Best Vampire Anime of All Time? Vampires have been a continually popular genre for the last couple of decades. Maybe it’s their lore, blood-sucking, coffin dwelling, or sometimes deathly fear of garlic, crosses, and sharp pointy stakes? No matter the form they take we can’t seem to get enough of them, so here is our list of the Top 20 Best Vampire Anime of All Time!
As humans, we have always had a fear of what could lurk in the dark. And Bram Stoker’s original vision of the literary vampire seems to capture this fear well, monsters disguised as humans. There are few supernatural creatures more adored, more impressive, and popular. So in my Top 20 Best Vampire Anime of All Time, we will have many vampires from the monsters who long to be human again, to the vampires that just think of us as their next meal and every other vampire in between.
Here are the best 20 anime about vampires in no particular order that include not only a blood-sucking good time but beautiful animation, strong plots, and complex characters, for vampire anime fans!
20. Dance in the Vampire Bund
- Studios: Shaft
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Winter 2010
Dance in the Vampire Bund is a vampire anime that tries to explore its theme to its fullest to create a plot that is entertaining, surprising and examines how socially divided we are.
Plot Summary
For millennia, Mina Tepes, the princess-ruler of all vampires, has had to live in hiding with the rest of her kind. Tired of the isolation, she uses the vast wealth of her family line to pay off the entire national debt of Japan and build a special haven district for vampires off the coast of Tokyo.
This district, known as “The Bund”, is a step towards Mina’s wish for humans and vampires to live with each other’s existences. But human terrorists and extremist vampire factions wish to put a stake in Mina’s plans — and Mina herself. Now it’s up to this bloodsucking princess and her loyal werewolf protector, Akira, to keep The Bund intact from these attackers.
Dance in the Vampire Bund is an anime with a lot going for it from the way it uses vampire myth and other supernatural elements, action, romance and philosophy makes it an anime worth trying even for non-obsessed vampire anime fans.
19. Ms. vampire who lives in my neighborhood.
Tonari no Kyuuketsuki-san
- Studios: Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Fall 2018
Ms. vampire who lives in my neighborhood. is a vampire anime that is different in how it approaches its theme instead of mystery, horror, action and suspense. We get a nice slice of life, yuri, Shoujo Ai and a bit of supernatural element.
Plot Summary
High school girl Akari was lost in a forest where she was rescued by a vampire girl named Sophie. Since then, Akari has developed a liking for Sohpie, who prefers to be alone.
Ms. vampire who lives in my neighborhood. is an anime that does not take itself too seriously that makes fun of itself and otaku culture rather than a serious plot. It will definitely put a smile on your face, that is a relaxing and refreshing take for a theme with a usually bloody darker tone.
18. Noblesse: Awakening
- Studios: Production I.G
- Episodes: ONA
- Aired: February 4th, 2016
Noblesse: Awakening was a long overdue anime for fans of the manhwa series of the same name and was a setup for the later 13 episodes anime television series that would come out 4 years later.
Plot Summary
He awakens. For 820 years he has slumbered with no knowledge of humanity’s advancements and scientific achievements. The land which he once knew has become an unfamiliar place with new technologies, attitudes, and lifestyles.
Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, Rai, while seeking to familiarize himself with this era, somehow locates a loyal servant of his, Frankenstein, who is currently the principal of a South Korean high school. Rai decides that this high school would be the perfect place to help him learn about the unknown world.
He enrolls, and suddenly becomes the friend of Shinwoo, an immature teenager who is also a master martial artist. But this unknown world is no safer than the old, and the dignified, bewildered, technologically illiterate Rai finds himself caught up in adventures both hilarious and dangerous.
Noblesse: Awakening is a 30 minute long ONA that is quite enjoyable to watch that felt like a bishie vampire anime series to me at least but without the annoying parts and made me try out the manhwa. It definitely has a bit for everyone.
17. Servamp
- Studios: Brain’s Base, Platinum Vision
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Summer 2016
Servamp is a vampire anime that seems like your usual shounen anime but it was more than that. It is an anime that strangely grew on me a bit.
Plot Summary
When a stray black cat named Kuro crosses Mahiru Shirota’s path, the high school freshman’s life will never be the same again. Kuro is, in fact, no ordinary feline, but a servamp – a servant vampire. While Mahiru’s personal philosophy is one of non-intervention, he soon becomes embroiled in an ancient, altogether surreal conflict between vampires and humans.
