10 Best Vampire Films Of All Time

Continuing on the theme of lesser explored vampiric ideas is the American horror film, 30 Days of Night, directed by David Slade.

The drama in this film culminates around a question – what if a vampire’s greatest weakness was taken away? During a 30-day long polar night, the arctic town of Barrow finds out the answer as they are attacked by a group of vampires – vampires that can cause twice as much damage now they don’t have the sun to worry about.

This film is the complete opposite to the romantic vampire narratives usually seen in 21st century vamp flicks. Here, the creatures are monstrous carnivores with only one thing on their minds: blood.

Heading the vampire horde is Marlow, terrifyingly played by Danny Huston. His black, shark-like eyes, snow-white skin, and two inch long fingernails take away any humanity from his appearance – he even stalks around humans like a wolf circling its prey.

Yet amongst all their monstrous qualities, there’s a chilling intentional cruelty to the vampires – seen when they play with the humans, like a cat with a mouse.

These animalistic vampires turn 30 Days of Night into a survival horror, as we follow protagonist, Eben, as he desperately tries to last the month-long attack with his estranged wife and younger brother. Like a kingdom under siege, the inhabitants of Barrow must try and wait out their thirst and hunger lest they be sprung upon by the ravenous pack.

If you like your vampire films heavy on the horror, then 30 Days of Night is the scream-fest you’re after.