The vampire genre has evolved dramatically in the 2020s, blending horror, comedy, and fresh cultural perspectives. From gritty survival tales to campy reinventions of classic lore, these films breathe new life into the undead. Here are the top 10 vampire movies of the decade so far, ranked by innovation, storytelling, and bite.

1. Blood Red Sky (2021)

Director: Peter Thorwarth
Starring: Peri Baumeister, Carl Anton Koch

Why It Stands Out: A German-British thriller that redefines maternal ferocity. A mother with a vampiric secret fights to protect her son during a hijacked transatlantic flight. The film’s claustrophobic tension and emotional core elevate it beyond typical creature features.

Legacy: Praised for its blend of horror and heart, it’s a standout on Netflix’s international roster.

2. The Invitation (2022)

Director: Jessica M. Thompson
Starring: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty

Why It Stands Out: A Gothic twist on vampire lore wrapped in a modern mystery. After a DNA test connects her to distant relatives, a New Yorker attends a lavish British wedding, uncovering a blood-soaked lineage. The film’s opulent aesthetic and social commentary on class make it a fresh take on the genre.

Legacy: A stylish entry that merges Get Out’s suspense with traditional vampire tropes.

3. My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To (2020)

Director: Jonathan Cuartas
Starring: Patrick Fugit, Ingrid Sophie Schram

Why It Stands Out: A haunting indie drama about siblings caring for their vampiric brother. This slow-burn character study explores familial duty and moral decay, stripping away glamour to reveal the bleak reality of addiction-as-metaphor.

Legacy: A critically acclaimed, under-the-radar gem that reimagines vampirism as a tragic disease.

4. Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)

Director: Oz Rodriguez
Starring: Jaden Michael, Gerald W. Jones III

Why It Stands Out: A spirited horror-comedy where Bronx teens battle gentrifying vampires. The film cleverly ties monster lore to real-world issues like displacement, all while delivering laughs and heart.

Legacy: A cult favorite that balances social commentary with Goonies-style adventure.

5. Renfield (2023)

Director: Chris McKay
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage

Why It Stands Out: Nicolas Cage’s unhinged Dracula steals the show in this dark comedy. Hoult plays Renfield, Dracula’s henchman, seeking therapy from his toxic boss. The film’s gory humor and meta take on codependency revitalize the Dracula mythos.

Legacy: A box-office underperformer with a devoted following, thanks to Cage’s iconic camp.

6. Night Teeth (2021)

Director: Adam Randall
Starring: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Debby Ryan

Why It Stands Out: A neon-soaked LA vampire romp. A college student chauffeurs mysterious women through a night of chaos, uncovering a vampiric power struggle. The film’s sleek visuals and synthwave soundtrack make it a guilty pleasure.

Legacy: A stylish, if shallow, addition to Netflix’s vampire catalog.

7. Jakob’s Wife (2021)

Director: Travis Stevens
Starring: Barbara Crampton, Larry Fessenden

Why It Stands Out: A feminist reinvention of the “dutiful wife” trope. When Jakob’s meek wife becomes a vampire, she embraces her power, challenging her marriage and small-town patriarchy. Crampton’s performance anchors this bloody tale of self-discovery.

Legacy: A love letter to ’80s horror with a modern twist.

8. The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

Director: André Øvredal
Starring: Corey Hawkins, Liam Cunningham

Why It Stands Out: A chilling adaptation of Dracula’s ship log chapter. The crew of the Demeter battles a feral Dracula during a doomed voyage. The film’s nautical horror and practical effects evoke classic monster movies.

Legacy: Despite mixed reviews, it’s a valiant attempt to expand the Dracula universe.

9. Day Shift (2022)

Director: J.J. Perry
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco

Why It Stands Out: A high-octane action-comedy about a vampire-hunting pool cleaner. Foxx’s charisma and Franco’s comedic timing fuel this over-the-top Netflix flick, blending martial arts with vampire lore.

Legacy: A fun, if formulaic, entry for fans of Blade and John Wick.

10. Morbius (2022)

Director: Daniel Espinosa
Starring: Jared Leto, Matt Smith

Why It Stands Out: Marvel’s antihero vampire (or “pseudo-vampire”) flick. A scientist’s cure grants him vampiric powers, leading to a messy showdown with his best friend. Despite its flaws, the film’s meme-worthy moments and Matt Smith’s scenery-chewing make it a camp curiosity.

Legacy: A box-office misfire that’s become a cult joke in the superhero genre.