Servamp is a beautifully coloured series with surprising depth now and then in the story, while still being amusing and funny all at once. It’s enjoyable.
16. Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu
Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-Hen
- Studios: Shaft
- Episodes: Movie
- Aired: January 8, 2016
Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu is a three-part movie and all of them are great and it’s an anime movie that has all the artistic concepts, the quality animation, great music, some hilarious fan service sprinkled on top and of course the amazing plot.
Plot Summary
Koyomi Araragi, a second-year high school student at Naoetsu High School, befriends Tsubasa Hanekawa, the top honours student at his school. Tsubasa mentions a rumour about a “blonde vampire” that has been sighted around their town recently. Koyomi, who is usually anti-social, takes a liking to Tsubasa’s down-to-earth personality. That evening, Koyomi encounters this rumoured vampire: she is Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade, also known as the “King of Apparitions.” The blonde, golden-eyed vampire cries out for Koyomi to save her as she lies in a pool of her own blood, all four of her limbs having been cut off by three vampire hunters. Kiss-shot asks Koyomi to give her his blood in order to save her life, and when he does, Koyomi finds himself reborn as her vampire subordinate. – Wiki
Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu is a vampire anime that’s a masterpiece in every form of the word. It serves as a prequel to the main series Bakemonogatari. If you haven’t seen this movie, then give it a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
15. Blood Lad
- Studios: Brain’s Base
- Episodes: 10 + OVA
- Aired: Summer 2013
Blood Lad is a vampire-themed anime that is less grim and more entertaining. Handling and balancing its plot of vampires, other supernatural and fanservice well.
Plot Summary
Staz is the vampire boss of a section of the demon world, but he has little interest in human blood. He’s more infatuated with Japanese culture. When he learns that Yanagi Fuyumi, a Japanese teenage girl, accidentally wanders into the demon city, he jumps to the occasion. However, while Staz deals with an intruder on his turf, the oblivious Fuyumi is killed by a monster and becomes a wandering ghost. The disappointed Staz vows to her he will bring Fuyumi back to life.
Blood Lad doesn’t give too much away, leaving us the viewers to make the connections and fill in the dots between characters and places which really adds to its mysterious level and leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Even though it is a simple and fun show to watch.
14. Vampire Princess Miyu
Kyuuketsuhime Miyu (TV)
- Studios: AIC
- Episodes: 26 + OVA
- Aired: Fall 1997
Vampire Princess Miyu is a vampire anime though seeming repetitive at first glance is a series with brilliant character study, action, and a perfect moody dark feel to it.
Plot Summary
Miyu is an eternally youthful vampire princess. She is the Guardian, whose duty it is to return the Shinma – god demons that prey on humans – to the dark. Her only companion and protector is Larva, a Western Shinma who is bound to serve her. Together, they hunt stray Shinma across Japan.
Vampire Princess Miyu’s plot was very realistic showing how not everyone got what they deserved or wanted. The art style and soundtracks are pretty amazing too, but this anime is definitely for the patient among us.
13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Studios: ufotable
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: Spring 2019
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is another amazing shounen vampire anime on our list that has a fantastic animation. An excellent series with an easy-to-follow plot and not full of overly complex emotional characters.
Plot Summary
Tanjiro is the eldest son in a family that has lost its father. Tanjiro visits another town one day to sell charcoal but ends up staying the night at someone else’s house instead of going home because of a rumour about a demon that stalks a nearby mountain at night. When he goes home the next day, tragedy is waiting for him.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is not your typical themed type of vampire, that may suffer from some pacing and poor character development but despite all of that is hugely entertaining, especially for vampire anime fans who love their aesthetics.
12. Black Blood Brothers
- Studios: Group TAC
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Fall 2006
Black Blood Brothers is a short, hilarious and action-packed vampire anime series that didn’t leave you guessing and speculating on fan theories in a good way.
Plot Summary
During a war called the Hong Kong Crusade, an Old Blood vampire, Jiro Mochizuki, a.k.a. the Silver Blade, fought and defeated the Kowloon king and most of the Kowloon Children. Ten years later, Jiro heads to Hong Kong with his younger brother, Kotaro Mochizuki, hoping to reach The Special Zone, a thriving secret city where Vampires live- (which is separate from the human civilized parts of the city). They soon realize that a plan to infiltrate the Special Zone is being hatched by the Kowloon Children survivors. As they travel to The Special Zone, Jiro encounters enemies from the past and new threats that may endanger the safety of the Special Zone including the citizens. Kotaro’s abduction, by one of the Kowloon Children, thrusts him even further into the battle. Along the way, he meets a human girl named Mimiko.—Wiki.
