It's been 85 years since the premiere of Universal's Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, on February 12, 1931. Adapted from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, it was one of the first entries in a great tradition of vampire films still alive and stalking unwitting victims to this day. If you thought the immortal vampire had finally been slain by the Twilight franchise, think again: these movies are just as satisfying as the last drop of blood from a fresh corpse.
The 2014 mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows follows four ancient blood-suckers struggling to cope with the realities of 21st century living, like undead roommates who don't do the dishes and get blood on the antique furniture. Directed by Taika Waititi, who is set to direct Thor: Ragnarok, and starring Jemaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords, this hilarious parody will especially appeal to fans of Edgar Wright's Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End).
Looking for something darker? Try Only Lovers Left Alive, the latest from director Jim Jarmusch. Musician Adam and book collector Eve have lived and loved one another for centuries, but as sickness pollutes the blood of the human population, can the two vampires survive? Accompanied by a brooding soundtrack featuring Jarmusch's own band, SQÜRL, the film reflects on the nature of love, death and eternity... and who could resist a dark romance starring Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton?
What's your favorite vampire movie?
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