The word “Vampire” has been used throughout Folklore and Mythology since the early 1800’s, originating from Europe. As technology started to grow in the world, so did the entertainment business, television, and social media influence. Vampire stories weren’t just told to us as creepy bedtimes stories anymore. Instead, we were able to see different adaptations of vampires through the use of film. This idea is where Dracula originated from and gave people a visual of what society deemed the classic vampire looks like. As the entertainment industry continued to grow, so did the different versions or adaptations of Dracula in the film industry. The different portrayals of Dracula truly set the stage for vampire characteristics, appearances, and mannerisms. The significance of the different adaptations of Dracula in film laid the foundation for society’s use of fantasy, myth and folklore, and for how we view it today. 

In The Movie “Horror of Dracula” (1958), Christopher Lee is the actor that played Dracula. Lee’s portrayal of Dracula was both enchanting and terrifying and he played the role so strongly that viewers didn’t even realize how little he appeared in the film. This film showed the charismatic side of Dracula but still showed the menacing side as well. The appearance of Dracula in this film is the classic horrifying vampire we all know and love. With slicked back hair, a fine black suit, and his flowing cape, audiences were able to truly see the horrifying reality of Dracula coming to life. This portrayal of Dracula was Significant during this time because it truly brought to life the myth of vampires.  Lee’s performance left the 1950’s audience in a trance with his alluring charm and ominous depiction of Dracula, paving the way for future Dracula adaptations. 

In his portrayal, John Carradine takes his role as Dracula in the Western- horror film “Billy The Kid versus Dracula” (1966). This film mixes up the genre of vampires and throws in a western style genre taking away from the gothic style vampires are usually portrayed as. Carradine’s version of Dracula is seen as soft spoken, mysterious, and gentlemanly. Dracula’s attire in the film seems to hold a western style going along with the southern genre of the film. Dracula is still seen in a classic black suit and cape but also favors a top hat and cane. The highlight of his outfit is his bright red cravat, along with his long beard and polished mustache. Carradine’s famous hypnotic big eyed stare gave the audience a taste of silliness as opposed to the eeriness of the Dracula we all know. It also showed viewers the power of different environments in the horror setting. Even though this movie wasn't popular, it still gave the audience a different version of Dracula.

 In the movie “Blood for Dracula” (1974), Dracula is played by Udo Kier. This film shows a much younger and modern version of Dracula. Kier’s role is incredibly unique in the portrayal, showing audiences the “weak” side of Dracula. This idea is Significant because  the audience was able to see a more disheveled and unstable side of Dracula, as opposed to the more sinister side we all know. This Dracula’s attire is still shown with the classic black suit but is seen favoring a fluffy fur black coat. He also has slick black hair and interestingly piercing blue eyes. Of course, he is still very pale, but Dracula’s attire is seen to be more alluring and human-like compared to the past portrayals of Dracula. 

The Movie “The Monster Squad” (1987), has several different types of monsters that are shown in the film. Specifically, Dracula in the film is played by Duncan Regehr whose portrayal in this film is that of the classic version of Dracula. Duncan embodies the menacing, monstrous, and a total lack of conscience. The attire in the film is very similar to that of Christopher Lee’s Dracula. The fitted black suit, black and red cape with high vampy neckline, and the slicked back black hair to tie the look all together. He also favors a cane and a long red necklace with a star hanging from it. This response shows that the classic Dracula is always going to be a part of our society and be a true figure in fantasy and mythology.  

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Directed by: Frances Ford Coppola

The film “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992) was another variation from the famous novel “Dracula” by Bram Stoker. Dracula is played by Gary Oldman and truly portrays the intensity and animalistic nature of the creature. The audience truly gets to see a man stuck between painful angst and savagery. Audiences can watch Oldman transform from a charming prince to an ancient vampire and even a giant sinister monster. The film seems to dabble in the more sensual side of Dracula, while also keeping the Scary intense side of the character as well. This film was significant because this explored romance and sensuality with Dracula, while also making sure viewers still saw the danger in the character. 

The Movie “Dracula 2000” (2000) is a movie where Dracula is resurrected in the year 2000. Gerard Butler is the actor that plays Dracula in the film and seems to really bring out the more romanticized perception. With the movie taking place in the 2000’s, Dracula’s attire is no exception, and the audience sees him dress more modernly. Dracula is shown with long black curly hair, clean shaven face, and a more modern look to him. Of course, he always prefers to wear his famous crisp black suits, and this movie is no exception. This idea is significant because this is a more present approach in the media when it comes to vampires. Having a film break away from Dracula’s generational perception created a big change in how Dracula could be perceived by society.  

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012) was a film that came out where Dracula was favored by a different audience. This film pulled away from the horrifying reputation that Dracula had built and instead showed him in a different light. This film was to show children that sometimes monsters aren’t who people think they are, showing the significance and growth of society. It pulled the image of Dracula away from the sinister and evil character and instead created a whole new version of Dracula. Adam Sandler who plays Dracula, truly brings out the goofy and sensitive side of the character. Though the movie still uses Dracula’s signature attire to represent him, the cartoonish light brought into the film creates a whole new version for filmmakers to explore.  

In the film “Renfield” (2023), Nicholas Cage plays the powerful role of Dracula. This movie pulls the character of Dracula into the comedy genre of entertainment yet again showing the versatility of the character. Cage portrays Dracula as a charming yet still unpredictable, narcissistic, and toxic individual. Cage is dressed in the classic Dracula costume, with exaggerated features and a pale complexion. The significance of the film is to show the power that Dracula holds over mortality. In society, this idea is why we favor fantasy and supernatural creatures, because they have powers and resources we can only dream of experiencing. This movie is something that was created recently, and it is still apparent how big of an impact Dracula has had on society.  

Conclusion

The film industry has more than 200 films that are based on Count Dracula. The character of Count Dracula has impacted society in many ways and continues to keep growing as time goes on. Dracula has had an impact on societies writing, storytelling, the film industry, social media, and the arts. He is a representation of society's truest fears and anxieties as well as a symbol of our sexuality and desires. The origin of Dracula has given society new exploration into the gothic genre and gave people the freedom to explore supernatural and darkness themes. The different variations of Dracula’s throughout the generations will only continue to grow and evolve as we continue to explore different adaptations of the supernatural and the undead world.