20 Best Female Vampires in Movies, Ranked

One of the most popular mythological creatures that have been adapted to movies and TV shows are vampires, as seen in the 2022 TV show Interview with the Vampire and the upcoming movie Abigail. The popularity of vampires is due in large to its mythology existing throughout various cultures for centuries. Although vampires are typically characterized as nocturnal parasitic creatures that feed off of human blood (or energy, in the case of ‘psychic vampires’), individual aspects of vampire lore vary from story to story. As a symbol, the vampire has been used to explore myriad themes and political perspectives — from reactionary representations of societal ‘deviance’ to subversive and progressive portrayals of empowered outsiders.

Many of pop culture’s most famous vampires are male, from Bram Stoker’s iconic villain Count Dracula to more recent examples like Marvel Comics character Michael Morbius and Twilight‘s romantic hero Edward Cullen. However, unlike many other classic movie monsters, female vampires are very frequently represented in films. Often engaging with themes of feminism and gender — as well as simply telling fun, spooky stories — the best representations of female vampires in movies will sink their teeth into viewers’ minds, leaving them thirsty for more.

20

Alucarda and Justine

‘Alucarda’ (1977)

Alucarda is a Mexican 1977 supernatural horror film directed by Juan López Moctezuma. Set in a Catholic convent, the film follows Alucarda (Tina Romero) and Justine (Susana Kamini), two teenage girls who become immediately infatuated with one another and accidentally unleash unholy forces in the convent. As the film progresses, Justine becomes a blood-drinking vampire while Alucarda remains more of a metaphorically vampiric character.

The film is a key example of the nunsploitation horror subgenre, blending occult religious horror with vampirism while telling a compelling story with sapphic themes. Based on the influential 1872 lesbian vampire story Carmilla, the film explores transgressive themes through its representation of convent girls worshiping the devil, and the central relationship between its vampiric lead characters is one of Alucarda‘s major selling points.

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19

Mae

‘Near Dark’ (1987)

Directed and co-written by acclaimed filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow, Near Dark is a 1987 horror-Western film. The film follows a gang of vampire outlaws who live in an RV and hunt for food by indiscriminately killing humans. In particular, the film centers on the relationship between Caleb (Adrian Pasdar) and Mae (Jenny Wright) as she decides to turn him into a vampire in order to engage in a romance with him.

Near Dark is a stylish, atmospheric, and highly underrated vampire film, and its (anti)heroine Mae is a strong and appealing character. Mae is a surprisingly layered and nuanced character who is torn between two worlds due to her affection for Caleb and her dangerous, nomadic lifestyle. Portrayed with great charm by Jenny Wright, Mae is one of the vampire subgenre’s best female leads.

18

Sasha

‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ (2023)

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is a 2023 French Canadian horror-comedy co-written and directed by Ariane Louis-Seize in her feature film debut. The film follows Sasha (Sara Montpetit), a teenage vampire who finds herself unable to kill anyone for food. When she meets the suicidal Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), Sasha feels inspired to mutually help one another, vowing to help him die in exchange for drinking his blood.

Unlike many vampire films, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is a remarkably tender and charming horror film, focusing on the bond between its misfit protagonists rather than on graphic carnage. Sasha is a highly endearing main character, with her strong empathy causing a serious problem for her as a vampire, which creates a compelling and unique dimension to the film. Quirky, sensitive, and literally bloodthirsty, Sasha is a compelling female vampire.

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17

Tae-ju

‘Thirst’ (2009)

Written and directed by Park Chan-wook, Thirst is a 2009 South Korean gothic romance horror film. The film centers on the love affair between Sang-hyun (Song Kang-ho), a priest who becomes reliant on human blood after a medical experiment backfires, and Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin), a beautiful young woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. However, their relationship becomes complicated when Tae-ju becomes a vampire herself and reveals herself to be far more brutal and monstrous than Sang-hyun.

Appearing in one of South Korea’s best underrated horror films, Tae-ju recontextualizes the classic femme fatale archetype into a vampire figure, proving herself to be cunning and ruthless and possessing a shocking disregard for human life. Kim Ok-bin perfectly portrays Tae-ju, oscillating between appearing sweet and mischievous and downright frightening. Completely believable as a woman Sang-hyun is willing to risk everything for, Tae-ju is a great female vampire.

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16

Claudia

‘Interview With the Vampire’ (1994)

Based on Anne Rice‘s 1976 gothic novel, Interview with the Vampire is a 1994 vampire horror film directed by Neil Jordan. The film centers on the relationship between vampires Lestat (Tom Cruise) and Louis (Brad Pitt) throughout the 18th-20th centuries as they attempt to create an unconventional family by raising the young vampire Claudia (Kirsten Dunst) as their surrogate daughter, causing turmoil for all three characters.

