Out for Blood: 10 Most Recognizable Vampires in Horror Films

Vampire. The word conjures up a multitude of figures in Horror.

Many of them loved. 

All of them respected. 

Well, at least in the horror world (Sorry, Twilight fans).

And with Abigail out in theaters, vampires are at the top of mind for many horror fans. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most recognizable vampires in Horror film.

Abigail - Abigail (2024)

Abigail just landed in theaters this weekend and has been painting the town red. Everybody’s talking about the terrifying, saw-toothed ballerina.

When a group of criminals kidnap the child of a wealthy crime lord, they plan on an easy pay day with no complications. They quickly learn that a mistake has been made, and that Abigail is no normal child- she’s a vampire with a lust for blood AND vengeance. And both are soon to be quenched.

Dracula - Dracula (1931), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Dracula Untold (2014)

Dracula is easily the most recognizable name on this list, having existed for so long in film. Not to mention being re-introduced in some form every couple of years- the man needs no introduction (but let’s have one anyways).

Introduced in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” Dracula made his first appearance (at least as “Dracula”) in Universal’s 1931 Dracula. A wealthy but secluded aristocrat, he convinces a servant to transport him to Europe. Dracula is the first thought for many when thinking of vampires. Often portrayed as aristocratic and charming, his intelligence and influence is seen throughout film.

Jerry Dandrige - Fright Night (1985) , Fright Night (2011)

Jerry Dandrige is your friendly neighborhood Vampire (well, maybe not friendly) from Fright Night- both the original 1985 version and the 2011 remake. Bringing the fear of vampires straight to your own neighborhood, Jerry showed that they weren’t terrifying monsters in some far off castle.

After a neighbor discovers that Jerry is responsible for the disappearance of several victims, Jerry begins to terrorize his neighbor with one goal in mind: make him pay. Played by Chris Sarandon originally, and Colin Farrell later, the vengeful vecino is not one to mess with.

Eli/ Abby - Let the Right One In (2008), Let Me In (2010)

The other youngster on this list of the undead, Eli or Abby (depending on whether you are watching the Swedish Let the Right One In or the US Let Me In), is a 12 year old companion that goes above and beyond for whats expected out of most friends.

After befriending her outcast of a neighbor, the two quickly form a tight bond- one of support, reliance, and desperation. This relationship eventually brings about bloodshed and chaos- but isn’t that what friendship is all about? 

David - The Lost Boys (1987)

The Lost Boys is a staple in 80’s horror, with a big part of that being the portrayal of David by Kiefer Sutherland. Full of anger and hairspray, David was the bad boy of Santa Clara that your momma warned you about.

David, the leader of a vampire biker gang in a small beach town, has his eyes set on the new kid in town (and his little brother). As he plays his game of cat and mouse, viewers are introduced to a more than a bad boy: he’s a charismatic individual known for his boldness, manipulation, and bodacious hair- and he’s not one to f@*k with.

Louis de Pointe du Lac - Interview With the Vampire

Louis de Pointe du Lac is the main character of 1994’s Interview with the Vampire. A sleek and timid man, Louis was a vampire that struggled to find balance: the morals of what was in his control versus the impulses that became his nature as a vampire. Plus, bro had sicks ass hair.

Played by Brad Pitt, Louis is a bright-eyed bat searching to find his way in his new world of everlasting life.

Selene - Underworld (2003), Underworld: Evolution (2006), Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Underworld tells the story of a war between vampires and werewolves, happening in the shadows for the last several hundred years. Kate Beckinsale’s Selene, a death-dealer who hunts werewolves, stumbles upon a human who is the key to a hybrid version of the two creatures, and opens a whole can of worms when it comes to the history of her people. Full of blood, bullets, and leather, Selene and Underworld are a vibe.

Akasha - Queen of the Damned (2002)

Akasha is the titular queen from Queen of the Damned, played by Aaliyah the Princess of R&B. Akasha is the origin of all vampires in Anne Rice’s “The Vampire Chronicles,” and rules the vampire world with poise and vengeance. Aaliyah’s portrayal of the queen, marked by her unfortunate passing just before the movie was released, has iconicized the queen (though the movie had room for improvement). But who can forget Aaliyah in that headdress!

Santanico Pandemonium - From Dusk till Dawn (1996)

Santanico Pandemonium, or Esmerelda, is the vampire queen from Quentin Terentino and Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk till Dawn. Played by Salma Hayek, she is as seductive as she is cold and cruel. Often searching for her next slave to obey and worship her, Santanico is the stuff of nightmares. Or daydreams.

A pair of fugitive bank robbers and their group of hostages make a stop at a strip club in Mexico while on the run. The group learns that this is no regular strip club, and is run by Santanico. As shit hits the fan, the group must fight tooth (get it) and nail to make it out of the club.

Count Orlok - Nosferatu (1922), Nosferatu (2024)

Count Orlok, often referred to as Nosferatu, has shaped generations of horror movies, vampires, and goths. Slender, confined to the shadows, and ghoulish AF, Count Orlok was the star of Nosferatu and was loosely based off of Bram Stokers’ Dracula (loosely, to avoid that there copyright concerns).

After ensnaring a realtor under false pretenses, Count Orlok uses his new henchman to transport him to Europe. spreads disease and terror throughout Europe Upon his arrival, Nosferatu spreads disease and terror, much like the character’s influence. Not to mention Orlok is soon to hit theaters again, as Bill Skarsgard plays the terrifying Count in the remake. Catch Nosferatu (2024) in December!