Hey there! As your resident queer horror film blogger, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to lesbian vampire content. For fans of retro lesbian storytelling who’ve followed my work, you’ll find this subgenre particularly fascinating. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to vampire films, I’ve watched them all so you know exactly what to expect.
In This Article
Best Classic Lesbian Vampire Movies (1960s-1970s)
Blood and Roses (1960)
Rating: 7.5/10
Director: Roger Vadim
Stars: Mel Ferrer, Elsa Martinelli
Plot: During a family celebration, a young woman becomes possessed by the spirit of her vampire ancestor Carmilla.
Review: This French take on “Carmilla” is all about atmosphere. The legendary masquerade sequence alone is worth watching. It stands as a beautiful testament to why French queer cinema’s artistic legacy remains so influential today.
Best For: Fans of French cinema and gothic romance.
The Vampire Lovers (1970)
Rating: 8/10
Director: Roy Ward Baker
Stars: Ingrid Pitt, Madeline Smith
Plot: In this direct adaptation of “Carmilla,” a beautiful female vampire infiltrates Victorian households, seducing young women while hiding her true nature.
Review: This Hammer Horror classic brought lesbian vampire themes explicitly to mainstream cinema. Ingrid Pitt’s portrayal of Carmilla is captivating – she manages to be both predatory and sympathetic. While some aspects feel dated, it’s surprisingly respectful for its era and the gothic atmosphere is perfect.
Best For: Classic horror fans and those interested in vintage queer cinema.
Related:
Vampyros Lesbos (1971)
Rating: 7/10
Director: Jesús Franco
Stars: Soledad Miranda, Ewa Strömberg
Plot: A lawyer becomes entangled with a mysterious female vampire while handling an inheritance case in Istanbul.
Review: Pure 70s Euro-horror with an incredible soundtrack! Soledad Miranda’s hypnotic performance elevates this beyond typical exploitation fare. The dreamlike quality and bold visual style make it distinctive, even if the pacing is very… European.
Best For: Fans of experimental horror and psychedelic 70s aesthetics.
Daughters of Darkness (1971)
Rating: 9/10
Director: Harry Kümel
Stars: Delphine Seyrig, Danielle Ouimet
Plot: At a deserted Belgian hotel, newlyweds encounter the mysterious Countess Báthory and her companion, leading to a seductive game of power and desire.
Review: Art house vampire perfection! Seyrig’s Countess is the epitome of elegant menace – think Marlene Dietrich with fangs. The film’s use of color and space creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Every frame could be a fashion photograph.
Best For: Art film lovers and fashion enthusiasts.
The Blood Spattered Bride (1972)
Rating: 7/10
Director: Vicente Aranda
Stars: Simón Andreu, Maribel Martín
Plot: A newlywed woman is haunted by visions of Carmilla, a vampire who encourages her to rebel against her controlling husband.
Review: This Spanish horror film uses vampire mythology to explore feminist themes. While violent at times, its critique of patriarchal marriage through horror elements is fascinating.
Best For: Horror fans interested in feminist interpretations of vampire mythology.
Most Popular Lesbian Vampire Films (1980-2010)
The Hunger (1983)
Rating: 9.5/10
Director: Tony Scott
Stars: Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon, David Bowie
Plot: Ancient vampire Miriam seeks a new companion when her current lover begins rapidly aging, setting her sights on a beautiful sleep researcher.
Review: The Deneuve-Sarandon chemistry is legendary, and that Bauhaus opening sequence? Iconic. Every frame is gorgeous, the fashion is incredible, and it treats its sapphic elements with surprising depth – a perfect representation of lesbian cinema’s golden age.
Best For: Gothic fashion lovers and fans of stylish horror.
Nadja (1994)
Rating: 8/10
Director: Michael Almereyda
Stars: Elina Löwensohn, Suzy Amis
Plot: A modern-day vampire story following Dracula’s daughter Nadja as she navigates love and family in New York City.
Review: This indie gem shot in gorgeous black-and-white brings art house sensibilities to vampire lore. The dreamy atmosphere and complex relationships make it unique in the genre.
Best For: Independent film enthusiasts and fans of artistic horror.
We Are the Night (2010)
Rating: 8/10
Director: Dennis Gansel
Stars: Karoline Herfurth, Nina Hoss
Plot: A young thief is inducted into a powerful all-female vampire clan in Berlin, discovering both power and danger in her new family.
Review: This stylish German film breathes fresh life into vampire mythology. Great action sequences, compelling character dynamics, and Berlin’s nightlife makes the perfect backdrop.
Best For: Action-horror fans and those looking for modern vampire stories.
Latest Lesbian Vampire Movies and Shows (2015-Present)
The Carmilla Movie (2017)
Rating: 7.5/10
Director: Spencer Maybee
Stars: Natasha Negovanlis, Elise Bauman
Plot: Former vampire Carmilla must regain her powers to save her girlfriend Laura from a supernatural threat.
