Essential Seven Vampires!

Vampire lore has been around for centuries, but by the 20th century and into the new millenium, vampires have become such a part of popular culture that they have touched everyone at some point in their lives. Vampires represent our hidden desires. Almost every vampire is a sensual beast – hypnotizing and beautiful. It’s no wonder so many people are fascinated by the lore. Here are my Essential Seven Vampires from film and television:

7) David from The Lost Boys

David (portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland) is the leader of the Lost Boys. Charged with bringing in new members to the gang, the way he looks at you that sends chills up your spine. “It’s good to be a vampire.”

6) Count Chocula

With a cry of “I vant to eat your cereal!” Count Chocula would advocate all the chocolaty, marshmallowy, sugary cereal goodness. If all vampires are obsessed with chocolate like Count Chocula, then I might just be a vampire.

5) Bill from True Blood

Okay, so he’s a vampire named “Bill.” That doesn’t make him any less cool. Bill (portrayed by Stephen Moyer) is a Civil War veteran who comes back to his hometown of Bon Temps, Lousiana, many years after he died. He meets with pretty Sookie, and the romance begins. Bill protects Sookie with fierce loyalty, even facing sunlight to protect her.

4) Count von Count from Sesame Street

Instead of mean and scary and obsessed with blood, Count von Count is soft and fun and obsessed with numbers. Here are three reasons why the Count makes this list. 1. (One reason!) The Count is most children’s introduction to vampire mythology. A non-threatening one at that. 2. (Two reasons!) He drives a really nifty Countmobile. 3. (Three reasons! AH! AH! AH! AH!) No third reason, it’s just really cool to be the Count!

3) Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Spike (portrayed by James Marsters) starts out bad and ends up good in Buffy. There is a reason why Buffy falls for him. Like most girls, bad guys turn her on! Then Spike had to go and ruin it for everyone by getting a soul. But he does end up helping to save the world. You think that’s the last we’ll see of Spike, then he shows up in Angel as a ghost with major attitude. Spike is one of those characters people love to hate.

2) Lestat from Interview with the Vampire

Lestat (portrayed by Tom Cruise) seems harmless on the surface, but there is madness lingering underneath. Lestat is selfish and cruel. Everyone eventually leaves him, but we stay because he is everything a vampire should be – beautiful and deadly.

1) Dracula portrayed by Bela Lugosi

Bela Lugosi as Dracula tops the essential list for one reason, and one reason only. He is the reason we have the vampires in popular culture today. Every one of today’s vampires can trace its origins back to Lugosi’s portrayal of Dracula. From the cape (the Count and Count Chocula) to his hold over women (Spike, Bill and David) to his insatiable lust for blood (Lestat), Dracula is the vampire of all vampires.

Honorable Mentions:

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