The 31 Best Vampire Anime of All Time

The 31 Best Vampire Anime of All Time

Ranker Anime
Updated July 10, 2024 1.5M views 31 items
Ranked By
80.1K votes
23.4K voters
Voting Rules

Vote on your favorite anime with vampires.

In the wide world of anime, it seems like you can find just about anything. There are shows about demons, werewolves, and zombies, but this list focuses on the best vampire anime of all time. These anime about vampires shine for various reasons. They might be classics within the genre like Vampire Knight, or maybe they take a deep dive into the dark side of supernatural, like Shiki. But no worries - the more upbeat and brighter takes on the vampire archetypes like Rosario + Vampire also get their praise.

Out of all the good vampire anime shows throughout the years, the ones here have proven that they are the best of them all. Whether it's because of their characters, storyline, or production, they all earned their spot on this list.

So, which vampire anime show is your favorite? Vote for the supernatural anime about vampires that you think are the greatest.

  • Seraph of the End

    Premiered: 2015

    Premise: After a virus wipes out most of humanity, the remaining survivors are enslaved by power-hungry vampires. Yuichiro, a young man who lost his family to the vampires, joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army to seek revenge and be reunited with his childhood friend Mikaela.

    Why It's Great: Despite being released a handful of years ago, Seraph of the End still has a loyal following as well as a growing fanbase now. Aside from the absolutely stunning animation, the series incorporates twists and turns to keep fans on their feet and has some interesting characters to boot.

    11,452 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

  • Premiered: 2016

    Premise: Mahiru Shirota's life changes when he rescues a black cat, which turns out to be Kuro, a vampire. Mahiru becomes Kuro's master, and together they must navigate the conflict between the seven Servamp vampires and their Eve counterparts.

    Why It's Great: Have you ever read the Servamp manga? If not, know that its filled with lovable characters and a storyline that matches them well. Reading the manga only enhances the anime experience and is well worth the effort.

    2,275 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    subscription

  • Strike The Blood

    Premiered: 2013

    Premise: Kojo Akatsuki, a high school student, is revealed to be the most powerful vampire in the world. He is placed under the observation of Yukina Himeragi, a sword-wielding girl from the Lion King Organization, who must determine if he is a threat to humanity.

    Why It's Great: Some series aren't great for being deep and insightful - sometimes they're enjoyable for the exact opposite reasons. Strike the Blood is the epitome of a harem anime, but if you were to throw in some cute vampire girls. It creates a new mix for fans to enjoy while keeping the same quintessential aspects that harem fans are always looking for.

    2,741 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    subscription

  • Noblesse: Awakening
    4

    Noblesse: Awakening

    Premiered: 2016

    Premise: Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, a powerful noble, awakens after 820 years of slumber and enrolls in a high school to learn about the modern world. He is accompanied by his loyal servant Frankenstein, who helps him adjust to his new surroundings while also protecting him from threats.

    Why It's Great: Take this as a sign to pick up this anime if you haven't already - there's a lot lying under the surface. Once you get into the thick of the series you realize that this show utilizes elements of family, action, and character development to create a blend that will keep you wanting more.

    1,545 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Hellsing
    • Photo:

    Premiered: 2001

    Premise: The Hellsing Organization, led by Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, battles supernatural threats to Britain, including vampires. Their most powerful weapon is Alucard, a powerful vampire who works as an exterminator for Hellsing.

    Why It's Great: Hellsing is a classic amongst dark horror anime. Know that this is definitely a dark anime - not for the lighthearted - but if you're looking for an intense atmosphere with supernatural elements and some gore, then you can't find a better fit than Hellsing.

    3,821 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • The Case Study of Vanitas
    • Photo:
      • The Case Study of Vanitas

    Premiered: 2021

    Premise: Noé, a young vampire, travels to Paris in search of the mysterious Book of Vanitas, a grimoire capable of curing vampires. He encounters Vanitas, a human who claims to be a doctor specializing in vampires, and the two reluctantly join forces to investigate a series of vampire-related incidents.

    Why It's Great: If world-building and amazing animation is appealing to you, then The Case Study of Vanitas is the next anime you should be watching. The shows makes sure to add in something for everyone: action, romance, comedy, etc. It's a modern vampire series that you shouldn't miss out on.

    214 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

    subscription

  • Trinity Blood
    • Photo:

    Premiered: 2005

    Premise: Trinity Blood is a science fiction/fantasy anime set 900 years after a war between humans and vampires. The series follows Abel Nightroad, a Crusnik (a vampire that feeds on other vampires), as he works for the Vatican to maintain the fragile peace between humans and the vampire Methuselah race.

    Why It's Great: The overall concept of Trinity Blood is enough to entice a watch, but its the way that the themes are blended together that make fans stay. Additionally, the animation is pretty good considering the time period in which it was made. If you enjoy Hellsing, you should definitely give this a try.

