Few things are more iconic to Halloween than the vampire. This entity made a pact to live forever with superhuman strength and abilities and survives on the blood of poor humans in its quest for immortality. Of course, the sun often turns it to ash, there are severe garlic allergies and wooden stakes to contend with, but that aside, there is something desperately romantic about it, capitalized on by the Twilight series and in other shows and films. Vampires are usually beautiful, have Victorian-era glamour and a seductive style that lures their victims. Sometimes, if you can get past the biting a little too hard, they are just downright sexy. At least Hollywood has portrayed them this way most of the time.
Netflix is full of vampire-themed watchables, so wear your protective neckgear, cuddle up with an extra garlicky Bloody Mary and indulge.
The Vampire Diaries is available to watch, though I must admit I have only watched a couple of episodes. I know people who swear by this show, though, and it was one of the most-watched shows on its network. Set in rural Virginia, the series begins as a classic love story between a human girl and a vampire, but unfortunately, his less benevolent older brother also falls in love with her. After the eighth season, the series will end; however, its spinoff, The Originals, will continue at least through next year.
One series that I did start watching recently is Penny Dreadful. There are three seasons on Netflix, though I am not sure the show will continue past that. I am really enjoying Season 1 and the great cast. This thriller includes vampires, Dorian Gray, Dr. Frankenstein and other favorites, but the acting is great and the story line is pretty unique.
Of course, I cannot write a vampire-centered Netflix article without including Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Albeit as cheesy as we all remember, this is a standard in vampire TV, and you can binge watch seven seasons straight through for a little blood-sucking reminiscence.
Being Human, which aired for four seasons, tells the story of a vampire, a ghost and werewolf just trying to live a normal life despite their “handicaps.” I am not surprised the show didn’t last very long, but it might be your cup of tea, so who am I to judge?
On the movie front, the lighthearted Vampire in Brooklyn, starring Eddie Murphy, is always a go-to if you just want something more funny than dark. From Dusk till Dawn is another film that won’t make you shudder, but as a strip club turns into a vampire base of operations, it may make you wonder what on earth you’re watching, as most Tarantino films tend to do. For kids, look no further than Dear Dracula, an animated movie where we find out what happens when a kid writes to Dracula asking for a gift on Halloween – the same way he asks Santa for gifts during Christmas.
For a more serious take, Underworld and Underworld: Evolution are both available, tracking a very sexy, leather-wearing Kate Beckinsale vamp on her quest stay true to her werewolf love and find a way to make things work while battling their own clans, who are hell-bent on destroying each other. For more vampire-on-vampire combat, Blade 2 (though not as good as the first one) offers us a vampire/man hybrid Wesley Snipes willing to go against his own kind to save humankind from destruction.
If you need more gore in your life, Fright Night 2: New Blood has just what you are looking for. The reviews are absolutely horrible, but sometimes we need bad movies in our life.
Of course, Netflix also has all the staple horror flicks for those of you who can’t stomach another amber-eyed, foofy-haired Edward Cullen-looking bloodsucker. Just search under the horror genre.