Do you have a thirst for vampire stories that can only be quenched by anime? Well my fanged friends, you've come to the right place!
In this post, I'm going to countdown the 14 best vampire anime that will leave you craving more. From romantic tales of forbidden love to action-packed sagas of vampire hunters, these shows have something for every fan of creatures of the night.
So grab some garlic popcorn, put on your Team Edward t-shirt, and let's dive into the crypt for some bloody good anime!
1. Vampire Knight
Omigosh you guys, Vampire Knight is like Twilight meets elite prep school! This shojo romance centers around Yuki Cross, a human student at the mysterious Cross Academy. Unbeknownst to the day class students, the night class at the academy is actually made up of vampires! gasp
Yuki works alongside the brooding vampire hunter Zero to keep the secret and maintain balance between the human and vampire students. But things get complicated when Yuki finds herself caught in a forbidden love triangle with Zero and vampire dorm president Kaname.
The drama, the angst, the love triangle - Vampire Knight has everything a vampire romance fan could ask for. Just try not to swoon too hard over Kaname - I know I did!
- Release Date: April 8, 2008
- Genres: Dark Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 26
- Written by: Matsuri Hino
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Hulu
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2. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
If you're looking for violent vampire action with style for miles, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust totally delivers. This movie follows the adventures of D, a half vampire/half human hybrid who hunts vampires for rewards. He's tasked with taking down the powerful vampire Meier Link.
But this mission won't be easy, as D has to contend with both the vicious minions of Meier Link as well as other competing vampire hunters. Cue insane fight scenes galore! The world building and lore in this movie is amazing too.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is an iconic cult classic anime that's essential viewing for vampire lovers. Just make sure you've got plenty of blood bags handy for all those action scenes!
- Release Date: April 21, 2001
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Horror
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: NA
- Written by: Yoshiaki Kawajiri
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime
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3. Shiki
If you're looking for a deeply unsettling, psychological thriller about vampires, look no further than Shiki. This show starts off slowly in a quaint rural village. But when a strange family moves into an abandoned mansion nearby, a wave of mysterious deaths plague the town.
It's soon revealed that vampires are preying on the villagers, turning them into the undead "Shiki". What follows is a terrifying tale of survival, as the villagers try to fight back against the swelling ranks of vampires.
Shiki has an atmosphere of escalating dread and terror as it blurs the lines between good and evil. The vampires are given depth beyond just being pure evil monsters, making the show a tragedy on both sides of the fight. Definitely watch this one with the lights on!
- Release Date: July 8, 2010
- Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller, Vampire horror
- Studio: Daume
- Episodes: 22
- Written by: Kenji Sugihara
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
4. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
While vampires only play a main role in the first three story arcs, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure puts a totally unique spin on our fanged friends. Part 1 Phantom Blood introduces us to Dio Brando, who becomes an insanely powerful vampire after using an ancient stone mask.
What follows is three generations of the Joestar family fighting against Dio and his minions with magical powers called Stands. It's utterly ridiculous in the best way possible.
With its flamboyant vampires, creative battles and generational epic spanning multiple time periods, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is essential viewing. Even if you've never been into anime, this show must be experienced!
- Release Date: October 6, 2012
- Genres: Adventure, Supernatural
- Studio: David Production
- Episodes: 160 and counting!
- Written by: Hirohiko Araki
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime.
5. Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate is a dark, violently thrilling take on vampire hunting with some of the coolest vampire lore ever. It follows Sir Integra Hellsing, the last surviving member of the Hellsing family of vampire hunters. Luckily she has an ace up her sleeve - the powerful vampire Alucard, who also happens to be Dracula!
Together, they lead the secret British government organization Hellsing to protect England from other rival vampire factions and monsters. Alucard is one of my favorite anime vampires ever - utterly ruthless and terrifying yet undeniably badass.
With Alucard brutally slaughtering his enemies, Hellsing Ultimate is one bloody good time. Just don't wear your nicest clothes for this one!
