"I bid you welcome." Dracula is such a unique character. While he's a monster and a villain, he's also a refined gentleman. Bram Stoker initially created the now-famous movie monster in his 1897 novel, Dracula. From the early days of film, we have been fascinated with Count Dracula. (He actually holds a Guinness World Record as the most portrayed literary character!) See how his character changed through various retellings as we trace the costume history of the world's most famous vampire, Dracula!
1. Dracula (1897)
[Source: Doubleday and McClure/Wikipedia]
Dracula was a novel meant for adults instead of a picture book for children, so we didn't immediately have a picture that captured the essence of Count Dracula for readers. There are, however, very descriptive words that can help you paint a picture of the character included in the 1897 novel. In the book, Dracula was described as a tall old man with incredibly pale skin. He had a very aquiline face (or an eagle-like face with a hooked nose), a high forehead with scant hair up top but ample hair elsewhere, and bushy eyebrows. (And apparently hair on his palms!) His teeth were uncommonly sharp, as were his fingernails, and he wore black from head to toe. You can start to see it, can't you?
2. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)
[Source: Prana Film/IMDb]
Nosferatu is the second adaptation of Dracula. (The first, Dracula's Death, was made in 1921, but the film was lost.) It may also be the most famous adaptation of Dracula, if only because it nearly didn't exist. In Nosferatu, Count Dracula was renamed Count Orlock to skirt the copyright, but intertitles acknowledged Bram Stoker's Dracula as the source. Stoker's widow sued, and the courts ruled that all film copies should be destroyed. Luckily, Nosferatu survived, and the film is considered a landmark in horror movie history. There have been several successful sequels for Nosferatu that we won't mention here, as they continue the tale of our beloved Count Orlock.
3. Dracula (1927)
[Source: Horace Liveright/belalugosi.com]
In 1924, a stage play version of Dracula was the first adaptation approved by Stoker's estate. While that was a major accomplishment for Dracula, its leap to Broadway in 1927 would prove to be even more influential! The Broadway production starred Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, which was his first significant English-speaking role. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Bela Lugosi would revisit the role and become one of the most famous Dracula actors of all time!
4. Dracula (1931)
[Source: Universal Pictures/IMDb.com]
Did you know that Universal's Dracula was the first sound version of the film adaptation? Several actors were considered for the role of Dracula, but Bela Lugosi, who had experience as the character from the Broadway production, ultimately got the part. Dracula's outfit in its basic form was roughly the same as what Lugosi wore on Broadway, with the addition of a medallion worn around his neck. Bela Lugosi as Dracula in this film would become the template for many vampire movies to come!
5. Son of Dracula (1943)
[Source: Universal Pictures Company, Inc./IMDb.com]
Son of Dracula was actually the third film in Universal Pictures' Dracula series, but the character was absent from the second film, Dracula's Daughter. Lon Cheney played Count Alucard, but it was pointed out that "Alucard" was simply "Dracula" spelled backwards. Lon Cheney's Dracula costume was very similar to the one worn by Bela Lugosi, but you may notice that his cape had visible ties. (And he had a mustache!) We must agree with the critics who mentioned that the film was less terrifying than its predecessors and even a bit silly at times. Perhaps the changes to Dracula's costume influenced their decisions?
6. House of Frankenstein (1944)
[Source: Universal Pictures Company, Inc./IMDb.com]
It might not initially seem like it, but House of Frankenstein is a mashup of Universal Monsters characters, including John Carradine as Count Dracula. His Count resembles Lon Cheney's in Son of Dracula, with a well-groomed mustache and visible cape ties. (This time with tassels!) The movie was criticized for being much more absurd than it was scary. However, the criticism wasn't enough to stop them from making a sequel, House of Dracula, the following year in 1945. John Carradine reprised his role as Dracula, so there weren't any notable character changes.
7. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
[Source: Universal-International Pictures Co., Inc./IMDb.com]
We had another round of mashup movie madness with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein in 1948. The film was very successful and prompted several sequel films that featured other famous movie monsters and horror actors. Once again, Bela Lugosi reprised his role as Count Dracula. His costume was reminiscent of his earlier Dracula days, complete with his magical cape that stayed firmly on his shoulders without visible ties. While the movie was intentionally silly, it was refreshing to see Lugosi in his cape and suit once again!
