20 Horror Movies From The 21st Century That Didn't Actually Suck

7. Let The Right One In (2008)

Vampires have had a rough run recently with the Twilight films turning them from shadowy, terrifying presences to wide-eyed soppy heart-throbs. In terms of reinvention though, Tomas Alfredson's vampire tale is truly a brilliant film. It won great acclaim worldwide and was even treated to its own terrible US re-make in almost record time (two years later). Quiet Oskar, a bullied twelve year old boy, becomes friends with the pale girl next door Eli.

Although reticent at first, Eli encourages Oskar to stand up for himself in the face of his bullies. Meanwhile, Eli and her older companion Hakan, murder locals and harvest them for their blood. When Oskar realises that his friend is a vampire, their bond only grows stronger as he stands up to his bullies before Eli finally comes to her friends rescue. It feels strange to write this but this is a warm-hearted depiction of an unlikely friendship, just with vampires and decapitations.

The relationship between Oskar and Eli is a tender one that develops as the film continues so that the actions of the characters are totally believable in the world that is being presented to us. It won many awards too but, at the end of the day, it's quite simply the best vampire film this century.