- Release Date: February 10, 2006
- Genres: Action, Dark Fantasy, Vampire
- Studio: Gonzo
- Episodes: 10
- Written by: Kouta Hirano
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
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6. Blood+
If you love globe-trotting adventures centered around vampire government organizations fighting bat-like monsters, then Blood+ is perfect for you! This ultra binge-worthy 50 episode series follows Saya Otonashi, a seemingly ordinary high school girl who actually holds the key to killing vampire-esque monsters called Chiropterans in her blood.
After a Chiropteran attacks her school, she discovers her hidden powers with the help of a secret organization and a cello-playing hunk named Hagi. What follows is an epic journey to defeat the Chiropterans that takes Saya and her allies around the world!
With a sweeping story spanning decades, compelling characters and gorgeously animated action sequences, Blood+ is anime vampire storytelling at its finest. Get ready to binge, baby!
- Release Date: October 8, 2005
- Genres: Horror fantasy, Suspense, Vampire
- Studio: Production I.G
- Episodes: 50
- Written by: Asuka Katsura
- Streaming on: Apple TV
7. Bakemonogatari
Looking for a stylized, visually stunning take on vampires with plenty of supernatural hijinks? Bakemonogatari is for you! This show follows ex-vampire Koyomi Araragi and the various girls he helps who are afflicted by supernatural phenomena like ghosts, demons and curses.
The gorgeous avant-garde animation and witty dialogue are complemented by thoughtful themes as Koyomi reflects on his experiences. And with characters like teenage vampire loli Shinobu Oshino helping Koyomi, this show is chock full of unique personalities.
For fans looking for great visuals and an unorthodox vampire tale, you can't miss with Bakemonogatari! Just be prepared for things to get really weird - in the best way possible!
- Release Date: July 3, 2009
- Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Psychological
- Studio: Shaft
- Episodes: 15
- Creator: Nisio Isin
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
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8. Blood: The Last Vampire
Craving bloody vampire combat set against a historical backdrop? Blood: The Last Vampire is an action-packed film that delivers! Set in 1966 Japan, we follow Saya, a seemingly ordinary school girl who transforms into a sword-wielding vampire slayer by night.
Saya works for a secret government organization that tasks her with infiltrating an American military base that's been infiltrated by bat-like monsters called Chiropterans. What follows is stunningly animated action and swordplay as Saya takes on the Chiropterans in brutal fashion.
With its historical setting and fiercely badass vampire school girl lead, Blood: The Last Vampire is an exhilarating watch from start to finish!
- Release Date: July 27, 2000 (Worldwide) | November 18, 2000 (Japan)
- Genres: Horror, Adventure
- Studio: Production I.G
- Episodes: NA
- Written by: Kenji Kamiyama
- Streaming on: Amazon
9. Rosario + Vampire
Harem anime meets monsters in this zany supernatural high school comedy. Ordinary human Tsukune accidentally enrolls at Yokai Academy, a high school for monsters learning to blend into human society.
There he meets the sweet and adorable Moka Akashiya, who just so happens to transform into an incredibly powerful vampire when her rosario cross necklace is removed! What follows are silly misadventures as Tsukune tries to survive at Yokai while keeping his human status secret.
With cute monster girls galore and plenty of oddball comedy, Rosario + Vampire is perfect for some lighthearted undead fun! Just watch out for Moka's super sadistic vampire sister - she definitely likes it rough!
- Release Date: January 3, 2008
- Genres: Harem, Romantic comedy, Supernatural
- Studio: Gonzo
- Episodes: 26
- Written by: Akihisa Ikeda
- Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix
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10. Dance in the Vampire Bund
Politics, intrigue and secret societies clash in this tense vampire thriller. Dance in the Vampire Bund centers around Mina Tepes, the young princess ruler of all vampires, as she tries to create a safe haven for vampires off the coast of Tokyo called The Bund.
Of course, many fearful humans and extremist vampires conspire to take Mina down. What follows is a high stakes game of chess as Mina works to maintain control and change hearts and minds regarding vampire/human relations.
