80s vampire movies

The Best Vampire Movies From The 80s

80's Film And TV Apr 28, 2022

There’s nothing like vampire movies from the 80s. The 80’s were more than just a time for campy horror. It also produced a generation of movies that explored and deconstructed various monster tropes like werewolves, aliens, and even more prominently, vampires.

Whether it was Charley Brewster’s obsession with his vampire neighbor Jerry, or the kids battling it out with the hipster vamps in The Lost Boys, this decade produced some of the most iconic vampire movies in recent history.

Vampire Movies From The 80s

If you’re asking what were the best vampire movies of the 1980s are, here are some of the notable ones:

1. The Hunger (1983)

The Hunger is probably one of the most underrated films on this list. It didn’t receive any awards, yet it is still considered by cinephiles as a cult classic decades after its release.

With big names like Susan Sarandon and David Bowie at its helm, the movie explored the concept of loneliness in the midst of immortality. The movie provides a killer mix of thriller, horror, and erotica that is sure to titillate vampire fans.

2. Vampire’s Kiss (1989)

Vampire Movies From The 80s

Nicolas Cage shines in this very bizarre and very outrageous film about a man convinced that he is turning into a vampire. What sets this film apart from other vampire movies is its comedic take on the vampire genre. Cage’s portrayal of Peter Loew is absolutely hilarious, and you’d enjoy seeing his various freakouts and breakdowns, which, in this film there’s plenty of.

3. Near Dark (1987)

Before directing acclaimed war films like The Hurt Locker (2008) and Zero Dark Thirty (2012), Kathryn Bigelow directed one of the most unique takes on the vampire archetype that capitvated a lot of viewers. Mix your standard vampire story with a smattering of American Western elements, and you have the enduring classic Near Dark.


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4. Vampire Hunter D (1985)

vampire hunter d

Anime fans, here’s something for you: Vampire Hunter D is a must-watch especially if you’re into vampire stories and horror. Beautifully-designed and gorgeously-animated, Vampire Hunter D is one of the earliest Japanese anime films that gained a foothold in the Western world.

It is set in a dystopian future, in a post-nuclear world where various creatures like demons and vampires roam around freely. The film follows the adventures of D, the titular character, a mysterious vampire hunter who took it upon himself to help out a girl who is slowly falling into vampirism.


5. Fright Night (1985)

80s vampire movies

You can’t talk about vampire films in the 80’s without talking about Fright Night. It’s truly a product of its time- but in a good way. It’s a tongue-in-cheek comedy, a fun romp into the horror genre with all its weirdness and peculiarities.

It tells the story of one Charley Brewster, a 17-year old with an obsession for horror and all things vampire, and his fixation with his new neighbor who he thinks is a vampire himself.

6. The Lost Boys (1987)

the lost boys

Vampires should be scary as well as sexy, and The Lost Boys capitalized on this fact. It tells the story of two brothers and their battle against the new vampire gang in their town. There’s teenage angst, lots of supernatural fight scenes, and even romance in this iconic movie.

So those were our picks for the best 80s vampire movies. Some are kind of corny while others outright frightening. Did your favorite 1980s vampire movie make the list?

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