The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Which vampire do you prefer and WHY?

Many people do not prefer Anne Rice due to her romanticism of the vampire. Bram Stoker coined the romance, before 'Dracula', we only saw the ugly monster. Would you turn your nose to a movie or story if they depicted the vampire in a romantic role, or a monster's role?

I take them either way. It's perspective after all. Monsters are always fun, but romanticizing them gives you a character you can buy into.

Personally I am growing tired of the romantic vampire although I have loved all of Anne Rices novels I think that I am ready for something new and refreshing, after all I love to be scared and a good freaky monster is so much fun.

I don't really have a preference to the romance or the monster. I like a movie that really catch my attention and make you wonder, wow.

I get tired of seeing all the love and romance in the vampire and supernatural movies, it has been done to many times. It would be nice to see a great horror film that makes you really stop and think.

I don't really care for the monster versions of them. Sometimes in some fictions which they're spoken of, they can be a bit too cruel which is a bit disgusting for me. I like the idea of them retaining some form of their humanity.

I think vampires are like people they vary from person to person. I like I'd like the different type of vampire for different reasons. Sometimes I like the "pretty" and romantic types never a mess while other times, I want them dirty & disheveled. I dunno, depends on my mood.

They do :P Mark Rein-Hagen once said: "By becoming a monster, one learns what it is to be human."

I'm in the middle. I like them to be seen as both a monster and in romance.

I like both sides as well. After all, we all have both sides inherant in all of us.

I like different aspects of both types. Lets just say that it depends upon my mood at the time. Sometimes, I just want to have my sox scared off of me, but other times I like the romanticized characters. I'm a lot of help right? I actually wouldn't mind if someone would come up with a fresh look at them though.

I grew up on Bram's version of Dracula, but since, I have read everything Anne Rice has written.
I like the new concept she portrays, it humanizes the villan. Better yet, it gives us a chance to relate.

Can't we have both? Maybe something like the Dr. Jekyl a Mr. Hyde thing -- maybe the vampire could be this wonderful humanitarian individual, but yet, there's this dark side that s/he embraces freely, and when that part comes out, well, there will be blood. I think it would be interesting to see a movie told from a human lover's perspective -- the possibility of great love, but at what risk? It may or may not have a happy ending...we would never know until the very end...something to make the viewers both loathe and love..."Why doesn't s/he fight the dark side," etc.

Being a gentler person, I prefer the genteel vampire at all times!

LIFEBLOOD, my point exactly! When you can see parts of yourself in a character, you can get really involved... beyond all the action, and put yourself in the shoes of the vampire.

I would tend toward the monster more than romance, but then I like action.

I think it all depends on the story.

I personally do not have a major preference. However I think the romantic vamp has been over done. Give me some chill to the bone.. make you quiver all over.. damn thats messed up monster vamp. Thats what I would really love to see.

i like the vampire that cate beckensale played in underworld. and not only that she is hot as hell

I like both really, but I'm more prone to seeing the romanticizing side of vampires. It shows they still have feelings and morals and that they still actually do care about things in life.

I just feel there is more truth to the romance side of things. Afterall, even monsters have feelings.

I can go either way depending on the character(s). In general, if I'm watching a B movie --- say your average zombi fest --- I expect suspense, gore, and hopefully some accidental humor.

Vampires, on the other hand, require a contrasty palette, because they're still more human in their "mindfulness" than a zombi, or werewolf, or space creature harvesting humans.

That said, I've always maintained that while vampirism may endow one with strength and agility, it doesn't make you smarter than your native human intelligence allows.

So some vampires would be monstrous according to their previous natures, and others would be more broody.

Most authors have covered these characteristics, but when presented in fiction, they're usually battling for control of turf. Ho hum.

I'd like to see more dumb vampires.

Give the romantic type any day....but that's the hormones talking lol

The monster is, to me, by far the most psychologically interesting choice. Most people have feelings of guilt or regret over things they have done, and so if these people were to become a fictional-type vampire, they would most likely become the romantic type we often see. That's why we see the romantic type a lot, that even in what are supposed to be "monster" vampires, we see streaks of humanity...because fictional vampires were once human, and most of us are much more inclined towards guilt feelings in our everyday lives.

However, while we all do have our dark side...not everyone can be Hannibal the Cannibal. To operate as a fictional vampire guilt-free, and moreover, with pleasure, is an awesome thing to behold. (And not in the "oh that's cool" way, in the "inspiring fear and reverence" way.)

Yet, to be honest...the most interesting thing to me would be to see a slow breakdown of such a creature, to see it begin to develop guilt, and to see how it deals with that.

I have to say I do enjoy both. I like the romantic vampire, for its sensuality and mystery. But you have to love the monster as well as it speaks to your animalistic instincts. :D

I think I look for a romanticized vampire when I am looking for a movie to make me feel and think... a monster when I am into a more mindless entertainment groove. ALTHOUGH, no matter my mood, I am always looking for a good story line.