The film is beloved by fans of gothic horror and vampire fiction due to its powerful atmosphere and excellent cast. Claudia is one of the film’s most complex characters, viewing her eternal youth as a curse due to the restrictions forever appearing to be a child place upon her. Despite being only 10 years old at the time of filming, Kirsten Dunst received universal acclaim for her role as Claudia, giving one of the best performances in vampire film history as her tortured and complicated character.

15

Queen Akasha

‘Queen of the Damned’ (2002)

Not many people know how iconic the characters are in Anne Rice’s universe. The late singer Aaliyah brings Akasha, the ancient vampire queen of Queen of the Damned to life. Awakened by Lestat’s (Stuart Townsend) music, Akasha becomes the central antagonist. A formidable presence, Akasha embodies a regal demeanor and ruthless ambition. She desires world domination with Lestat at her side. Though her screen time is limited, Akasha’s magnetic presence and incinerating power make her a truly unforgettable villain.

Aaliyah dominates the screen in Queen of the Damned as her captivating performance creates a chillingly alluring female vampire. Akasha embodies the duality of beauty and terror, both terrifying and mesmerizing audiences. She represents the ultimate power fantasy — an unstoppable queen with the strength to reshape the world as she desires.

Rent on Apple TV

14

Abby

‘Let Me In’ (2010)

Let Me In is a remake of the Swedish film Let the Right One In. In Let Me In, Chloë Grace Moretz plays Abby, a centuries-old vampire disguised as a child who befriends Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a lonely boy. The deepening friendship between Owen and Abby is shattered when the boy discovers the truth. This discovery triggers a series of violent and unsettling events.

Moretz delivers a compelling performance as Abby, by creating a stark contrast between her innocent appearance and predatory nature. There’s more to Abby than monstrous behavior as her actions hint at a tragic backstory marked by centuries of isolation. The audience can’t help but feel bad for Abby and understand her struggle for survival, especially since her unexpected humanity emerges through her bond with Owen.

13

Mavis

‘Hotel Transylvania’ (2012)

The animated movie Hotel Transylvania brings a kooky and whimsical spin to the world of the paranormal and supernatural. In the movie, Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) owns a resort that acts as a safe haven for monsters. In the hotel, monsters can be themselves and not be bothered by humans. As he prepares for his daughter Mavis’ (Selena Gomez) 118th birthday, chaos arises as a human traveler named Jonathan (Andy Samberg) finds the hotel and falls head over heels with the young vampire.

A lot of viewers can relate to Mavis’ curiosity and desire to become independent. But because of her father’s protectiveness, Mavis is somehow trapped in the hotel. As Mavis’ relationship with Johnny deepens, she somehow becomes a bridge between the human and monster worlds. Seeing her journey from a sheltered princess to a confident young woman is nothing short of inspiring.

12

Ernessa Bloch

‘The Moth Diaries’ (2011)

Adapted from Rachel Klein‘s 2002 novel, The Moth Diaries is a 2011 gothic teen horror film written and directed by Mary Harron, known for 2000’s classic serial killer film American Psycho. Taking place in an all-girls boarding school, the film follows Rebecca (Sarah Bolger) – a recently-bereaved teenage girl – as her life is thrown into turmoil with the arrival of the mysterious new girl Ernessa Bloch (Lily Cole). Rebecca becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid as she begins to suspect Ernessa is a vampire feeding on her best friend Lucy (Sarah Gadon), and is forced to confront her depression and grief.

The Moth Diaries was negatively received at the time of release but is deserving of a critical reevaluation for its value as a sapphic horror film, its deliciously gothic atmosphere, and its excellent portrayal of a vampire. The film makes allusions to Sheridan Le Fanu‘s classic vampire tale Carmilla through its representation of Ernessa as a seductive force luring Rebecca’s friends to certain doom. Ernessa is enigmatic and ghostly, personifying Rebecca’s grief and depression in a captivating interpretation of vampire mythology.

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11

Santánico Pandemonium

‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ (1996)

Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Robert Rodriguez, From Dusk Till Dawn is a 1996 crime drama-turned-vampire movie. The film follows Seth (George Clooney) and Richie Gecko (Tarantino), two brothers on the run after an armed bank robbery, as they attempt to cross the border from the USA to Mexico. Taking a lapsed Christian family (Harvey Keitel, Ernest Liu, and Juliette Lewis) hostage, the brothers intend to hide in a remote Mexican strip club/bar, but their plans are interrupted when it is revealed that it is populated with vampires.

Portrayed by Salma Hayek Pinault, the female vampire character Santánico Pandemonium is an ancient creature who performs at the bar, luring bikers and truckers to the bar at night with erotic dance performances before locking the doors and viciously feeding upon them. Despite only appearing in the film for around 10 minutes, the character and Hayek’s performance are some of the most memorable elements of From Dusk Till Dawn, owning every moment of screen time she has with her hypnotic movements and her character’s clearly sinister intentions.

