Depending on the film and the writer, vampires are either merciless murderers or captivating creatures of passion. They exist in a dual state of horror and romance, are grotesque yet beautiful, and are alluring yet repelling. They serve as both cautionary tales and seductive incentives.

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General convention dictates that the older the vampire, the more power they hold. Some of the most respected vampires are thousand-year-old creatures of blood and carnage. Whether it's Dracula, Orlok, Lestat, or Selene, vampires are among the strongest monsters in cinema. But even among the best of the best, there's always one that comes out on top.

Viago Von Dorna Schmarten Scheden Heimburg

Viago raising his glass in What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows presents a comedic portrayal of vampires. The protagonists are clumsy, relaxed, and even unimpressive. Still, there's something memorable about the movie's de-facto protagonist, Viago. Played to perfection by the hilarious Taika Waititi, Viago is a 379-year-old dandy who lives in a flat in Australia with three other vampires.

Neither Viago nor his vampire friends are particularly remarkable. They have no money, influence, or anything to their names. They can turn themselves into different animals and can hypnotize others, so they're not weak by any means, they just aren't on the level of other cinematic vamps.

Adam & Eve

Adam and Eve hugging each other in Only Lovers Left Alive

Adam and Eve are the protagonists of Jim Jarmusch's 2013 drama Only Lovers Left Alive. Played by Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, Adam is a depressed musician and Eve is his wiser and encouraging wife.

Both vampires are disillusioned with the world, holding on to the remnants of a bygone era. They give little importance to traditional vampire activities like hunting or turning others. Instead, they choose to contemplate the nature of their existence, arriving at despondent conclusions.

Jerry Dandrige

Jerry Dandrige reveals his vampire form in Fright Night

Jerry Dandrige serves as the antagonist of the 1985 cult classic Fright Night and its 2011 remake. He is a vampire to the tee, being handsome, alluring, mysterious, and distant. However, the original Jerry has another side to him that separates him from other movie vampires.

He doesn't take pleasure in killing and only does it out of self-preservation. He also kills his victims before allowing them to turn into vampires and shows an undeniable dislike for the lifestyle he leads. He murders with skilled precision but also leads a solitary life, aiming not for riches or influence.

Santanico Pandemonium

Santanico Pandemonium performing her exotic dance in From Dusk til Dawn

Santanico Pandemonium is a vampire Queen and commands her personal vampire army. She rules over her own kingdom, a strip club in the desert located near the USA-Mexico border. Posing as a beautiful and seductive woman, she lures unsuspecting travelers to her club, then proceeds to feed on them.

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She leaves an undeniable mark in the movie vampire pantheon, despite dying in the first film of the From Dusk til Dawn franchise. She also made it to the old age of 102 and became Queen through her own means, cementing her place as one of the most respected vampires in the business.

Count Orlok

Count Orlok leaning over his would-be victim in Nosferatu

Arguably the most iconic vampire in cinema, Count Orlok is the antagonist in the classic black-and-white movie Nosferatu. Known as the "Bird of Death," Orlok lives in a large and dilapidated castle in Transylvania. Avoided by almost everyone, Orlok built his reputation on fear alone.

Despite his considerable supernatural abilities, Orlok is decrepit and not very physically threatening. He remains a menace, though, but his best days are behind him by the time his movie starts, which explains why he meets his ending with such ease.

Edward Cullen

Edward Cullen talking in Twilight

The Twilight saga arguably has the worst reputation when it comes to movie vampires. However, it's undeniable that the male protagonist of the series, Edward Cullen, is a respected vampire in his own world. He is physically strong and agile, more than most vampires in his franchise. He also has the unique ability to read other people's minds, further separating him from the rest.

Edward also has an advantage over other movie monsters in terms of money. His vast wealth provides enough security and flexibility to get away with anything in the modern world.

Selene

Selene firing two guns simultaneously in Underworld

Selene is the battle-hardened protagonist of the Underworld franchise. She is also one of the oldest vampires in cinema, being 620-years-old in her first movie. Selene may not be as famous as some other movie monsters, but she's no less capable.

A soldier and skilled hunter, she possesses a myriad of superhuman abilities. She's also proficient with a wide assortment of weapons, both medieval and modern. Her lack of supernatural gifts prevents her from outranking some of the other vampires, though.

Lestat De Lioncourt

Lestat smiling like a predator in Interview with the Vampire

The Brat Prince might be the most resourceful of all vampires, at least in the books. His movie counterpart is decidedly weaker and less charming but still engaging and alluring. Above all, Lestat is a survivor who'd go to great lengths to protect his lifestyle.

Lestat is also absurdly wealthy, a privilege that allows him to lead a life of excess without fear or concern. Sure, he needs to hide to protect his secret, but that doesn't stop him from doing what he wants. And while he isn't the best fighter, he has other abilities that make him a dangerous threat for anyone who crosses his path.

Blade

Blade holding up a weapon and smiling in Blade.

Stylish and full of charisma, Blade is a vampire hunter and de-facto superhero. He's proficient in martial arts, mastering styles like capoeira, boxing, eskrima, and kung fu. On top of that, he's a skilled swordsman and marksman and possesses unparalleled knowledge about vampirism.

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Blade stands apart from other vampires because he shares all their strengths while having none of their weaknesses. He is the ultimate vampire killing machine, but that doesn't mean some vampire couldn't escape his tight grip.

Count Dracula

Gary Oldman as Count Dracula in Bram Stokers Dracula

No vampire will ever come close to outranking Count Dracula. Portrayed by Gary Oldman in the now seminal film Bram Stoker's Dracula, the character rules supreme over all other movie monsters.

Dracula's gifts go beyond the increased strength and durability that many other vampires have. The Count has control over the winds, vermin, thunder, and lightning. Furthermore, he can transform himself into numerous beasts like wolves, rats, and bats. To top it all off, he's a member of the nobility, meaning his influence goes beyond that of a simple rich man.

NEXT: 5 Best Vampire Movies If You Love Gore (& 5 Best If You Hate Blood)