As the sun sets and darkness envelops the sky, a realm of bloodthirsty creatures awakens, piquing the interest of anime fans around the globe.
With their alluring stories and enigmatic characters, these timeless tales never lose their appeal.
We’ve compiled a list of 20 evergreen vampire anime series that should be on every fan’s watchlist.
From gothic horror to modern urban legends, prepare to be mesmerized by the realm of the undead.
So, dim the lights, grab some garlic, and let’s dive into the world of vampire anime.
20 Best Animes With Vampires – Series & OVAs
20. Hellsing
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 13
- Watch On: Netflix
One of the coolest and most horrifying anime series ever made, Hellsing has in-depth storytelling and super-detailed art.
The series is set in England and centers on a secret government organization called “The Hellsing Organization” which fights against supernatural threats such as vampires and werewolves.
The main character, Alucard, is an undead vampire who hunts other vampires to protect mankind.
One of the most popular vampire animes on Netflix among those who like a touch of horror in their anime.
19. Vampire Hunter D
- Runtime: 80 minutes
- Watch On: YouTube
Vampire Hunter D is one of the highest-rated vampire anime movies of all time. Too bad it didn’t get a full series, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it.
Based on the novel “Vampire Hunter D“ by Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D came out in 1985. The series follows a half-human and half-vampire who works as an exterminator of supernatural creatures.
The movie revolves around a young woman who gets bitten by a Vampire, and now her only way to survive is to hunt down a vampire named D.
This is one amazing fusion of gothic science fiction and period fantasy. And the parallel-running love story makes it the perfect romantic anime with vampires that keeps you glued to your TV until the very end.
18. Blood+
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 50
- Watch On: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
If you’re looking for a vampire girlfriend anime that will keep your attention from beginning to end, then this might be the one for you.
The show takes place in Okinawa, Japan where the protagonist, Saya Otonashi lives a happy regular school life with her adoptive family. Until a batlike monster known as Chiropterans assaults her, that’s when she realizes that she is something different.
And then the adventure begins as she decides with her buddies to clean the world of the Chiropterans.
Along with plenty of vampire hunting, there’s also a romance angle between the main character and his girlfriend (who happens to be a vampire), but the main theme is bloody action!
A perfect watch for a fun weekend.
17. Blood Lad
- Season(s): 1
- Episodes: 10
- Watch On: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Blood Lad is a dark comedy and action anime that follows the story of Mirai Kuriyama, a vampire who wants to return to the demon world.
After being separated from her mother at birth and raised by humans, she has now decided to go back with her father so that he can train her in how to use her powers and become an even better fighter. For this to work though, she must find out how many other vampires are living on Earth.
This question leads to another about why vampires exist at all (and not just because they’re hot). And while figuring that out, she’s also looking for answers about what exactly happened with her mother!
All these subplots are handled superbly well and make Blood Lad the perfect vampire anime to watch over the weekend.
16. Lupin the Third: The Gravestone of Daisuke Jigen
- Release Date: June 21, 2014
- Runtime: 51 minutes
- Watch On: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Jigen’s Gravestone is an OVA that is a spin-off of “Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine“. It has an action-packed storyline with lots of humor and violence. And if you’re looking for something similar to Vampire Hunter D, this might be right up your alley.
Jigen and Lupin want to steal the treasure called the Little Comet, which is located in East Doroa. During the Heist, Jigen almost got killed and now that same assassin wants to kill Lupin.
Will Lupin be able to save himself? You need to watch the series to know the answer.
15. Karin
- Season(s): 1
- Episodes: 24
- Watch On: GoGoAnime
This romantic anime with vampires isn’t easy to watch online. You can buy a TV set from Amazon, or you’ll have to use an ad-riddled platform like GoGoAnime.
But, it’s worth it. It is a rom-com anime series, and for the fans of this genre, this vampire anime is a must-watch.
The series was written by Aya Yamamoto and published by Kodansha Comics USA.
Karin, the middle child in the family of vampires, is a little unusual. She goes to school daily, sees herself in the mirror, and also goes out during daylight. Also, instead of drinking blood, Karin needs to inject it into others because she actually produces blood and a lot of it.
Karin’s unique vampire condition gets worse when a young boy, Kenta, transfers to her class.
14. Rosario + Vampire
- Season(s): 2
- Episode: 26
- Watch On: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Rosario + Vampire is an anime series first released in Japan in 2004. It has since been dubbed into English.
