The Best Dracula Movies

Ranker Film
Updated September 1, 2023 11.1K votes 2.4K voters 212.3K views
Over 2.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Dracula Movies
Voting Rules
Only movies featuring Count Dracula as a character
Latest additions: The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Renfield
Most divisive: Dracula: Dead and Loving It

Here is a list of the best Dracula movies. This is a list of not just vampire movies, but movies that specifically feature Count Dracula. In Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 version, the terrorizing Translyvanian pined, "I have already dined, and I never drink... wine." Oh, Dracula, you are a hoot. He is among the most iconic monsters in the world, with his coffin, castle, brides, and his ability to turn into a wolf, bat, or mist. When you think of history's greatest vampire, what movies come to mind? After all, Dracula movies are some of the best vampire movies of all time. Check out other related lists such as: best horror movies on Netflix, best movies on Netflix and best drama movies. 

Originally published in 1897 and based at least partially on Vlad the Impaler of Wallachia (who was born in Transylvania, a member of the House of Drăculești), Bram Stoker's Dracula has been popular since its first publication. No surprise then that early filmmakers were quick to adapt the story into films about Count Dracula, and the character has featured in more than 200 film adaptations around the world.

If you enjoy Dracula films, then this list is for you. And if history repeats itself, there will be plenty of movies and TV series about Count Dracula yet to come. Vote on your favorites, and please add any that we missed.

Ranked by
  • Bram Stoker's Dracula
    1

    Bram Stoker's Dracula

    Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins
    1,203 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
    Bram Stoker's Dracula is a chilling journey into the heart of darkness, masterfully directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The tale unfolds with Count Dracula (Gary Oldman), an ageless vampire haunted by a tragic love story. He leaves his castle in Transylvania and ventures to Victorian England, lured by a photograph of Mina Murray (Winona Ryder), who bears an uncanny resemblance to his long-lost beloved. In this grim world, Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins) emerges as a beacon of light. A scholar with profound knowledge about vampires, he becomes the chief adversary to the Count's unholy plans. The movie cascades through a series of hauntingly beautiful scenes that paint a vivid picture of love, loss, and horror. Winner of three Academy Awards, this Gothic horror film reinterprets Bram Stoker's classic novel, offering viewers an intricate tapestry of passion and terror. It stands as a testament to Coppola's cinematic genius and the enduring allure of the Dracula legend.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Dracula
    2

    Dracula

    Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Michael Gough
    725 votes
    • Released: 1958
    • Directed by: Terence Fisher
    On a search for his missing friend Jonathan Harker (John Van Eyssen), vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) is led to Count Dracula's (Christopher Lee) castle. Upon arriving, Van Helsing finds an undead Harker in Dracula's crypt and discovers that the count's next target is Harker's ailing fiancée, Lucy Holmwood (Carol Marsh). With the help of her brother, Arthur (Michael Gough), Van Helsing struggles to protect Lucy and put an end to Count Dracula's parasitic reign of terror.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Nosferatu
    3

    Nosferatu

    Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim
    700 votes
    • Released: 1922
    • Directed by: F.W. Murnau
    In the chilling silent film Nosferatu, Count Orlok (Max Schreck), a vampire, sets his sights on the beautiful, innocent Ellen (Greta Schroeder). Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim), her husband, unwittingly brings the creature into their lives when he visits Orlok's castle. A sinister game of cat and mouse ensues, with Ellen's life hanging in the balance. The movie is a masterpiece of German Expressionist cinema, captivating audiences with its eerie imagery and unnerving performances. This classic horror tale weaves an unforgettable narrative of fear, love, and sacrifice that remains impactful even today.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Dracula
    4

    Dracula

    Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye
    757 votes
    • Released: 1931
    • Directed by: Tod Browning
    In the atmospheric film Dracula, Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) emerges from Transylvanian shadows, a creature of the night with a thirst for human blood. He travels to England, leaving a trail of terror in his wake. Renowned vampire hunter Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan) is hot on his heels, intent on ending Dracula's reign of horror. The chilling narrative escalates as the count sets his sights on Mina (Helen Chandler), driving her friends and family into a desperate race against time. This iconic 1931 horror classic, directed by Tod Browning, won three Academy Awards and remains a staple in the genre.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Dracula: Prince of Darkness
    5

    Dracula: Prince of Darkness

    Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Andrew Keir
    440 votes
    • Released: 1966
    • Directed by: Terence Fisher
    Dracula: Prince of Darkness is a 1966 British horror film directed by Terence Fisher. The film was photographed in Techniscope by Michael Reed, designed by Bernard Robinson and scored by James Bernard. It stars Christopher Lee, Francis Matthews, and Barbara Shelley.
  • Dracula (1979)
    6

    Dracula (1979)

    Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier, Donald Pleasence
    437 votes
    • Released: 1979
    • Directed by: John Badham

    A man washes ashore in England after a shipwreck and is found by Mina Van Helsing (Jan Francis). The man introduces himself as Count Dracula (Frank Langella) of Transylvania, and proceeds to integrate himself into the lives of Mina and her friend Lucy Seward (Kate Nelligan). However, when Mina dies and her father, Prof. Van Helsing (Laurence Olivier), attributes her death to a vampire, evidence indicates that Count Dracula is the monster, and Lucy is his next target.

    Available On:

    subscription