Nowadays there’s no scarcity of vampire content material, however the sub-genre is house to some high quality movies that positively aren’t talked about sufficient. If you happen to can’t anticipate Halloween to get your vampire repair, now’s the proper time to take a look at these underrated vampire movies which are simply fang-tastic!
Queen of the Damned (2002)
After the success of 1994’s Interview with the Vampire (based mostly on Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles e-book collection) and earlier than AMC’s TV collection adaptation of the identical identify, there was Queen of the Damned. It arrived on the massive display in 2000 and was thought-about a poorly structured illustration of Rice’s work. Stuart Townsend starred as Lestat de Lioncourt, a vampire who creeps out of his coffin on the sound of nu steel and turns into an elusive rock god. Nonetheless, the movie’s actual star was Aaliyah’s Queen Akasha, woke up by Lestat and able to make him her king.
This isn’t a film to observe for its substance, however the type is undeniably entertaining. Lestat’s brooding is cranked as much as 11, occult researcher Jesse Reeves (Marguerite Moreau) is decreased to a bland love curiosity, and the entire thing is riddled with very cringe dialogue. It’s a nasty film however an excellent time.
For followers of 2000s nu-metal jams and horny Black vampire queens.
The place to observe: Tubi
A Woman Walks House Alone at Night time (2014)
Visionary writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour crafted a classy black-and-white horror characteristic with A Woman Walks House Alone at Night time, the primary Iranian vampire spaghetti Western. A lonely Woman (Sheila Vand) goes on nightly prowls across the principally empty streets of Unhealthy Metropolis, a super place for a hungry creature of the night time to discover a snack or two. She additionally likes threatening kids and using skateboards once in a while. When she comes throughout Arash (Arash Marandi), she resists the urge to chunk him, as a substitute bringing him again to her residence to hearken to music.
Amirpour blends traditional vampire mythology with Iranian tradition, Rockabilly, and German Expressionism to create this otherworldly, graphic novel-like aesthetic. It’s a must-watch for any horror buff.
For followers of David Lynch, brooding vampire vigilantes, and eerie slow-burn artwork home movies.
The place to observe: Prime Video
Bliss (2019)
When punk rock artist Dezzy Donahue (Dora Madison) will get painter’s block, she tries out a brand new drug known as Bliss, basically a Lengthy Island iced tea of medicine. It will get the artistic juices flowing however not till after she events slightly too laborious, has a threesome along with her flaky greatest pal Courtney (Tru Collins) and her male companion Ronnie (Rhys Wakefield), and wakes up sans garments on a rest room ground. From there, Dezzy and the viewers go on a wild, neon-soaked journey of blackouts, habit, manic artistry, and doable vampirism. It has a dirty laborious rock aesthetic and the SnorriCam type photographs put us uncomfortably near this lady as she experiences a seemingly painful, disorienting vampire transformation.
For followers of Climax, Euphoria, loud music, and trippy visuals.
The place to observe: Prime Video
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Nearly everyone seems to be acquainted with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV collection by now. However 5 years earlier than it premiered on the WB, there was the film starring Kristy Swanson as the favored highschool cheerleader who additionally occurs to be the “Chosen One.” After the California teen is approached by Merrick (Donald Sutherland), she reluctantly begins her coaching (carrying the most effective slayer coaching aerobics style ever). It seems she’s already inexplicably expert with a wood stake. This film doesn’t ask a lot from the viewer. It is aware of a variety of issues don’t make sense.
Together with the aforementioned Sutherland, Buffy has a stacked solid. Rutger Hauer and Paul Reubens ship delightfully campy performances as the primary vamp antagonists Lothos and Amilyn. It additionally options younger future stars Hilary Swank, David Arquette, Thomas Jane, and Ben Affleck, with the late Luke Perry as Pike, Buffy’s dangerous boy love curiosity.
For followers of self-aware comedies, Valley Woman slang, and ’90s-era music and style.
The place to observe: HBOMax
As soon as Bitten (1985)
If you happen to haven’t seen Jim Carrey on this teen intercourse horror comedy then you definately’re lacking out. He performs Mark Kendall, a sex-obsessed excessive schooler who drives an ice cream truck and simply desires to get laid. Whereas out in town, aka Hollywood, together with his equally attractive pals, he meets the seductive Countess (Lauren Hutton) and follows her house to a superb mansion. Mark is simply what she wants to take care of her youthful glow — a male virgin to drink from 3 occasions earlier than Halloween. However as a substitute of simply preserving him round, she decides to infiltrate his desires and chase him round L.A.
As soon as Bitten is a variety of enjoyable and jam-packed with catchy tunes. There’s even a ridiculous impromptu dance-off between the Countess, Mark, and his girlfriend Robin (Karen Kopins).
For followers of Jim Carrey and ’80s nonsense.
The place to observe: Tubi
What We Do within the Shadows (2014)
Written and directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, What We Do within the Shadows is a mockumentary following the undead lives of three vampire roommates in Wellington, New Zealand. Viago (Waititi), Vladislav (Clement), and Deacon (Jonny Brugh) are from totally different areas and time intervals and have their very own kinds. However all of them get pleasure from an evening out. They’ve a quick however hilarious run-in with a neighborhood werewolf pack led by Anton (Rhys Darby), who scolds his brethren for cursing as a result of they’re werewolves, not swear-wolves.
Whereas the FX collection of the identical identify has gained a fanbase, the unique movie is commonly ignored. I like the collection as a result of Waititi and Clement expanded this wacky vampy world and moved the setting to Lengthy Island. The collection has a distinct solid however the OG core trio make a couple of appearances as members of the Vampiric Council.
For followers of Flight of the Conchords and the thoughts of Taika Waititi.
The place to observe: I like to recommend a Shadows marathon starting with the movie on Prime Video and following it up with the collection on Hulu.
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
Shadow of the Vampire is really a forgotten gem regardless of incomes its lead actor an Academy Award nomination in 2001. The movie stars Willem Dafoe as enigmatic actor Max Schreck greatest recognized for his eerie portrayal of the titular vampire in 1922’s Nosferatu — a task he performed so effectively that rumors unfold he was an precise vampire. Becoming a member of him on display is the legendary John Malkovich as filmmaker Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, a reputation any movie pupil will definitely know.
Except for the over-the-top performing type of the time, Nosferatu is much from a comedy. Nonetheless, you’ll have loads of laughs watching Shadow of the Vampire. Murnau’s manufacturing of Nosferatu is sort of chaotic as Schreck’s presence has the solid and crew weary, which is hardly of any concern to Murnau. Although when his important crew members begin to disappear, his persistence runs skinny.
For followers of Ed Wooden, Nosferatu, and movie historical past.
The place to observe: Monitoring this one down would require some work because it’s not at present streaming on any platforms. Nevertheless it’s price searching for out a DVD copy on-line or from a library. Within the meantime, try the trailer on Prime Video and watch/rewatch Nosferatu on Tubi whilst you’re at it.
And earlier than you point out Sinners, the movie is FAR from being underrated.