The plot follows Tsukune Aono (a boy who wants to become a doctor) as he becomes involved with Moka Akashiya (a cursed girl). Together they fight against monsters known as ‘Vampires‘.
This series has some of the best anime vampire characters with interesting personalities and backstories to boot. And their appearance makes them all feel like people you could actually meet at a party- even if they have fangs!
13. Dance in the Vampire Bund
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 12
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Dance in the Vampire Bund is a Japanese anime series created by Hideyuki Kikuchi.
The story follows Mina Tepes, who wants to rule over humans as their queen. She is the daughter of Dracula, and she was born with a special power. Her human servant, Akira, helps her out as he trains her in combat skills. The duo is preparing to fight off other vampires together when needed.
The plot- Akira loves Mina!
This is a great romantic anime with vampires. It has some great characters, but the protagonist, Mina, is the best- always trying something new or inventing something new and keeping viewers entertained.
12. Strike the Blood
- Season(s): 5
- Episodes: 24
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
If you are a fan of Blood and Vengeance, then this is the anime for you.
Strike the Blood is a high school anime series that follows the story of Hinata Shouyou, a descendant of the powerful vampire clan known as Kurgan.
He enrolls in an all-boys school where he meets three other descendants: Kei Shindou, a young man who lost his parents at an early age; Riki Naoe, another young man who can transform into any animal he wants; and Yuuma Amano, who was sent to infiltrate this school and steal its secrets.
The anime was produced by Silver Link and based on the light novel series by Gakuto Mikumo.
11. Diabolik Lovers
- Season(s): 1
- Episodes: 12
- Watch On: 9Anime
Diabolik Lover is a dark new vampire anime that revolves around Yui Komori, a teenage girl who is sent to live in a secluded mansion alone by her father.
However, the mansion isn’t what it was supposed to be. In the mansion, Yui meets the Sakamaki brothers- Shuu, Reji, Kanato, Laito, Subaru, and Ayato. The six brothers are vampires. And after spending a few days around them, Yui realizes that she has been sent here as a sacrificial bride.
After accepting her fate as a vampire bride, Yui continues living in the mansion. But everything changes when she gets kidnapped.
10. Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpuchō Tō
- Season(s): 2
- Episode: 26
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
If you’re looking for a supernatural anime with plenty of action and intensity, this is sure to satisfy your vampire cravings. This new vampire anime takes place in modern-day Tokyo, where a group of high school students teams up to investigate paranormal activities.
After discovering their supernatural powers, the group is tasked with hunting and purging dark forces while protecting ordinary citizens from vampires.
Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpuchō Tō features impressive CGI effects and Martial Arts-style fight scenes. The epic battles as the students take on powerful enemies are a visual treat for any anime fan. And the perfectly fitting soundtrack is a cherry on top.
9. Trinity Blood
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 24
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Trinity Blood is a post-apocalyptic anime series set in the distant future.
After a devastating war between humans and vampires, an uneasy peace has been established between the two factions. To sustain this peace, both sides must rely on vampire hunters called Crusaders, a group of elite individuals with special powers to battle against evil.
This gripping story follows crusader Abel Nightroad as he faces off against powerful enemies and strives to protect mankind from the daybreak of destruction.
While the tone of Trinity Blood can be quite dark, the series also features a great combination of comedy and drama that makes it an entertaining watch.
8. Vampire Knight
- Season(s): 2
- Episode: 26
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Based on the manga of the same name, Vampire Knight anime is an iconic anime series. It first aired in Japan on April 8, 2008, and since then, it has gained immense popularity.
The story begins with Yuki’s earliest memory of being saved by Kaname Kuran, a vampire. Fast forward 10 years and Yuki discovers that her childhood friend, Zero, has succumbed to a vampire. Zero fought for 4 years, but later the vampire won.
The story takes a twist when a new student named Maria Kurenai comes into the story. And keeping the peace between humans and vampires becomes difficult for Yuki.
7. Seraph Of The End
- Season(s): 2
- Episode: 24
- Watch On: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
Seraph of the End is an exciting vampire anime on Hulu set primarily in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires rule. Humans are almost completely wiped out by a mysterious virus, with only twelve children remaining.
Led by Yuichiro Hyakuya and his friends, these children stage an ambitious escape from their vampire oppressors and set off on a thrilling adventure. But, they quickly discover that their post-apocalyptic world is filled with horrors and danger lurking around every corner.