    2,217 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

    subscription

  • Vampire Knight

    Premiered: 2008

    Premise: Vampire Knight is a supernatural romance anime that follows Yuki Cross, a human girl who was adopted by the headmaster of a school that has both human and vampire students. The story explores the complex relationships between Yuki, the vampire prefects who protect the school, and the two vampire brothers who both have feelings for her.

    Why It's Great: You can't deny that for many people, their affection for the vampire subgenre all started with Vampire Knight. While it may not be the most thought-provoking anime out there, for a lot of people its so bad that its good. This series is both a nice breather between all the other darker vampire concepts, and a nostalgic watch for many.

    8,446 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

    subscription

    free

  • Hellsing Ultimate

    Premiered: 2006

    Premise: Hellsing Ultimate is an action-packed anime about the Hellsing Organization, a secret British agency that fights supernatural threats, particularly vampires. The series centers around Integra Hellsing, the current leader of the organization, and her powerful vampire servant Alucard as they battle against a dangerous vampire sect.

    Why It's Great: Maybe you tried the original Hellsing anime but found yourself becoming uninterested - that's where Hellsing Ultimate comes in. The second series in the Hellsing franchise is a more polished version of the first, staying more truthful to the manga and still incorporating all the things that the first anime did right. The animation, production quality, and overall storytelling got a huge upgrade too.

    6,113 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    subscription

  • Diabolik Lovers
    • Photo:
      • Diabolik Lovers
      • Zexcs

    Premiered: 2013

    Premise: Diabolik Lovers is a dark romance anime about a young girl named Yui who is sent to live with a family of vampire brothers. The series explores the twisted relationships between Yui and the six Sakamaki vampire brothers as they vie for her affection.

    Why It's Great: Diabolik Lovers may not be the most romantic show around, but it might be one of the most iconic supernatural reverse harem anime out there. Whether you don't take this series seriously and watch it for a giggle, or think that the storytelling with tragic backstories was executed well, you're sure to enjoy this show if you give it a try.

    6,822 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Blood Lad

    Premiered: 2013

    Premise: Staz is a ruler of the demon world - except he wants nothing to do with the responsibility and only cares about his otaku hobbies. So when a human girl stumbles into his world and accidentally loses her life, Staz takes it upon himself to reverse the mess and learn more about humans.

    Why It's Great: You might not think a vampire lord could be relatable, but Staz definitely is - because he's a massive nerd. The comedic twist put to use in Blood Lad makes for a fun watch, and is even more enjoyable with the multiple references to other anime sprinkled throughout. If you want a good laugh, then Blood Lad should be next on your watchlist.

    4,132 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    subscription

  • Blood+
    • Photo:
      • Blood+

    Premiered: 2006

    Premise: A young woman named Saya is tasked with hunting down and destroying chiropteran, vampire-like creatures that feed on human blood. Aided by her mysterious blood brother Haji, Saya embarks on a journey to uncover her own past and the origins of the chiropteran threat.

    Why It's Great: Blood+ goes unnoticed by many people because it unfortunately faded from the spotlight, but if you're able to watch it, you can't miss out on this excellent action-packed series. The storytelling is done well and you're sure to feel connected to the characters whlle watching.

    2,603 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Black Blood Brothers
    • Photo:
      • Black Blood Brothers

    Premiered: 2006

    Premise: In an alternate 1960s where vampires live among humans, the Kowloon Bloodline, a powerful vampire clan, threatens the peace. Jiro Mochizuki, a powerful vampire known as the "Silver Blade," and his younger brother Kotaro must protect the human world from the Kowloon's sinister plans.

    Why It's Great: The vampires in Black Blood Brothers are extremely unique and engaging - they take an interesting twist on the traditional archetype, with vampires having different weaknesses and powers. Additionally, this series has the perfect amount of action without defaulting to gore in order to give it depth. Things are balanced well with entertaining aspects sprinkled in.

    1,611 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

    subscription

  • Shiki
    • Photo:
      • Shiki
      • Daume

    Premiered: 2010

    Premise: When a series of mysterious deaths occur in a small, isolated village, the residents begin to suspect that supernatural forces are at work. As the death toll rises, a group of villagers must confront the terrifying reality that their neighbors have become vampiric "Shiki" and fight to protect their community.

    Why It's Great: Shiki is the perfect anime for those who want the classic, creepy and horror filled vampire stuff. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart - you know its truly unsettling when the horror comes from the characters's actions and not the gore. It's a dark series that perfectly captures the spine-chilling aspects that vampires are traditionally known for.

    1,972 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Dance in the Vampire Bund
    • Photo:
      • Dance in the Vampire Bund
      • Shaft

    Premiered: 2010

    Premise: Mina Tepes, the 1000-year-old princess of the vampire race, has decided to reveal the existence of vampires to the human world and establish a special district for vampires called the Vampire Bund. She enlists the help of a young human bodyguard, Akira Kaburagi, to protect her and her people as they navigate this new era of coexistence.

