The Vampire Timeline 1970-2000
1970s: A Decade of Vampire Mania
The 1970s saw a surge in vampire-related events, organizations, and media. In 1970, Sean Manchester founded The Vampire Research Society, creating a hub for vampire enthusiasts to study these creatures of the night. The same year, Count Yorga – Vampire hit the big screen, with Robert Quarry's chilling portrayal captivating audiences and critics alike.
In 1972, Raymond T. McNally and Radu Florescu's In Search of Dracula explored the intriguing origins of the Dracula legend, establishing itself as a must-read for vampire aficionados. Meanwhile, the "Highgate Vampire" incident in London's Highgate Cemetery sparked a mass vampire hunt, sending shivers down spines.
The Vampire Research Centre, founded in 1976 by Stephan Kaplan, and the Dracula Society, founded in the late 1970s, provided passionate devotees with spaces to explore their shared fascination with these enigmatic creatures.
1972: Blacula
Explore the world of blaxploitation horror with the 1972 film Blacula. This unique take on the vampire mythos features an African prince turned into a vampire who reawakens in 1970s Los Angeles, seeking vengeance and confronting modern society. The film's blend of horror and social commentary has made it a standout in the genre.
Iconic Vampire Fiction of the 1970s
The 1970s brought a new era of vampire fiction. Fred Saberhagen's The Dracula Tape (1975) gave readers a fresh perspective on the notorious vampire, presenting Dracula as a misunderstood and tragic figure.
Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire (1976) breathed new life into the genre, exploring themes of horror, romance, and philosophy through the eyes of the tormented vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac. In the same year, Stephen King's chilling masterpiece Salem's Lot painted a gripping portrait of a small town plagued by vampires.
In 1978, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro introduced the morally driven vampire Count Saint-Germain in Hotel Transylvania, offering a unique take on the vampire mythos by exploring the sensuality of the vampire's bite.
The Magnetic Allure of Dracula
In 1979, a new adaptation of Dracula hit the big screen, starring the charismatic Frank Langella as the enigmatic vampire. Langella's mesmerizing performance and the film's potent blend of horror and romance solidified its place as a beloved entry in the vampire genre.
1980: The End of the Dracula Killer
In 1980, the macabre tale of Richard Chase, the notorious "Dracula Killer," came to an end when he took his own life in prison. With six murder convictions and cannibalistic tendencies, Chase's chilling crimes and fascination with vampires left an indelible mark on the darker side of vampire lore.
1983: The Hunger
The Hunger, a 1983 film directed by Tony Scott, brought a stylish and seductive twist to the vampire genre. Starring Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon, this tale of a vampire couple in search of fresh blood mesmerized audiences and critics alike, securing its place as a horror classic.
1985: The Vampire Lestat and Fright Night
Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat burst onto the scene in 1985, following the captivating tale of Lestat de Lioncourt – a vampire-turned-rock-star seeking to spread the gospel of vampires. The novel's enthralling narrative and commercial success solidified Rice as a master of the vampire genre.
Also in 1985, the horror-comedy film Fright Night introduced a unique blend of humor and terror to vampire fans. When a teenager discovers his neighbor is a vampire, chaos ensues. The film's originality and cult following have made it a beloved gem in vampire fiction and horror cinema.
1987: Near Dark and The Lost Boys
In 1987, Kathryn Bigelow's film Near Dark breathed new life into the vampire genre by blending horror, romance, and western elements. The film's unique spin on vampire lore and its cult following have made it a celebrated classic.
The same year, The Lost Boys captured hearts and minds with its mix of horror and humor, as two brothers faced off against a gang of vampires. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film's commercial and critical success spawned a franchise that continues to delight fans.
1988: My Best Friend is a Vampire and Queen of the Damned
My Best Friend is a Vampire, released in 1988, won audiences over with its blend of humor and horror. This offbeat tale of friendship between a high school student and a vampire has garnered a dedicated cult following.
Also in 1988, Anne Rice's Queen of the Damned enthralled readers with the story of the vampire queen Akasha, who awakens to reshape the world. The novel's success further cemented Rice's mastery of the vampire genre, with the story living on through film adaptations.
1991: Vampire: The Masquerade
Vampire: The Masquerade, a 1991 role-playing game by White Wolf, invited players into a complex world where supernatural creatures vied for power. The game's nuanced portrayal of the vampire mythos has made it a cherished classic, with its popularity enduring to this day.
1992: Bram Stoker's Dracula and Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In 1992, Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula, a loose adaptation of the classic novel, brought the story to life with Gary Oldman's mesmerizing portrayal of Dracula. The film's lavish production and critical acclaim solidified its status as a beloved entry in the vampire genre.
The same year, Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduced the world to Buffy Summers, a high school student destined to battle the forces of darkness. This comedic take on vampire lore laid the groundwork for the successful television series that would follow.
1993: Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter
In 1993, Laurell K. Hamilton's Guilty Pleasures introduced readers to Anita Blake, a supernatural investigator tasked with solving a series of murders at a vampire-themed nightclub. This first book in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series captivated readers with its complex portrayal of the supernatural world.
1994: Interview with the Vampire
In 1994, the film adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire starred Tom Cruise as the vampire Lestat and Brad Pitt as the vampire Louis. The film's blend of horror, romance, and drama made it a commercial and critical success, remaining a beloved entry in the vampire genre.
1995: From Dusk Till Dawn and The Addiction
In 1995, Robert Rodriguez's film From Dusk Till Dawn followed the story of two criminals who kidnap a family and take them to a bar full of vampires. The film's blend of horror and humor, coupled with Rodriguez's direction, made it a cult classic.
The same year, The Addiction, directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Lili Taylor, explored the nature of addiction and the dangers of power and knowledge. The film's unique take on the vampire genre and thought-provoking themes made it a standout entry in vampire cinema.
1996: Kindred: The Embraced
Kindred: The Embraced, a television series based on the popular White Wolf role-playing game, introduced a new generation of viewers to the world of vampires. The series explored the complex relationships and politics among different vampire clans in San Francisco, gaining a dedicated cult following despite its short run.
1997: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In 1997, the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer made its debut, following the adventures of Buffy Summers as she battled vampires and other supernatural threats. The show's unique blend of horror, humor, and coming-of-age themes made it a major hit, both with critics and audiences, running for seven seasons and gaining a devoted fan base.
1998: Blade
In 1998, the action film Blade, based on the Marvel Comics character, starred Wesley Snipes as Blade, a half-human, half-vampire who hunts vampires. The film's unique combination of action, horror, and superhero elements made it a commercial and critical success, spawning a franchise with two sequels and a television series.
1999: Angel
In 1999, Angel, a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, followed the vampire with a soul, Angel, as he fought demons and sought redemption in Los Angeles. The critically acclaimed series expanded the Buffyverse and further explored themes of redemption and the nature of good and evil within the vampire mythos.
As we journey through the 1970s to the turn of the millennium, the vampire genre continues to evolve, capturing the imagination of audiences through literature, film, and television. From the seductive allure of Blacula and the stylish horror of The Hunger to the cult classics Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Blade, the legend of the vampire remains ever-thrilling and eternally captivating. Join us as we continue to explore the shadows, uncovering stories that keep the vampire mythos alive and vibrant.