Hey there! As your resident queer horror film blogger, I have compiled this extensive directory including lesbian vampire material. This subgenre especially interests readers of retro lesbian stories who have followed my work. I’ve seen all the vampire flicks so you know exactly what to expect, regardless of your level of experience with horror films.
In This Article
Best Classic Lesbian Vampire Movies (1960s-1970s)
Blood and Roses (1960)
Rating: 7.5/10
Country: France
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel, available for rent on Amazon Prime
Plot: During a family celebration, a young woman becomes possessed by the spirit of her vampire ancestor Carmilla.
Review: This French interpretation of “Carmilla” is mostly about ambiance. Watching the famous masquerade sequence is alone worthwhile. It is a lovely monument to the artistic tradition of French homosexual films, which still has great influence now.
The Vampire Lovers (1970)
Rating: 8/10
Country: UK
Where to Watch: Shudder, AMC+, Tubi (free with ads), available for rent on Amazon Prime
Plot: In this direct adaptation of “Carmilla,” a beautiful female vampire infiltrates Victorian households, seducing young women while hiding her true nature.
Review: Explicitly bringing lesbian vampire ideas to popular cinema, this Hammer Horror classic Ingrid Pitt’s performance of Carmilla is mesmerising; she can be predatory as well as compassionate. Although some features seem out of date, the gothic aura is ideal for its day.
Related:
Vampyros Lesbos (1971)
Rating: 7/10
Country: Spain/West Germany
Where to Watch: Tubi (free with ads), available for rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Plot: A lawyer becomes entangled with a mysterious female vampire while handling an inheritance case in Istanbul.
Review: Pure 70s Euro-horrow featuring an amazing soundtrack! Soledad Miranda’s mesmerising performance takes this above conventional exploitation value. Even with very European timing, the dreamy character and strong graphic style set it apart.
Daughters of Darkness (1971)
Rating: 9/10
Country: Belgium/France/West Germany
Where to Watch: Shudder, AMC+, Criterion Channel, available for rent on Amazon Prime
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.
The Blood Spattered Bride (1972)
Rating: 7/10
Country: Spain
Where to Watch: Tubi (free with ads), AMC+, Shudder, available for rent on Apple TV
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 movie explores feminist concerns by means of vampire legend. Though harsh at times, its criticism of patriarchal marriage using horror components is intriguing.
Most Popular Lesbian Vampire Films (1980-2010)
The Hunger (1983)
Rating: 9.5/10
Country: UK/USA
Where to Watch: Available for rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play
Plot: Ancient vampire Miriam seeks a new companion when her current lover begins rapidly aging, setting her sights on a beautiful sleep researcher.
Review: Legendary Deneuve-Sarandon chemistry; that initial sequence in Bauhaus is iconic. Perfectly reflecting the golden age of lesbian film, every frame is beautiful, the attire is amazing, and it treats its sapphic themes with startling depth.
Nadja (1994)
Rating: 8/10
Country: USA
Where to Watch: Tubi (free with ads), available for rent on Amazon Prime
Plot: A modern-day vampire story following Dracula’s daughter Nadja as she navigates love and family in New York City.
Review: This indie treasure shot in beautiful black-and- white gives vampire legend art house sensibility. It is unusual in the genre because of the dreamy environment and complicated connections.
We Are the Night (2010)
Rating: 8/10
Country: Germany
Where to Watch: AMC+, Shudder, available for rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV
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 clever German movie revitalises vampire mythology. Berlin’s nightlife, strong character dynamics, and excellent action scenes create the ideal setting.
Latest Lesbian Vampire Movies and Shows (2015-Present)
The Carmilla Movie (2017)
Rating: 7.5/10
Country: Canada
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, available for rent on Apple TV, Google Play
Plot: Former vampire Carmilla must regain her powers to save her girlfriend Laura from a supernatural threat.
Review: A love letter to viewers of the web series that keeps its appeal on a more modest budget. Lead chemistry extends elegantly to the film form.
First Kill (2022)
Rating: 7.5/10
Country: USA
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot: A teenage vampire and a vampire hunter fall for each other, complicated by their feuding families.
Review: The sapphic Buffy meets Romeo and Juliet we are due! Excellent connection between leads and brilliantly centres the LGBT relationship without elevating it above coming out agony. Still offended about Netflix calling off it.
Bit (2019)
Rating: 8/10
Country: USA
Where to Watch: Tubi (free with ads), Peacock, available for rent on Amazon Prime
Plot: A trans teenager joins a feminist vampire collective in Los Angeles, discovering both empowerment and danger.
Review: At last, in a vampire movie, a trans lead! clever analysis of gay environments and power relations spun around a punk rock vampire story. Maines gives a particularly outstanding performance.
Best Lesbian Vampire TV Shows and Web Series
Carmilla (2014-2016)
Rating: 8/10
Country: Canada
Where to Watch: YouTube (free), Amazon Prime
Plot: A college freshman investigates her roommate’s disappearance, only to get a mysterious new roommate – the alluring Carmilla.
Review: With its sharp dialogue and real-life gay representation, this brilliant web series modernising “Carmilla” won hearts. The slow-burn relationship develops exactly.
True Blood (2008-2014)
Rating: 7/10 (for lesbian content)
Country: USA
Where to Watch: HBO Max, available for purchase on Amazon Prime
Plot: While the show focuses on various supernatural relationships, it features several significant lesbian vampire storylines.
Review: Though not focused on lesbian characters, the show’s queer vampire components pushed limits on mainstream TV. Especially interesting is Pam and Tara’s relationship.
Final Thoughts
From its origins in exploitation, the lesbian vampire genre has advanced a great distance. While early contributions generally mirrored society worries about female sexuality and lesbian desire, modern works are reclaiming these themes from a queer perspective. There is something here for everyone, regardless of your interests—romantic, horror, or just inquisitive about LGBT film history.
Recall that one appreciates these films most when one understands their historical background and the times they were produced in. Even if some elements of past films sometimes seem out of date, they helped to open the path for the more complex portrayal we find today.
Further Reading
- 14 Best Chinese GL Manhua to Read in 2025 | Yuri Comics
- Top 20 Highest Rated Japanese Yuri Mangas: The Art of Girls’ Love
- 15 Best Korean GL Manhwa: Essential Yuri Comics from Korea
- Top Lesbian Period Dramas: 20 Essential Films & TV Series to Watch Now
- Top 14 Movies Like Carol That Will Take Your Breath Away
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.