    Why It's Great: What Dance in the Vampire Bund does well is that the politics and world of vampires goes straight into detail. It makes for an engaging story and world building for any fan to enjoy. Be warned though, that some watchers have raised eyebrows due to the use of lolicon. If you're able to push past that and focus on the thought-out politics, then this is an anime you can truly enjoy.

    2,550 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Rosario + Vampire
    • Photo:

    Premiered: 2008

    Premise: Rosario + Vampire follows Tsukune Aono, an ordinary high school student who enrolls in a school for monsters in order to continue his education. He befriends the beautiful vampire Moka Akashiya and must navigate the challenges of attending a school filled with supernatural creatures while keeping his humanity a secret.

    Why It's Great: Don't write this off just because it's a harem anime - there are a lot of elements in this series that are worthy of praise. It takes a less serious approach to vampires, which keeps the supernatural aspects but creates an easier watching experience. The characters are easy to love and have impressive arcs throughout the show.

    4,793 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Karin
    • Photo:
      • Karin
      • J.C.Staff

    Premiered: 2005

    Premise: Karin is a romantic comedy anime about a young vampire girl named Karin Maka who has the unique ability to produce excess blood instead of drinking it. She must deal with her eccentric vampire family and the challenges of her unusual condition.

    Why It's Great: The reverse-vampire feature in Karin alone makes this a stand-out in the vampire subgenre. Not only is it unique, but it also creates a whole new world to explore with vampires. The romance within the show is also done well, and fans find themselves rooting for the couple early on in the series.

    1,855 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Blood-C
    • Photo:
      • Blood-C
      • Production I.G

    Premiered: 2011

    Premise: Blood-C centers around Saya Kisaragi, an outwardly normal high school girl who is secretly a skilled swordswoman tasked with defeating monstrous creatures known as Elder Bairns that feed on human blood. As her battles intensify, Saya begins to uncover disturbing truths about herself, her town, and her surviving friends.

    Why It's Great: Not to be confused with Blood+, - another vampire anime with a protagonist named Saya - Blood-C is a gorier vampire series that's highly enjoyable if you like your content bloody. It doesn't overcomplicate the storyline, and just expands on its premise enough to make it easily digestible for all audiences.

    928 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Vampire Hunter D
    • Photo:
      • Vampire Hunter D
      • Ashi Productions, Studio Live

    Premiered: 1985

    Premise: In a post-apocalyptic future overrun by vampires, a mysterious half-vampire bounty hunter named D is hired to rescue a noble's daughter from a powerful vampire lord. D must use his formidable skills and supernatural abilities to battle the undead and protect his client.

    Why It's Great: Sometimes you don't want to commit to an entire episodic series - that's where Vampire Hunter D comes in. It incorporates the dark aspects of the usual vampire subgenre and uses an engaging storyline, but does so in a film so that you can finish the story in one sitting.

    49 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Bakemonogatari
    • Photo:

    Premiered: 2009

    Premise: Bakemonogatari is a supernatural mystery anime that follows Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who survives a vampire attack and subsequently encounters various girls afflicted by supernatural oddities, which he tries to help resolve.

    Why It's Great: The Monotagari series is a hit for a reason. The characters and their interactions together are extremely well-done, making them engaging and easy to love. The action sequences are also impressive and keep the attention of viewers from beginning to end. Bakemonogatari is the first installment to the series and a great way to get started.

    445 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    subscription

  • Vassalord
    • Photo:
      • Vassalord
      • Production I.G
    21

    Vassalord

    Premiered: 2013

    Premise: A cyborg vampire named Charley finds himself in partnership with vampire playboy Johnny Rayflo. While they sometimes butt heads, the duo work together to go against enemies, and Charley fights against his craving for blood.

    Why It's Great: This supernatural BL is unlike any other on this list. Cyborg vampire? Sign us up. The world of Vassalord is one-of-a-kind and this incredibly interesting duo is no exception.

    754 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • NightWalker: The Midnight Detective
    • Photo:
      • Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective
      • AIC

    Premiered: 1998

    Premise: A private investigator named Shido is a vampire who uses his powers to solve supernatural cases. He struggles to maintain his humanity while working with a female police officer to protect the city from dangerous paranormal threats.

    Why It's Great: The best part about NightWalker is that it's a series where you can jump around with episodes and watch them in random orders. Since it's a detective anime, there's many different cases and mysteries to watch Shido solve. Adding in the vampire element only enhances the watching experience.

    554 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase
    • Photo:
      • Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase
      • Shaft
    23

    Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase

    Premiered: 2004

    Premise: Freelance photographer Kohei Morioka encounters a young vampire girl named Hazuki, who claims him as her servant after biting him. Despite their constant bickering, Kohei and Hazuki form an unlikely bond as they fend off attacks from other vampires determined to retrieve her.

