A few manga and anime series, like Rosario + Vampire, Noblesse: Awakening, and SERVAMP, among others, have often been named among the best vampire anime series. But do they really make the cut? Great vampire tales are more than mere stories about supernatural creatures that feed on human blood, more than the horror, and blood and gore, but also about the intrigue and excitement they present.

These series have been defying the stereotypes that anime is for the faint-hearted, for fans of this genre are by no means spineless. Before we start talking about Count Dracula and his counterparts, feel free to dive into Poggers and snag your favorite anime gear – for collectibles, apparel, and more await!

21. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

For those who may not be aware, the Vampire Hunter D anime includes two films: a 1985 OVA and the 2000 film Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, both inspired by Hideyuki Kikuchi's novels about a half-human, half-vampire hunter. The original film is a beloved cult classic that masterfully combined gothic horror with sci-fi, while Bloodlust offers a refined, action-packed take on the third novel, celebrated for its unique character designs by Yoshitaka Amano.

The narrative unfolds thousands of years into the future, in a world dominated by vampire lords and demons. Count Magnus Lee, a renowned Vampire Lord, has set his sights on young Doris, intending to toy with her. She then turns to D, a skilled vampire hunter, for assistance after the Count bites her, and he determines that to save this hopeless girl, he must go out and end the Count.

20. Mignon (2023)

The timeless relationship between humans and vampires finds a strikingly original voice in Mignon, an anime that blends imagination, depth, and emotional resonance. This series unites two characters from separate realities, exploring how they comfort each other while confronting personal struggles and unhealed scars. Beyond its supernatural intrigue, Mignon delves into love, self-worth, resilience, and the transformative impact people can have on one another.

Its color palette is masterfully chosen, serene and atmospheric, shifting from crimson-drenched cityscapes that heighten intensity to peaceful hues of blue, yellow, and pink that reflect daily life and inner growth. Echoing the spirit of Unbelievable Space Love and Hyperventilation, Mignon captivates with well-crafted characters, striking visuals, and music that is as honest as it is evocative. Enhanced by heartfelt performances and impeccable production, this anime stands as a vibrant, powerful, and unforgettable work for fans of Bboong Bbang Kkyu and beyond.

19. Delico’s Nursery (2024)

This is a rare blend of murder mystery, vampire drama, and childcare comedy that works far better than one might expect. The series follows a group of aristocratic vampires who, while trying to hunt a serial killer, also struggle with the very human challenge of raising their children. Watching these noble yet flawed men stumble through parenting, while slowly learning and growing, makes the show both hilarious and heartfelt. While that is unusual for typical vampire anime, the muted, shadowy art style adds depth to its darker tones, while the lighter childcare moments balance the tension. Unique, dramatic, and charming, Delico’s Nursery is unlike any other anime out there.

18. Blood-C & Blood-C: The Last Dark

Blood-C is one of the best anime on this list, not just because of the gore and violence, but also because it mixes horror with everyday life in a way that keeps the audience guessing. At first, everything seems safe and normal, but then the rug is pulled out from under you in the most brutal way. Not many series take such big risks, pushing the limits while still telling its story with confidence. The buildup is on purpose, with each episode adding to the tension until it all falls apart into chaos.

It borrows its eerie dread from Shiki and the creepy atmosphere from Ghost Hound, and it has as much violence as Shadow Star. The horror is even worse because it happens in the middle of the day, like a nightmare coming true. Not everyone would like it because it can be too intense, but for those who love adventure, shock, and the thrill of anime horror at its most extreme, Blood-C is amazing.

Blood-C: The Last Dark, on the other hand, is the movie sequel, which ties up loose ends and gives the series a perfect conclusion.

17. Dance In The Vampire Bund (2010)

This is one of the most daring gothic dramas in anime. It combines politics, romance, and supernatural mystery. At the heart of the story is Mina Tepes, the beautiful vampire princess who shocks the world by revealing her kind's existence and creating a safe place called "The Bund" through sheer willpower and wit. Mina wants humans and vampires to get along, but fear, prejudice, and extreme opposition are getting in the way of her dream. But Akira, her steadfast protector, is always there to shield her.

