Horror of Dracula

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Horror of Dracula

Released May 8, 1958

1h 22m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

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44 Reviews

81%

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10,000+ Ratings

On a search for his missing friend Jonathan Harker (John Van Eyssen), vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) is led to Count Dracula's (Christopher Lee) castle. Upon arriving, Van Helsing finds an undead Harker in Dracula's crypt and discovers that the count's next target is Harker's ailing fiancée, Lucy Holmwood (Carol Marsh). With the help of her brother, Arthur (Michael Gough), Van Helsing struggles to protect Lucy and put an end to Count Dracula's parasitic reign of terror.

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Critics Consensus

Trading gore for grandeur, Horror of Dracula marks an impressive turn for inveterate Christopher Lee as the titular vampire, and a typical Hammer mood that makes aristocracy quite sexy.

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Dorothy Masters

New York Daily News

Unlike most of Hollywood's quickies, Horror of Dracula has allocated time, thought and talent to an enterprise which successfully recaptures the aura and patina of yesteryear's Middle Europe. Some of the photography is good enough to frame.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 16, 2021

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Times (UK) Staff

The Times (UK)

Altogether this is a horrific film, and sometimes a crude film. but by no means an unimpressive piece of melodramatic story-telling.

Jul 31, 2020

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

This Hammer classic will be good for a laugh, and some shivers.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 9, 2012

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The potential of Hammer’s involvement and reimagining of the immortal horror masterpiece provides only moderately greater gore; worthwhile modifications and the excitement or suspense that might come from it are exceptionally limited.

Rated: 5/10

Nov 8, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

This is the first film to really mine the erotic appeal of vampires: Dracula seduces Mina and Lucy like a devil tempting good to the dark side through sex, more suggestive than explicit but daring for 1958.

Oct 15, 2022

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David Hogan

hoganreviews.co.uk

The Hammer Dracula is every bit the classic now as it was back in the 50s and is still the version I mentally refer back to when I see a reference to the classic tale.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 23, 2021

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STEVEN M

Christopher Lee totally has the goods on being Dracula, the undisputed King of the vampires!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/25

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Dallas H

Hammer Films doing the Universal Monsters in bloody Technicolor is always fun to watch!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/18/25

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Freddy W.

Great movie, holds up to this day. Soundtrack and acting are superb, enjoyed immensely.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/15/25

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John S

First watch 2025. A lot of fun, beautiful to look at, and a fresh twist on the first victim. Some very good vampire rule-setting probably began with this film as it has all of the enduring vampire rules (sunlight, wooden stake, garlic, crucifix, cannot cross moving water). This is a dead serious spooky tale and it's the on screen premier of fangs. (!!) Really enjoyable 80 minutes. Minus the Inn keeper and mortician scenes I could have done without. Otherwise excellent.👍

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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Mason J

One of my favorite films of all time. While not the most faithful adaptation of the classic novel, this film has always been what I think of anytime I hear the name Dracula. With the combined talent of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing it is a film that is easy to enjoy regardless if you are a horror fan or not.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/07/25

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Steven M

There is a majesty about this film. Christopher Lee is grand and imposing, Peter Cushing and company are absolutely fine in their roles.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

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Terence Fisher

Director

Peter Cushing

Doctor Van Helsing

Christopher Lee

Count Dracula

Michael Gough

Arthur

Melissa Stribling

Mina Holmwood

Carol Marsh

Lucy Holmwood

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Synopsis

On a search for his missing friend Jonathan Harker (John Van Eyssen), vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) is led to Count Dracula's (Christopher Lee) castle. Upon arriving, Van Helsing finds an undead Harker in Dracula's crypt and discovers that the count's next target is Harker's ailing fiancée, Lucy Holmwood (Carol Marsh). With the help of her brother, Arthur (Michael Gough), Van Helsing struggles to protect Lucy and put an end to Count Dracula's parasitic reign of terror.

Director: Terence Fisher
Producer: Anthony Hinds
Screenwriter: Jimmy Sangster
Production Co: Hammer Films, Universal/Universal Int
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 8, 1958, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 18, 2010
Runtime: 1h 22m

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