When attractive, strong vampires arrive in town, you can anticipate a lot of gore, blood, and romance. It’s difficult not to be swayed by their charm and methods. The Twilight series has received a lot of attention in recent years, garnering the distinction as one of the most divisive series of all time. Some folks relished every minute, while others were less than warm.
Love it or loathe it, the Twilight trilogy is one of the most famous film series of all time. Fans have been clamoring for more films like this since the previous one was released. Even though Twilight is irreplaceable, you’ll like the list I’ve put together.
1. Red Riding Hood (2011)
The story of Red Riding Hood revolves around Valerie, whose family has planned for her to marry an attractive, wealthy man. The only problem is that she has already fallen in love with a woodcutter. They want to go as quickly as possible, but she discovers that the werewolf ravaging her community may be the person she loves. She becomes the bait to lure him out, thanks to a special connection to a pulse that draws them near to one other.
This film’s premise and medieval backdrop appealed to me. In terms of setting and atmosphere, it reminds me of The Village. It’s incredible because there’s a sense of mystery running through it. Watch this movie with the most exemplary sound system you can find; it’s worth it.
2. Thirst (2009)
When a priest agrees to participate in vaccination trials to cure a terrible illness, he almost dies alongside the other participants. However, an unintentional vampire blood transfusion saves his life. Unsurprisingly, his new mission in life is to find fresh meat. Is he strong enough to fight his impulses and needs?
If you’ve seen any of Chan-Wook Park’s other films, you’ll know what to expect from this one. His art is inventive, poetic, and darkly funny all at once. This is a film that I would recommend viewing more than once. Simply said, there are too many things going on to take it all in at once.
The plot is well-layered, and the characters are lively, eliciting pity for people you would normally despise. It’s unexpected and nasty in every manner imaginable. Chan-Wook Park specializes in this type of art.
You’re laughing aloud one second, and the next thing you know, everything is out of control. Thirst quickly transitions from amusing to heartbreaking, and vice versa. Don’t be put off by the subtitles if you want to see this lovely romantic vampire romance.
3. Meet Joe Black (1998)
Meet Joe Black is a nearly 3-hour-long film about death, who assumes the shape of a gorgeous young man to learn more about life on Earth, falling in love with a female he encounters along the way.
The connection between Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins is undeniable. The comedy and discomfort between these two individuals as they get to know one other is hilarious. Meet Joe Black is probably the most sexually charged movie I’ve ever seen. Talk about uncomfortable extraterrestrial romance.
Aside from the excellent performances, everything from the photography to the music to the plot is flawless. If you’re seeking movies like Twilight, don’t pass over this underappreciated treasure.
4. Tuck Everlasting (2002)
After they meet, Winnie, a teenage girl, falls in love with Jesse, a gorgeous 17-year-old guy. However, when she discovers that he and his family are immortal, things take a dramatic turn. Fearful of death, she must choose whether to stay with him and become immortal or live a regular life and die one day.
The boy’s family tries to teach her that the immortal life is not worth living and that they would give anything to die. It teaches her the value of living a regular life.
Is Tuck Everlasting perfect? Certainly not. There are several storyline gaps. The acting could have been better, in my opinion. But do I give a damn about those issues? No way! This is one of those films that has a lot of problems that I don’t care about.
Leave rationality and judgment at the door, and you’ll be able to appreciate this film for what it truly is: an underappreciated masterpiece.
5. The Village (2004)
The narrative is set in an isolated town surrounded by wildness and strange animals.
There is an agreement between those monsters and the village inhabitants: the people do not enter the woods, and the creatures do not enter the settlement. However, when someone walks out into the woods in quest of medication, the contract is broken. Those creatures begin to arrive in the community, terrifying everyone.
The monsters and the villagers have agreed: the people do not enter the woods, and the beasts do not enter the settlement. The pact is violated, however, when someone ventures out into the woods in search of medication. Those creatures began to appear in the neighborhood, scaring everyone.
