When legendary author Bram Stoker published his most famous novel, Dracula, on this day 118 years ago, he probably had no idea the resulting phenomena it would cause.
From the spark of his novel came old school classics such as Nosferatu and 1931’s Dracula, that eventually forged the path for the world-wide sensation of vampire movies, which slowly but surely crept into every genre there was – comedy, drama, romance and even, teen.
Since Stoker’s Count Dracula sucked dry his first victim, countless others have come after, in books, TV shows and movies.
But between Count Dracula, Louis de Pointe du Lac and Edward Cullen, which pointy-fanged blood-sucker reigns supreme?
When Bela Lugosi swept onto the stage in the 1931 classic Dracula, he horrified viewers with his eerie performance. The slick hair and pointed cape eventually faded out in later adaptions, but his blood-sucking ways never did.
1922’s Nosferatu also made a chilling impression on viewers. It was the first time a vampire had been depicted as a ghoulish monster, rather than a handsome man.
With his impressive height (6″5) and his blood-shot eyes, Christopher Lee’s rendition of Count Dracula in Dracula (1958) won’t be quickly forgotten.
George Hamilton in 1979’s Love at First Bite was the first actor to take the character of Dracula (Count Vladimir Dracula) and run the other way. His comedic spoof was a fun version.
Making vampires decidedly sexy again was the work of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire, their dashing costumes and long hair made the audience swoon – despite the blood-sucking horror.
Gary Oldman went the opposite way for his version of Dracula. With coiffed hair and powdered white skin, his grossly terrifying portrayal was a memorable one.
But the boys didn’t have all the fun. Lady vampires have also had their day – well, night. Singer Aaliyah made her debut in Queen of the Damned and cut a scary-but-sexy figure.
As did Salma Hayek. Her From Dusk til Dawn character, Santanico Pandemonium, was as sexy as she was dangerous.
Angelic Kirsten Dunst’s Claudia Interview with a Vampire was slightly more creepy.
Kate Beckinsale went sexy in Underworld. Her character, Selene, a vampire warrior was equal parts tortured and badass.
Picking up the sexy vampire thread from Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, David Boreanaz’s Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer won teenage hearts all over the world.
Jonathan Rhys Meyer’s modern TV show, Dracula, didn’t fare well in the ratings, but his portrayal was slick.
True Blood however was a stellar success. Wedged either side of southern belle, Sookie, Eric and Bill were represented a new age of sexy, southern vamps.
The Vampire Diaries’ Damon and Stefan were another sexy blood-sucking duo.
And, of course, who could forget Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen? The brooding, love-struck teenage vamp captured hearts in the drama-turned-unfortunate-parody, Twilight.
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