The Best Dracula Movies, From The 1920s To The 2020s

Nosferatu (2024) has reignited Dracula fever, bringing the iconic vampire to modern audiences.

Let’s explore the eerie legacy of all the best and most foundational Dracula movies from the 1920s to the 2020s.

Also, let’s be clear, Dracula films center on the character created by Bram Stoker, while vampire films explore the broader folklore of bloodthirsty creatures. So naturally many great vampire films are not included in this list.

Nosferatu (1922)

Max Schreck’s chilling portrayal of Count Orlok, a stand-in for Dracula, stands as one of the most unforgettable depictions of the vampire mythos. The film’s striking German Expressionist visuals and shadowy atmosphere helped define horror cinema. Despite legal battles with Bram Stoker’s estate, the film survived to become a masterpiece in silent film history.

Dracula (1931)

Hungarian-American actor Bela Lugosi delivered a performance that became the definitive Dracula for decades. Directed by Tod Browning, this Universal Horror classic remains a cornerstone of Dracula’s cinematic legacy. Lugosi’s portrayal, with his iconic accent and commanding presence, shaped how the character would be imagined in popular culture.

Horror of Dracula (1958)

Christopher Lee redefined Dracula for a new generation in Hammer Horror’s vividly colored and daringly sensual adaptation. With his imposing height and smoldering charisma, Lee brought an erotic intensity to the role, introducing prominent fangs and a commanding presence that left an indelible mark.

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Werner Herzog’s remake of the 1922 silent classic reimagined Dracula with a contemplative lens, portraying the vampire as a being burdened by eternal life. Klaus Kinski’s unsettling performance, paired with Herzog’s eerie visuals, presents a Dracula more hauntingly human than ever before.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Francis Ford Coppola’s sumptuous adaptation painted Dracula as a tragic romantic figure. Gary Oldman’s layered performance portrayed the Count not only as a monster but also as a man haunted by love and loss. The film’s lush cinematography, intricate costume design, and gothic atmosphere make it a standout interpretation.

Nosferatu (2024)

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) reimagines Dracula for the modern age and does so brilliantly. Eggers meticulously crafted the Transylvanian village and castle, using authentic architectural influences from Romania and Slovakia for immersive world-building that gets us lost in this classic legacy all over again, making it one of the best atmospheric horror movies of recent memory and certainly one of the best Dracula films.

For a more detailed analysis of all Dracula films ever made, please reference my full index on Creepy Catalog.