Pay no heed to the bad reviews. Just as with movies like Twilight, critical reviews aren’t everything, so see it! Expect nothing resembling The Sixth Sense from him. Shyamalan seems doomed to live in the shadow of The Sixth Sense’s popularity. Unfortunately, this will not be the case with every film. One of the primary causes for bad ratings is that people have unrealistic expectations of him.
The Village is one of the better movies to see compared to the other brain-dead Hollywood films that are pushed in our faces.
6. Near Dark (1987)
This is the story of a farm kid who meets a mystery female and unintentionally becomes a part of a vampire family. Their everyday entertainment is stealing vehicles and killing people for their blood.
This is a beautiful, otherworldly romantic film with dramatic action scenes and a dash of dark comedy. Despite having all of the ingredients for a conventional vampire film, it manages to sidestep the well-trodden and predictable pathways instead of forging its unique storyline.
This film has a modernist feel to it that appeals to people of all ages. Near Dark is still regarded as one of the best vampire films, thanks to Kathryn Bigelow’s superb filmmaking. Although a decade or two old, Near Dark, remains one of my favorite films from the 1980s.
7. Warm Bodies
Have you ever heard of a zombie romance film? We frequently undervalue those unfortunate, decaying creatures. They, too, have feelings. It’s about time someone comes up with the concept of a zombie-human relationship.
Warm Bodies tells the narrative of ‘R,’ a zombie who can still think sensibly and comprehend specific thoughts. While on his regular raid for human flesh, he finds Julie, a human being, and feels compelled to defend her rather than consume her brain contents.
He begins to transform and rediscover his conscience and compassion as a result of this oddly pleasant friendship. R and Julie must find a solution to prevent the situation from devolving further into chaos and bloodshed. Will zombies and humans ever reconcile and fight together against a familiar foe?
It’s embarrassing at moments, but it’s also sweet and lovely. It has a lot more emotional depth than other zombie and vampire films out there. The two leads in this film look fantastic together. Of course, a decent narrative and direction are huge pluses. Overall, it’s an excellent film that manages to exceed my expectations, which is rare these days.
8. Let the Right One In (2008)
Set in 1982, the story revolves around Oskar, a 12-year-old boy frequently bullied by his classmates for no apparent reason. When Oskar befriends and falls in love with a strange girl his age, he decides to give the bullies a taste of their own medicine.
She assists him in exacting vengeance. Everything is good until he discovers her companion is a vampire. He must decide whether to stay with her or go. How far will he go to forgive and forget?
Let the Right One in, for want of a better phrase, is sluggish and seems more like literature than a thriller. Almost everything in this film is done correctly. There is no excessive violence, but it is devastating when it occurs. A more typical horror film would have gone all guns blazing, with horror and bloodshed on show, but this film has an odd feeling of serenity about it. There is gore, blood, and pretty much everything else you’d expect from a vampire film, but it’s uniquely presented to the audience.
If you’re looking for some frightening flicks, don’t pass it up.
9. Great Expectations (1998)
This movie focuses on Pip, a disturbed yet intelligent young man. The story revolves around his background, adulthood, and love life. Saying anything else would ruin your enjoyment.
Novel adaptations are not a new phenomenon. In the previous several years, we’ve seen an upsurge in these adaptations. It’s a joy to see them if they’re done well. This adaptation may feel uninspired compared to other imaginative and innovative adaptations like Wuthering Heights, but Mike Newell has a few tricks up his sleeve. With his creative direction and creativity, he brought a harrowing novel to life.
10. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
The story revolves around two vampires who are each struggling with their problems. One of them has yearned for friendship for a long time, while the other has had enough of killing humanity. He’s sick of sucking blood to satiate his thirst. When they come upon a man, they give him the option of eternal life or death. He takes a decision that will have long-term consequences.
There is no complexity in this film; it is simply one tale. If you’re expecting a meaningful, heartfelt message, you’ll be disappointed. Don’t be misled by a catchy title. And for those who complain that it didn’t live up to the book, here’s the thing: books will always be better than movies or TV shows.
Nonetheless, it’s a watchable film. If you’re seeking more vampire films, this one should be at the top of your list.