With dark political machinations, an engaging cast of characters and high quality animation, Dance in the Vampire Bund offers a fresh take on vampire society stories. Just try not to get too caught up in all the scheming!
- Release Date: January 7, 2010
- Genres: Action, Dark Fantasy, Psychological Horror
- Studio: Shaft
- Episodes: 12
- Creator: Nozomu Tamaki
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
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11. Karin: Chibi Vampire
The cute gothic lolita vampire comedy you never know you needed! Karin Maaka leads a unusual life as a vampire who doesn't drink blood - instead, she produces too much blood and gets massive nosebleeds! Definitely an inconvenience when she's trying to navigate high school life.
Things get more complicated when a new handsome transfer student discovers her secret and catches the over productive blood-maker's attention. What follows are silly lighthearted misadventures as Karin tries to maintain her secret identity and closer relationship with her classmate Kenta Usui.
For fans wanting more comedy than horror with their vampires, Karin delivers plenty of bite-sized supernatural fun! Just have some tissues handy for all those nose gushers!
- Release Date: November 4, 2005
- Genres: Romantic Comedy, supernatural
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Episodes: 24
- Written by: Yuna Kagesaki
- Streaming on: Apple TV
12. Strike the Blood
Strike the Blood takes us to Demon District, an artificial island off the coast of Japan where supernatural beings live. Ordinary high schooler Kojou Akatsuki's life is turned upside when he gains vampire powers and emerges as the legendary Fourth Primogenitor.
To oversee his activities, a secret vampire hunting organization dispatches the young sword shaman Yukina Himeragi to observe him. But they eventually form an alliance to protect Demon District from sinister forces seeking to misuse Kojou's newfound might.
Boasting a cool urban fantasy setting and exciting action sequences, Strike the Blood is sure to satisfy vampire action fans! Just be prepared for lots of suggestive fanservice.
- Release Date: October 4, 2013
- Genres: Action, Science fantasy, Vampire
- Studio: Silver Link, Connect
- Episodes: 24
- Written by: Gakuto Mikumo
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Apple TV
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13. Black Blood Brothers
Set in the near future after devastating wars between humans and vampires, Black Blood Brothers follows Jiro Mochuzuki, a powerful Old Blood vampire who fought and defeated the vampire faction known as the Kowloon Children.
When Jiro learns that some Kowloon Children have survived and plan to enter the Special Zone (a city of peace between humans and vampires) he springs into action with his brother to stop them, leading to bloody confrontations.
With stylish animation, gripping drama and intense action sequences between vampire factions, Black Blood Brothers serves up gory supernatural suspense! Just have a few blood bags ready for those fight scenes!
- Release Date: September 8, 2006
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
- Studio: Group TAC, Studio Live
- Episodes: 12
- Creator: Kōhei Azano
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
14. Seraph of the End
In post-apocalyptic Japan, humanity has been ravaged by a man-made virus that wiped out most adults and led to vampire rule over the remaining children and teenagers as livestock.
Seraph of the End focuses on hot headed protagonist Yūichirō Hyakuya as he trains with the Japanese Imperial Demon Army to gain powers and exact revenge on the vampires who killed his family.
With dark themes, vampires versus military battles and a heavy dose of action, Seraph of the End is a must see for fans longing for emotionally hard hitting blood sucking drama. Just be prepared to join a faction and battle!
- Release Date: April 4, 2015
- Genres: Dark Fantasy, Post-apocalyptic, Vampire
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Episodes: 24
- Creator: Takaya Kagami
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation, Hulu
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Conclusion
And those are my picks for the top 14 ultimate vampire anime to sink your fangs into! From terrifying horror to fluffy comedy, these shows highlight the diversity of blood sucking stories out there. Whether you're team Edward, team Alucard or just love monsters, there's bound to be an anime here to appeal to your vampire loving side.
So what are you waiting for? Let me know your favorite vampire anime or any fangtasic recommendations in the comments! Just no Twilight bashing allowed - we're all undead friends here!