Over the last few years, we have witnessed a resurgence of the Universal Classic Monsters. Ignoring the attemptedDark Universe, we got incredible monster reimaginings such asTheInvisible Manin 2020,Chris McKay’sRenfield(which is a semi-sequel to the iconicBela LugosiDraculafilm), and earlier this year, we got a fascinating remake ofTheWolf ManstarringJulia Garner. Yes, monster fans have been eating good lately, but none have satisfied us ravenous consumers likeRobert Eggers’resurrection of the vampire classic that started it all,Nosferatu. So, in honor of these legends getting their due, especially our dearCount Orlok, we’re going to give you all the best vampire movies and shows thatPeacockhas to offer.
For more recommendations, check out our list ofThe Best R-Rated Vampire Movies on Prime VideoandThe Best R-Rated Vampire Movies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available in the US.
‘Nosferatu’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Kicking it off with the reason we’re all here,Nosferatuis a star-studded ensemble brought to life by writer and directorRobert Eggers. It’s a delectable gothic horror that gets the heart thumping in more ways than one.Lily-Rose DeppandBill Skarsgårdlead this dark tale of lust, loneliness, and looming darkness alongsideNicholas HoultandWillem Dafoe, each giving a stunning performance that adds to the grim yet visually gripping world of the film. Eggers creates a marvel of practical effects and real sets that suck the viewer into the unsettling atmosphere in a way you’re able to only get from tactile and immersive filmmaking (looking at you, rat scene). Whether you’re a fan of the original film or are coming into the story fresh, you’ll want to sink your teeth into this one.
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‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009 - 2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Based on the popular book series byL. J. Smith,The Vampire Diariesis a supernatural teen drama that took off during theTwilightcraze before skyrocketing into its own influential franchise. The story initially follows two vampire brothers who fall for a human teen girl in your classic love triangle, but it quickly blossoms into a grander world of supernatural politics and magical inter-family strife. The vibe is basically the family dynamics and melodrama ofOne Tree Hillmeets the monster-of-the-week format ofSupernatural,blended with the lore-building ofTrue Blood. And once you blast through all eight seasons of this series, you can also check out the spin-offs and multimedia tie-ins that will pull you deeper into the rabbit hole.
‘Vampire Academy’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Vampire Academy
Another supernatural teen drama created by Julie Plec based on a hit series,Vampire Academytakes the elements of the originalRichelle Meadnovels and createsa whole new story at St. Vladimir’s Academy. The story follows a half-vampire, played bySisi Stringer, training to become the official guardian of a royal vampire princess, played byDaniela Nieves, while navigating the antiquated restrictions and standards of the ancient academy — especially the rules surrounding forbidden romances. UnlikeThe Vampire Diaries, which takes place primarily in a contemporary American setting, this series has more of a fantasy flair, with the setting feeling like a mix of modern and medieval aesthetics to capture the feeling of timeless creatures politicking in the background of human society.
‘Being Human’ (2011 - 2014)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Being Human
Traversing across the pond,Being Humantakes the premise of a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost living as roommates fromToby Whithouse’s original series and gives it the American treatment. Taking on the role of the supernatural trio areSam Witwer,Sam Huntington, andMeaghan Rath,who bring fresh energy and an abundance of contemporary pop culture references to this loose adaptation. The series is a fun character-driven story that uses the main three to explore the daily lives of these beings using allegories of addiction, toxic attachment in abusive relationships, and sexually transmitted infections. It’s a wonderful balance of drama and humor that generally captures the vibe of the original (which I also highly recommend).
‘Bliss’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 5.9/10
Indie horror writer and directorJoe Begosdelivers a film that takes the viewer on a wild trip through a mind fueled bydrug-addled obsession and creativity.Blissis a colorful, dazzlingly shot mindbender that followsDora Madisonas a struggling artist who takes a brand-new drug that helps her break her creative block — but also releases her inhibitions with an insatiable taste for blood. The narrative really puts the blood in “blood, sweat, and tears,” which is often used to describe the creative process and shows the depths an artist will go to try to make a profit from their passions, drawing a direct line between the demands of capital and the ways it leads to self-destructiveness.
‘Rigor Mortis’ (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes: 65% | IMDb: 6.3/10
Rigor Mortis
Making his directorial debut, Hong Kong musicianJuno Makcreates a full-blown nightmare filled with creepy spectacle, haunting sequences, andfist-pumping fights.Rigor Mortistakes tropes and actors from all overHong Konghorror, especially the beloved Mr. Vampire franchise, and weaves a dark tapestry of possessions, undead blood magic, and the vampire hunters who keep it all in check. The film revolves around an apartment building filled with spirits and dangerous entities from beyond the veil and jumps between the tenants of the building as their lives are invaded by these supernatural beings. This film isn’t for the faint of heart, but those willing to venture in should go in knowing that, like a dream, it is not meant for interpretation — it’s something simply to be experienced.
‘Dark Shadows’ (1966 - 1971)
IMDb: 8.1/10
Dark Shadows
We’re wrapping up with a double feature of classics that take an established TV formula and introduce monsters into the mix. First up isDark Shadows, which takes thedaily soap opera formatand centers the melodrama and big twists around a mysterious Maine town that is home to a host of supernatural creatures, including witches, ghosts, and one of the most popular vampires in television history, played byJonathan Frid. The show is a grand ensemble piece with big, sweeping concepts and humble gothic sets that manage to do so much with very little. There’s a reason this became abeloved, long-running cult classic, and it’s about time people rediscovered it.
‘The Munsters’ (1964 - 1966)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Munsters
The second of my double feature of classics brings us full circle with aLeave It to Beaver-style sitcom featuring the Universal Monsters as a delightful nuclear family living in the suburbs.The Munstershas the same satirical gothic vibe asThe Addams Familybut uses Count Dracula as the grandfather of a family unit surrounding Frankenstein’s monster and the bride of Frankenstein as the parents of a young wolf man…wolf boy? You get it! The series has all the typical family shenanigans of classic sitcoms whileinfusing it with macabre humorthat can only be told by a group of monsters living among normies. It’s chock-full of nostalgic hijinks that are perfect for anyone looking for some light, quaint vibes.
