2. Dracula, created by Bram Stoker in 1897
Although not the true original, vampires as we think of them today would not exist without Count Dracula. Loosely based on the tales of Vlad the Impaler, Count Dracula is a chilling figure and arguably one of the most famous literary creations of all time. He has been portrayed countless times in films, from the iconic Bela Lugosi in 1931’s phenomenal Universal horror film Dracula (pictured above) to the performances of Lon Chaney Jr., Christopher Lee, Frank Langella, Gary Oldman, and even (sigh) Adam Sandler. Dracula can currently be seen on the NBC TV series of the same name as portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Each actor brings their own stamp to the role, but it can all be traced back to Stoker’s original creation. The aristocratic malevolence, the dark Gothic castle, the superhuman strength, sharp teeth, ability to transform into a bat, powers of control and seduction, etc. are quintessential traits of the vampire that have been used and recreated time and time again. Dracula is the King of the Vampires, both in his stories and in his legacy.
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