The 1970s, a decade of cinematic innovation and exploration, witnessed the reimagining of vampire films, combining traditional lore with contemporary themes and inventive storytelling. During this era, the vampire film genre expanded its boundaries, embracing a diverse array of narratives, from the atmospheric to the symbolic. These films represent a bold departure from traditional depictions of vampires. They challenge viewers with their complex characters, unique narratives and explorations of the darker aspects of human nature. As we journey through these ten selections, we discover the evolution of a genre and a reflection of the era’s overall culture. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best vampire films of the 70s.
10. Twins of Evil – John Hough (1971)
Set in a secluded rural European village in the 19th century, “Twins of Evil” follows the story of Maria and Frieda, two identical twins with contrasting personalities. While Maria is characterized by her gentle demeanor and deep devotion to her faith, Frieda is very different, being rebellious and irresistibly drawn to the dark and mysterious elements of life. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they become entangled in a battle between their puritanical uncle and the sinister Count Karnstein, a man shrouded in ominous rumors and whispered tales of his practice of the dark arts. The film explores themes of innocence, corruption, and the nature of good and evil.
Director John Hough combines gothic horror with a compelling narrative that captivates and maintains the audience’s attention with its suspenseful twists. The film is notable for its atmospheric setting and the use of visually striking contrasts, particularly in the depiction of the twins’ polar opposite characters. The performances of Peter Cushing as the stern and moral Gustav Weil and Damien Thomas as the charismatically malevolent Count Karnstein add depth to the film’s exploration of moral ambiguity. “Twins of Evil” stands out as a unique addition to the vampire genre, offering a mix of suspense, horror, and an exploration of the corrupting influence of power.
9. Fascination – Jean Rollin (1979)
“Fascination” is a French horror film that revolves around a desperate and cunning thief on the run who finds refuge in an abandoned and mysterious chateau. Inside, he encounters two strange women, Eva and Elisabeth, who are part of a secretive group of aristocratic women with a dark secret. As the night progresses, he becomes increasingly entangled in their mysterious and seductive world, drawn deeper into a web of intrigue and danger, unaware of the true nature of their fascination with blood. The film’s narrative gradually unfolds, revealing the complex dynamics between the characters and the menacing and pervasive threat that overshadows their interactions.
Jean Rollin’s distinctive style is evident in “Fascination,” blending surreal imagery with a captivating and dream-like atmosphere. The film is celebrated for its visual elegance and the mesmerizing, almost poetic cinematography, which captures the eerie and seductive ambiance of the chateau. The performances of Franca Maï and Brigitte Lahaie as Eva and Elisabeth are both engaging and subtly disconcerting, contributing to the film’s overall allure. “Fascination” is an artistic exploration of obsession, desire, and the mystique of the unknown, making it one of the best vampire films of the 70s.
8. Let’s Scare Jessica to Death – John D. Hancock (1971)
In “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death,” we are introduced to Jessica, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a recent mental breakdown. She relocates to a secluded Connecticut farmhouse with her husband and a friend, seeking peace and a fresh start in the tranquil countryside. However, their idyllic retreat soon becomes unsettling as Jessica encounters a mysterious girl named Emily with an unusual presence, living in their guest house. As bizarre events unfold, Jessica begins to lose her grip on reality, and she starts to suspect that Emily might be a vampire lurking within the local community, casting a shadow over their newfound haven.
John D. Hancock’s direction brings a unique psychological depth to this story, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination in a manner that is both intriguing and unnerving. The film is celebrated for its eerie atmosphere and subtle, slow-building tension, which immerses the viewer in Jessica’s increasingly disoriented and precarious experience. The cinematography captures the haunting rural landscape, amplifying the sense of isolation and suspense, contributing to the film’s unsettling mood. “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” stands out in the vampire genre for its focus on psychological horror and its exploration of the fragility of the human mind under extreme stress and fear.
7. Lips of Blood – Jean Rollin (1975)
“Lips of Blood”, directed by Jean Rollin, focuses on Frederic, a young man who is haunted by fragmented memories of a childhood encounter with a mysterious woman in a remote castle. His quest to uncover the truth leads him to a series of old ruins and crypts around Paris, each location more haunting and enigmatic than the last, where he discovers that the woman is actually a vampire. As Frederic delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes increasingly involved in the dark and alluring world of the undead, questioning the boundaries of the supernatural and reality, challenging his perceptions of his own identity.