11. The Hunger (1983)
This film recounts the story of a vampire that feeds on children’s blood. Those she bites do not age; they remain the same eternally. She’s had enough of it, but when a child with a 24-hour life expectancy requires her assistance, she must make a decision.
The Hunger is a stunningly written novel about desire, vampirism, brutality, and demonic deals. The visual narrative and cinematography are both outstanding. Not to mention that it has a compelling storyline that never deviates from its message.
12. The Host (2013)
If you like Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, you might like her other books as well. In 2013, her novel The Host was adapted into a film. While not as well-known as Twilight, this film is a lot of fun to see. It, too, has supernatural aspects, but they take the shape of aliens taking over human bodies this time. These parasites fully take over and obliterate the consciousness of the original owner.
They have eradicated much of humanity and intend to destroy it. Melanie Stryder, played by Saoirse Ronan, is caught and injected with one of these aliens, and her will is so powerful that she cannot be removed; she and the alien develop a type of relationship. The film is a suitable companion to the book and an excellent opportunity to watch another of Meyer’s works turned to cinema.
13. Underworld (2003)
The Underworld series is a must-see for anybody looking for a well-executed vampire action film. The first picture, released in 2003, is the most powerful, as it depicts vampires and werewolves at odds. Selene, the vampire-warrior protagonist who defies her instructions, is played by Kate Beckinsale.
She falls in love with a human, portrayed by Scott Speedman, who is bitten by a Lycan/werewolf, and she is torn between killing him and letting him live. It’s a classic narrative of falling in love with someone you shouldn’t, similar to Twilight. Lucian, the Lycan leader, will also be portrayed by Michael Sheen, who played Aro in the Twilight series.
Underworld, like Twilight, is a cinematic series. Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Underworld: Awakening, Underworld: Blood Wars, and the animated prequel Underworld: Endless War is the latest films in the franchise.
14. Water for Elephants (2011)
Check out Robert Pattinson’s performance in Water for Elephants if you can’t get enough of him after seeing Twilight. He plays Jacob, a young man nearing the end of his veterinary studies, when his parents are murdered in a vehicle accident. Instead of graduating high school, he boards a train and discovers a whole new world.
On the train are members of a touring circus, including a harsh ringmaster, August (Christoph Waltz), and his lovely wife, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). August hires Jacob because of his expertise in veterinary medicine, and the journey starts.
The costumes and settings are stunning, making the film a visual feast. Pattinson and Witherspoon act as star-crossed lovers in this 2011 drama. Although Marlena first rejects Jacob’s enticement, her husband’s brutality to her and the animals forces her into his embrace.
15. Beautiful Creatures (2013)
Beautiful Creatures, a 2013 film, is another excursion into the otherworldly. Based on the novel by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, this love tale concerns Ethan, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich. He dreams about Lena, played by Alice Englert, before ever meeting her.
They begin dating, and she tells him that she and her family can cast spells and that when she reaches the age of sixteen, her genuine nature of light or dark will be revealed. As you pull for the pair to stay together, the film is an exhilarating blend of love, magic, and deception. It is a beautiful illustration of how love can transform you into a better person. Add in the magic, and it’s a thrilling trip from start to finish.
16. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Any Twilight fan worth their salt understands that Fifty Shades of Grey arose from Twilight. The sultry film starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan started as Twilight fan fiction and Literotica. If you’re unfamiliar with the term “fan fiction,” it’s what admirers of an established project post on the internet. So EL James, the author of Fifty Shades of Grey, took Stephenie Meyer’s characters of Bella and Edward and placed them in a new universe and tale she invented (initially Master of the Universe).
After the story gained popularity on the internet, James renamed it Fifty Shades of Grey and altered all character names to be more creative. So if Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele give you Bella and Edward vibes, there’s a reason. As for the plot, it’s a hot love story about a decent girl falling for a wicked boy, as you know.
