An adaptation of: Dracula by Bram Stoker, but also of the first Nosferatu film from 1922, directed by F.W. Murnau
Synopsis: Similar to its 1920s predecessor, this is not a direct adaptation of the original novel (in fact, the 1920s version was famously an unauthorized but well-executed copy). It condenses the main cast of characters to primarily Jonathan, his wife (who is Lucy in this version, not Mina), and Dracula himself.
After Jonathan’s visit to Transylvania, Dracula travels to Jonathan’s hometown of Wismar, Germany with the intention of seducing his wife, Lucy. He brings along the plague on his ghost ship, as well as countless rats. (If you get the chance to learn about the making of this movie, do it.) Lucy discovers that something other than the plague is afflicting the town, but nobody believes her.
Julia’s take: I adore this film. (Writing about it is making me want to rewatch it tonight!) It is undoubtedly a more artistic and European adaptation compared to other movies on this list, so if that is the kind of movie you enjoy, I highly recommend watching it. It is absolutely stunning, starring the remarkable Klaus Kinski as Dracula and the beautiful, ethereal, incredible, show-stopping Isabelle Adjani as Lucy.
Where to watch it: Watch it for free on Tubi or Peacock!
