Vampire stories have been haunting humans for millennia. From folkloric tales to Bram Stoker's Dracula, through classics like Lost Boys, Buffy, and Interview with the Vampire, the terrifying specter of the bloodsucker 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 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.
10. Vampire Knight (2008)
Total Episodes: 26
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 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 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.
9. Vampire Princess Miyu (1997)
Total Episodes: 26
Do the words atmospheric and old school get you excited? Then move Vampire Princess Miyu to the top of your watch list. This haunting slow-burn 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 has monsters you'll never forget, a suspenseful tone that never gives up, and iconic '90s character designs (that gave me the feeling of staying up late to watch anime as a kid). This is a spooky, action-packed nostalgia bomb that you need to revisit as soon as possible.