Black Blood Brothers is an anime that was adapted straight from the light novel, it is fun and easy to follow the story, and it has vampires and cute adorable Kotarou. You should try it.
11. Chibi Vampire Karin
- Studios: J.C.Staff
- Episodes: 24
- Aired: Fall 2005
Chibi Vampire Karin is a good vampire anime for fans of the theme that also like romantic comedy anime, it’s the best of both worlds for them.
Plot Summary
Karin is a cute little girl who also is a vampire… with a twist. Once a month, she experiences intense bleeding from her nose – we’re talking gushers! She’s a vamp with blood to spare, so rather than stealing blood from humans she actually gives her blood to them. If done right, this can be an extremely positive experience that benefits the victim as much as the vampire. The problem is that Karin never seems to do things right!
Chibi Vampire Karin is a vampire anime that does not take itself seriously and it is better for it, instead, it focuses its attention on comedy, characters, fanservice, and colorful visuals. It is a series that is unusual and quirky and I like that about it.
Also Read:
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Top 25 Best Action Anime of All Time for Action Fans
9 Anime Movies Worth Watching And Not Appropriate For Younger Audiences
10. Castlevania
- Studios: Frederator Studios, Shankar Animation, Project 51
- Episodes: 22
- Aired: July 7th, 2017
Castlevania is a vampire anime that is gripping, hilarious, beautifully animated, dark, and moving. The characters are not one-dimensional, they all have their reasons they’re doing what they’re doing. Which really blurs the line between right and wrong and really makes you think.
Plot Summary
When his wife is burned at the stake after being falsely accused of witchcraft, the vampire Count Dracula declares all the people of Wallachia will pay with their lives. He summons an army of demons that overruns the country, causing the people to live lives of fear and distrust. To combat this, the outcast monster hunter Trevor Belmont takes up arms against Dracula’s forces, aided by the magician Sypha Belnades and Dracula’s dhampir son Alucard.—Wiki.
As a vampire anime series, Castlevania is a masterpiece, thanks to its animation, superb voice acting, character design and well-written plot.
9. Trinity Blood
- Studios: Gonzo
- Episodes: 24
- Aired: Spring 2005
Trinity Blood is a vampire anime series that incorporates a lot of ideas from a lot of anime we have loved and enjoyed over the past, and it is honestly better because of it. It has an engaging plot and for vampire anime fans that love character-driven stories; it ticks all the boxes.
Plot Summary
The background is in the distant future, a post-apocalyptic world after the destruction brought about by Armageddon. The war between humans (Terran) and vampires (Methuselah) continues, as a struggle between two factions: the Vatican and the New Human Empire.
Yet, amidst the bloodshed and violence, many desire a peaceful co-existence between the two species. However, standing between them and this goal is the Rosenkreuz Orden, a group of vampire extremists who manipulate the two sides and pit them against each other. To combat them, the Vatican special operations group “AX”, led by Cardinal Caterina, must use everything they have – even a vampire who preys on the blood of other vampires.
Like actual trinities to enjoy Trinity Blood, try reading the manga and light novels first because each adds its own dimension of the Trinity Blood universe, but as a stand-alone the anime is also pretty ok.
8. Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom
Hakuouki
- Studios: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 12 + OVA
- Aired: Spring 2010
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom is a vampire anime that mixes reality and imagination well in its plot to create a really amazing anime.
Plot Summary
Chizuru Yukimura heads to Kyoto to search for her father, finding herself attacked by madmen before members of the Shinsengumi who mistake her for a boy and take her into custody for interrogation cut them down. Upon learning that she is a girl and the daughter of a doctor who developed the Water of Life elixir that turns those that drink it into invincible blood-lusting berserkers called Rasetsu, the Shinsengumi decide to keep her as an aide in their search. In time, as the Shinsengumi aid the shogunate in the Bakufu, Chizuru develops a bond with the Shinsengumi and its aloof member Toshizo Hijikata. However, as time passes, Chizuru and Shinsengumi confront a mysterious faction who call themselves Oni (Demons) and that Chizuru is also an Oni with her father revealed to be experimenting on the Water of Life to create the Rasetsu to conquer humans.—Wiki.
