Vampire films have been a staple since the era of silent films, so much so that the depiction of vampires in popular culture is strongly based upon their depiction in films throughout the years.[neutrality is disputed] The most popular cinematic adaptation of vampire fiction has been from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with over 170 versions to date. Running a distant second are adaptations of Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu. By 2005, Dracula had been the subject of more films than any other fictional character.

As folklore, vampires are defined by their need to feed on blood and on their manipulative nature, this theme is held common throughout the many adaptations. Although vampires are usually associated with the horror and sometimes zombie genre, vampire films may also fall into the drama, action, science fiction, romance, comedy or fantasy genres, among others.