The Core Universal Monster Movies Ranked Worst To Best

“Listen to them. Children of the night - what music they make!”

Dracula is many people's favourite of the key Universal monster movies - so why does it fall so low in this ranking? Unfortunately, the latter half of the film can't quite live up to its moody establishing scenes once the action moves from Transylvania to London.

The first act of Dracula is rich in atmosphere, even with its notable lack of music, and is absolutely beautiful to look at. The partially glass-painted backdrop behind Renfield's journey to the Count's castle, as well as the design of the castle itself, are stunning. Dracula's cinematographer was Karl Freund, who went on to direct The Mummy a year later. Annoyingly, the film feels rather less impressive following the 'ghost' ship docking in England, and Renfield's famous demented laughing scene. Don't get me wrong - it's still a fantastic film - it just peaks early.

Tod Browning was an amazing director (if you're in any doubt, watch Freaks and The Unknown), though it is tempting to imagine what James Whale might have done with the film. Dracula with the style and imagination behind his Frankenstein films could've been something truly extraordinary.

This film famously originated as a stage production, also starring Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan (Van Helsing) and Herbert Bunston (Dr Seward). This is the reason behind its overly theatrical acting style, particularly in the case of Lugosi, whose performance is sometimes criticised.

The simultaneously shot Spanish version (same sets, different actors) is often considered superior in many ways, but Lugosi is the clincher.