It's not just the bold idea that makes this one-cour run great; it's how well it was done. The beautiful, haunting visuals, atmospheric music, and great voice acting make a scary and fascinating world. Beneath the surface is a story of loyalty, sacrifice, and love that shouldn't be allowed. Every moment is full of tension and interest.

16. Black Blood Brothers (2006)

Based on a light novel written by Azano Kouhei and drawn by Kusaka Yuuya is a story that really does focus on a vampire. However, the essence of the story transcends the vampire theme, as it primarily focuses on its protagonist, Jirou, as he confronts a special and feared bloodline of vampires. Beyond that, even its twelve episodes provide a rather confusing but thrilling ride, which only seems to make sense at the end of the series.

It is a rollercoaster of opposing notions: love and hate, peace and violence, loyalty and betrayal, comedy and tragedy, and to top it all, action! BBB follows Silver Blade Jirou and his brother, journeying to the Special Zone, where lingering Kowloon Children threaten the peace. As old enemies resurface, Jirou is once again forced into a battle that could decide the fate of both humans and vampires.

15. SutoBura – Strike The Blood (2013)

Strike the Blood is a bit of a lengthy watch, but it delivers an exciting blend of supernatural action, comedy, romance, and harem, making it a fun watch for fans of the genre. Although it faces some criticism regarding its pacing and fan service, the series excels in its world-building, features fluid animation, and boasts a large cast of likeable characters whose relationships contribute to its depth and charm. Focusing on vampires and supernatural forces, it strikes a balance between thrilling battles and lighthearted moments. This makes it an enjoyable, less demanding show that offers both entertainment and an engaging fantasy world.

14. Monogatari Series | Bakemonogatari (2009) 

The Monogatari series is more than just an anime; it's a work of art that combines peak elements to create one of the most famous franchises of all time. What makes it stand out from other vampire anime is how it changes the concept of vampirism. Monogatari doesn't just show vampires as monsters of the night; it uses them as symbols for trauma, identity, and personal growth, dishing out a very deep experience.

Among its collection, Bakemonogatari and Kizumonogatari tell the story of Koyomi Araragi's transformation into a vampire after he met the mysterious Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade. Nisemonogatari and Owarimonogatari are two series that build on this lore by mixing Araragi's vampire nature with the problems of other characters who are dealing with their own "oddities."

13. Undead Girl Murder Farce (2023)

Unlike other vampire stories, Undead Murder Farce is a complete supernatural package, for it is filled with all sorts of non-human creatures like oni, werewolves, golems, and yokai, among others. From its very first minutes, Undead Murder Farce exudes energy and stylistic excellence without reservations about being ridiculous or even clichéd, and as far as mysteries go, that's the intended uniqueness.

It tells the story of Tsugaru Shinuchi, a half-oni who wants to prolong his life, and Aya Rindo, an immortal lady reduced to a talking head, both living in an alternate 19th century where all sorts of supernatural creatures cohabit. To discover the truth about Aya’s stolen corpse, they go from Japan to Europe with Shizuku, Aya’s devoted servant, facing dangerous forces and dark mysteries on the way. Together, they make an odd yet alluring trio, with Tsugaru taking on the guise of “The Cage User” and carrying Aya’s head inside a birdcage.

12. Blood Lad (2013)

Blood Lad is a show that combines thrilling action, clever humor, and supernatural chaos into an endlessly entertaining ride. At its core is Staz, a lazy, eccentric, but powerful vampire whose witty sarcasm and endearing dorkiness steal the show. The series thrives on witty character dynamics, playful love-hate relationships, and clever references to other anime that ensure a steady stream of humor.

Alongside Staz, a determined ghost girl embarks on a desperate quest to reclaim her body, facing off against werewolves, vampires, and shapeshifters along the way. The battles are thrilling, humor is clever and well-delivered, and the storyline hooks from start to its open-ended finish, which left fans hoping for more. Whether you’re seeking intense fights or lighthearted fun, Blood Lad is one witty and unforgettable gem that should go on your watchlist.

