Every 'Nosferatu' Film And Series In Order
Nosferatu, also known as Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, hit theaters in 1922. The movie wasn’t just black and white; it was also silent since it was released in the era before films had sound. Nosferatu has an original story, but it was heavily inspired by Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. The similarities are so blatant and noticeable that numerous times throughout its history, Nosferatu has even been accused of plagiarism.
But regardless of how the story came to be, it’s proven one of the most lasting narratives in Hollywood history, releasing a series of films throughout the years. Check out our guide below to learn more about every Nosferatu movie series, in order, and where they’re available on platforms like Tubi, Shudder, and more.
In Nosferatu, a man named Thomas Hutter is sent out to a new client to get papers signed. The client is the mysterious Count Orlok, and he intends to buy property directly across from Hutter’s residence. But as bodies pile up and Hutter experiences strange phenomena, he sets out to prove that the Count is actually a vampire.
Because of the original’s age, it’s best for viewers who can appreciate historic cinema. Fans of other atmospheric ‘20s movies like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) should check it out, as should anyone who finds a deep creepiness in old silent movies (like I do).
In 1979, director Werner Herzog made a unique film called Nosferatu the Vampyre. The movie combined the plots of Nosferatu and Dracula (because, why not?), renaming Count Orlok to Count Dracula and adding in characters like Van Helsing. But its plot stayed much truer to Nosferatu than Dracula, creating a unique blend of the two.
It’s a must-watch for horror fans since it combines story elements from the two biggest names in vampirism, creating a film that, because of IP laws and franchising, probably couldn’t even be made today. Plus, all under the steady hand of Herzog, the movie is a masterclass in slow-burn horror. This version of Nosferatu is perfect for anyone who wants a great, stylized retelling of the story, similar to Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
In 1988, Nosferatu received a loose sequel with the Italian film Nosferatu in Venice. Set in the Nosferatu universe, but with its own story, the movie shows that Nosferatu has traveled to Venice because he wants to end the torment of immortality and finally die. But along the way, he kills numerous people, and the film ends on a cliffhanger. It also stars some surprisingly big names like Christopher Plummer and Donald Pleasence.
Nosferatu in Venice leans heavily into drama (and often melodrama), feeling more like a wildly fun, mawkish take on Nosferatu, rather than a horror film. It’s kind of like Nosferatu got to star in his own daytime soap opera. But with the haunting beauty of Venice, Nosferatu in Venice is a sure bet for anyone who loves other movies filmed in the Floating City, like A Haunting in Venice (2023), and other gothic slow burns like Crimson Peak (2015).
The Oscar-nominated Shadow of the Vampire is a meta film that portrays the filming of the original 1922 Nosferatu. The movie’s lead actor, Max Schreck (played by Willem Dafoe), starts acting very strangely when he’s in character as Nosferatu. Soon, the cast and crew begin wondering if he might actually be a real vampire… and then the kills begin.
If you love meta horror movies, especially ones that center around filmmaking itself, like New Nightmare (1994) or Scream 3 (2000), you’re going to love Shadow of the Vampire. Its smart concept and great performances make it one of those rare movies that’s able to be super gripping and serious, while also delivering some high-brow, meta humor. It’s not a spoof or parody, it’s a loving nod to one of cinema’s first true horror films.
The AMC series NOS4A2 put a modern twist on the story, creating more of a serial killer-type plot about a man who feeds on the souls of young children. Honestly, it isn’t connected to Nosferatu at all other than the name, and even its interpretation of vampirism is vastly different from the norm. But if you love stylized horror series like Hannibal (2013) or Evil (2019), you’ll love NOS4A2.
While the story of the show isn't really connected to Nosferatu, it is centered around a story anchored in Nosferatu-style vampirism. Plus, as you can see from the list, most other Nosferatu entries are on the older side. So for viewers who appreciate modern cinematography and sound quality, NOS4A2 is a great way to enter the vampire genre.
Despite what Shadow of the Vampire will tell you, the actor playing Nosferatu wasn’t actually a vampire… but that doesn’t mean the movie’s production and aftermath weren’t wild. Nosferatu is actually an incredibly notorious film, in large part because it heavily stole ideas from Dracula without giving any kind of credit, leading to numerous lawsuits and bans.
From how the story came to be to its tumultuous journey throughout the years, Nosferatu: The Real Story tells it all. It’s a great movie for horror fans who also love documentaries, and trust me, the story behind all of Nosferatu’s controversies are wild. In fact, for a period, people actually thought the movie was completely lost after a German court ordered that every copy of the film be destroyed. If you’re fascinated by documentaries that explore troubled productions, like Cursed Films (2020), this is the movie for you.
Nosferatu (2024) is a faithful retelling of the original movie, with Bill Skarsgård taking on the role of Count Orlok. Directed by auteur Robert Eggers, the film is heavily stylized and loaded with gothic vibes. It’s a true visual spectacle, perfect not just for horror fans, but for anyone who loves a gorgeously haunting movie.
If you love visually stunning gothic horror movies like The Lighthouse (2019) or stylized masterpieces like Suspiria (2018), you absolutely need to check out Eggers’ take on Nosferatu.
