Featured Audience Ratings

• Spencer S

  
  This version of Dracula is the first widely released film of the tale since the German Nosferatu. It does not take directly from the novel, written by Bram Stoker, and instead uses the stage play, which actor Bela Lugosi performed in before being cast in this MGM classic. Dracula here… More
  This version of Dracula is the first widely released film of the tale since the German Nosferatu. It does not take directly from the novel, written by Bram Stoker, and instead uses the stage play, which actor Bela Lugosi performed in before being cast in this MGM classic. Dracula here has never been so seminal, suave, and adamantly foreign. Unlike the hideous incarnation of the famed monster in Nosferatu, here Dracula wears beautiful black capes, has a legion of wives, and travels great distances only to appear in London under an assumed name to find his next victim. In attendance to the dark lord is an entranced lawyer named Renfield, played by the insanely creepy Dwight Frye, giving a performance that leaves an everlasting impression. Most of the film is made up of interesting performances, most notably of Lugosi himself, who took a criminally low wage in order to take on the role he first performed on stage. He even negotiated the rights for the play and book for the MGM. Lugosi is certainly enigmatic, many scenes showing penlights being shone into those dark orbs, brows lowered in mock irritation and sensuality. The way Lugosi uses his hands, his aura permeating every scene, whether flanked by fake spider webs, the foggy docks of the London harbor, the box at the theater, or one hand moving out of his wooden coffin, ready to strike. The two leads who portrayed victim Mina and her beau John were slightly annoying. Mina was susceptible to fainting spells, high pitched screams, and expressions of lost innocence while John's face only held the expressions of concern and horror. The atmosphere of the film was quite interesting, the vampire running throughout the cityscape, his influence over his victims and accomplice evident from the fear they showcased. The chase between the vampire and the famous Van Helsing wasn't as thrilling, years later, and the lack of sound was less off-putting than empty. This was one of two performances Lugosi had as Dracula, while also portraying characters like the vampire in other MGM films. His performance is one of the best in history, and there's no one else who can carry that heavy Hungarian drawl so many years later.

• Jeff "

  
  Dracula released in 1931 is probably the most famous version of Bram Stoker's classic work ever put on-screen. This is a brilliant piece of cinema in the early year's of the silver screen. Universal cemented itself as a leader in the horror genre, and released many classic… More
  Dracula released in 1931 is probably the most famous version of Bram Stoker's classic work ever put on-screen. This is a brilliant piece of cinema in the early year's of the silver screen. Universal cemented itself as a leader in the horror genre, and released many classic films that set the standards for many years to come. Dracula made Bela Lugosi a star and ultimately a horror icon of the classic era of film. Although often overshadowed by Boris Karloff, his performance here definitely is a much more in depth performance, as Lugosi brings charisma to the title character that Karloff didn't seem to have. I'm not saying that one is better than the other, all I'm saying is that Lugosi had a bit more screen presence and on-screen demeanor due to his larger speaking role. The film itself has a strong sense of atmosphere, which is key to build effective chills and suspense. This a flawless horror picture that stands out even today because the idea issi simple, yet due to Lugosi you are just captivated and mesmerized by his performance. There has been countless films based on Dracula, however this version along with Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film really stand out because they bring a great cast to tell the Bram Stoker classic which have made vampires such an integral part of the horror genre. Bela Lugosi is wonderful here and his hypnotic performance is among the greatest ever filmed. Dracula remains one of the best vampire films, and its influence on the genre is still apparent today. A definite must see for horror fans.

• KJ P

  
  Now this is what you call a classic! It's a film that you can watch over and over again, as long as you have patience, and become incredibly immersed in the acting, since there was absolutely no score, which kind of takes e out of it at times, and there seems to be a missing… More
  Now this is what you call a classic! It's a film that you can watch over and over again, as long as you have patience, and become incredibly immersed in the acting, since there was absolutely no score, which kind of takes e out of it at times, and there seems to be a missing element of suspense. Still, the story is fantastic and it's definitely one that has inspired the entire horror genre, and for that, I am totally in it's debt. The edited may be choppy for it's time, but the camerawork is far superior to even some of the films shot in todays day and age. I honesty commend the cinematographers of this film. "Dracula" is definitely one of the best horror classics out there!