10

Izabela

‘I Like Bats’ (1986)

Directed by Grzegorz Warchoł, I Like Bats is a 1986 Polish darkly comedic horror-drama. The film follows Izabela (Katarzyna Walter), a vampire who works at her aunt’s oddity shop in a small Polish town while feeding on men at night. However, when Izabela meets a handsome psychiatrist named Rudolf (Marek Barbasiewicz), she decides to seek treatment at his rehabilitation center. The two embark on a complicated therapeutic relationship, with Izabela nursing romantic feelings, while Rudolf believes she is simply mentally ill rather than supernatural.

Despite its obscurity, I Like Bats is an incredibly watchable film. The concept of a vampire seeking clinical treatment for her condition is a fun and unique premise that makes the film stand out among its genre cohorts. Romantic elements frequently feature in vampire films, and they are very prominent in I Like Bats, with Izabela’s primary motivation being her newly awakened romantic desire for Rudolf. Witty, lonely, and undeniably cool, Izabela is a highly likable protagonist.

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9

Dezzy

‘Bliss’ (2019)

Bliss is a 2019 neo-giallo horror film written and directed by Joe Begos. The film follows Dezzy (Dora Madison), an artist dealing with creative block, who becomes overtaken by madness and bloodlust after using a hallucinogenic drug called ‘bliss’. Although bliss gives Dezzy the artistic inspiration she has been craving, it transforms her into a violent and out-of-control vampire. The film uses vampirism as an allegory for drug addiction, portraying the agony of cravings as well as the destruction caused by Dezzy giving in to her impulses.

Bliss is an intense, gory, psychedelic horror film with an excellent metal soundtrack. With its fast pace, flashy montage sequences, and neon-lit cinematography, Bliss makes for an exhilarating viewing experience. Dora Madison is captivating in the lead role, committing wholeheartedly to the madness Dezzy is consumed by, as well as perfectly conveying her snarky personality and creative frustration. Characterized as a foul-mouthed burnt-out artist who lives alone in Los Angeles, Dezzy is the quintessential Millennial American vampire.

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8

Clara and Eleanor Webb

‘Byzantium’ (2012)

Byzantium is a 2012 vampire film directed by Interview with the Vampire‘s Neil Jordan and written by Moira Buffini based on her stage play A Vampire Story. The film follows Eleanor Webb (Saoirse Ronan), a teenage vampire, and her mother Clara (Gemma Arterton) as they relocate to a seaside town with particular relevance to their past. There, the familial bond between the two characters becomes increasingly fractured as both women contend with centuries-old trauma as well as powerful vampire foes.

One of the 2010s’ best vampire films, Byzantium is a beautiful and sensitive drama with feminist themes that features some truly gruesome scenes of violence and blood-drinking. Clara and Eleanor are both compelling in their own rights, and their relationship is the crux of the film, catalyzed by Eleanor’s desire to self-actualize and tell her story while Clara is desperate to remain in hiding. Brought to life by great lead performances from Ronan and Arterton, Clara, and Eleanor are excellent female vampire characters.

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7

Carmilla Karnstein

‘The Vampire Lovers’ (1970)

In the dark, enchanting world of female vampires, Carmilla Karnstein (Ingrid Pitt) from the vampire movie The Vampire Lovers is a timeless icon of seduction and terror. In the movie, Carmilla infiltrates the Morton family and enchants their daughter Emma. Preying on young women, the downfall of Carmill is plotted by the General and the Baron, but they soon learn that her legacy lives through Emma, who she turned into a vampire before her death.

Carmilla lives as a sensual and passionate predator who captures the attention of viewers with her enigmatic presence and alluring nature. What makes her a great portrayal of female vampires in movies is due to her charming but brutal behavior, making her a symbol of forbidden desire and dark desires.

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6

Alice Cullen

‘Twilight’ (2008)

There are plenty of memorable female vampires in the popular vampire franchise Twilight, but perhaps Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene) is the one who is most favored by viewers. As a member of the Cullen family, she tries to peacefully coexist with humans and has clairvoyant and precognitive abilities. Because of her special gift, Alice often guides her family and Bella (Kristen Stewart) out of danger.

She’s the Cullen family member who welcomed Bella with open arms and has tried to make her comfortable in her new world. She’s often playful with the other characters in the movie and is known for her relationship with Jasper (Jackson Rathbone). Without a doubt, Alice Cullen shines as a beacon of hope and positivity, making her one of the most beloved characters in the Twilight saga.

