HORROR MOVIE REVIEW: DRACULA (1931)
Because we’re heading back to the early days of horror with one of the most iconic monsters of all time — Dracula (1931).
Before vampires sparkled or wore leather coats there was Bela Lugosi, staring deep into your soul and saying, “I never drink… wine.”
this is the one that started the Universal Monsters craze and defined vampires for generations. It’s moody, eerie, and even though it’s over 90 years old, it still oozes atmosphere and style.
Story – 6.5
The plot is simple but effective. It starts with Renfield, a solicitor, traveling to Transylvania to help Count Dracula finalize a real estate deal for some property in London. But once he arrives at the creepy castle, things get weird fast — wolves howl, brides of Dracula appear, and poor Renfield ends up hypnotized and turned into Dracula’s bug-eating servant. From there, the Count heads to England, where he starts feeding on high society and setting his eyes on Mina, leading to a desperate attempt to stop him before it's too late.
The pacing is slow but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Fog, shadows, and eerie silence help create a mood that still works all these decades later. It’s stagey in parts (since it was adapted from a play), but the iconic moments are so strong, they carry the whole movie.
Monsters/Villains – 8.3
Bela Lugosi is Dracula. Period. He defined the role with his slicked-back hair, piercing eyes, and that unforgettable accent. He doesn’t growl or snarl — he controls the room with quiet menace.
There’s also Renfield, played by Dwight Frye, who honestly steals every scene he’s in. His wild eyes and maniacal laugh make him just as memorable (if not more creepy) than Dracula himself.
This movie doesn’t have the flashy effects or gory kills you’d see in later vampire films, but it still manages to be spooky in a more subtle, classy way.
Actors/Characters – 7.4
Bela Lugosi is the star here, and his performance is iconic. It’s theatrical and over-the-top in the best way. Every line feels like it should be on a T-shirt or a Halloween decoration.
The rest of the cast does their job, though some performances feel a little stiff. EDWARD VAN SLOAN AS Van Helsing brings a great calm intensity to the story, and Renfield is absolutely unhinged in the best way.
Overall – 7.2
Dracula (1931) might feel a little slow but there’s no denying its impact. The atmosphere, the performances, and the sheer vibe of the movie make it a classic for a reason.
It’s more of a gothic mood piece than a jump-scare fest, but if you’re in the right mindset, it’s still a great watch — especially around Halloween.
The Exorcist (9.25)
Psycho (9.22)
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (9.0)
Silence of the lambs (9.0)
REAR WINDOW (8.8)
Ed Wood (8.78)
THE PHANTOM (8.7)
VERTIGO (8.65)
JAWS (8.65)
A&C Meet the killer (8.5)
The Omen (1976) (8.45)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon (8.42)
Salem’s Lot (8.4)
StranGERS on a TRAIN (8.35)
Godzilla (8.33)
The Ghost & Mr Chicken (8.32)
It (2017) (8.3)
DIAL M FOR MURDER (8.3)
Rosemary’s Baby (8.28)
SINISTER (2012) (8.25)
The Mummy (1999) (8.12)
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) (8.08)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (8.07)
A&C Who Done it? (8.05)
THE MUMMY (1959) (8.0)
The Wolfman (1941) (7.98)
The Lost Boys (7.97)
WEREWOLF OF LONDON (7.95)
DRACULA (1931) (7.85)
DICK TRACY (1990) (7.72)
The Thing (1982) (7.67)
The Fog (7.5)
Homicidal (7.12)
Halloween (1978) (6.65)
The Wolfman (2010) (6.25)
Ernest Scared Stupid (5.35)
Monster Squad (5.22)
