her nose.
All in the Family
Another fresh take on vampire movies comes from The Queen of Scream, which recommends Near Dark. You may not have heard of this one, as it was only a small independent film when it was released back in 1987. This sexy little vampire western was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, of Point Break and The Hurt Locker fame. It features Bill Pullman and Lance Henriksen, who are part of a family of outlaw vampires roaming the country for victims.
At the heart of the story is the romance between a nice vampire girl who falls in love with a nice farm boy. Suffice it to say, the vampire family is less than enthused with her choice, and not so patient with that farm boy’s unwillingness to adapt to their ways.
Stick with the Original
One of the many horror classic remakes of recent years was a modern take on Fright Night, which originally starred Chris Sarandon as a suave and sexy vampire who somehow falls for the annoying and dorky girlfriend of the kid next door. I don’t care who she looks like from the past, that’s really pushing one’s ability to suspend disbelief. But Den of Geek recognizes Fright Night as a horror classic that should make about any vampire flick list.
This Halloween camp classic casts Roddy McDowell as the fading late night horror movie host recruited by a vampire-hunting teen, and Chris Sarandon as some serious eye candy with a little too much bite. The hallmark of a great vampire performance is when you root for the vampire to win. It’s fair to say that most ladies watching Fright Night will be solidly #TeamSarandon.
This is far from an all-inclusive list, but will make a great vampire movie marathon for your Halloween party or any time you want a great scary night of vampire films.
[Photo by AP/Stock]
