Vampires are a favorite theme of world cinema. A great many films have been made about them, and, despite the seemingly hackneyed topic, for a whole century authors have managed to find new nuances in vampire images.
Not only thrillers are made about vampires, but also action films, comedies, westerns… This collection contains ten of the most amazing films about the terrifying evil spirits.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
The film, with Francis Ford Coppola as director and a cast of Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves and Monica Bellucci, was doomed to success. The film won eight Oscars and the love of audiences all over the world: although the film turned out to be not very scary, and looks more like a melodrama than a horror film, it inevitably fascinates with the delightful gothic atmosphere created by Coppola.
Refinement, mystery, the perfectly conveyed spirit of the era, anxiety – all this makes the picture incredibly attractive, and some mixing of styles and a large number of different cultural quotes looks very interesting.
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
This film is notable for the fact that it was in it that vampires ceased to be absolute villains and acquired depth of character and a certain humanity. Of course, there were such attempts before, but they did not go too far – only in “Interview with the Vampire” the drama and internal conflict of the vampire soul was fully revealed.
Deep psychologism, sophistication, excellent work of actors and director allowed this film to gain fame from critics, collect a huge budget and become one of the best films about vampires.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1995)
Another cult film. The creative tandem of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, as always, gave amazing results: an excellent gangster action film suddenly turns into a vampire thriller halfway through the film. But, as you know, the law is not written for this couple, and this changeover does not harm, but only fuels interest in the film.
A fascinating script, excellent acting, brilliant black humor and a unique atmosphere are what allowed the film to win many prizes and unconditional love from the audience. The picture captivates from the first to the last frame – it’s simply impossible not to fall in love with it.
Shadows of Unforgotten Ancestors (2013)
This is one of the few films made exclusively by Ukraine in which a vampire appears.
The twisted plot takes the viewer to the Ukrainian Carpathians. Several centuries ago, evil spirits and all sorts of chimeras rampaged there. In order to escape from it, nine molfars sealed the otherworldly evil spirits in the Book of Shadows and branded it with the magical Zgard. All this time since then, Zgard was kept in a safe place. But one day he falls into the wrong hands…
The Addams Family (1991)
Of course, this film cannot be called a 100% film about vampires – the charming family does not drink blood from random victims, but only plays with guillotines, is fond of black magic and scares random guests. However, their way of life is so unique, and this picture is so original, that it is impossible not to mention it.
Actually, the characters of the Addams Family first appeared on screens in the television series of the 60s. Here they again delighted the audience thanks to director Barry Sonnenfeld, who decided to make a feature-length film about the heroes.
Twilight (2008)
Many sophisticated film fans do not miss the slightest opportunity to spit on this “sweet” film. However, “Twilight” does not hold the audience’s love. The romantic story with a vampire twist is aimed mainly at an audience of teenage girls, but there are also fans of the film among mature men.
Director Catherine Hardwicke managed to bring to the screen a real girl’s dream, a beautiful fairy tale about love, and it was a huge success – the film grossed almost $400 million and spawned a number of sequels.
Underworld (2003)
“Another World” combines a vampire thriller with a noir style. It is also curious that this picture has become a kind of interpretation of the classic story of Romeo and Juliet, only instead of the warring clans of Montagues and Capulets, vampires and werewolves are fighting among themselves.
The special universe embodied in the film was loved by many viewers – for its gothic and gloomy, stylish and sophistication. And good acting and bright characters made this film quite realistic and voluminous.
Viy (2014)
The most expensive film in the creation of which Ukraine took part. The budget of $26 million turned into hordes of vampires, turncoats and other evil spirits that simply swarm the screen. Enhances the effect – colorful 3D.
Ideologically, this film, of course, does not show Ukraine in the best video. However, the fact remains that this is the most striking vampire picture in the history of our cinema.
The action takes place in the 18th century. Cartographer Jonathan Green finds himself in a village lost among impenetrable forests on the territory of modern Ukraine. Only a thick fog could have brought him to this damned place. The people living here are not like any other
never before seen by the traveler. By protecting themselves from the rest of the world with a deep ditch, local residents believe that they will be able to protect themselves from evil spirits. However, in fact, she has already settled in their souls for a long time. What the scientist would soon see was something he could not have dreamed of in any monstrous dream.
Nosferatu. Symphony of Terror (1921)
A gem of world cinema, Friedrich Murnau’s Nosferatu actually started a wave of vampire films. The silent black and white film, made almost 100 years ago, is still one of the best in its genre.
The amazing acting, especially the main villain Count Orlok, is fascinating and frightening. This creepy, unblinking character seems to pull out all human fears from the depths of the subconscious, hypnotizing with his facial expressions, plasticity and special energy message. The gloomy atmosphere created by expressive visuals and beautifully selected music transports the viewer to a special world – the world of German expressionism.
By the way, it was this tape that created one of the most popular myths about vampires – about intolerance to sunlight.
Let Me In (2008)
Perhaps the most unusual film about vampires is Swedish director Tomas Alfredson’s Let Me In. Here you will not see Hollywood cliches, this is real Scandinavia – slow, leisurely, unusually atmospheric and poignant.
The drama, steeped in psychology, tells the story of the friendship of two children, and is closer to art house than to mainstream cinema. At the same time, the picture is permeated with some kind of extraordinary naturalness, ease, which surprises and fascinates. The contemplative and melancholy mood suits the vampire theme perfectly, and there are many magnificent shots that delight the eye.
Vampires (1998)
This vampire film was shot in a Western style. A motel with vicious girls in the middle of the desert, Colts and brutal men, foul language and an abundance of bloody scenes in which good vampire hunters fight bad ghouls – all this is reminiscent of the best cowboy-style films.
The bright atmosphere, brilliant humor, amazing acting, amazing soundtrack and wonderful cinematography make the film very “juicy” and expressive. Despite the fact that director John Carpenter created a kind of anthology of cliches from vampire films, the film turned out to be very original and original.
Vampires are a kind of reflection of ourselves, a black mirror of our subconscious, into which it is both scary and interesting to look. Therefore, this topic will be eternal and inexhaustible.