Hakuoki is a reverse harem vampire anime with exceptional fight scenes, good-looking characters, humor, and history of the civil war times and the early era. It’s definitely not for every vampire fan but if you also like swordsmanship and history this is for you.
7. Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase
- Studios: Shaft
- Episodes: 25 + OVA
- Aired: Fall 2004
Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase is a vampire anime that charts its own course on what a vampire should be like which in their case is less dark and brooding but cute as a kitten with Moe aspects.
Plot Summary
When you come from a family of exorcists and mediums, you’re expected to have certain powers. But despite having a psychic lineage, Kouhei Midou can’t predict the future, nor can he see dead people. He’s powerless in every sense of the word. However, he thinks fast on his feet—and with a little help from his psychic cousin Seiji, he’s an amazing crime solver.
The mystery he wants to solve more than anything is his mother’s tragic disappearance. But it isn’t easy… especially in this world, where nothing is as it seems. Cats talk, blood-sucking vampires roam the earth, and monsters eat guys like Kouhei for breakfast. Can Kouhei survive this chaos long enough to find the mother that he’s lost?!
Tsukuyomi is for the vampire fan that wants something different, a casual romantic comedy, with cat-eared girls, little-sister type themes and lot lot of moe.
6. Kurozuka
- Studios: Madhouse
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Fall 2008
Kurozuka is a series I found captivating, it’s a vampire anime series about vampires, love, betrayal, and revenge. And even though the plot can confuse there is a story here, leaving you wondering what you should value more life or time.
Plot Summary
Escaping from a brother who had just ascended the throne, Yoshitsune, along with his servant, comes across a house in the middle of a desolate mountain. Oddly enough, only a young woman lives there, who seems to possess a very dark past. It a story of obsessive love and constant purse told over a 1000 year period.
Kurozuka is a great anime for the vampire fan that loves action, gore, cyberpunk, and being left thinking at the end.
5. Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign
Owari no Seraph
- Studios: Wit Studio
- Episodes: 24 + OVA
- Aired: Spring 2015
Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign is a vampire-themed anime I would recommend to beginners or people who have patients because it’s a slow burn type of plot that only gets more interesting gradually.
Plot Summary
One day, a mysterious virus appeared on Earth which killed every infected human over the age of 13. Vampires emerged from the world’s dark recesses and enslaved humanity. Enter Hyakuya Yuuichirou, a young boy, who along with the rest of the children from his orphanage, are treated as livestock by the vampires. Even in captivity, Yuuichirou dreams big. He dreams of killing vampires. He dreams of killing them all.
Most of the improvements to the show happen in the second season, but maybe that is how it’s supposed to be when you have a story to tell slow and steady build-up. It’s full of memorable fights and a variety of emotions that are sometimes relatable. It is serious for its own good sometimes but it is a memorable series.
4. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Vampire Hunter D (2000)
- Studios: Madhouse
- Episodes: Movie
- Aired: August 25th, 2000
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a gripping vampire anime film with artistic animation, suspense, action, and some of the best character development in a plot I have seen. And does better than the last movie.
Plot Summary
12,090 A.D. It is a dark time for the world. Humanity is just crawling out from under three hundred years of domination by the race of vampires known as the Nobility. The war against the vampires has taken its toll; cities lie in ruin, it fragmented the countryside into small villages and fiefdoms that still struggle against nightly raids by the fallen vampires and the remnants of their genetically manufactured demons and werewolves.
The story revolves around D, the infamous “dhampir” (born of a vampire father and a human mother) outcast and renowned vampire hunter. His prowess at hunting the creatures of the night allowing his acceptance among humans, they call him to locate Charlotte Elbourne, the lovely daughter of an affluent family who has been mysteriously kidnapped.
Vampire Hunter D is a vampire anime true and true with gothic themes, gore, beauty and shows vampires as both physically strong but emotionally weak beings. Which is always fun to watch and analyze.
