Remarkable Vampire Films You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong highlights seven notable vampire films that you might have overlooked…

      The vampire genre has a long history, dating back to 1922 with F.W. Murnau’s black-and-white horror classic Nosferatu. This genre has evolved over the decades, bringing us more films like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, ‘Salem’s Lot, Fright Night, Blade, and Let the Right One In, among others. While these films are widely recognized, there are many others that are either obscure, underappreciated, or unjustly forgotten, and they deserve more recognition. This leads us to a list of seven impressive vampire movies you may have missed…

      **Bloodsucking Bastards (2015)**

      Bloodsucking Bastards combines the unlikely yet entertaining mix of a workplace comedy with modern vampire horror elements. Written and directed by Brian James O’Connell, the film navigates office life while addressing relatable issues such as dealing with various employee types and corporate bureaucracy, all played for laughs—similar to TV shows like The Office and Mike Judge’s Office Space. With vampires taking over the office, the film goes all-in on graphic violence, making it a delight for genre fans who enjoy vivid displays of gore. The cast features Pedro Pascal as the beleaguered sales manager, Max.

      **Pale Blood (1990)**

      This direct-to-video vampire horror-thriller features a unique serial-killer angle, showcasing a detective-styled, impeccably-dressed vampire portrayed by George Chakiris, who comes to L.A. to investigate a string of mysterious murders reminiscent of vampire attacks, where victims have had their blood drained. While Chakiris’s name, Michael Fury, might seem peculiar, he brings a stoic demeanor that contrasts well with Wings Hauser’s flamboyant supporting role as Van Vandameer, a self-proclaimed erotic video artist. The film incorporates psychic elements, quirky humor, and live performances by the punk rock band, Agent Orange.

      **Innocent Blood (1992)**

      John Landis, known for successfully blending werewolf horror and comedy in An American Werewolf in London, attempts a similar mix with vampires in Innocent Blood, which also incorporates a mob storyline. Despite its ambition, the film struggled at the box office, earning almost $5 million against a $20 million budget. While it may have its flaws, Innocent Blood deserves greater recognition. Landis casts Anne Parillaud, famous for her role in La Femme Nikita, who delivers a captivating performance as the vampire Marie. Robert Loggia’s role as the formidable mob boss Sal The Shark, who transforms into a vampire, becomes a highlight. The film retains the pitch-black humor of An American Werewolf in London, featuring plenty of gore and impressive effects, including a vampire character’s brutal death from sunlight.

      **Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)**

      John D. Hancock, who later directed works like Bang the Drum Slowly and The Twilight Zone, made his directorial debut with Let’s Scare Jessica to Death. While the title suggests a horror comedy, it leans more towards a psychological horror mixed with vampire elements. Hancock focuses on atmospheric visuals rather than frequent shocks, showcasing the best of Zohra Lampert’s performance as Jessica, a character grappling with the aftermath of a mental breakdown. Co-written by Hancock and Lee Kalcheim, the film builds a lingering sense of dread, as Jessica is plagued by inner voices, leaving the audience questioning her mental stability. The arrival of a mysterious vagrant named Emily, played by Mariclare Costello, adds to the film’s suspense before it culminates in a genuinely haunting ending.

      **The Addiction (1995)**

      Abel Ferrara brings his independent style to The Addiction, shooting it in sharp black and white. This visual choice enhances the film’s neo-noir feel, thanks to Ken Kelsch’s atmospheric cinematography. Lili Taylor gives a nuanced performance as Kathleen Conklin, an NYU philosophy student who becomes the target of a mysterious woman one night, leading to her neck being bitten and signs of vampirism. Ferrara uses this familiar theme as a somber metaphor for drug addiction, temptation, and the darker aspects of human nature, exploring Kathleen’s physical and mental turmoil and the lasting change from a single bite. Christopher Walken appears in a small but impactful role as the vampire, Peina.

      **Martin (1977)**

      George A. Romero is primarily recognized for his work in the zombie genre, but some of his other films, like Martin, remain underrated. The title character is portrayed by John Amplas, who is a shy, introverted young man who believes he is a vampire but uses a syringe filled with drugs to incapacitate his victims before drinking their blood. Romero employs recurring black-and-white flashbacks to Martin's past, leaving the question of his true nature—vampire or severely delusional—unanswered.