17. Remember Me (2010)
“Twilight” fans who can’t get enough of Robert Pattinson will like “Remember Me.” a film with the Edward Cullen actor front and center. Pattinson appears as Tyler Hawkins, an NYU bookstore employee who has a troubling connection with his father and is fighting to keep his family together when his brother dies. Tyler is dared by his buddy Aidan (Tate Ellington) to seduce Sgt. Neil Craig’s daughter Ally after Sgt detains him. Neil Craig (Chris Cooper) (Emilie de Ravin). Tyler and Ally’s relationship had a tough start. However, the pair gradually falls in love during the film as they open out and help each other recover.
Fans of Bella and Edward will undoubtedly appreciate “Remember Me,” a coming-of-age love story with a gut-punching finale that will leave viewers in tears. Pattinson transfers all of his emotional intensity from his previous performance as Edward to the part of Tyler. The magical antics of “Twilight” continue in Forks, but even without vampires and werewolves, “Remember Me” has its share of hardships and tribulations that drive Tyler towards Ally and help reconcile his family while testing the boundaries of love, sorrow, and grief.
18. Beastly (2011)
“Beastly,” released in 2011, is a modern version of the fable “Beauty and the Beast” that also captures the romantic essence of “Twilight.” Kyle is played by Alex Pettyfer, a narcissistic and egotistical high school student who makes the mistake of crossing Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen). Kyle abuses Kendra since he is unaware of her actual status as a witch. In retaliation, Kendra curses Kyle and changes him into a scarred and a shaved replica of his former self, causing Kyle to be sent away by his father and cut off from the life he previously led.
Kyle’s life is turned upside down when he falls in love with Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), a fellow student from a dysfunctional household. Despite his reluctance to confront her due to his looks, Kyle reaches out to Lindy and persuades her father to let her move in with him. The two connect as Kyle gradually emerges from the shadows.
Anyone who has seen “Beauty and the Beast” will recognize the plot, with the modern setting offering a unique spin on the traditional tale. Kyle and Lindy are two opposites pulled to one other in an incredible love tale that tackles romance and adolescence with inventiveness, much like Bella and Edward. Kyle and Edward each go to tremendous lengths for the ladies they love, culminating in a fairy-tale conclusion.
19. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” based on Stephen Chobsky’s 1999 novel, is a must-see coming-of-age film for lovers of “Twilight’s” teenage ensemble of characters. The tale begins in 1991, with Charlie Kelmeckis (Logan Lerman), a freshman with a history of depression, navigating the social waters of high school while dealing with his mental health.
Charlie is initially nervous about entering school, but everything changes when he meets vivacious senior Sam (“Harry Potter” actress Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (“Justice League” star Ezra Miller). Charlie has new experiences with his pals, coaxing him out of his shell and teaching him that life can be fun.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” varies from “Twilight” in that it is less focused on romance, although Charlie’s friendship with Sam is one of the film’s highlights. After Charlie and Patrick accept Sam into their friendship circle, she develops emotions for him, and the two experience emotional moments that match Bella and Edward’s dramatic love affair. If you liked Bella’s transformation from awkward high school student to headstrong adult, as well as her connection with Edward, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a must-see.
20. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
“Romeo + Juliet,” the ultimate narrative of star-crossed lovers, is a must-see film for fans of Bella and Edward’s forbidden love in “Twilight.” When Edward recites a lyric during class, he alludes to Shakespeare’s play. In the novels, Bella subsequently compares her predicament to “Romeo And Juliet” when thinking about Jacob and whether Juliet may have been happy with Paris. The “Twilight” series of star-crossed love, like Isaac Marion’s “Warm Bodies,” is heavily influenced by Shakespeare’s works, which have been adapted for the stage and cinema several times.
“Romeo + Juliet” by Baz Lurhmann is a daring and brilliant version of Shakespeare’s classic that presents the well-known tragedy with new flair. Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Juliet (Claire Danes) are lovers from the feuding Montague and Capulet families. Harold Perrineau as Mercutio, John Leguizamo as Tybalt, and Paul Rudd as Dave Paris in minor roles. Though their unshakable love and devotion mirror Edward and Bella throughout the “Twilight” novel, Romeo and Juliet’s romance ends in tragedy rather than happiness.