11. Yofukashi no Uta – Call of The Night (2022)

The product of Kotoyama’s imagination, Night is a vibrant and visually stunning anime that delves into themes of insomnia, depression, and teen anxieties through an abstract lens. The story follows Ko, a boy who shuns school and aimlessly roams the city at night, where he encounters Nazuna, a free-spirited vampire who changes his outlook on life. Their bond fills Ko with an exhilarating sense of purpose as he envisions himself becoming a vampire.

Beyond its charming characters and witty humor, the series shines with its stunning use of color and atmosphere. It is a thoughtful and entertaining masterpiece that blends supernatural romance with meaningful insights, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. And who wouldn’t want to watch that anime that talks about creatures of the night being in love?

10. Vampire Kishi – Vampire Knight (2008)

The story centers on the vibrant students of Cross Academy, a school that caters to humans during the day and vampires at night. The main characters, Yuki and Zero, both still carry the trauma of their respective pasts; for while one lost his family to a vampire’s cruelty, the other’s earliest memory is of a vampire’s assault. As more stories and events unfold, both characters and viewers are left to unravel the ever-increasing gloom and doom that awaits. It’s not exactly a top-lister among gory and horrific, but it is one of the best vampire anime ever made.

Vampire Knight proves that works in the Shoujo demographic transcend flowers, cheers, and romantic comedies. And how? This is because the series focuses on emotional struggles, drama, and tragic pasts, with a mix of vampires here and there, and you have Vampire Kishi. 

9. Noblesse (2020)

From its two prequel OVAs to the 13-episode anime adaptation, Noblesse, based on the popular manhwa by Son Je-ho, follows the story of Rai, who awakens after an 820-year slumber. Having missed centuries of human evolution, Rai reunites with his loyal servant, Frankenstein, and gradually becomes entangled in the schemes of a dangerous organization known as the Union.

While the plot introduces an unusual mix of high school students into the narrative, Noblesse stood out as a series that broke away from convention. Beyond its thrilling action sequences, it shone through clever humor, strong character dynamics, and a surprisingly memorable soundtrack.

8. Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)

This anime movie stands as a bold experiment from Production I.G., redefining anime not through plot innovation but through its daring production approach. As an original work, it is free from the constraints of adaptations and embraces a streamlined narrative honed with precision. At its heart is Saya, a mysterious vampire slayer working for a covert organization, tasked with eradicating bloodthirsty demons on a U.S. military base in Japan before their rampage spirals out of control.

While its story follows familiar beats, that predictability becomes its greatest strength, like a timeless recipe perfected to deliver unerring satisfaction. Director Hiroyuki Kitakubo infuses the film with an experimental flair, combining polished execution with visceral intensity. The violent yet mesmerizing encounters are sure to grip viewers, shocking them while leaving them wanting more. This short but iconic piece features sleek pacing, haunting atmosphere, and an uncompromising vision that makes it a striking and unforgettable entry in the vampire anime canon.

7. Trinity Blood (2005)

Trinity Blood debuted in 2005 with impressive ratings in Japan and later achieved remarkable success in North America. Its theatrical feature, Trinity Blood: Genesis, premiered in 2006 as a 90-minute compilation at Anime Central, boosting its popularity. As one of Funimation’s flagship titles, the series contributed significantly to the company’s sales surge and global recognition.

The story here unfolds within a gothic sci-fi setting, playing out in a post-apocalyptic future marked by persistent conflict between vampires referred to as Methuselah and humans. While the visuals are truly breathtaking, the story remains inconclusive owing to the passing of the source material’s author, novelist Sunao Yoshida, in 2004.

6. Vampire Princess Miyu (1997)

At first glance, Kyuuketsuhime Miyu seems to fall into a simple “monster of the week” routine as its enigmatic heroine hunts down rogue demons. Yet, as the story progresses, it gradually unfolds into a layered exploration of Miyu herself: her mysterious past, her quiet suffering, and the complexities of her heart. This gradual revelation transforms the series into something far richer and more rewarding than its earlier four-episode OVA might suggest.

