Created by Stephenie Meyer, the Twilight series has gone on to break box office records just as its stars have gone on to break hearts. It is the story of boy meets girl, boy reveals he is a vampire, complications ensue. However, with undertones of forbidden love and coming of age, the story has resounded with a large audience, both on screen and page. With the latest film in the series set to release soon, it is important to note that this is not the first in vampire stories.

Vampire stories actually date back to the late nineteenth century. Numbering in the hundreds, it can be difficult to find a good one without sorting through loads of bad ones. No longer, as we have gathered the 14 greatest vampire stories of all time in print and in film. If you need to learn more on the Twilight series, try clicking here to get it straight from the author.

Greatest Page Vampire Stories of All Time

These printed works tell amazing and timeless vampire stories, many coming with pictures.

1. Dracula : This classic book was the basis for all of the greatest vampire stories of all time. Printed in 1897, it was written by the now legendary Bram Stoker. Told in a series of letters, it follows the exploits of the then unknown Count Dracula. Much like the characters in “Twilight,” this vampire also forms a connection with a young woman named Mina that carries repercussions for all involved. Want to know more? Then read the entire thing at no charge on Google Books.

2. Sookie Stackhouse : Those who don’t read much probably know this great vampire story better as its television counterpart “True Blood” on HBO. Charlaine Harris began this vampire phenomenon by following the adventures of Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress from the South who is awakened to both the adult and supernatural world and falls in love with a vampire. Charlaine also has other books, bur for those who truly enjoy the Sookie Stackhouse series you can get both the Last Bite and Wake The Dead podcasts.

3. Anne Rice : This author is perhaps best known for the book “Interview with the Vampire,” which was later turned into a film starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise as Lestat. Other books of hers that became films include “Exit to Eden,” “The Feast of all Saints,” and “Queen of the Damned.” Her site is full of updates, previews, information on new releases, and more. You can also follow her on Facebook.

4. Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter : If you are looking for a great vampire novel that combines elements of horror and romance, check out this series by Laurell K. Hamilton. The tale follows the adventures of Anita, a private investigator who specializes in the supernatural. The first novel of the series “Guilty Pleasures” was made into a graphic novel by Marvel with more in the works. Laurell also pens the “Ballantine” series, which is on its eight novel. Visit her site to learn more.

5. 30 Days of Night : Speaking of graphic novels, this one was made into a feature in 2007 starring Josh Harnett. Originally written by Steve Niles in 2002, the story follows the town of Barrow, Alaska which is plunged into darkness for 67 days at a time, making it an ideal feeding ground for vampires. For blending horror, love, and sacrifice, this is one of the greatest vampire stories of all time.

6. Blade : Before being portrayed by Wesley Snipes in a blockbuster series of movies, Blade was a comic book vampire for Marvel. First appearing in 1973, he was created by Marv Wolfman. In the story, Blade is turned into a quasi-vampire during his birth in the late nineteenth century. He then grew up to protect innocents from the full vampires who would feed off them. In addition to the films, there was also a short lived television series based on him.

7. Salem’s Lot : What would a best of page series be without an entry from the master Stephen King? One of his many stories where the main character is a writer, Ben returns to the town of Salem’s Lot to write a book. On arrival he and others find that the town is overrun by vampires. It is now up to them to save the town and survive the horrors the vampires bring. Stephen King’s official site has more.

8. Vampire Academy : Written by Richelle Mead, this book also has a cult following of sorts. In St. Vladimir’s Academy, vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Magic, horror, and fantasy blend in a vampire story suitable for both adults and teenagers. Visit here to learn more about the series, read excerpts, and even a blog from the author.

Greatest Screen Vampire Stories of All Time

Don’t stop at books. Both the silver and small screen are also full of some of the greatest vampire stories of all time.

9. Dracula : First released in 1931, this is the film that stared it all. Based on a play by Hamilton Deane and John Balderston, it was then turned into a novel by Bram Stoker, and this movie by Tod Browning, as well as a remake in 1992. It was one of the first ever horror films and forever encased Béla Lugosi as a legend. Best of all, you can watch the film on YouTube.

10. Buffy the Vampire Slayer : After it was a so-so film, the franchise received a new life when it ran for seven seasons on the WB and UPN. Not just one of the greatest vampire stories of all time, the series made history by combining genres like never before including drama, comedy, fantasy, and horror. Joss Whedon’s opus also went on to influence a number of other shows and productions. If you have doubts, click the above to view episodes for free on Hulu. If you still can’t get enough vampires, there is a Buffy Comic and a podcast entitled Buffy Between the Lines.

11. Let the Right One In : Don’t think children and vampires mix? Neither did we until “Let the Right One In.” Swedish director Tomas Alfredson takes vampires and turns them into one of the most hauntingly dark fairy tales of the modern age. Twelve year old Oskar is the target of bullies until he meets a strange young girl named Eli. Their relationship is painful, beautiful, and not to be missed. If you have Netflix, you can watch it right now.

12. The Lost Boys : More than just another “Cory” movie, fear, family, and fun make this one of the greatest vampire stories of all time. Released in 1987, two brothers move to a new town where they befriend a group of boys who seem to never stop having fun and make being a vampire look great. However, once discovering the terrible price that vampirism brings, the brothers must fight to save themselves and the town from this gang. There was also a sequel released in 2008.

13. I am Legend : This film was based on a novel by Richard Matheson. When the world is overcome by a virus that turns people into vampire like creatures, the main character is one of the few survivors living alone in New York City. Literally the last hope for mankind, his quest for a cure leads to him finding his soul. With a message larger than its plot, this movie is a must see. Its site contains downloads, a game, comic, and even an iPhone app.

14. Nosferatu : If all these films with audio are too much for you, click here. This great vampire story was released in 1922 and predates movies with sound. It stars Max Schrek as Count Dracula and is also based on the novel by Bram Stoker. The best part? It is a public domain film and can be viewed or downloaded entirely for free.

Whether looking for a book to read or a film to rent, the 14 greatest vampire stories of all time can have you discovering something new, expanding your love of vampires, and more. If your favorite didn’t make the cut, we apologize as everyone loves vampires differently.

If you still can’t get enough Twilight, you’re in luck. Fans can click here to get a massive fan site. It has discussion forums, the Imprint podcast, a caption contest, and much more.