• Tyler R

  
  1931 brings us the true definition of a vampire. Director Tod Browning presents another famous monster movie and introduces another classic monster, Dracula. The notable vampire is played by Bela Lugosi, another horror icon and he does a fantastic job in his role. Not only did Lugosi… More
  1931 brings us the true definition of a vampire. Director Tod Browning presents another famous monster movie and introduces another classic monster, Dracula. The notable vampire is played by Bela Lugosi, another horror icon and he does a fantastic job in his role. Not only did Lugosi present how we all interpret Dracula today, but he's failed to be outdone. Not one actor has played a vampire better than Lugosi. (If you say Robert Pattinson, you deserve to get hit with shovel.) There's just something really creepy about Lugosi in this. He has great screen presence and his line delivery is equally as terrifying. He has a lot of notable lines like "Children of the night...what music they make." In short, Bela Lugosi is awesome as Dracula. The main plot of the movie is a man goes to a castle for business matters and he comes across Dracula. That's part of the storyline, but we're also introduced to Van Helsing played by Edward Van Sloan. I know most people think of that one movie with Hugh Jackman when they think of Van Helsing, but I find this interpretation more interesting. He's a badass, but everything he does isn't forced like in the Hugh Jackman version. One thing I really enjoy about this movie is the really creepy atmosphere. Since this was the first horror movie made with actual sound, there's no music in the movie, but I think that the lack of music adds more tension to the parts where Dracula is doing his stuff. The art direction of the movie is another great plus to the movie. Dracula's castle has a strangely eerie feel to it and when Dracula makes his first appearance, you can just tell that the place he lives in is what represents who he is, mysterious and creepy. When this movie was first released, people who saw it in theaters were reportedly too terrified of what was going on in the movie and they left the theater. Compared to today's horror movies, it seems really tame, but I can see why people in 1931 were afraid of stuff like this. The climax of the movie is pretty tense and I do understand why it was such a big deal considering movies with sound were a new thing when this movie was made. With all of that being said, Dracula is a great horror classic that defined vampires for people. You know, the kinds that suck blood, are afraid of crucifixes and live in the darkness. NOT the ones that date teenage girls and sparkle in the sun.

• Zach B

  
  To look at this film with the eyes of someone who has grown up with horror films that had the advantage of hitting more nerves than a doctor, it is difficult to look at this film as a horror film. But, that should not suggest that this is a terrible film. Oh, no. No. No. In fact, to… More
  To look at this film with the eyes of someone who has grown up with horror films that had the advantage of hitting more nerves than a doctor, it is difficult to look at this film as a horror film. But, that should not suggest that this is a terrible film. Oh, no. No. No. In fact, to put it mildly, this is a great film and one that proves again that the time for great horror films was in the thirties to sixties and by Universal. The story of this film every living person knows of and that is a reason why this film does not have the punch it could have had. This film is one of pure influence on pop culture from the stander of a vampire to the way the character of Dracula is presented. As such, the images that made this film great have been bastardize over time. However, if you are able to block out the ways in which this film has been ruined, what you are left with is a film the is eerie, creepy, and sort of like watching a Nightmarish stage play. Tod Browning is probably the best man at the time to do this film. With the rise of horror films and Hollywood wanting to make an official version of Dracula (already in existence at the time was F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu), a typical director would have made a straight adaption which would be good, but would be compared to Nosferatu (granted, in the 1990's Francis Ford Coppola would go on to make another straight adaption). Basing this film on the stage play, what we get is a version of the tale that flows more easily, gives the impression that this is real, and provides people with a feel of eeriness. Granted, by today's standards, something like rubber bats being flown around the screen are aggravating and just ridiculous. But that is all part of the magic of the film: to make it seem more like it is on stage. With that in mind, Browning does a wonderful job with this film. Now, there is one thing I must talk about: Bela Lugosi's performance as the evil Count Dracula. Like with the direction, I am glad Lugosi did not have himself look like Max Shrek at all. While that look worked for Shrek, this Dracula works because he is presented as a typical man. Just like the random guy you will meet while walking down the road. Then you have Lugosi's voice that as now become a staple for all Dracula's: thick accent, slow speech, very charming. It is rumored and is a myth that Lugosi could not speak English during the making of this film. Well, that is kind of false seeing as how he lived in America for about a bloody decade. So, why did he make Dracula speak in the way he does? Simple: Dracula has spent years studying English, but rarely gets a chance to use it. Seeing as how he lives in Romania, he has to speak the native tongue in that area to get around. Same thing with his movements: creepy, a little nerve racking, and always disturbing. Even more when he fixes his eyes and the penlight shines in them. It is quite sad that I rarely hear anything about Dwight Frye's performance as Renfield. Next to Lugosi's, Frye's is the best in the entire film. The reason is due to how he changes on a dime from being insane to being completely normal. If anything, he is more disturbing than Dracula. Mainly with his cracked voice, his laugh, and the way he acts when describing what Dracula has offered him. Watching his performance is like meeting something of a real lunatic in today's age. As I said: pity he is not recognized enough anymore. This being a horror film, is it scary? No. Not at all. But is it a great film? Yes, due to the accomplishments it created in the horror genre, the impact it has left on people, and the way it set the stander for all Vampire films. Granted, this film is heavily outdated with some of the most overacting I have ever seen, but come on. This was made in the 1930's and most of these people (mainly the extras) were probably taken from the Broadway show. So, this was to be expected. But if this film has proven anything, it is that Bela Lugosi is still the true modern Dracula.