Among the fewer than one hundred anime released in Fall 1997, Miyu stood out as one of the most atmospheric. Its gloomy tone lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers with a haunting impression. At its peak, it was even praised alongside titles like Mushishi, Mononoke, and Kino’s Journey; series that, though not vampire anime, are celebrated for their artistry and depth.

5. Castlevania (2017)

For more than ten years, Castlevania remained stagnant as a concept and script, facing pushback from movie studios, direct-to-video distributors, and television networks regarding adult, non-comedy animation. Netflix then seized the opportunity during its most formative phase, leading to an audience success that transformed the market’s reception of intense animation series like Blue Eye Samurai and Arcane.

Drawing its roots from the video game of the same name, Castlevania tells the intriguing and highly violent story of Dracula’s vengeful crusade against humanity and the resistance led by Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard. Its layered narrative explores grief, morality, and the clash between faith and reason, all while delivering a gothic spectacle of gore, horror, and breathtaking animation. Castlevania’s blend of visceral storytelling and visual artistry makes it both a thematic powerhouse and a graphic feast, one that's still being celebrated today, despite the debate as to whether it's an anime, based on its Western origins.

4. Seraph of The End (2015)

Owari no Seraph, as it is otherwise known, is a dystopian supernatural Shounen series that centers on a young man who, in the face of nigh impossible odds, fights for loyalty and friendship while seeking justice. Following a catastrophic epidemic that wipes out the earth’s human adult population, vampires emerge from the shadows to rule over the survivors.

In the present day, Yuichiro and friends find themselves in a thrilling predicament as they are held as vampire feed in a clandestine city. Seeing himself as a freedom fighter (of sorts), Yuichiro begins to fight back and push against the oppression of his undying oppressors. But how do a few humans get strong enough to fight vampires? You absolutely have to check out the anime to discover that for yourself!

3. Vanitas no Karte – The Case Study of Vanitas (2021)

The case study of vanitas is an incredibly intricate narrative executed flawlessly: from delightful details to complex character dynamics and profound psychological portrayals, along with the captivating mysteries themselves. The brilliance of its second and better-ranked season truly shines through in the thrilling progression of the plot, filled with unexpected discoveries and intriguing character moments.

Vanitas tells you that just like vampires, humans could also be monsters, and just as there are the good ones, not all vampires are bad either. But remember, while its first season seemed to miss the mark just a little bit, Part 2 (the second season) really does justice, especially with the help of the two specials that added to the franchise.

2. Shiki – Corpse Demon (2010)

Ryu Fujisaki’s Shiki is very much like Julie Plec’s The Originals, as both definitively redefine the vampire genre and debunk old, stale cliches. Shiki somehow feels like a horror movie that’s placed in 22 episodes, with the suspense building up over the first three or four episodes, providing only fleeting insights into the storm brewing under the surface.
Shiki’s key strength lies in local doctor Toshio Ozaki’s mission to find out the cause of mysterious incidents plaguing his village. Although it incorporates some familiar tropes, the blend of creepy elements and action helps it intentionally blur the line between murder and self-preservation. The grim, dark atmosphere of seeing two lone crimson dots surface from the darkness also gives it a great dark aura, reminiscent of most vampire anime. 

1. Hellsing Ultimate (2006)

What do you get when you spell Dracula backwards? That’s right, Alucard! Here is a story that’s been said to be better than Vampire Knight, Trinity Blood, Blood+, and a few other great vampire anime, but is this true? What makes Hellsing Ultimate so unforgettable is the sheer chaos and brutality that it unleashes. We’ve come to love the visceral clashes between ghouls, mercenaries, vampires, and Alucard’s terrifying presence that dominates every battle. 

The series blends gothic horror with over-the-top action, from blood-soaked gunfights to Alucard’s ruthless executions. It isn’t just about the gore; this is a spectacle of betrayal, war, and unforgettable speeches that touch the soul. Anything else? Add Integra, the madness of vampire Nazis, tragic character arcs, and the grandiose violence that all combine to create a viewing experience like no other, and you have one of the best vampire anime that’s ever been made (if not the best).