Vampires have long fascinated audiences with their charm, eternal youth, and the delicate balance between monstrosity and allure.
Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Vampire Diaries have significantly contributed to the popularity of these television monsters.
From thrilling adventures to dark romances, these undead characters have become a TV staple, offering a wide range of stories that appeal to fans of all kinds.
Here is a list of the top 18 best Vampire TV shows according to a recent viral poll held by Ranker. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or a curious newcomer, this list has something to sink your teeth into. Starting with…
18/18 The Strain
Created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, The Strain offers a horrifying take on the vampire mythos.
When a viral outbreak causes vampirism to spread, Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and his team must fight to save humanity.
With its intense action sequences and chilling horror elements, this series offers a pulse-pounding thrill ride from start to finish.
17/18 A Discovery of Witches
Based on the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches follows a witch and a vampire as they uncover a dangerous conspiracy surrounding a mysterious magical manuscript.
Set against the backdrop of Oxford University, this series blends romance, fantasy, and mystery to create a spellbinding story that will leave you enchanted.
16/18 Van Helsing
Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by vampires, Van Helsing follows Vanessa Van Helsing, a descendant of the legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, as she battles to save humanity from extinction.
With strong performances and intense action, Van Helsing is a thrilling watch for fans of vampire lore.
15/18 Dark Shadows
A gothic soap opera from the 1960s, Dark Shadows follows the Collins family and their encounters with ghosts, witches, and, of course, vampires.
Created by Dan Curtis, the series introduced audiences to the iconic character Barnabas Collins, a tortured vampire seeking redemption.
With its melodramatic performances, supernatural storylines, and atmospheric setting, Dark Shadows became a cult classic, influencing countless vampire-themed shows and movies.
14/18 Hemlock Grove
Produced by Eli Roth, Hemlock Grove is a dark and twisted tale set in a small town with many secrets.
The series delves into the lives of the Godfrey family and their connection to the supernatural, including vampires and werewolves.
With its gothic atmosphere and complex characters, Hemlock Grove is a gripping addition to the Vampire genre.
13/18 Charmed
Charmed follows the Halliwell sisters, three powerful witches who protect the world from evil.
While the show primarily focuses on witchcraft, it features numerous episodes involving vampires and other supernatural beings.
Charmed‘s blend of fantasy, drama, and sisterly bond has earned it a dedicated fanbase.
12/18 The Munsters
A classic horror-comedy, The Munsters features a family of benign monsters living in an ordinary suburban neighbourhood.
While not strictly a vampire show, it includes Grandpa Munster, a vampire and a lovable parody of Dracula.
The show’s humour and charm have made it a beloved classic and must-watch for vampire genre fans.
11/18 Being Human
Being Human follows the lives of three supernatural roommates: a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost.
The show, which has both UK and US versions, explores their struggles to live ordinary lives despite their extraordinary conditions.
Being Human combines horror, drama, and humour to create a heartfelt narrative about friendship, identity, and acceptance.
Its unique premise and relatable characters make it a standout in the genre.
10/18 American Horror Story: Hotel
American Horror Story, an anthology series created by Ryan Murphy, has tackled various horror themes, including vampires.
While not exclusively focused on vampires, it has featured bloodsuckers in several of its seasons, including Hotel and Coven.
Known for its anthology format and twisted storytelling, this groundbreaking series pushes the boundaries of horror and fantasy.
9/18 Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful weaves together classic horror literature into a dark and gothic narrative.
Featuring iconic characters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray, the series explores the darker side of Victorian London.
Eva Green’s performance as Vanessa Ives is particularly noteworthy, bringing depth and intensity to the supernatural drama.
8/18 Interview with the Vampire
Based on Anne Rice’s classic novel, Interview with the Vampire brings the gothic and tragic story of vampires Louis and Lestat to the small screen.
The series dives deep into themes of immortality, existential dread, and the human condition.
Set against the backdrop of an older New Orleans, the show captures the lush, atmospheric essence of Rice’s world while exploring the complex relationship between its lead characters
7/18 Supernatural
While not solely focused on vampires, Supernatural features plenty of bloodsucking creatures throughout its 15-season run.
Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester travel across America, hunting monsters, demons, and vampires, guided by their father’s journal and driven by a quest for vengeance.
The show’s blend of horror, humour, and family drama, along with its exploration of mythological and urban legends, has earned it a dedicated fanbase and a place on this list.
6/18 Angel
A spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel follows the titular character, a vampire with a soul, as he seeks redemption by helping the helpless in the gritty streets of Los Angeles.
Created by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt, the series explores darker themes and a more noir-inspired aesthetic than its predecessor.
Angel, played by David Boreanaz, forms Angel Investigations to atone for his past sins, joined by characters like Cordelia Chase, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, and the demon Lorne.
5/18 True Blood
True Blood, created by Alan Ball, is a Southern Gothic fantasy series based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.
Set in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, the show follows telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse as she navigates a world where vampires have come out of the coffin thanks to synthetic blood.
With its mature themes and complex characters, True Blood offers a darker, sexier take on vampire mythology.
4/18 What We Do in the Shadows
Based on the 2014 film of the same name, What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-style comedy that offers a hilarious take on vampire life.
The series follows four vampire roommates living on Staten Island as they navigate the modern world.
With quirky characters like Nandor the Relentless and energy vampire Colin Robinson, the show brilliantly combines deadpan humour with supernatural hijinks, providing a fresh and funny perspective on vampire lore.
3/18 The Vampire Diaries
The Vampire Diaries enchanted audiences with its tale of love, danger, and supernatural secrets in the fictional town of Mystic Falls.
The series centres on Elena Gilbert and her entanglements with vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore.
Known for its dramatic twists and emotional depth, the show explores themes of immortality, redemption, and the complexities of human (and vampire) relationships.
2/18 The Originals
The Originals has been ranked 2nd best Vampire TV show.
It is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, and centers on the Mikaelson family, the world’s first vampires.
Set in the mystical city of New Orleans, the show dives deep into the power struggles, ancient curses, and family dynamics of these immortal beings.
With its rich lore and compelling characters, The Originals offers a darker, more mature take on the vampire saga.
1/18 Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been crowned as the No. 1 best vampire TV show of all time.
It is the cornerstone of vampire television.
Created by Joss Whedon, this cult classic follows Buffy Summers, a high school girl destined to slay vampires, demons, and other supernatural entities.
With its strong character development and inventive storytelling, Buffy has garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, influencing countless other supernatural series.