8. Horror of Dracula (1958)
[Source: Hammer Film Productions/IMDb.com]
Originally titled Dracula, Horror of Dracula was the first movie in the Hammer Horror film series. (It was retitled in the U.S. to avoid confusion with the Universal Monsters movies.) Horror of Dracula was notable as the first Dracula movie to be shot in color! Christopher Lee took over the role of Count Dracula, bringing a noticeably darker yet brooding sexuality to the character. His Dracula kept the black cape with ties, but it was worn over a black suit with pops of white only showing at the neck and cuffs.
9. The Munsters (1964)
[Source: Kayro-Vue Productions/Universal Television/IMDb.com]
The Munsters was a sitcom TV series about a family of monsters living in an otherwise normal suburban neighborhood. While several family members appear to be vampires, Grandpa is hinted at being Dracula several times. His outfit is a nod to Bela Lugosi's, complete with a similar amulet around his neck. Grandpa Munster also usually wore gloves, an addition that's not out of line with the character.
10. Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)
[Source: Hammer Film Productions/IMDb.com]
Similar to the Universal Monsters series of Dracula films, the Hammer Horror Dracula movies did not feature the Count in the second movie, but he reprised his role in the third. Christopher Lee was back once again as Count Dracula, with the assistance of his servant, Klove. (He raised Dracula back to life after mixing human blood with his ashes.) Christopher Lee's Dracula wears a nearly identical costume to his first, except for a new red contrast lining on his cape. Subsequent Hammer Horror Dracula movies starred Christopher Lee, including Dracula Has Risen from the Grave, Taste the Blood of Dracula, Scars of Dracula, Dracula A.D. 1972, and The Satanic Rites of Dracula. His Dracula costume remains consistent throughout these movies.
11. Count Dracula (1970)
Actor Christopher Lee wasn't just Dracula for Hammer Horror films. He starred in a European co-production produced by Harry Allen Towers. He had very gray hair, a gray horseshoe mustache, and an entirely black suit in this adaptation. You may also notice the black cravat worn around his neck with a small pin in front and a lapel pin. Count Dracula was touted as the most book-accurate film to date, as the character regained his youth with each drink.
12. Groovie Goolies (1970)
[Source: Filmation/IMDb]
Dracula enjoyed brief stints as a one-off character in animated shows like Scooby-Doo and others, but he was a major feature in the Groovie Goolies cartoon series. His outfit became much more colorful, and he went by the nickname "Drac". Because he was part of a hip monster band, the back of his cape featured a bat emblem intersected by a music note. The rest of his cape is reminiscent of Christopher Lee, with a black outside and red inner lining, and he wears a blue suit underneath. (If you must know, Drac plays the pipe organ!)
13. Dan Curtis' Dracula (1974)
[Source: Latglen Ltc./IMDb]
Jack Palance starred in Dan Curtis's Dracula, a British-made-for-TV movie. The film was notable for connecting Dracula with Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure on whom Dracula was based. It also explored the relationship between Dracula and his reincarnated wife. Jack Palance's Dracula was clad in nearly all black, including a black cravat. You can see the edges of a white-collared shirt worn underneath and a pin or broach worn under the neck.
14. Blood for Dracula (1974)
[Source: Compagnia Cinematographia Champion/IMDb]
Did you know that Andy Warhol was involved in a Dracula movie? (Yes, the famous Campbell's Soup pop artist.) The comedy horror movie was named Blood for Dracula, but it was also known as Andy Warhol's Dracula. It received mixed reviews and could be described as "delightfully weird." Interestingly enough, in this movie, Dracula appeared to have a few outfits, including this collared black coat worn over a grey shirt, and a black and white tuxedo.
15. Count Dracula (1977)
[Source: BBC/IMDb]
The BBC produced another for-TV Dracula film, Count Dracula. It was notable for sticking closely to Bram Stoker's novel, and was among the more faithful adaptations. Actor Louis Jordan played Count Dracula and wore a simple all-black outfit. He lacked the lavish cape that so frequently was part of Dracula's attire, but Louis Jordan still made an excellent Dracula.