• Tim S

  
  As with Boris Karloff's role in Frankenstein, Dracula forever-defined Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula - something that brought him great fame and fortune yet haunted him through all of his career. Tod Browning's 1931 adaptation of the stage play was a big hit in the U.S.,… More
  As with Boris Karloff's role in Frankenstein, Dracula forever-defined Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula - something that brought him great fame and fortune yet haunted him through all of his career. Tod Browning's 1931 adaptation of the stage play was a big hit in the U.S., despite there being a superior version shot simultaneously in Spanish for the foreign market. Dwight Frye's portrayal of Renfield has never been more creepy and Edward Van Sloan as Van Helsing has rarely been beaten. This film is so beautiful to look at despite its age, and it's one that continues to play regularly in my home every Halloween.

• Lee ?

  
  You may chuckle at the sight of the fake looking bats and the over-theactrical acting, you may even nod off due to the slow-pacing, but this film is an undeniable classic and highly influencial on the horror genre. It may have lost its scare appeal but it does retain its eerie gothic… More
  You may chuckle at the sight of the fake looking bats and the over-theactrical acting, you may even nod off due to the slow-pacing, but this film is an undeniable classic and highly influencial on the horror genre. It may have lost its scare appeal but it does retain its eerie gothic atmosphere.

• Michael E

  
  bela lugosi did a fantastic job as dracula but this movie was such a disappointment. now ive read the book before and the whole movie just fell flat to me. Now it wasnt terrible ive seen worse but this movie is just not that entertaining to sit down and watch

• AJ V

  
  Lugosi's famous role, Dracula, will never be played this way again. He is brilliant, and this movie is spectacular. I love it.

• danny d

  
  this classic never gets old, and in fact seems to become even more charming with time. so simple, but highly entertaining, the film contains perfect characterizations and a short and manageable running time. this will forever be a horror staple.

• Chris W

  
  Ah yes, along with the two Frankenstein films by James Whale, this is one of the most important and influential horror films not only of its time, but all time. This is really Lugosi's show,providing the characterization that has basically become the definitive one any time… More
  Ah yes, along with the two Frankenstein films by James Whale, this is one of the most important and influential horror films not only of its time, but all time. This is really Lugosi's show,providing the characterization that has basically become the definitive one any time someone mentions or thinks of Dracula-from the look to the mannerisms, and voice. Dwight Frye is also very good as the maniacial Renfield, given the second best performance of the film. This is more of a chiller than a gruesome slasher type film. It's creepy, atmospheric, moody, and has a very ethereal quality about it. All of this is supported by great art direction, set design, lighting, and the absence of music. This was one of the first sound films, and, aside from the titles, there's no other music, and very little other sound, save for dialogue and some of the sound effects. This adds to the atmosphere, but also makes it hard to sit through. Indeed, considering its length, this is a slow film, and I'll admit i had a hard time getting through it. Despite all that though, this is one of those films that is required viewing hands down.

• Conner R

  
  For its time, it is great. While I am not a fan of Bela Lugosi's Dracula at all, the rest of the film is almost flawless. Renfield was always the creepiest character, his eyes and crazy make-up is just so bizarre. The look and style is still amazing to this day. It is perfectly… More
  For its time, it is great. While I am not a fan of Bela Lugosi's Dracula at all, the rest of the film is almost flawless. Renfield was always the creepiest character, his eyes and crazy make-up is just so bizarre. The look and style is still amazing to this day. It is perfectly outfitted in the gothic tone.

• Randy T

  
  The genesis of Universal's classic horror era, Todd Browning's <i>Dracula</i> has, sadly, not withstood the test of time quite as well as it's namesake. Even so, Lugosi's performance is nothing short of iconic and is still considered the definitive… More
  The genesis of Universal's classic horror era, Todd Browning's <i>Dracula</i> has, sadly, not withstood the test of time quite as well as it's namesake. Even so, Lugosi's performance is nothing short of iconic and is still considered the definitive personification of what a vampire is supposed to be. This might be the most influential film ever made.