    Why It's Great: Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase is great for those who like the idea of vampires but don't want the dark vibe that is usually paired with them. This series makes their supernatural beings cuter, more endearing characters than the usually blood-suckers. But it's more than just cutesy characters - it's serious when it needs to be and develops on its characters effectively.

    926 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Premiered: 1997

    Premise: Miyu is a young girl who was chosen to become a "Shinma," a powerful supernatural being. She must hunt down and return rogue Shinma to the other world, assisted by her companion Larva, while struggling with her own dark powers.

    Why It's Great: Nostalgia, good pacing, and dark aesthetics all blend togehter perfectly to create Vampire Princess Miyu. This OVA is only four episodes long, so you can jump into it without the long-term commitment.

    686 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Undead Murder Farce
    • Photo:
      • Undead Murder Farce

    Premiered: 2023

    Premise: A group of high school students find themselves trapped in a school overrun by zombies, and must use their wits and skills to survive the undead onslaught.

    Why It's Great: As one of the more modern supernatural anime, it does the genre justice. While making sure to pay tribute to the already beloved tropes, this series also incorporates mystery elements and keep fans on their toes.

    33 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

    subscription

  • JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
    • Photo:
      • JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

    Premiered: 1993

    Premise: The Joestar family is cursed with a supernatural bloodline that grants them powerful abilities known as "Stands." Each generation of Joestars must use their Stands to battle against evil forces that threaten the world, often in outlandish and fantastical ways.

    Why It's Great: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is an iconic anime series for good reason. With incredible fight scenes, unique characters and an art style that you won't find anywhere else, the vampire element within this show only adds on to an already amazing foundation.

    742 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

    subscription

    free

  • The Vexations of a Shut-in Vampire Princess
    • Photo:
      • The Vexations of a Shut-in Vampire Princess

    Premiered: 2023

    Premise: Three years into her life as a shut-in, vampire Terakomari Gandesblood awakens to find she's been appointed as a Commander in the Mulnite Imperial Army, despite her refusal to drink blood making her scrawny, uncoordinated, and inept at magic. With the odds stacked against her, Komari must rely on the help of her maid Vill to blunder her way to success and avoid rueing the day she ever left the safety of her room

    Why It's Great: The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess is a great vampire anime because it takes the classic vampire tropes and subverts them with a hilarious and endearing protagonist who is a weak, shut-in vampire princess. The story is filled with engaging characters, exciting action, and a unique premise, making for a compelling and entertaining vampire-themed narrative.

    23 votes
    Agree or disagree?

    featured

  • Tsukihime, Lunar Legend
    28

    Tsukihime, Lunar Legend

    Premiered: 2003

    Premise: Shiki Tohno, a high school student, discovers he has the ability to see lines of death on all things, and becomes entangled in a supernatural conflict involving vampires.

    Why It's Great: As an adaptation of a popular light novel, its no surprise that Tsukihime, Lunar Legend - also known as Lunar Legend Tsukihime - has gotten acclaim. It's not an exact adaptation, but it does capture the characters and storylines that original fans love.

    811 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • A Dark Rabbit Has Seven Lives
    • Photo:
      • A Dark Rabbit Has Seven Lives
      • Zexcs
    29

    A Dark Rabbit Has Seven Lives

    Premiered: 2011

    Premise: A high school student named Yuji Kagami is killed in a traffic accident, but is revived as a rabbit-eared immortal being with seven lives.

    Why It's Great: You can't deny that A Dark Rabbit Has Seven Lives has a strong plot and concept. To add on, the animation is stunning, and keeps your attention during the series's slower points.

    302 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • 30

    Tokimeki Tonight

    Premiered: 1982

    Premise: Ranze Onodera, a normal high school girl, discovers that her family are actually vampires, and she must navigate her newfound supernatural identity.

    Why It's Great: Are you a fan of retro anime? Then Tokimeki Tonight is perfect for you. Even with its earlier premiere date, its production and plot still live up to today's standard and is an anime that shouldn't be left to fall into obscurity.

    310 votes
    Agree or disagree?
  • Master of Mosquiton
    • Photo:
      • Master of Mosquiton
      • Zero-G Room
    31

    Master of Mosquiton

    Premiered: 1996

    Premise: Inaho Hitotsubashi, a young woman, inherits a cursed sword that summons a powerful vampire named Mosquiton, who becomes her reluctant protector.

    Why It's Great: The interesting setting and funny characters are the selling point of this anime. 1920s London and Shanghai aren't found in many anime, which adds to the one-of-a-kind value of Master of Mosquiton. It's a quirky OVA that is a fun watch if you're a supernatural anime fan.

    346 votes
    Agree or disagree?