I have never been one to see the Vampire as a Monster. But as a natural Predator. An animal like humans. Following thier instincts just like anyother. If that makes them a Moster. So be it.
I guess the Sheep see the Lions as monsters too. LOL

I find the combo ot the two works best.

I am open to either or...I like seeing and reading both sides of the coin.

Lagniappe~ do you think humanizing a vampire will only make the subject lose some of its 'mystique'?

i like the "romanticized" version...makes me think that there is a shred of good in all, even the undead, willing to occasionally help humans or look inward to see themselves truly for what they are.

I prefer the combination of the two. It makes the story a lot better and can be useful in creating better suspense.

it is nice to have all sorts of stories about monsters, they have emotions just as we do ...lol...and it is sometimes told better by one aurthor but different to another

Was Frankenstein capable of being rehabilitated? I don't think so --- he had the mind of a murderer. Nice touches with him responding to kindness, rolling the word "friend" around in his mind like he'd never had one. We feel sorry for him, like he's someone battling an affiction he was born with, as if he has no free will. Yet, we fear him, too, for the exact same reason: free will denied, fate cast in the direction of evil and doom.

Right, it is scary to think that the monster inside will win over any kind of rational judgment.

I think there's a certain amount of romanticism even in the 'monster' of Dracula, or any vampire. As you yourself stated, "it's perspective after all." Everyone has a different opinion of what defines a monster, or classifies one as such.
I think I'd look at vampires in general from both points of view.

I spoke at length with someone at work today who really is way over the romanticized vampire- and that is what draws him to other types of horror. If he is looking for horror he wants monsters... if he wanted a love story, he wouldn't pick a horror film. I can 'get' that.

I think the 1920s silent film Nosferatu was cool for its nostalgic value...but I never saw (Phantom der Nacht) the 1970s remake.

As far as less monstrous vampires go...Bella Lugosi is still king of the genre.

I like both but the only thing is that monsterous vampires always fight a losing battle can't they win for once

It really depends upon my mood. I love Bram Stoker's Dracula for the romanticism. Art has always touched a rather deep spot in my being and good films always move me. Epics like Dracula, Interview with the Vampire, and even Underworld have always captivated me with the sheer romance of the vampire.

Let's face it, part of what makes the vampire such a popular archetype is the very fact that the vampire has been romanticized. I don't know if the same would be true if it were any other way.

Then, on occasion, I like to sit down and watch From Dusk Til Dawn for its sheer entertainment factor.

Oh, God, Dusk til Dawn...there's sheer monstrosity for you!

Two words; people guitar.

People guitar.

I also like both sides of a vampire.. I mean the monster side I can relate to as for when a human can be very bad and the romantic side as to when the human can be very loving and caring..

either way they are protrayed as strong and intelectual beings.. so I can relate to either side just depends if I need a fix in horror and reality that things are not always as they seem LOl or just some good old fashion romance in a weird and unatainable sense LOl

I like the romantic version as opposed to the monster...but lately, I've seen or read about the monster that is covered initially by the beautiful romantic exterior...so I guess it's both.

LOL Loved the people guitar. LOL I want one myself. LOL

it cant b ugly because they are supposed to have a strong will that entices people

well usually it is both a romantic/monster kind so I guess we are stuck with both.. :)

I prefer [again] the sympathy conjuring ones. Animalistic things don't draw my fancy.

I love Laurell K. Hamilton's portrayal of the vampire. It's different.
I'm tired of reading and watching all the same stuff about vampires. I don't like the romanticized version, but I don't like the monstrous version either...Somewhere in between works well for me.

I prefer the monster side of the vampire,mostly because it shows you a completely different picture to the romantic vampires who are so often written about.

I didn't really dig the whole romantic vamp thing so much...I prefer the monster type, evil killing machine type vamp.

Louis was a loser.

Lestat was lame.

Marius was a moron.

I like both really romantic and monster.. what can i say i play both sides lol.

Well this is a intresting question to break down. Well as far as i know i'd say they are all equally as great to me and it would just be fate to what i'd truelly be out of the choices. And to point out something people commonly buy into what char is most like their desire to be with out giving other types a real chance so it could go maney ways depepnding on the person really.

Bram Stoker, not really for the romance per say, but more in the lines of the mezmerization..

I have always found something enticing and beautiful about the Monster. >;] There is more allure in the confidence of the predatory monster than in the cowardly sob story. LOL LOL

Me being a romantic soul, I do love the beautiful vampires of Anne Rice.

I like the combination of the two because then you have mystery, cruelty and sex appeal. One hooks you, one repels you and the other keeps you interested.

I just think the whole romantic vampire thing has been played out.

Definitely the sympathy conjurer -- since they usually don't seem to be much ... animalistic.

I prefer the romanticized vampire, or sympathy conjurer. I prefer them because they do act somewhat human, while the animalistic vampire only cares for one thing and that's feeding. I prefer the romanticized vamp but then again, it doesn't really matter as long as the book or movie proves to be interesting.