• Phil H

  
  The original classic, this is beautiful stuff, Lugosi is awesome and the look is terrific. Its not really sexy as some Dracs are but the acting is just great. There's just something about the old black and white horror flicks.

• Universal D

  
  one of a kind, genre producing, life affirming, low on calories, and good for your liver, what more could you ask for?

• Jason S

  
  A classic of horror. It still works after all these years and I think it comes off more frightening than a lot of modern day re hashes.

• Chris G

  
  The first great Universal monster movie Dracula stars Bela Lugosi as the Count in the classic Bram Stoker tale of his trip to England, seduction of women and confrontation with Van Helsing. Directed by Tod Browning, who would go on and direct the equally impressive Freaks, Dracula… More
  The first great Universal monster movie Dracula stars Bela Lugosi as the Count in the classic Bram Stoker tale of his trip to England, seduction of women and confrontation with Van Helsing. Directed by Tod Browning, who would go on and direct the equally impressive Freaks, Dracula is shot in such a style that it soon becomes its own entity. The film is its own style with shadow playing a huge role and the dank and dusty castles and caves soon becoming standard vampire movie fodder. The real greatness in Dracula comes from Bela Lugosi. I own a copy of Stokers novel and who does Dracula look like on the cover? That's right. He created the role for the stage and made it an icon on the screen. No one ever filled Lugosi's shoes in the 75 + years since the release of the film. It's easy to see how Dracula scared the hell out of audiences back in the '30's. Not only was he the walking dead, he was also an erotic character to a degree. Lugosi's presence was center stage in the film. Of the Universal monsters Dracula was the first and one of the best (I have to tie him with Frankenstein). A classic tale that never really had justice to it in the decades sine its original release.

• Pierluigi P

  
  One of the best free adaptations of Bram Stoker's novel, and arguably, the film that started universal pictures' famous and significant monster series. Bela Lugosi renders the mythical Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula with unnerving distinction, making his incarnation the… More
  One of the best free adaptations of Bram Stoker's novel, and arguably, the film that started universal pictures' famous and significant monster series. Bela Lugosi renders the mythical Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula with unnerving distinction, making his incarnation the best known for any human being.

• Cassandra M

  
  While Tod Browning's Dracula is not the definitive take on the most famous vampire of all time, it is possibly the most memorable one. This is not due to Browning's technical achievements or directorial wizardry, by ANY means. It is due to Bela Lugosi's career-defining… More
  While Tod Browning's Dracula is not the definitive take on the most famous vampire of all time, it is possibly the most memorable one. This is not due to Browning's technical achievements or directorial wizardry, by ANY means. It is due to Bela Lugosi's career-defining portrayal of the title character. Born in what is now Lugoj, Romania, Lugosi brings to the part the flavor of his homeland, making him more believable as Dracula. This other-worldly aesthetic helped to make his performance what many consider the ultimate incarnation of Stoker's Dracula. Having played the Count in Hamilton Deane's Broadway version of Dracula, which started in 1927, Bela Lugosi was more than prepared for the role when it was time to commit it to film. Still struggling with the English language, however, he had to learn his lines phonetically. European accent in tact, he was able to deliver such memorable lines as, "I bid you welcome," "Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make," and, of course, "I am Dracula." His performance alone is reason enough to watch this monster movie classic. If only the rest of the film was as spectacular as Lugosi. Dwight Frye's Renfield, while perhaps a little too over-the-top, is still another highlight to the film, and even Edward Van Sloan's Van Helsing is enough to challenge the might of Count Dracula. The rest of the film is rather flat to me. Now, I know it was made in 1931, and that, at the time, it horrified audiences, but I still stand by my opinion that the overall movie pales in comparison to Bela Lugosi's performance. Everyone else just seemed to be going through the motions, and it seems especially evident while Helen Chandler and David Manners are on screen. They just aren't convincing. I'm not saying that their performances ruin the film. It is still a classic, and certainly worth a viewing, but if you are in the mood for a vampire movie that is worthy of Bram Stoker's name, look no further than F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu. It is much more convincing and even scarier than Tod Browning's Dracula, despite being nine years older and silent. All in all, though, one cannot overlook the stellar performance of Bela Lugosi in the role he was born to play!

• Cindy I

  
  A bit stagy and dated, but Bela Legosi is still the best Dracula.

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