Focus FeaturesTable of ContentsTable of Contents10. Shadow of the Vampire (2000)9. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)8. Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)7. Horror of Dracula (1958)6. Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)5. Dracula (1931)4. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)3. Bram Stokers Dracula (1992)2. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)1. Nosferatu (2024)Dracula, aka Nosferatu, remains one of the most terrifying and well-known figures in pop culture. Since author Bram Stoker introduced the world to his vampiric vision with his 1897 novel, the character has been adapted into several forms of media over the past 127 years, most recently in Robert Eggerss Nosferatu.There have been multiple movies across different genres that center around the iconic bloodsucker, and it seems like they wont stop coming anytime soon. While the world continues to embrace the terrors of the legendary vampire, here are the best films centered around Dracula/Nosferatu so far.Recommended VideosThis meta-horror film stands out for presenting a fictionalized account of the production of 1922s Nosferatu, with F.W. Murnau inadvertently hiring Max Schreck, an actual vampire, to star in his film as Count Orlok.Such an unconventional remake makes for an excellent satire of the film industry and its vices, with Murnau being the eccentric, demanding director and Schreck the extreme method actor whos too into his character. But like the actual Nosferatu, this film is a dark depiction of obsession and how far one is willing to go to satisfy it.Universal Pictures / Universal PicturesDespite what the films title implies, this horror-comedy classic from Abbott and Costello shows the titular duo encountering Bela Lugosis Dracula and many other iconic movie monsters in addition to Frankensteins monster. The two leads brand of rapid, slapstick humor alone makes this movie a noteworthy watch.However, the movie also does a terrific job of replicating the terror, suspense, and chilling atmosphere of the horror films it parodies. With the way it perfectly balances both horror and comedy, Abbott and Costello Meets Frankenstein revolutionized both genres as it blended them together for a boundary-pushing classic.Hammer Films / Hammer FilmsThe third film in Hammers Dracula franchise, Prince of Darkness shows the evil vampires frightening resurrection after a group of tourists are invited to his castle. Compared to the first film in the franchise, this sequel utilizes more elements from Stokers novel while presenting some unique deviations from the typical Dracula formula.Though Peter Cushings Van Helsing is absent, Andrew Keir fills in quite well with his performance as Father Sandor. Christopher Lee also continues to inject the franchise with sufficient scares with his largely silent, but still terrifying return as Dracula.Hammer Film Productions / Hammer Film ProductionsUnlike the source material, Horror of Dracula does away with Jonathan Harker early, making Doctor Van Helsing the films main protagonist as he investigates his friends disappearance in a plat point thats similar to Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho.Featuring big-screen acting legends like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, director Terence Fishers adaptation of Dracula launched an entire series of Dracula films featuring Lee as the evil bloodsucker. The characters in this film could be developed more, especially the female ones. Despite this, the film succeeds without relying on gore to create scares, as it oozes creeping suspense and sinister sexuality to get under its viewers skin.Hammer Films / Hammer FilmsIn this sequel to Dracula: Prince of Darkness, Christopher Lees Dracula returns from the dead after a priest performs an exorcism on his castle. Unlike its predecessors in Hammers Dracula franchise, this film features greater personal drama beyond the battle with an evil vampire.As the characters face battles with their own faith and lust, this sequel adds more depth to the existential war with the demonic and vengeful Dracula. Also, with Draculas victims battling to retain their humanity as they succumb to his spell, this movie puts a unique spin on the Renfield archetype and provides greater character development.Universal Pictures / Universal PicturesNot only was this movie the first official adaptation of Dracula, but it was also the first one to utilize sound. This version gives Renfield a greater role in the film, as he takes part of Jonathans role and becomes the lens into Draculas dark world.As a product of classic, studio-era Hollywood, this films visual effects and underdeveloped characters leave much to be desired. However, this adaptation stands out due to its chilling atmosphere and Bela Lugosis benchmark performance as Count Dracula.Film Arts Guild / Film Arts GuildTechnically, Nosferatu was the first Dracula film, as it was an unapproved adaptation of Bram Stokers novel, but with different character names and some plot changes. Though the movie was hit with a plagiarism lawsuit that demanded its destruction, a few prints of the film survived, and cinema was arguably better off for its continued existence.This German expressionist film from director F.W. Murnau was revolutionary in its time, establishing several tropes in the vampire genre while pushing the boundaries of cinema with its inventive shots, creepy atmosphere, and sexual undertones.ColumbiaDirector Francis Ford Coppola achieved the lofty task of adapting Stokers novel in its purest form. Though the film stays true to the source materials plot, characters, and narrative perspective, it stands out for how it expands upon Draculas past, particularly the tragic romance he shares with Mina Harker.All in all, Coppolas version of Dracula is a stylish and erotic nightmare filled with vibrant imagery, jaw-dropping creature designs, and remarkable performances from Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder.20th Century Studios / 20th Century StudiosWhile director Werner Herzogs adaptation derives several elements from 1922s Nosferatu, it retains the character names featured in Stokers novel. However, Herzogs film expands on the source material by emphasizing the tragedy of Draculas lonely, immortal character. It also presents the death and chaos he unleashes on Lucys town in a whole new light, showing how this widespread loss can affect humanity on a spiritual level.This slow-burning 1979 remake is one of the more hypnotic and thought-provoking versions of Nosferatu and Dracula, and it still holds up almost 50 years later.Focus FeaturesAfter revolutionizing horror with The Witch and The Lighthouse, director Robert Eggers fulfilled his lifelong dream of remaking Nosferatu with incredible results. This psychosexual nightmare takes a classic silent film and turns it into modern cinemas version of The Exorcist in terms of terror, artistry, and intensity. Bill Skarsgrd is virtually unrecognizable as the evil Count Orlok, who steps away from the more sympathetic versions of Dracula and Nosferatu as he tortures Ellen and her loved ones to make her submit to him.Meanwhile, Lily-Rose Depp gives a shocking and revelatory performance as her character is tormented and possessed by the evil vampire. Not only does the film take the vampire genre story back to its roots, but it reapplies it for a modern age in one of the most unsettlingly primal, but beautifully made horror movies in cinema history.