I do like the romanticized version of the vampire. Anne Rice is great at portraying her characters. I would like to see more of the type of monstertype for a change. But I still say that Bram Stoker's Dracula is my favorite.

I grew up with the monster, the vampires of Salem's lot for starters, my first vampire story... All I read as a teen were horror stories about killer, blood sucking monsters. Then Anne Rice came along and introduced the romantic vampire.

I have to stay I still enjoy the horror, the monster that sends you diving for the covers at night if you hear a scratching at your window lol. It was the thrill of being scared that attracted me to them to begin with.

The romantic vampire is nice, but give me the horror any day... like I don't find it that romantic being bitten by big sharp fangs lol its gonna hurt no matter how loving and romantic the vampire is. Just rip my throat out already lmao.

I love them both. I couldn't just go to one side. There has to be variety in there somewhere right? :)

xReadyMadePoisonx - A neutral party, perhaps?

the romantic vampire puts a more human spin on it. a being with feelings and desires.not just some blood sucker surviving.if vampires did exist i think they would be human like with feelings and a brain.not just a walking corpse out there sucking necks.

I like both roles romantic and moster

i would like to see some new versions of vampires. bram and anna are so famous in the vamp story telling it only gives us two views. And there what people tend to remember the most.

I don't think that any of the Vampires that have been created are "all" monster--no matter how brutal they become. There is always a reason behind the persona, demeanor and actions of any vampire.

I know that many are not into the role-playing aspect of Vampires, but the Vampires that I've grown to appreciate the most are the ones created in the stories within White Wolf's World of Darkness and V:tM.

Even though they are fictional, the stories of the way the first Vampires were created, as well as thier lineage and Clan beginnings, are told in a way that makes it credible--The Book of Nod. They show there are vampires of all natures and demeanors, strenghths and weakneses--and each Clan with their own particiular gifted power through blood line.

Although V:tM has it's romantic sides, there is also the violence. Some Clans and individual Vampires are more brutal than others--but like humans, each vampire has his or her own idiosynchrasies. There are those who may appear more docile, but there is still the Beast that lies within. While there are those who follow the laws and respect the Masquerade, there are those who cause dissention within the ranks and want to reveal themselves.

Even if you are not into roleplaying, the books themselves give for a good read.

I believe the vampire is deemed on the person that was turned, now if i want a vampire story i want all that go with it, not the romantic side, alittle is fine but lets take the movie alien and give it a romantic side. enough said

Nither wouldn't want the curse that follows it,The hunger,death of loved ones,hiding all the time,Never knowing the joy of childern or the ups and downs of living in genreal.Remembering what it was like to be what i was or who.

Both, just love the monster who really has a heart and thus beauty is only skin deep comes true, just think Frankenstein’s great and Dracula as he searches for his love through the ages … classic

Most would probably say the romantic side but honestly with instinct I think the animal would more than likely come out.

I think the better question is what hasn't been done in the vampire genre? "Vampire Circus" had vampire animals. They've been romanticized, made to look evil, savage (ETC)
In "Creatures of the Night" they slept under water with there lungs floating at the top, LOL.

I personally like the mixture. You know those films where the vampire is fine and dandy until he starts to crave blood? Then it turns ugly! lol.

I think i would prefer something more scary type vampire than the romance.
I mean sure romance is good but well i watch vampire movies to be scared more than to think i am watching a love story.

CrimsonScarab -


Wouldn't you say the immortal life which goes along with it would make up for it?

I like them both. Everyone has two sides of themselves. the one they show all the time and then the side that comes out when in need. so why couldnt a vampire have two sides. a romantic when needed and a monster when needed. it makes sense to me.

I like both, although vampires like Angel and Louis tend to get a bit obnoxious for me after a while. Dude, you're immortal, have immense power...what are you crying about? Because you don't have a "soul" anymore? How much thought did they give to their souls before they were vampires? I guess I like a little bit of monster in my lovers. :)

I like both kinds of vampires. Now when it comes to movies, I like originals. Not the same crap with altered scripts.

As with the human race both can exist at the same time.... an ideal version of the vampiric lore would contain both the savage and the beauty. Why would we expect for the whole of any race to be entirely monster or romantic?

the vampire race as with any other humanoide race is capable of showing all the spectrum of emotions that a normal human being can. therefore some vampires lean more towards the positive side while other give in to their darker side

I like my vampires suave, yet mad, as in crazy.. diabolical..

Personally I'd go with the sympathy conjuring bugger. Humaneness and such is always nice.

Vampires are not human. There for it would be stupid to think that they behave like a human. But you see them do just that in many movies, books, etc....


But it is nice to think that some thing so powerful would be held back by human emotions. I think that in most cases people would prefer the Vampire to be a romantic role. I think it helps people be less afraid.

Personally I like both roles. The monster and the romantic.