The Best Vampire Anime of All Time Honorable Mentions
Bakemonogatari
- Studios: Shaft
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: Summer 2009
Princess Resurrection (Kaibutsu Oujo)
- Studios: Madhouse
- Episodes: 25 + OVA
- Aired: Spring 2007
Vampire Knight
- Studios: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 13
- Aired: Spring 2008
Vassalord
- Studios: Production I.G
- Episodes: OVA
- Aired: March 15th, 2013
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (TV))
- Studios: David Production
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: Fall 2012
Bonus Round of The Best Vampire Anime of All Time
Rosario + Vampire (Rosario to Vampire)
- Studios: Gonzo
- Episodes: 13
- Aired: Winter 2008
UQ Holder! (UQ Holder!: Mahou Sensei Negima! 2)
- Studios: J.C.Staff
- Episodes: 12 + OVA
- Aired: Fall 2017
Strike the Blood
- Studios: SILVER LINK., Connect
- Episodes: 24 + OVA
- Aired: Fall 2013
Renkin San-kyuu Magical? Pokaan
- Studios: Remic
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: Spring 2006
3. Blood+
- Studios: Production I.G
- Episodes: 50
- Aired: Fall 2005
Blood+ is one of the best vampire shounen anime with a superb plot and the animation still holds up till today, each episode is as good as the last. It’s a series that combines a lot of genres and they all still fit nicely together.
Plot Summary
It initially set the series in September 2005 in Okinawa City (Koza) on Okinawa Island near the US Kadena Air Base. Under the care of her adoptive family, the protagonist Saya Otonashi had been living the life of an anemic amnesiac, but otherwise ordinary schoolgirl. However, her happy life is shattered when she is attacked by a Chiropteran, a hematophagous bat-like creature that lives by feeding on human blood. Saya learns she is the only one who can defeat them, as her blood causes their bodies to crystallize and shatter. Armed with her special Katana, Saya embarks on a journey with her family, friends, allies, and her chevalier Haji, to rid the world of the Chiropteran threat and recover her identity. The course of the journey reveals the background history of the Chiropterans and Saya’s mysterious past, which extends into the mid-19th century. Over the course of the series, Saya travels across the world from Japan to Vietnam, Russia, France, and finally the United States.—Wiki.
Blood+ is a vampire anime that I think all vampire anime fans will love, it is a series filled with a lot of emotions, action, sadness and is sometimes an underrated anime that is one of the most beautiful anime ever.
2. Shiki
- Studios: Daume
- Episodes: 22 + OVA
- Aired: Summer 2010
Shiki is one of the best vampire anime series on our list, it’s an anime I think vampire anime fans should recommend to non-vampire anime fans to try to get them to like the theme. The plot is great and the build-up though slow was very well done.
Plot Summary
The story takes place on a hot summer in the nineties, in a small quiet village called Sotoba. A series of mysterious deaths spread in the village, when a strange family moves into the long-abandoned Kanemasa mansion. Toshio Ozaki, dean of the only hospital in Sotoba, initially suspects an epidemic. But as investigations continue and the deaths pile up, he becomes convinced that they are the work of the undead plaguing the village. A young man named Natsuno Yuuki, who hates living in the village, is pursued and surrounded by death.
Shiki is a vampire anime that is interestingly haunting and is a story that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled by. Using a small village to look at how we as humans try to ignore our problems.
1. Hellsing Ultimate
- Studios: Madhouse, Satelight, Graphinica
- Episodes: OVA
- Aired: February 10th, 2006
No, the best vampire anime list would be complete without mentioning Hellsing Ultimate. It’s mind-bogglingly, thrilling, and dark. It really has some fantastic concepts about vampires that I really liked. The women also are not your usual damsel in distress you sometimes get in this type of series but capable.
Plot Summary
Vampires exist. It is the duty of Hellsing, an organization sponsored by the British government, to hide that frightening fact and protect the blissfully unaware populace. Along with its own personal army, Hellsing also has a few secret weapons. Hellsing has controlled Alucard, an incredibly powerful vampire, for years. Although he dislikes being a servant to the Hellsing family, he certainly enjoys his job as Hellsing’s vampire exterminator. Seras is a fledgling vampire and a former policewoman. Although reluctant to embrace her new self, she is still a valuable member of the organization. Integra Hellsing, the current leader, is usually fully capable of fulfilling her duty, but lately, vampire activity has been on the rise. Unfortunately, the cause is more alarming than anything she could have imagined. A group long thought dead has been plotting in secret since their apparent destruction over 50 years ago. Plotting to plunge England, and perhaps the entire world, into war.
Hellsing Ultimate is a series you have to watch though without being overly technical about it to enjoy. It plot is action-packed and interesting, characters are memorable and wicked cool overall. You should definitely watch.
So with that, we are done! Did any of the anime on the list make you nostalgic? Did you see any new anime to add to your watch list? Or have you watched them? And what did you think of them? Or is there one anime you thought I missed? I would like to read your thoughts in the comment section below.
Till next time…Have a Fangastic week!