The story follows Yuichiro and his companions as they take on their vampire opponents, other survivors of the apocalypse, and even worse creatures. Seraph of the End is one anime series sure to enthrall lovers of vampire fiction and classic story-telling alike.
6. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
- Season(s): 2
- Episode: 24
- Watch On: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Between the intricate world-building details and dynamic characters – especially the vampire antagonists that are scary yet sympathetic – The Ancient Magus’ Bride is sure to please fans of dark fantasy and spooky anime.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a mystical, romantic anime with vampires that tells the story of a young orphan girl called Chise Hatori.
After being sold by her adoptive family into slavery, she encounters Elias Ainsworth, an enigmatic sorcerer who takes her on as his apprentice. Chise learns to use her magic to fend off murderous creatures and sinister vampires, while Elias hustles to save Chise from danger.
As Chise practices her magic and learns more about Elias’ mysterious past, the two embark on an incredible fantasy adventure full of danger and romance.
5. Trinity Seven
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 12
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Trinity Seven is an action fantasy series that follows the story of Arata Kasuga and his seven beautiful mage tutors. When Arata activates the forbidden grimoire, he finds himself transported to a different world with a similar look.
In this new world, he gets replaced by his counterpart, Lilith Asami, who holds the title of Demon Lord. Together with Lilith, Arata learns the truth behind the vampire race that once lived in the demon lord’s kingdom.
Although this anime does not have any vampire characters, they do play a major role in setting up the premise. In addition to the action and magic, some dark themes like revenge and obsession make it an anime worth watching!
4. Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor
- Season(s): 2
- Episode: 26
- Watch On: Crunchyroll
Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor is the sequel to Darker Than Black.
It is quite an amazing yet simple anime series that follows the story of a mysterious contractor, Hei, who possesses supernatural powers. He uses those powers to complete missions for an unknown organization.
As the story proceeds, Hei’s superpowers get stolen, along with his Contractor status. So, he takes in Suo, a mysterious girl with otherworldly powers, and trains her to carry out his contracts.
This new vampire anime draws in viewers with its complicated plot lines and fantastic fight scenes, making for a great viewing experience.
3. Vampire Princess Miyu
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 26
- Watch On: 9Anime
‘Vampire Princess Miyu’ is a gothic horror story about a vampire/human hybrid girl, Miyu.
She is stuck between the human and demon realms and, because of her vampire powers, is tasked with hunting down all Shinma (god-demons) and sending them back to the abyss.
While sending others into the Darkness, Miyu’s inner demon yearns for the Darkness. But she cannot go home until she banishes all Shinma to the Darkness.
With an intense horror atmosphere, interesting characters, and a monster-of-the-day theme, it’s no surprise ‘Vampire Princess Miyu’ has earned its place as a classic anime with vampires.
2. His and Her Circumstances
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 26
- Watch On: Amazon Prime, Zoro.to
His and Her Circumstances is a classic romantic anime with vampires set primarily in high school!
Arima, the titular ‘Her,’ is actually a vampire from an ancient clan who loves drinking people’s blood. Although she tries to keep her true identity hidden, unfortunate circumstances mean that her secrets must eventually be revealed.
Arima’s plight is not a typical development; her tragic circumstance prompts viewers to really sympathize with the character and even root for her despite her unorthodox lifestyle.
As for the male lead, Yukino Miyazawa, he helps Arima hide her identity out of benevolence, which brings the two closer together.
1. Shiki
- Season(s): 1
- Episode: 24
- Watch On: Funimation
One of the best vampire anime series of all time, ‘Shiki’ tells the story of a rural village where life is idyllic and every other person knows every other.
The story takes a twist when Megumi Shimizu, dies of an unnamed illness. And summer brings up more deaths. The town’s doctor Toshio Ozaki feels a vampire lord is draining its citizens’ lives.
With thematic elements like mortality, death, and the sinister beings that lurk in the shadows, this series has all the classic trappings you’d expect from a vampire anime, but with a refreshingly modern twist.
The thrilling plot builds on twists and turns that will keep viewers enthralled until the climax.
Conclusion
Vampire anime is a huge genre of Japanese animation that focuses on the supernatural and often features vampires. There are many different types of animes with vampires, including shounen-ai (boylove), harem, and even survival horror anime.
If you’re looking for a great new series to add to your collection, check out these twenty titles!