16. Dracula (1979)
[Source: The Mirisch Company/IMDb]
You could say that 1979's Dracula was a turning point in how the character was portrayed. The plot was made deliberately more romantic, and the movie even advertised the tagline, "A Love Story." Frank Langella's Dracula wore a nicely tailored suit with a vest that showed off more of his white undershirt than many previous Draculas. He also wore a black cape with an accentuated collar, which clasped nicely with a chain at the front. The movie was received well, but it was one of three Dracula movies in 1979, and may have been overshadowed by the silly Love at First Bite, which also enjoyed a successful run in theaters a few months before.
17. Drak Pack (1980)
[Source: Hanna-Barbera Pty. Ltd./IMDb]
In the cartoon Drak Pack, Hanna-Barbera turned several classic movie monsters into teenage superheroes. They were the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Dracula. (Technically Drak Jr.) Count Dracula also appeared in the show as Drak's great-great-uncle, who occasionally advised the team. Drak wore a cape with a very high collar and a contrasting color inside that fluctuated from red to magenta. Underneath was a white shirt with a black vest, and blue pants. The outside of his cape was often purple, but it appeared blue in some promotional material. (If you know Hanna-Barbera's style, it wouldn't be the same without a few color changes!)
18. The Monster Squad (1987)
[Source: Taft Entertainment Pictures/Keith Barish Productions/IMDb]
We could hardly leave out some excellent 80s cheese! The Monster Squad was a movie about a group of teens who love classic Universal Monsters, but they needed to find and use an amulet to prevent Dracula and his allies from taking over the world. This horror comedy movie wasn't initially received well, but it's now a cult classic! The Monster Squad's Dracula was reminiscent of Bela Lugosi, but his red-lined cape was a nod to Christopher Lee. His white undershirt additionally had ruffles on the sleeve cuffs and down the front, and he used a stylish cane.
19. Dracula: The Series (1990)
[Source: Cinexus-Famous Players/RHI Entertainment/Blair Entertainment/Action Media Group/IMDb]
A short-lived live-action television series about Count Dracula was created in 1990. Dracula went by the alias Alexander Lucard (or A. Lucard/Alucard), a popular reversal of his name. The series' main characters were Dracula and Van Helsing, who were famously at odds with one another. (Plus, they gave Helsing a pair of vampire-hunting nephews.) As Dracula, Geordie Johnson's costume was a classic depiction of the character. He wore a solid black cape with a high collar, a white dress shirt with a white bow tie, and black pants.
20. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
[Source: American Zoetrope/Osiris Films/IMDb]
Bram Stoker's Dracula was undeniably one of the most stylish Dracula movies. Dracula had multiple costumes and appearances, establishing him as a shapeshifter. He could look like a handsome young man, as seen here in his top hat, suit, and tinted sunglasses, or a pale older man with pointed ears and white hair. He also had a lycanthropic form, transformed into a bat, and even disappeared into mist. Honestly, for a being as old as he was, we can't blame him for wanting to branch out instead of having a single outfit like a cartoon character. (How many outfits would you acquire after living for a few centuries?)
21. Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
[Source: Gaumont/Brooksfilms/Castle Rock Entertainment/IMDb]
When you have an extensive history of adaptations like Dracula, there are bound to be a few stinkers. Dracula: Dead and Loving It was a comedy movie that spoofed its source material and multiple famous adaptations. It was only natural that Leslie Nielsen's Dracula costume was an amalgamation of the greats (mostly Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee). The movie was a critical and commercial failure, and it was the last film from director Mel Brooks.
22. Dracula 2000 (2000)
[Source: Dimension Films/Neo Art & Logic/IMDb]
We haven't seen many modern retellings of Dracula, but Wes Craven's Dracula 2000 brought our favorite vampire into the present. He wore a variety of black clothing, but he had several scenes where he was bare-chested or entirely shirtless. (They were really trying for sexy Dracula here.) Unfortunately, a sexy Dracula couldn't save this movie from its poor performance at the box office. Even after the box office failure, it still had two direct-to-video sequels, Dracula II: Ascension and Dracula III: Legacy.
23. Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary (2002)
Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary was a ballet production of Dracula shot in black and white in the style of a silent film. (Although they did add color intermittently!) While this movie was made for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, it also had a limited theatrical release and enjoyed a positive critical reception. Dracula was played by Zhang Wei-Qiang, who wore a dark suit and cape. You can see here that they colorized the lining of his cape for emphasis in this scene. Would you watch a ballet if it were about Count Dracula?
24. Van Helsing (2004)
[Source: Sommers Company/Stillking Films/IMDb]
While 2004's Van Helsing focused on the famous vampire hunter as its main character, you can't have Van Helsing without Count Dracula! This monster fest of a movie included Dracula and other famous monsters like werewolves, Mr. Hyde, and Frankenstein's monster. Critics panned the film, but it did well enough at the box office. Richard Roxburgh played Count Dracula in Van Helsing. His all-black outfit looked like something out of My Chemical Romance with the details on the front of the coat, but we're not mad about it!
25. Young Dracula (2006)
[Source: BBC Cymru Wales/IMDb]
Vlad has a dad! In the TV series Young Dracula, Count Dracula had a son named Vlad and a daughter, Ingrid. The series was loosely based on a children's book of the same name. We can see that both Draculas have red-and-black capes worn over black clothes in this image, although they may wear other similarly-colored clothes in different episodes. Young Dracula enjoyed a long run on television with five seasons.
26. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
[Source: Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation/Sony Pictures Imageworks/IMDb]
What does a monster with money do? Build a hotel for monsters, apparently! Count Dracula was the proud owner of Hotel Transylvania, where he raised his daughter, Mavis. (Naturally, a human ends up at their monsters-only paradise, and chaos ensues.) Dracula's design took cues from famous vampires past, wearing a black suit and cape with a burgundy lining. He uniquely had a textured black vest worn underneath and a black cravat. Would you like to visit Hotel Transylvania?
27. Dracula Untold (2014)
[Source: Legendary Pictures/Michael De Luca Productions/IMDb]
Did you know that there was a Dracula prequel? In Dracula Untold, they shared the historical origins of Vlad III "The Impaler" Dracula, the person believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Many of Vlad's costumes appear historical, including armor for battle. His costumes were primarily black and red, making him more recognizable as Dracula even without the traditional cape and suit. Dracula Untold only earned mixed ratings, but the costume work was notable!
28. Penny Dreadful (2014)
[Source: Desert Wolf Productions/Neal Street Productions/Showtime Networks/IMDb]
Penny Dreadful was a live-action TV series that drew from Victorian Gothic fiction, essentially throwing everything into a blender and letting it combine into one new work. Dracula had time to shine in season 3, where he became a major antagonist. In this series, Dracula did his best to blend in with the citizens of Victorian England, so he avoids the flashy cape entirely for something a little more mundane. Dracula wears a black suit and overcoat with red accents, including a red cravat and pin. While the colors are more subdued, does the character still feel like Dracula to you?
29. Dracula (2020)
[Source: Hartswood Films/British Broadcasting Corporation/Netflix/IMDb]
A three-episode TV special about Dracula was released in 2020. The series was only loosely based on the original story by Bram Stoker, as it sought to bring extra stories about the vampire's life to light. Dracula has a few variations on his outfit, including wearing a white shirt and black vest without a cape or coat on top, but the collared cape is worn on occasion. Dracula's cape appears to be lined with red crushed velvet, and it has a chain to help hold it on Dracula's shoulders.
30. Renfield (2023)
[Source: Skybound/Giant Wildcat/IMDb]
Have you ever wondered what Nicolas Cage would look like as a vampire? You needn't wonder any longer because he played Dracula in Renfield in 2023. This action horror comedy movie may have bombed at the box office, but it's entertaining enough as a Nicolas Cage movie. (If you know, you know.) Cage's Dracula wears several different outfits, mostly black and red suits and coats, and they didn't leave out a cape! We appreciate that one of Dracula's suits is red, which is more colorful than most of his costumes in adaptations. You could say that it suits him!
Dracula has so many appearances that we could hardly mention them all! Did we mention your favorite adaptation? Is there an influential Dracula that we missed? Feel free to let us know! If you enjoyed learning about Dracula's costumes in media, perhaps you'd like your own vampire costume. We hope you have a good evening!