Review: A love letter to fans of the web series that maintains its charm on a bigger budget. The chemistry between leads carries over beautifully to the film format.
Best For: Fans of the web series and romantic supernatural stories.
First Kill (2022)
Rating: 7.5/10
Creator: Victoria Schwab
Stars: Sarah Catherine Hook, Imani Lewis
Plot: A teenage vampire and a vampire hunter fall for each other, complicated by their feuding families.
Review: The sapphic Buffy meets Romeo & Juliet we deserve! Great chemistry between leads and refreshingly centers the queer romance without making it about coming out trauma. Still bitter about Netflix canceling it.
Best For: YA supernatural fans and anyone who ships Buffy/Faith.
Bit (2019)
Rating: 8/10
Director: Brad Michael Elmore
Stars: Nicole Maines, Diana Hopper
Plot: A trans teenager joins a feminist vampire collective in Los Angeles, discovering both empowerment and danger.
Review: Finally, a trans lead in a vampire film! Smart commentary on queer spaces and power dynamics wrapped in a punk rock vampire tale. Maines gives a standout performance.
Best For: Modern horror fans looking for fresh perspectives.
Best Lesbian Vampire TV Shows and Web Series
Carmilla (2014-2016)
Rating: 8/10
Creator: Jordan Hall
Stars: Natasha Negovanlis, Elise Bauman
Plot: A college freshman investigates her roommate’s disappearance, only to get a mysterious new roommate – the alluring Carmilla.
Review: This clever web series modernization of “Carmilla” won hearts with its witty dialogue and authentic queer representation. The slow-burn romance is perfectly developed.
Best For: Web series fans and queer romance enthusiasts.
True Blood (2008-2014)
Rating: 7/10 (for lesbian content)
Creator: Alan Ball
Stars: Anna Paquin, Rutina Wesley
Plot: While the show focuses on various supernatural relationships, it features several significant lesbian vampire storylines.
Review: Though not centered on lesbian characters, the show’s queer vampire elements broke new ground on mainstream TV. Pam and Tara’s relationship is particularly compelling.
Best For: Fans of supernatural drama who appreciate queer subplots.
Final Thoughts
The lesbian vampire genre has come a long way from its exploitation roots. While early entries often reflected societal fears about female sexuality and lesbian desire, contemporary works are reclaiming these stories from a queer perspective. Whether you’re a horror fan, a romantic, or just curious about queer cinema history, there’s something here for everyone.
Remember, these films are best appreciated with an understanding of their historical context and the eras they were made in. While some aspects of older films may feel dated, they paved the way for the more nuanced representation we see today.
Further Reading
- Best Thai Lesbian Movies: A Complete Guide (2025 Updated)
- 13 Best Lesbian Vampire Movies & Shows: Complete Guide (Updated 2025)
- 18 Must-Watch International & Foreign Lesbian Films: Global Cinema Guide (2025)
- 12 Must-Watch Brazilian Lesbian Movies & Series (2024)
- 22 Best Spanish Lesbian Movies & Series: Including Latin American Content (2024)
FAQs for Lesbian Vampire Films
1. Why are there so many lesbian vampire movies?
The connection between vampirism and lesbian desire dates back to J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 novella “Carmilla,” which predates “Dracula.” The vampire became a metaphor for “forbidden” desire, allowing filmmakers to explore lesbian themes in eras when explicit representation wasn’t possible. Today, the genre continues to evolve as a way to explore power, desire, and identity.
2. What’s the best lesbian vampire movie for beginners?
“The Hunger” is probably your best starting point. It’s stylish, accessible, and features renowned actresses in a well-crafted story. Plus, its themes of love, mortality, and desire resonate beyond the vampire genre.
3. Are these movies appropriate for date night?
It depends on your comfort with horror elements! “The Hunger” and “First Kill” are more romantic than scary. “Daughters of Darkness” is perfect for art house film lovers. Just check content warnings first – some older films can include problematic elements.
4. What makes a good lesbian vampire film?
The best entries in the genre balance several elements:
- Respect for lesbian relationships beyond exploitation
- Strong character development
- Creative use of vampire mythology
- Thoughtful exploration of themes like power, desire, and identity
- Visual style that enhances rather than overshadows the story
5. How has the genre evolved over time?
We’ve seen a clear progression from coded subtext to explicit representation. Early films often used vampirism as a metaphor for lesbian desire, while modern works treat lesbian relationships as natural parts of the story. There’s also been a shift from male gaze-oriented exploitation to female-centered storytelling.
6. Are vampire movies still relevant to lesbian culture?
Absolutely! While representation has improved in mainstream media, vampire stories still offer unique ways to explore queer themes. Modern takes like “Bit” and “First Kill” prove the genre can address contemporary LGBTQ+ issues while honoring its gothic roots.
