Vampire movies hold a unique spot in horror media, simply because the genre has been used in so many different ways, with one of the most notable being its use in martial arts films. These action-packed vampire films are full of jaw-dropping moments, bringing horror and martial arts together in a way so many movies are unable to do. These films have some of the best performances in vampire media, making them especially exciting to watch.

As a whole, the vampire genre has been steadily growing for decades. Even now, some of the best vampire shows and movies can be watched on Netflix, making them accessible to a new generation of vampire fans. There is still plenty of room for growth, and the popularity of the martial arts vampire genre only proves this.

9

Rigor Mortis (2013)

It Was Made In Tribute To Another Martial Arts Vampire Film Series

Rigor Mortis is a love letter to the martial arts vampire film subgenre, featuring actors from a variety of mᴀssive films in the genre, those being both Mr. Vampire and Encounters of the Spooky Kind. The film is made to pay homage to these types of films, focusing on a single man who, after being saved from a suicide attempt, gets mixed up in the world of hunting vampires. The film is a brutal one, lingering on some of its more depressing themes about depression and the human condition.

The film itself is incredibly creepy, taking its time to really scare the viewer with its powerful ability to build atmosphere. Rigor Mortis takes plenty of notes from the Hong Kong and Japanese horror movies that came before, reinventing them in a way that feels fresh. This, coupled with the great performances from a cast experienced in these sorts of films, makes for a great addition to the genre.

8

Ultraviolet (2006)

This Film Is A Science Fiction Take On Vampires

Putting a unique spin on the vampire genre, Ultraviolet changes up the original vampire formula. Not only does the film take place in a sort of alternate 21st century, but it also depicts a group of people with a fictional disease known as hemoglophagia. Essentially, this disease is the reason for a person’s more vampiric qualities, including a desire to drink blood.

The film features plenty of action-packed battles, with expert action performed by lead actress Milla Jovovich. Though the film does have its failings, with a middling storyline and poor CG work, the film is saved by its eagerly staged action sequences. For anyone looking for a take on the genre that goes in a completely new direction, Ultraviolet is the perfect place to start.

7

Blade II (2002)

The Marvel Sequel Is Another Great Entry In The Genre

Originally based on a character from the Marvel Comics, Blade is a vampire-human hybrid who has made it his mission to protect humanity from the vampires who prowl the night. The second film in an incredible trilogy of vampire martial arts films continues this quest. The stakes are raised here, as Blade must stop a group of vampires from committing genocide against humans across the globe.

Wesley Snipes plays the character of Blade to perfection throughout the trilogy, and has even returned to play the character in films such as Blade: Trinity and ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine. The action is palpable from beginning to end, making the forces that Blade faces in Blade II feel not only ᴅᴇᴀᴅly, but as if they already have their claws deep into the world as a whole. Each action set piece is lovingly crafted, making Blade II a spectacle to behold.

6

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Quentin Tarantino Stars In His Own Vampire Film

Starring the acting talent of George Clooney and the writer himself, Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn is another defining western vampire movie. It follows a pair of brothers, both of whom are criminals, as they attempt to cross the border into Mexico and escape the law. However, it ends with the two of them locked in a saloon, fighting for their lives against a horde of vampires until the morning comes.

The cramped nature of From Dusk Till Dawn is one of the reasons the action in the film is so good, with the setting of the saloon used to its greatest effect throughout the fighting. This prolonged action sequence is innovative, allowing the viewer to wade through the gore and question who is worse, the vampires or the protagonists. Though there is still plenty of fighting to be had, From Dusk Till Dawn is more concerned with weaponry and gunfire than martial arts.

5

Mr. Vampire (1985)

This Film Spawned A Long Series Of Vampire Martial Arts Movies

Taking place in a world where vampires, or jiangshi, are considered to be a potent threat to the people of China, a Taoist priest named Master Kau works alongside his students to eliminate the vampire threat. He does so in a variety of different ways, fighting and attempting to capture and destroy these spirits. This leads to some truly impressive fight sequences, something that made this genre of film so popular in the first place.

Mr. Vampire became so popular that it inspired an entire series of films and even an English version of the original тιтled Demon Hunters. It was so influential that it essentially became the progenitor of the vampire martial arts genre, making it an important part of the genre’s history as a whole. It is no wonder that it is so well-received, as the film is considered one of Hong Kong’s “must-see” films.

4

Encounter Of The Spooky Kind (1980)

This Vampire Film Is Equal Parts Action And Comedy

Another film that popularized the jiangshi films in Hong Kong, Encounters of the Spooky Kind is another movie that focuses on spiritual jiangshi vampires that can hop from body to body. When Bold Cheung accepts a challenge to spend a night in an abandoned house, things quickly begin to go wrong. A real ghost appears before him, quickly kicking off an action-heavy adventure.

Even more innovative, Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind is also one of the first Hong Kong action films to bring together horror and comedy in one story. The film is quite funny, finding as many opportunities to make the viewer laugh as they do to wow them with impactful action. It is a great choice for anyone who needs a laugh, but also wants something with bloodthirsty fighting.

3

The Legend Of The 7 Golden Vampires (1974)

Peter Cushing Makes A Stunning Performance As Van Helsing

The story of The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires revolves around a rural village that has been terrorized by a cult, worshiping the тιтular Seven Golden Vampires. These vampires are only made more powerful by the infamous Count Dracula, who has long been studied by Professor Van Helsing, played by Peter Cushing. Van Helsing is then recruited to help take these vampires down.

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires is a great example of how two different productions can come together to form one great film. The movie is actually a co-production between Britain and Hong Kong, allowing the two to come together and create something that mixes elements from both British and Hong Kong films. The acting itself is perfect, and while the film is not always at its peak writing-wise, the cinematography and atmosphere in conjunction with visceral action more than make up for it.

2

Underworld (2003)

Another Stunning Vampire Series Based In Action

Starring Kate Beckinsale in the role of Selene, Underworld takes place in a world where vampires and lycans, or werewolves, have been at each other’s throats for centuries. Selene herself is a vampire known as a Death Dealer who makes her living hunting lycans. However, as she becomes more and more involved with a man named Michael, her worldview is challenged and the careful balance of her life begins to fall apart.

Underworld is another interesting perspective on vampire fiction, diving deep into the action lingering between vampires and werewolves. The moody setting only adds to this, making the film really feel like something that could take place in the alternate vampire-filled world imagined in the early 2000s. The original Underworld film went on to spawn a variety of sequels, turning the movie into a successful franchise.

1

Blade (1998)

This Marvel Film Is One Of The Best Vampire Films Ever Made

The first film in the Blade trilogy of films is a powerhouse of an action film, offering a spectacle to any viewers who choose to indulge. Deeply atmospheric in its depiction of this underworld of vampires, the main character Blade does his best to protect the world from the vampire threat. Even more importantly, Blade does this while being part vampire himself, something that adds another compelling element to the plot.

Despite only holding a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an even lower 47 out of 100 on Metacritic, Blade still managed to rise to prominence, not only as a box office success, but as a cult classic film as well. The action itself is stunning to watch, and each move by Wesley Snipes is perfectly choreographed. The visual stylings of director Stephen Norrington are executed perfectly, making Blade an incredible martial arts vampire film.