Asking horror filmmakers about their favorite genre films can be insightful. It was recently revealed that Mike Flanagan is a fan of “Lake Mungo,” while Damien Leone favors “Black Christmas.” James Wan, known for his involvement in franchises such as “The Conjuring,” “Saw,” and “Insidious,” has curated a vampire-specific movie list on social media. The list includes both blockbuster hits and cult classics.
The list seems to be a nod to the upcoming 2024 release of “Salem’s Lot,” produced by Wan and directed by Gary Dauberman, a frequent collaborator in the “Conjuring” Universe. Wan also recommended the 1979 TV miniseries adaptation of “Salem’s Lot” directed by Tobe Hooper. The list features classics like the original “Dracula” with Bela Lugosi and the silent film “Nosferatu,” as well as cult favorites such as “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “Interview With the Vampire,” “Near Dark,” and “Fright Night” (presumably the 1985 original). The 1958 film “Horror of Dracula” starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing is also included as essential viewing.
Wan’s selections extend to more obscure choices, such as “The Night Stalker” (1972), “Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter,” “Vampire Circus,” “Vampire Lovers,” “Subspecies 2,” and “Planet of the Vampires.” “The Night Stalker,” a TV movie that introduced Carl Kolchak, an investigative journalist played by Darrin McGavin, influenced “The X-Files.” Three British films from the 1970s are also highlighted: “Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter,” from Hammer Studios, features a sword-wielding vampire hunter; “Vampire Circus” is set in a plague-stricken 19th century Serbian village; and “The Vampire Lovers” is based on the “Carmilla” narrative featuring Ingrid Pitt.
“Planet of the Vampires,” directed by Italian horror master Mario Bava, is a sci-fi horror film from 1965. “Subspecies 2,” or “Bloodstone: Subspecies II,” is a 1990s film from Full Moon featuring a vampire named Radu and notable stop-motion effects.
The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on James Wan’s recommendations and whether they plan to watch any of the films on his list.