Most horror movies aim to evoke a sense of fear in all those who indulge in the genre, with each having a unique way of achieving it. Some rely on otherworldly concepts and ideas, while others will opt for a more grounded approach, but both methods can be equally effective if done correctly.
Vampires are some of the most iconic creatures to ever grace the medium. They have taken many forms throughout their depictions in cinema, but most horror fans tend to remember the frightening ones more than the others. That said, it's hard to deny the love held for some vampires who exist outside the horror genre. The concept of vampirism has become so iconic that vampires no longer need to be presented in a set way to be remembered fondly.
6 Eli - Let The Right One In (2009)
Most people would shudder at the idea of a vampire arriving at their doorstep, but this isn't the case for Oskar, a twelve-year-old resident of Stockholm. His life is riddled with hardship, but things take a turn when Eli moves into a next-door apartment. Oskar tries to pursue a friendship with the young stranger, only to have his attempts result in repeated failure.
Eli eventually gives in upon learning of Oskar's troublesome life, and the two become romantically invested in each other. They work together to punish Oskar's bullies, and, though Oskar initially wants revenge, he begins to question Eli's merciless methods. What makes Eli so iconic is the heart-wrenching backstory associated with him and how he evolves throughout the narrative. He always had a big heart; its stopping never changed that.
5 Viago, Vladislav, Deacon, & Petyr - What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's What We Do in the Shadows features perhaps one of the most comical depictions of vampires ever made. It follows the lives of four vampiric housemates who have outgrown their more suited lifestyles and found themselves existing in the modern day. They bear little interest in engaging with the outside world, that is, until they find themselves starring in a documentary.
Though the group regularly partakes in vampire activity, they aren't particularly frightening (except for Petyr, a haunting presence who oozes pure evil). If not for their otherworldly abilities, it is likely they would never have survived their past lives. Each member of the gang harbors a unique personality, leading to multiple clashes between them. As their party expands, however, so do their hearts. These vampires were so iconic, in fact, the franchise was given a chance to continue in the form of a TV series of the same name.
4 The Girl - A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)
Where most movie vampires will drain the blood of their victims purely for the fun of it, the vampire in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Nightdoes so with purpose. She spends the duration of the movie targeting those who disrespect women and delivering punishment wherever she sees fit.
Though her intentions are good, her actions present her as a danger to all those around her. It is because of this that she decides to minimize her interactions with other people. She briefly discards this mindset, however, when she stumbles upon Arash, a kind-spirited young man who gives the girl little reason to attack. They form an instant connection, but the girl knows better than to put Arash's life in danger by pursuing a relationship with him.
3 Edward Cullen - Twilight (2008)
Though Edward Cullen may not be the most intimidating-looking vampire, he managed to become an icon nonetheless. The Twilight saga follows both him and Bella Swan as they engage in a forbidden romance. They must overcome many obstacles as a result, with each hurdle only strengthening their bond. Edward dismisses Bella's advances multiple times before eventually submitting to his no longer beating heart and accepting her into his unorthodox life.
Edward is possibly one of the most iconic characters to ever grace the fantasy-romance genre. He evolves throughout the series and eventually grows into a much more compelling and mature character. His introduction saw him dismissing Bella's feelings and wishes before slowly changing his tune and treating her as an equal. He once refused to turn Bella into a vampire out of fear for her life, but finally chose to obey her command to save it. He was always a fascinating character, remaining an icon to this day.
2 Count Orlok - Nosferatu (1922)
Nosferatu documents the tale of Thomas Hutter, an estate agent tasked with taking on a new client. He sets off to Transylvania to meet Count Orlok, a mysterious man who claims to be interested in purchasing a home across from Hutter's residence. Their meeting goes well, but Olak's disposition can only be concealed for so long.
Hutter cuts his thumb while eating dinner with his host, to which Olak responds by attempting to suck the wound. Understandably shocked, Hutter retreats to his room and remains there until the following night when he starts to learn of Olak's vampiric ways. Count Olak is highly renowned as one of the most iconic vampires to ever grace the silver screen for several reasons. He rarely tries to conceal his powers; if anything, he flaunts them through his unusual mannerisms and his unsettling design.
1 Dracula - Dracula (1931)
Dracula may very well be the most iconic vampire ever depicted on the silver screen, with Bela Lugosi's performance as him being the most highly renowned. Like in Nosferatu, Dracula seeks the assistance of a businessman in leasing property, but his methods are far more sinister.
Dracula hypnotizes Renfield during their first encounter and encourages him to open up a nearby window. Renfield obliges and faints at the sight of the bat, making him an easy target for the Count. Dracula goes on to imprison Renfield in a coffin before embarking on his journey to Carfax Abbey, forcing him to eat the remains of the ship's crew. He is perhaps the cruelest yet most charming vampire to grace cinema, easily earning him the title of most iconic.