The Best Vampire Movie Ever Made, There’s One Clear Choice
Thanks to its delightful mix of horror and comedy, GFR writer Chad argues that The Lost Boys is the best vampire movie ever made.
The history of cinema boasts numerous remarkable vampire movies, such as Nosferatu, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Fright Night, but among them, The Lost Boys reigns supreme. With a perfect blend of horror, humor, and nostalgia, it has earned its status as a timeless classic of the genre, as evidenced by its continued popularity. Boasting a star-studded cast, a captivating plot, and an iconic soundtrack, The Lost Boys is unequivocally the ultimate vampire movie.
Released in 1987, The Lost Boys centers around Michael and his younger brother Sam, who move to the fictional town of Santa Carla with their mother, Lucy. Michael quickly becomes infatuated with a local girl named Star, who is involved with a gang of vampires led by David. As Michael becomes more involved with the vampires, Sam teams up with a pair of vampire-hunting comic book nerds to try to save his brother and stop the vampire from taking over the town.
Upon its release, The Lost Boys received mixed critical reviews, with some critics praising its blend of horror and comedy, while others criticized its inconsistent tone and lack of scares. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing over $32 million domestically against a production budget of $8.5 million. Its popularity only grew in the years following its release, with many fans hailing it as the best vampire movie of all time.
Even the critical reception of The Lost Boys has become more positive over the years, with many critics now recognizing its cultural significance and impact on the horror genre. The film’s influence can be seen in numerous other vampire movies and TV shows. Additionally, the popularity of the picture led to several sequels, as well as merchandise, such as comics, novels, and apparel.
The cast of The Lost Boys is one of the film’s biggest strengths and played a major role in making it an exceptional vampire movie. Jason Patric delivers a remarkable performance as Michael, the conflicted protagonist torn between his love for Jami Gertz‘ Star and his duty to protect his family from the vampire threat, while Kiefer Sutherland’s portrayal of David, the charismatic and menacing leader of the vampire gang, is equally impressive. Other notable cast members include Dianne West as Lucy and Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander as the vampire-hunting duo Edgar and Alan Frog.
The unforgettable soundtrack of The Lost Boys also played a significant part in cementing its place as the best vampire movie. The film’s music supervisor, Thomas Newman, assembled an eclectic mix of rock and pop songs, including INXS’s “Good Times” and Echo & the Bunnymen’s cover of “People Are Strange,” which perfectly captures the film’s tone. The soundtrack’s enduring popularity has led to multiple re-releases, and many of its songs are now considered classics of the 1980s.
Although fans love The Lost Boys for many reasons, the film’s production was not without its challenges. Director Joel Schumacher reportedly clashed with the film’s producers over the tone of the film, with Schumacher wanting to make a darker, more adult-oriented vampire movie and the producers wanting something more teen-friendly. The film’s budget was also an issue, with the producers initially reluctant to spend money on special effects for the film’s climatic battle scene.
This leads to an interesting piece of trivia about The Lost Boys, as the film’s original ending was much darker than the one that was ultimately used. In the original ending, Michael joins the vampire gang and kills his brother, Sam, only to be killed himself by his mother, Lucy, who has become a vampire hunter. This ending was deemed too scary and dark for audiences, and the now-classic vampire movie was reworked to give Michael a more heroic arc.
For anyone who loves the vampire genre, The Lost Boys is an absolute must-see and a definitive and timeless classic. The movie boasts an iconic soundtrack that will transport you to the 80s, an impressive cast that delivers outstanding performances, and a perfect blend of horror, comedy, and nostalgia that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. The enduring popularity and cult status of the movie are a testament to its quality, entertainment value, and the fact that it has stood the test of time as the ultimate vampire movie.
