Vampires could pick any city in the world to live in, but they keep choosing to reside in New York, at least according to the unusually high number of vampire movies set in the city. But it makes sense that NYC would be an attractive homebase to the undead. Between the active nightlife, the anonymity, and the ample “food” supply, NYC has everything a vampire would need. Not to mention, New York is a city full of weirdos and people pretending that they don’t notice said weirdos, so vampires needn’t worry about standing out. All this to say, if you’re looking for vampire movies set in New York City, there are plenty to choose from. I won’t list them all because, subjectively, some are better than others to me, but here are a few NYC vampire movies that I think are worth watching this spooky season.
Vampire in Brooklyn
If you prefer vampires that’ll make you laugh rather than make you hide under your bed, then this 1995 cult classic is for you. Eddie Murphy puts on a hilarious performance as a vampire on the hunt for a mate, kind of like an undead Coming to America. Aside from wheezing with laugher, you’ll also be wondering how the heck they convinced Angela Bassett to star in this goofy movie.
Vampire’s Kiss
There is nothing I could say that could prepare you for the experience of watching Vampire’s Kiss for the first time, but keep in mind that this 1988 comedy has been dubbed “the craziest Nicolas Cage movie of all time.” For an hour and 43 minutes, watch in awe as Cage descends into madness after being bitten by a woman in bed and subsequently believing that he’s turning into a vampire. By the end of the movie, Cage’s character will annoy you much that you’ll want to put him out of his misery yourself.
Vampires vs. The Bronx
Is it vampires or is it gentrification? Vampires vs. The Bronx goes hand in hand with Alyssa Cole’s book, “When No One is Watching,” using the supernatural and spooky to make a commentary on the accelerated changes happening in communities of color all over New York.
Are there any other NYC vampire movies that you resurrect every spooky season? Share them in the comment section.
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