Jean Rollin’s signature style is evident in “Lips of Blood,” characterized by its dreamlike narrative and surreal visuals that transport the viewer into a world where fantasy and reality intertwine. The film is renowned for its ethereal cinematography, capturing the beauty of Parisian landscapes and architecture, turning familiar sights into realms of gothic fantasy. The juxtaposition of the romantic and macabre elements creates a mesmerizing experience. “Lips of Blood” offers an artistic and contemplative approach to the traditional vampire narrative, emphasizing themes of memory, desire, and the elusive nature of truth, ensuring its place as one of the best vampire films of the 70s.
6. Daughters of Darkness – Harry Kümel (1971)
“Daughters of Darkness” unfolds with a young newlywed couple, Stefan and Valerie, arriving at a grand, yet desolate seaside hotel. Their honeymoon takes a sinister turn when they encounter Countess Elizabeth Bathory and her companion Ilona, who both give off an air of aristocratic mystique and unsettling charm. The Countess, a mysterious and seductive figure, becomes increasingly interested in the couple, placing her dark influence into their lives, leading to a series of eerie and disturbing events. The film explores the legend of Bathory, who is rumored to bathe in the blood of virgins to retain her youth, combining this myth with the lives of Stefan and Valerie.
Harry Kümel’s direction style in “Daughters of Darkness” is a sophisticated blend of horror and eroticism, giving the film a unique and provocative flair that sets it apart from similar films. The visual style is striking, with a color palette that not only emphasizes the bleakness of the hotel but also highlights the vibrant allure of the Countess. The performances are compelling, particularly Delphine Seyrig as Countess Bathory, whose presence on screen is captivating and menacing, drawing the audience into her dark and enigmatic world. “Daughters of Darkness” is a stylish and atmospheric exploration of immortality, seduction, and the hidden shadows lurking within human desires.
5. The Night Stalker – John Llewellyn Moxey (1972)
In “The Night Stalker”, we are introduced to Carl Kolchak, a persistent and increasingly cynical journalist in Las Vegas. Kolchak stumbles upon a series of brutal murders that not only shock the city but seem to have a supernatural element. His investigation, fueled by an unyielding curiosity, leads him to believe that the perpetrator is not human but a vampire, a revelation that defies logical explanation. As he digs deeper, Kolchak faces skepticism and resistance from both the police and his own editor, encountering obstacles that challenge his resolve, but he remains determined to uncover the truth and stop the killer, driven by a mix of duty and personal conviction.
John Llewellyn Moxey’s direction in “The Night Stalker” combines elements of horror with investigative drama, creating a gripping narrative that combines tension and mystery. The film’s success lies in its ability to maintain suspense and intrigue throughout, creating an atmosphere of constant tension. The portrayal of Kolchak by Darren McGavin is particularly noteworthy, as he brings a blend of humor and tenacity to the character, making him both relatable and memorable. “The Night Stalker” is praised for blending traditional vampire lore with a modern, urban setting, making it one of the best vampire films of the 70s.
4. Alucarda – Juan López Moctezuma (1977)
“Alucarda” tells the story of two teenage girls, Alucarda and Justine, who meet in a convent and form an intense friendship fueled by their shared sense of isolation and curiosity. Their bond takes a dark turn when they unleash a malevolent force after opening a mysterious tomb, an act that defies the convent’s strict rules and unleashes unforeseen consequences. The girls’ actions set off a series of supernatural events, leading to suspicions of demonic possession within the convent. As fear and paranoia escalate, the convent becomes a battleground between ancient evil and religious fervor, pitting timeless superstitions against the rigid doctrines of the church.
Juan López Moctezuma’s direction in “Alucarda” is known for its raw intensity and bold narrative choices, creating a film that is both visually striking and emotionally powerful. The film is characterized by its gothic atmosphere, enhanced by its stark visual style, creating a sense of impending doom that permeates every scene. The performances are intense and passionate, particularly from the lead actresses, whose portrayal of the girls’ descent into darkness is both disturbing and compelling. “Alucarda” stands out in the vampire genre for its exploration of themes such as fanaticism, innocence, and the corruption of power, wrapped in a cloak of horror and suspense.
