Ladies and gentlemen, ghouls and ghosts, it’s time to talk about the ladies of the night – the female Vampire! Oft overshadowed by their Lugosi-loving originator, the female vampire embraced the seductive alluring nature of femininity and harnessed it for danger.
In this list, get ready to be ensnared as we sink our teeth into 10 lusty female vampire horror movies that are sure to leave you thirsty for more! From the classic to the cult, the sexy to the scary, these films will show you just how deadly and alluring a female vampire can be.
So, grab your garlic and holy water, and let’s get started!
The House that Dripped Blood (1971)
Let’s start things off with a classic – The House that Dripped Blood. This anthology film features a segment called “The Cloak,” which tells the tale of a horror actor who becomes obsessed with a vampire cloak from a movie he worked on. As he wears the cloak, he becomes more and more like the vampire he once played. But it’s the seductive female vampire who steals the show. Played by Ingrid Pitt, she’s the epitome of sexy and scary. Her piercing gaze and hypnotic voice will leave you under her spell.
Dracula’s Daughter (1936)
It wouldn’t be a list of female vampire movies without the OG, Dracula’s Daughter. This sequel to the original 1931 Dracula picks up right where the first film left off – with Dracula dead and his daughter, Countess Marya Zaleska, struggling with her own vampiric urges. She seeks out the help of a psychiatrist, but even he can’t resist her alluring charms. It’s a slow burn of a film, but Gloria Holden’s performance as the countess is mesmerizing.
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death is a moody, atmospheric film that will leave you feeling uneasy long after it’s over. The titular Jessica is a woman who’s just been released from a mental institution and is trying to start over with her husband in a small town. But it’s not long before she begins to see visions of a beautiful, pale-skinned woman who may or may not be a vampire. Is it all in Jessica’s head, or is there truly something supernatural afoot? The film keeps you guessing until the very end.
The Hunger (1983)
The Hunger is a stylish, sensual film that oozes with style and sex appeal. Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie play a pair of immortal vampires who have been together for centuries. But when Bowie’s character begins to age rapidly, they seek out a new lover who can provide them with eternal youth. Enter Susan Sarandon, who falls under Deneuve’s spell and becomes part of their twisted love triangle. It’s a film that’s both beautiful and brutal, with some truly unforgettable imagery.
Once Bitten (1985)
Let’s lighten things up a bit with Once Bitten, a comedy about a high school student who’s seduced by a female vampire to preserve her youth. Jim Carrey plays the hapless teen who falls for the vampire’s charms, but it’s Lauren Hutton who steals the show as the seductive Countess. It’s a silly, fun movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Lair of the White Worm (1988)
This bizarre, surreal film from director Ken Russell is not for the faint of heart. Based on a novel by Bram Stoker, it tells the story of a Scottish village that’s terrorized by a giant white ‘worm’ (your everyday ancient evil snake god) that’s said to be a descendant of the biblical serpent. Amanda Donohoe plays the mysterious Lady Sylvia Marsh, who may or may not be a vampire, and who definitely has some strange and disturbing desires. It’s a wild ride of a movie that will leave you scratching your head in confusion – and maybe a little bit of fear.
Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
Okay, hear us out on this one. Vampire’s Kiss is a strange, offbeat movie that stars Nicolas Cage as a literary agent who may or may not be turning into a vampire. He becomes obsessed with a woman who he believes is a vampire, and his mental state deteriorates rapidly. It’s a strange, surreal film that’s both funny and disturbing. Cage’s performance is unhinged and unforgettable.
Vampyres (1975)
This Spanish horror film is a cult classic that will leave you feeling simultaneously titillated and terrified. The plot is simple – two female vampires lure men to their country estate and seduce them before drinking their blood. But it’s the atmosphere and style that make this film so memorable. The two lead actresses are stunningly beautiful and utterly ruthless, and the film is filled with eroticism and gore.
The Vampire Lovers (1970)
Based on the novella Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, The Vampire Lovers is a Hammer horror film that’s both atmospheric and erotic. Ingrid Pitt plays the titular vampire, who seduces a young woman and her father to feed on their blood. But as the young woman becomes more and more drawn to the vampire, she realizes that her own life may be in danger. It’s a lush, Gothic film with some truly memorable performances. This is the first in a trilogy of films, so if it leaves you thirsty for more, you’ve got Lust for a Vampire (1971) and Twins of Evil (1971) to chase.
From Dusk ‘Till Dawn (1996)
We’ll end this list with a bang – From Dusk ‘Till Dawn, directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino. It’s a wild, over-the-top movie that starts as a crime thriller before revealing itself to be a full-blown vampire movie. George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino play the Gecko brothers, two criminals on the run who end up at a strip club populated by vampires. Salma Hayek steals the show as the seductive, snake-dancing vampire queen, Satanico Pandemonium. It’s a film that’s both funny and scary, with some truly memorable set pieces.
Well, there you have it – 10 female vampire horror movies that are daring, sexy, seductive… and scary! These daughters of dracula push the boundaries (and the prudish censors) by subverting the ‘women are wallflowers’ misconception to lethal proportions. So, which one will you sink your teeth into first?
Let us know your favorite female vamps on Twitter or in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