5

Selene

‘Underworld’ (2003)

Directed by Len Wiseman from a screenplay by Daniel McBride, Underworld is a 2003 gothic action film. The film follows Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a vampire who works as an assassin known as a Death Dealer, as she navigates a centuries-old conflict between vampires and werewolves (known as “Lycans” throughout the film and its larger franchise). When Selene develops feelings for Michael (Scott Speedman), a human with the genetic potential to become a vampire-werewolf hybrid, her ethics and alliance with her kin are thrown into question as the war wages on.

The Underworld franchise is beloved by many fans and cemented Kate Beckinsale’s potential as an action star and a franchise lead, all thanks to the strengths of the first film. Selene is a compelling protagonist due to her moral turmoil, tragic backstory, and undeniably badass fighting abilities, and her all-black leather and latex outfit was instantly iconic. Selene has a strong arc – progressing from a cold-hearted killer to something more human as she begins to fall for Michael and question the righteousness of her cause – and is an extremely strong vampire protagonist.

4

Miriam Blaylock

‘The Hunger’ (1983)

Directed by Tony Scott, written by Ivan Davis and Michael Thomas, and adapted from Whitley Strieber‘s 1981 novel of the same name, The Hunger is a British vampire horror film. The film follows Miriam Blaylock (Catherine Deneuve), a vampire from Ancient Egyptian times who seduces lovers every several hundred years with the promise of eternal life. However, it becomes horribly clear that eternal youth is not part of this bargain when her partner John (David Bowie), a cellist from 18th century France, finds himself rapidly aging and becoming immobilized.

The Hunger is an artful and visually striking film, marking an astonishing debut for Tony Scott. The film explores themes of aging, queerness, and complicated relationships through Miriam’s partnerships with John and Sarah (Susan Sarandon). Although Miriam is ruthless and exploitative in her relationships — using her partners for her own selfish whims — she is also tender and romantic, expressing genuine emotions for both John and Sarah.

3

Eve and Ava

‘Only Lovers Left Alive’ (2013)

Written and directed by indie auteur filmmaker Jim Jarmush, Only Lovers Left Alive is a 2013 fantasy romantic drama. The film follows Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), a married couple of centuries-old vampires. Exploring the contrast between the two protagonists, the film showcases Adam’s disillusion with humanity as well as Eve’s optimism and love of culture and art. Surprisingly life-affirming and romantic despite all its blood, Only Lovers Left Alive reckons with the value of love, companionship and music.

Eve is a beautifully subversive vampire character — she is emotionally honest and caring with her loved ones, she relishes her opportunity to experience human art both throughout her centuries of living and in the present day, and above all else, she is humane, obtaining blood through somewhat ethical sources and advocating against killing humans. In addition, the film also features Eve’s younger sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska), who behaves like a flighty, playful, and unreliable young woman despite her old age. Despite sharing her bright spirit, Ava is far less ethical than Eve and repeatedly betrays and mistreats Adam, as well as unrepentantly killing humans. In Eve and Ava, Only Lovers Left Alive presents two compelling and complex female vampires.

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2

The Girl

‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’ (2014)

Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a 2014 Persian-language horror Western shot in the USA but set in Iran. The film follows Arash (Arash Marandi), a young man entangled in the drug underworld due to his father Hossein’s (Marshall Manesh) active heroin addiction. Arash begins a relationship with a mysterious woman (Sheila Vand) who reveals herself to be a vampire, with the two bonding over their mutual interests and showing one another vulnerability. With striking black-and-white visuals, the film explores themes of womanhood, exploitation, and loneliness through its central characters.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night has been highly critically praised as a subversive feminist horror film, framing a woman of color as a complex and empowered vampire rather than as a victim of violence. The titular ‘girl’, played fantastically and enigmatically by Sheila Vand, is both Arash’s love interest and his potential undoing, with her intoxicating effect on him and other men tying into the film’s themes of substance addiction. A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night is a masterpiece and Sheila Vand’s vampire character is absolutely unforgettable.

1

Rose the Hat

‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019)

Based on the 2013 novel by literary horror master Stephen King, Doctor Sleep is a 2019 supernatural horror film written and directed by horror maestro Mike Flanagan. The film is a sequel to The Shining, starring Ewan McGregor as the adult version of Dan Torrance. Doctor Sleep follows Dan as he struggles with alcoholism, due to his familial trauma at the Overlook Hotel, and attempts to gain control of his psychic powers. When Dan telepathically befriends Abra (Kyliegh Curran) a young girl with shining powers, the two uncover a secret group of psychic vampires terrorizing and feeding on children with supernatural abilities.

Portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson in one of her best performances, Rose the Hat is the cult leader of the psychic vampire gang The True Knot. In an interview with Bustle, Rebecca Ferguson described playing the character as “liberating” due to Rose’s complexities and her “zest for life” despite being an immortal monster. Rose the Hat is characterized as a strong, cruel, and exceptionally powerful villain, as well as being charismatic and seductive, making her one of Stephen King’s most terrifying villains and one of cinema’s greatest female vampires.

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