3. Valerie and Her Week of Wonders – Jaromil Jireš (1970)
“Valerie and Her Week of Wonders” is a surreal tale centered on Valerie, a 13-year-old girl at the threshold of womanhood. The film blends reality and fantasy as Valerie navigates a dream-like world that is filled with vampires, priests, and other strange figures. As she experiences her first menstrual cycle, Valerie’s perception of the world undergoes a dramatic transformation, leading her on a bizarre journey through a landscape populated by both menacing and wondrous characters, each encounter shaping her understanding of the world and herself. The film’s narrative is fluid and dreamy, reflecting the confusion and curiosity of adolescent awakening, making it a vivid portrayal of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Directed by Jaromil Jireš, this Czechoslovakian film is a visually stunning interpretation of the vampire genre. The cinematography is rich in symbolism and imagery, creating a fairy-tale-like ambiance that is both enchanting and eerie, capturing the whimsical and sometimes dark aspects of Valerie’s adventures. The use of color and visual motifs enhances the surreal quality of the film, immersing the viewer in Valerie’s fantastical and nightmarish world. “Valerie and Her Week of Wonders” is celebrated for its artistic approach to storytelling, bringing together themes of innocence, sexuality, and the supernatural in a narrative that is both haunting and beautiful, ensuring its place as one of the best vampire films of the 70s.
2. Ganja & Hess – Bill Gunn (1973)
“Ganja & Hess” follows Dr. Hess Green, an anthropologist of notable intellect and prestige, who becomes a vampire after being stabbed with an ancient African dagger by his assistant. Despite his new, unnerving craving for blood, Hess maintains a semblance of his refined lifestyle, attempting to balance his scholarly demeanor with his newfound primal urges. The plot progresses when Ganja, the wife of his deceased assistant, comes to visit, bringing with her a vibrant and assertive personality. Unaware of her husband’s fate and Hess’s dark secret, Ganja forms a complex relationship with Hess, leading to a blend of horror, romance, and existential reflection, as she becomes involved in the perplexing new reality that surrounds Hess.
Bill Gunn’s approach in “Ganja & Hess” is unconventional, offering a deeply introspective take on the vampire legend, giving the narrative a sense of realism and depth. The film is acclaimed for its thematic depth, exploring issues of addiction, cultural identity, and the human condition in a manner that is emotionally powerful. The story is non-linear, full of symbolic imagery and surreal sequences that challenge the viewer’s perception, encouraging a deeper engagement with the film’s complex themes. “Ganja & Hess” stands out as a groundbreaking film in the vampire genre, notable for its unique perspective, haunting atmosphere, and philosophical underpinnings.
1. Martin – George A. Romero (1977)
“Martin” presents a disturbing portrayal of a young man named Martin, who believes he is an 84-year-old vampire trapped in a youthful body. Unlike traditional vampires, Martin does not possess fangs or supernatural powers and must rely on sedatives and razor blades to consume blood. His struggle with his identity and his urges is further complicated by his relationship with his deeply religious uncle, who is firmly convinced that Martin is a vampire and must be saved. The film explores Martin’s isolated and conflicted existence as he attempts to reconcile his beliefs with the realities of the modern world, navigating a landscape that is both alienating and hostile.
Directed by George A. Romero, “Martin” represents a significant departure from typical vampire films, offering a fresh and unsettling perspective on the genre. It is acclaimed for its gritty realism and psychological depth, examining themes of alienation, delusion, and the nature of evil in a way that is both haunting and introspective. The film’s cinematography and subdued color palette contribute significantly to its bleak and unsettling atmosphere, further enhancing the sense of desolation and despair that permeates the film. Romero’s treatment of the vampire legend in a contemporary setting, combined with an in-depth character study, makes “Martin” one of the best vampire films of the 70s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best vampire films of the 70s:
- Twins of Evil – John Hough (1971)
- Fascination – Jean Rollin (1979)
- Let’s Scare Jessica to Death – John D. Hancock (1971)
- Lips of Blood – Jean Rollin (1975)
- Daughters of Darkness – Harry Kümel (1971)
- The Night Stalker – John Llewellyn Moxey (1972)
- Alucarda – Juan López Moctezuma (1977)
- Valerie and Her Week of Wonders – Jaromil Jireš (1970)
- Ganja & Hess – Bill Gunn (1973)
- Martin – George A. Romero (1977)
