The Best Movies With Vampire Protagonists

Summary

Vampires as protagonists bring complexity beyond monsters in films like Hotel Transylvania.
Unique vampire perspectives are explored in various genres, showcasing different aspects of vampirism.
Franchises like Underworld showcase practical designs, intricate lore, and memorable characters.

Generally speaking, movies about vampires often depict them as adversaries, either serving as the primary antagonist or a secondary foe for the hero to vanquish. Occasionally, though, these bloodsucking creatures are given the opportunity to showcase their complexity by assuming the role of the main character instead of just being monstrous figures.

Being the central character doesn’t automatically make the vampire a hero; instead, it provides them with an opportunity to narrate events from their unique perspective. This approach has been utilized across various film genres, ranging from lighthearted animated family films to intense action movies that delve into the complexities of vampirism in diverse ways.

10. Hotel Transylvania

Zany Monster Mash For The Whole Family

The unexpected blend of family-friendly entertainment with characters like vampires, mummies, and werewolves was successfully achieved by the movie titled “Hotel Transylvania“, which later grew into a four-part film series. Originally conceived by renowned animator Genndy Tartatovsky, this fast-paced comedy revolves around Dracula operating a hotel as a sanctuary for monsters, featuring various iconic Universal creatures alongside his daughter Maven.

Adam Sandler brings an amusing yet endearing take on Dracula, resonating with fans who see him as a protective dad, notably when Maven begins to feel attracted to a human. The dynamic between Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, and Sandler’s Dracula is captivating, and the blend of sharp wit and offbeat humor has undoubtedly been instrumental in the series’ continued success, paying homage to and poking fun at classic monster film genres.

9. Cronos

Guillermo Del Toro’s Unique Take On Vampires

Before becoming famous for his hit dark fantasy movies, Guillermo Del Toro started his directorial career with “Cronos”. Though the word ‘vampire’ is absent in the movie, it offers a distinctive perspective on vampires. The film revolves around an unusual scarab-like device that bestows eternal life upon a common man, but at the price of craving human blood.

Incorporating classic horror with contemporary pulp, the film Cronos reflects many themes that are characteristic of Guillermo Del Toro’s movies nowadays. For instance, the primary character is a blend of hero and antagonist, underscoring the sorrowful consequences of embracing vampirism.

8. Underworld

Vampires And Werewolves Wage War In A Definitive 2000s Action Adventure

During the late 90s and early 2000s, there was an increase in urban gothic monster films, characterized by an abundance of blues and blacks. One such movie is Underworld, where vampires dressed in leather and brandishing firearms confront a Lycan faction (werewolves) in a hidden conflict occurring in contemporary cities.

Despite some unfavorable reviews from critics, the movie “Underworld” proved to be a blockbuster sensation at the box office, amassing a dedicated fanbase. The film’s success is largely due to its convincing monster designs, complex vampire mythology, and unforgettable villains, especially Bill Nighy as Victor. Kate Beckinsale’s portrayal of Selene transformed her into an iconic character, as she engaged in fierce battles against both her own kind and Lycans, relying on her vampiric skills and an array of distinctive weapons.

7. Underworld: Evolution

Selene Continues To Be One Of The Best Female Heroes

The initial “Underworld” movie sets a strong foundation for the series, whereas “Underworld: Evolution” builds upon it significantly. It amplifies the action, integrates fresh elements alongside familiar ones, and introduces new perils that escalate the tension. Furthermore, the film primarily revolves around the growth of Selene and Michael as the primary characters, who are both involved in intense action scenes.

Following seamlessly from the events portrayed in the initial film, Underworld: Evolution is frequently seen as an ideal complementary piece. Some devotees even believe it surpasses the original Underworld, with a significant factor being its antagonist, Marcus, and the exploration of the vampires’ and Lycans’ mythology. This presentation offers a distinctive blend of sci-fi and dark fantasy elements that many find captivating.

6. Daybreakers

A Clever Take On Vampires After They Conquer Earth

As a cinephile, I can’t help but admire the originality of “Daybreakers.” In this post-apocalyptic setting, it’s vampires who rule the Earth, and here’s the twist – humans are scarce. The irony lies in the fact that even though we vampires have gained immortality, we’re still grappling with scarcity, this time of a crucial resource: blood.

