Vampire stories have been haunting humans for millennia. From folkloric tales to Bram Stoker’s Dracula all the way through classics like Lost Boys, Buffy, and Interview With the Vampire, the terrifying specter of the bloosucker is one of pop culture’s favorite monsters. It’s not just live action that has all the fun, though. In the realm of anime, there are a ton of brilliant vampire tales. From monster high schools to unwilling vampiric heroes, historical horror to more obviously Dracula influenced takes, some of our favorite vampire shows and movies are anime. So we’re here to list the ten best vampire anime of all time for your viewing pleasure. Get ready to revisit some classics, find some new faves, and maybe even get a little blood-drenched nostalgia hit!
For more options, take a look at our guide to the best anime of all time and the best anime series on Netflix right now.
Based on the manga series by Matsuri Hino, this shōjo series was a staple for ’00s emo teens. In a very questionable academic setup, Cross Academy has two streams of students: the Day Class, who are humans; and the Night Class, who are vampires. The idyllic setup is masterminded by the school’s headmaster, and his daughter Yuki works alongside a vampire slayer named Zero to keep the Day Class safe. Unsurprisingly, the plan leads to a lot of human/vampire drama and shenanigans. This is very much a boarding school tale with a little bit of vampire bureaucracy thrown in, but if you like a slow burn supernatural story you’ll love this.
Do the words atmospheric and old school get you excited? Then move Vampire Princess Miyu to the top of your to watch list. This haunting slowburn anime series focuses on the ethereal lead bloodsucker. But unlike your normal vamps, Miyu is a Daywalker, allowing her to attend school as the perfect cover for her activities as a hunter of violent demons known as Shinma. Inspired by the 1988 OVA of the same name, this is the kind of chilling series that has monsters you’ll never forget, a suspenseful tone that never gives up, and iconic ’90s character designs that’ll give you the feeling of staying up late to watch anime as a kid. Basically, this is a spooky, action-packed nostalgia bomb that you need to revisit as soon as possible.
The first of two Blood: The Last Vampire adaptations on our list, Blood-C is a dark and horror-soaked adventure that introduces viewers to Saya, a school girl by day and brutal demon slayer by night. How does she kill the monsters? Well, that’s because she’s a vampire herself. In this series from Production I.G and CLAMP, she’s been trained by her father to eviscerate evil. The juxtaposition of high school slice of life and gruesome horror make this a must watch. Blood-C is also one of the most visually stunning versions of Saya’s story, with slick animation and brilliantly choreographed action. So if you’re looking for a monster of the week series with a little school girl drama thrown in and a badass heroine to boot, then you could do worse than this.
The Monogatari light novel series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan has long been delighting vampire fans, not least because they inspired this charming 15 episode series and its sequels. The experimental and abstract anime adaption takes an unusually artistic approach to fanservice, merging it with introspective and thoughtful character interactions. It’s hard to explain the plot in one but let’s say it includes a banana peel, a crab, a weightless woman, and a cured vampire. While the unusual narrative style and multimedia animation might put some people off, Bakemonogatari is one of the most beautifully realized vampire anime series. It’s also way ahead of its time visually, looking far more contemporary than its 2009 release date would have you think.
Blood Lad is the slice of life vampire story that you never knew you needed. Over the hundreds of years of vampire stories there are multiple reimaginings and reconsiderations of the iconic figure of the surly, dangerous bloodsucker. But Staz, the powerful vampire at the center of this tale, couldn’t be less interested in the usual activities of the undead. Instead, he would rather chill at home gaming, reading manga, and hanging with his friends. And who can blame him? Well, his famed vampiric ancestors wouldn’t be too happy with him. His laid back life is turned upside down when a stranger wanders through into the world of demons he oversees. Suddenly, he’s sucked into the kind of quest he’s only been on in video games. Based on Yuuki Kodama’s popular manga, this is a truly unique take on the legend of the vampire.
When Tsukune’s father gets drunk and manages to enroll him in Yokai Academy, no one seems to be worried despite the ominous name. Even when he gets to the Halloween-themed world, he’s more concerned with how many beautiful girls there are rather than the fact that some of them call themselves vampires. This hilarious harem anime follows the singular human student as he comes to terms with the fact that he’s at a school for monsters. Charming and funny, Akihisa Ikeda’s Rosario + Vampire is the kind of fantastical comedy anime that’s perfect for those who like their vampires with a little less gore and a few more laughs. Plus, if you’re into stories about powered people, Tsukune’s harem is filled with superpowered gals. Wonderful!
If you enjoy your bloodsuckers with a sharp twist, then Vampire Hunter D will sate your appetite. Adapted from Hideyuki Kikuchi’s iconic light novel series, this cult smash has been finding fans for decades. In 12,090 AD, the world has been devastated by a nuclear holocaust. A young woman is bitten by a nefarious vampire lord. Soon, her only chance for survival is an enigmatic vampire hunter who’s named… yes, you guessed it, D! It’s rare to find a truly gothic science-fiction but the original Vampire Hunter D delivers. Plus if you’re a fan of a complicated romance then you’ll be delighted to know that’s a central theme here. The best thing is–like a few of our picks–this classic ’80s anime inspired a ’00s anime series. So if you’re a fan of more contemporary animation don’t worry because you can check that or the upcoming reboot out soon.
Starting off our top three with a big bang is the 2005 Blood: The Last Vampire adaptation directed by Junichi Fujisaku. This globe-hopping take on the tale once again focuses on schoolgirl Saya whose fate is entwined with the batlike monsters known as Chiropterans. Holding the secret to their destruction in her blood, the series follows Saya as she uses her own monstrous powers to defeat her foes all while the show unravels the history that binds them. There’s a reason the Blood series has more than one entry on this list and even more adaptations we haven’t covered here! This is one of the most popular vampire anime series and it’s earned that reputation through blood, sweat, and killer sword fights.
While the 2000 Helsing anime series is a classic, this mid-’00s OVA is a far closer adaptation of Kouta Hirano’s original manga. It’s also one of the coolest and most terrifying horror anime ever made. Told in 10 parts, we meet Integra Hellsing, the head of the Hellsing Organization. She runs the undead-killing corporation with an iron fist and a secret weapon: Alucard, the most powerful vampire of all. For a lot of anime fans this is the series that comes to mind when they think of vampiric anime stories and for good reason. This is in depth storytelling with horrifying creature designs, super detailed art, and a dense political backstory that would put Game of Thrones to shame. Basically, this is a must watch for horror, anime, and vampire fans.
Hirohiko Araki’s bombastic and influential action anime might be the most unexpected vampire series of all time. Yes, those fantastic neon colors, haute couture, and a centuries-long family saga hide a dramatic superpowered vampire plotline for the ages. It all starts with Dio Brando, the icon villain of the series, who discovers the ancient Stone Mask. The artifact endows anyone who wears it with vampiric powers. Already hungry from the destruction of the Joestar family, the mask allows him to take his plans for vengeance to new heights. Unsurprisingly for such a unique anime, Jojo’s delivers a unique take on vampirism that differs from other representations. Original and uncompromising in its vision and world building, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is the best of the best.
