Vampires have been an inseparable part of pop culture. Myths and legends about them have filled movies and literature throughout ages. Numerous adaptations have tried their best to amalgamate these mythical creatures with the modern society. Their norms and cultures, like not being able to step outside under the sun, or living for hundreds of years has sparked curiosity amongst the viewers who are keen to know more about these fictional beings. On that note, here is a list of 19 most engaging vampire roles audiences can’t get over with.
19) Count Von Count (Sesame Street)
Count Von Count from Sesame Street would have been the first introduction to vampires for a lot of people. As a part of a educational television show, Count used to teach counting to young kids in a scary, eerie and deeply resonating voice. He has become such a fond memory for people that they still love him till date.
18) Vampire Grandpa Simpson (The Simpsons)
The Simpsons is a widely loved show in the United States. One classic character from the show remains Vampire Grandpa Simpson. He is immortal, he is spooky and his allure has made him a significant part of pop culture. His appearance on the episode titled ‘Treehouse of Horror IV’ is one of the most loved episodes.
17) Edward Dalton (Daybreakers)
We have seen Ethan Hawke in charming roles in movies like - Before Sunset, Before Sunrise and many others. But, in Daybreakers, we see him as a morally aware vampire who wants to break free from harming humans. As he delves on a journey to find the cure for his vampirism, he makes the audience fall in love with him and his empathic and humanistic ways.
16) Count Orlok (Nosferatu)
Count Orlok from the movie Nosferatu is perhaps one of the oldest portrayals of vampires in cinema. Back in 1922, this vampire was a sensation and still manages to find his name amongst some of the most iconic vampire roles. Count Orlok looks terrifying with his bald head and inhuman figure and has been an inspiration for many future vampire roles.
15) Eli (Let the Right One In)
Let the Right One In was a 2008 movie which features Eli, a 12 year old vampire. But here is the catch, she has been 12 years old for an eternity. Despite the cruel mannerisms of the vampire kind, Eli with her innocence manages to capture the sympathy of the audience. She befriends a human boy - Oskar, and their bond shows the human side of Eli which was loved by everyone.
14) David (The Lost Boys)
Portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland, David is a charming leader who heads a group of vampires. He is dangerous, yet appealing. He is full of charisma which combined with his cool attire of a leather jacket and blonde mullet, makes the audience pine after him. He has a dominating side to him and his punk vampirism and iconic one-liners have made him an unforgettable vampire.
13) Countess Elizabeth (American Horror Story: Hotel)
Lady Gaga stars as Countess Elizabeth, a vampire, in season 5 of the iconic series - American Horror Story: Hotel. She is glamorous and bewitching with her high fashion wardrobe, striking makeup and elegant mannerisms. She perfectly alludes the aristocratic air associated with vampires. Lady Gaga portrayed the role so well that she won a Golden Globe for it.
12) Count Dracula (Hotel Transylvania)
Count Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler in the movie - Hotel Transylvania, is one of the most loved vampires ever. Besides the comedic inputs, what really stands out about him is his role as a protective father. Through his character, we get to see a more human side of vampires who values family and friends, just like humans do.
11) Alice Cullen (Twilight)
Twilight, based on the book of the same name by Stephanie Meyer has given us a plethora of iconic vampires. One of them is Alice Cullen. With her pixie cut hair and extroverted and optimistic personality, she is a very lovable character and a fan favourite. She has the unique gift of foreseeing the future which makes her character on-screen even more interesting.
10) Louis De Pointe Du Lac (Interview with a Vampire)
Louis de Pointe du Lac is another iconic vampire, mostly because he is portrayed by none other than Brad Pitt. He is filled with existential anguish and faces difficulty in embracing his vampire side. As he narrates the story of his life to a journalist, we see a complicated, melancholic and relatable side of him. He is very philosophical and brings out a profound side of vampires and their eternal loneliness.
9) Blade (Blade)
Blade, despite being a vampire himself, is a vampire killer machine. He is strong, like a vampire, but he can also walk in the sun like humans, making him an even powerful figure. His mother was killed by a vampire, so he is on a mission to avenge her and save humans from a similar fate. His fighting skills are top notch and if that wasn’t enough to make him a fan favourite, he also happens to be quite humorous.
8) Stefan Salvatore (The Vampire Diaries)
We cannot talk about vampires and leave out The Vampire Diaries. This CW show is about the life of two brothers- Stefan and Damon. Stefan, the ‘good’ brother is a quite unique take on vampires. While he actively tries to avoid killing and drinks blood out of blood bags, he has a hidden personality - The Ripper. The Ripper is lethal without a moral conscious and Stefan’s constant struggles of keeping him suppressed makes him an iconic character.
7) Selene (Underworld)
Selene, from the movie Underworld is fierce and powerful. She is a Death Dealer - she hunts down werewolves. Selene is an ode to female strength and is not only tough and independent, but also stylish. Her black leather outfit makes her a supernatural icon, whose journey serves as an inspiration to a lot of people.
6) Spike (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is about Buffy Summers, who has been given the task of hunting down vampires. When Spike enters the show, he is a ruthless villain and Buffy’s mortal enemy, but as the show progresses, we see his transformation. From wanting to kill Buffy, we see him fall for her. And there is nothing the audience loves more than a mischievous, sarcastic villain turning into a good guy for love.
5) Klaus Mikaelson (The Orignals)
Klaus Mikaelsson is a part of the show The Originals, which is a spinoff of the CW series - Vampire Diaries. He is the original vampire, the first one to ever exist. Everyone fears him and respects him. He is as ruthless as one can be. But, one thing he values above everything is family. His love and vulnerability towards his daughter Hope makes him quite appealing.
4) Damon Salvatore (The Vampire Diaries)
There is no way that we can discuss vampires without mentioning Damon Salvatore. He is reckless, charming, sarcastic, witty, rebellious and selfish, yet his screen presence is superb. He is bad and morally corrupt, but he is not scared to admit it. Perhaps his blatant honesty is what draws the audience to him. Moreover, he uses humour as a coping mechanism, which makes his witty one-liners a driving force of the show.
3) Lestat de Lioncourt (Interview with a Vampire)
Interview with a Vampire not only featured Brad Pitt as a vampire, but also Tom Cruise. While most of the unforgettable vampire roles include vampires who want to renounce their ambiguous lifestyle, Lestat de Lioncourt is as proud of it as one can be. He is a powerful, cruel but a romantic character which makes him a stand out.
2) Count Dracula (Bram Stoker's Dracula)
Count Dracula is aristocratic, he is monstrous and above all, he is an inspiration for what we know about vampire roles in movies today. All the myths we know about vampires originated with him, the hypnotism, the immortality, the aversion to garlic and wooden stakes, and the weakness caused by sunlight. This Victorian era vampire has a gothic and regal appeal, which really makes him stand out.
1) Edward Cullen (Twilight)
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The most engaging and most culturally impactful vampire is none other than - Edward Cullen from Twilight. Portrayed by Robert Pattinson, his role has become a pop culture phenomenon loved by the audience. He is a ‘vegetarian’ vampire, that is, he only drinks animal blood. He can read minds and his love for Bella is unwavering and passionate. He shines in the sun and drives classic cars, making him the perfect portrayal of a modern day vampire.
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