Universal Pictures
Scream directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are back at it again with the new vampire flick, Abigail, which hits theaters on April 19. Abigail follows a group of criminals who get more than they bargained for when the young ballerina they kidnap turns out to be a bloodthirsty, undead being.
When viewers think of vampire films, Dracula, Nosferatu, Interview with a Vampire, or even Twilight probably come to mind. However, so many solid vampire films remain fairly underseen by modern audiences. These 8 movies represent vampire films that deserve way more recognition, and should be perfect to watch following a screening of Abigail.
The Forsaken
The Forsaken is a horror movie that fully encapsulates the early 2000s as a whole. Starring Kerr Smith of Dawson’s Creek fame, The Forsaken follows two friends who must protect a mysterious young woman from a cult of vampires.
The Forsaken is a sleazy vampire road movie that is cheesy yet endearing. Some have noticed homoerotic subtext in the film and see the story as an allegory for coming out of the closet, which gives the film more depth.
The Forsaken is available to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
Tales From the Crypt: Bordello of Blood
The second film adaptation of HBO’s hit 90s series, Tales from the Crypt: Bordello of Blood stars former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Angie Everhart as the vampiric owner of a brothel, where the inhabitants are mostly bloodsuckers.
The story involves a private investigator hired to look into the disappearance of a man named Caleb (Corey Feldman), who was last seen at a funeral home that moonlights as a bordello. Any fan of the Tales from the Crypt TV series or the original comic books will probably be delighted by the high level of camp displayed on screen during Bordello of Blood. Some major highlights of this film include a shocking, stand-alone cold open and a gory sequence featuring Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones.
Tales From the Crypt: Bordello of Blood is available to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
The Transfiguration
Reminiscent of George A. Romero’s Martin but for a modern audience, The Transfiguration is a deeply disturbing foray into a damaged psyche. The Transfiguration follows Milo, a 14-year-old boy living in public housing in Brooklyn, New York, who is convinced he is a vampire. Murdering strangers and drinking their blood around the city, Milo’s sick actions are questioned when he starts to fall in love with a new neighbor.
The Transfiguration is a character study with some horrific sequences that will be ingrained into the viewer’s mind. The Transfiguration is gorgeous visually, and very nuanced, but it isn’t for the squeamish.
The Transfiguration is available to stream on Tubi.
The Addiction
Written and directed by auteur filmmaker Abel Ferrera, The Addiction stars Lili Taylor as a graduate student in NYC who gets turned into a vampire. This film treats vampirism as drug addiction, which is certainly a unique take.
Shot in black-and-white, The Addiction is a meditative film that takes a more philosophical approach to vampire lore but doesn’t skimp out on the blood and guts. This film also features a terrific ensemble cast consisting of Christopher Walken, Annabella Sciorra, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli.
The Addiction is available to stream on Plex.
Suck
A criminally underseen horror comedy, Suck involves a rock band touring around North America. Jennifer (Jessica Paré), the lead singer, is soon turned into a vampire, and her fabulous new aura leads to the band’s further success. However, vampire hunter Eddie Van Helsing (Malcolm McDowell) is hot on the band’s trail, hoping to put an end to their fun.
Written, directed by, and starring Canadian comedian Rob Stefaniuk, Suck is pure enjoyment. There is vampire violence throughout, but the movie is light, and largely about the power of friendship. Another highlight of this humorous romp is the inclusion of many music legends in the cast, including Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Moby, and several others.
Suck is available to stream on Prime Video and Tubi.
Vampires: Los Muertos
A sequel to John Carpenter’s 1998 cult classic Vampires, Vampires: Los Muertos is schlocky fun. The film stars Jon Bon Jovi in a rare leading role as one of several vampire hunters who battle bloodsuckers in Mexico.
Vampires: Los Muertos is seedy and silly, featuring vampire prostitutes and an ocular lens that can spot vampires.
Vampires: Los Muertos is available to stream on Tubi.
Kiss of the Damned
A visceral, sensual experience of a film, Kiss of the Damned is a love story that showcases the romance between Djuna (Josephine de La Baume), a beautiful, ancient vampire, and Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia), a screenwriter from Connecticut. The two enjoy a lavish love affair, but their peace is upended by the arrival of Djuna’s sister Mimi (Roxane Mesquida).
Kiss of the Damned contains an impeccable style and an effective gothic vibe. The acting is compelling, and the story contains many twists and turns, making Kiss of the Damned a hidden gem for fans of vampire flicks.
Kiss of the Damned is available to stream with a premium subscription on Prime Video.
Slay
Released just last month on Tubi, Slay is a hilarious horror comedy that plays out like a cross between From Dusk Till Dawn and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. The film stars several RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni including Trinity the Tuck and Heidi N Closet, and follows four drag queens who travel to the country for an accidental gig. During the show at a dive bar, the queens face more than the bigoted opinions of the townsfolk when bloodthirsty vampires invade.
Slay is bloody, funny, and carries a sweetness that is hard to find in many modern flicks like this. The story is simplistic, but for fans of drag and horror, Slay is an uproariously good time
Slay is available to stream on Tubi.
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