The movie titled “Daybreakers” narrates a scientist vampire’s journey attempting to resolve a blood shortage, only to later align with a human rebellion. Defying assumptions proved beneficial for the film, leading it to gain cult status following its underperformance at the box office. A significant factor in its success can be attributed to remarkable performances delivered by Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, and other talented actors.

5. Let The Right One In

A Friendship That Is As Terrifying As It Is Heartwarming

The chilling Swedish movie titled “Let The Right One In” has been reimagined both as an American film and television series, demonstrating its significant influence on the vampire genre. This story revolves around two young characters, one of whom is Eli, a girl who happens to be a vampire. Over time, she gradually develops a friendship with a boy.

The captivating aspect of the film “Let The Right One In” lies in its ethical quandary, as viewers find themselves rooting for this friendship to continue, even as Eli takes on the role of Oskar’s protector. Yet, forming a bond with a vampire brings about an abundance of violence, fundamentally altering Oskar’s life in ways that are both advantageous and detrimental. This portrayal of a vampire movie surpasses expectations by encouraging deeper thought.

4. Interview With The Vampire

The Life Of A Vampire Is Far From Easy

Drawing inspiration from Anne Rice’s namesake novel, “Interview With the Vampire” gained popularity due to its unique take on the vampire genre. The narrative follows a century of existence as portrayed by Brad Pitt’s character, Louis de Pointe du Lac. Unlike traditional tales, this story lacks a clear hero, offering a grimmer and more tragic perspective on the eternal life of a vampire.

Although the primary character might possess nobler traits than other bloodsuckers, he remains a complex, morally ambiguous figure – an anti-hero in every sense. The novel “Interview With The Vampire” illustrates that eternal life is no bed of roses, particularly for those who remain youthful forever, like Claudia who was transformed as a young girl. It further delves into the depths of depravity, as exemplified by Lestat, portrayed brilliantly by Tom Cruise, showcasing his versatile acting skills.

3. Blade

Marvel Would Not Be Where It Is Today Without Blade

In today’s world, it’s common to see Marvel superhero movies, such as those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this wouldn’t have happened without the groundbreaking film Blade. This C-list superhero was completely transformed, becoming a sleek and contemporary vampire hunter. Furthermore, it marked the beginning of the urban fantasy action genre, paving the way for films like Underworld. The success of Blade was so immense that many blockbusters attempted to mimic its style.

The main character, who goes by the title of a superhero, has gained widespread acclaim. This is largely due to Wesley Snipes delivering an exceptional portrayal of the character and also contributing his personal martial arts abilities to the fight sequences. The movie was marked by its dark, violent, and gruesome nature, making it stand out from other superhero or vampire films at that time. As a result, it spawned a franchise and played a significant role in paving the way for other Marvel productions like X-Men and Spider-Man.

2. Dracula Untold

When Universal Made Dracula Into An Epic Anti-Hero

In an effort to establish a cinematic universe similar to Marvel’s, the Universal Monsters initially introduced their concept with the film titled “Dracula Untold“. Instead of portraying Dracula as a traditional villain, the character played by Luke Evans is depicted as a king who voluntarily assumes the curse of a formidable vampire in order to safeguard his people and family from incoming threats.

Over time, I’ve become part of a dedicated fanbase for “Dracula Untold,” a film that’s reminiscent of a “Castlevania” video game in its epic action scenes. The captivating performance of Luke Evans as Vlad adds to this experience. With his command over an army of bats, extraordinary strength, speed, and heightened senses, it felt like we were witnessing a superhero version of Dracula – a unique take on the character that left some fans pondering what could have been if the movie had enjoyed greater success at the box office.

1. Blade 2

Guillermo Del Toro Delivered An Action-Packed Sequel

Instead of sticking with the same formula as in Stephen Norrington’s direction, Blade 2 opted for a completely fresh storyline. In this installment, Blade finds himself teaming up with the very vampires he typically hunts, to combat a new breed of night-dwelling creatures called the Reapers and their leader, Jared Nomak. Wesley Snipes’ reprisal of the role only served to strengthen his portrayal as the quintessential Blade character.

Enthusiasts of the initial movie frequently commend “Blade 2” for being just as good, or even better than the first one, due to its larger action scenes that more fully embody comic book fantastical elements while preserving the grisly and gruesome style found in the original film. Guillermo Del Toro demonstrates his prowess yet again as a capable superhero director, which explains why he was later chosen to direct “Hellboy.

2025-01-06 10:34