Nosferatu (1922)

The singular Dracula movie Nosferatu boasted remarkable animalistic makeup that has not been replicated, even with modern technology. Max Schreck gives a downright creepy performance as the vampire who terrorizes the city of Bremen and is ultimately destroyed by a determined Greta Schroeder, who's willing to sacrifice herself. Expressionist director F. W. Murnau delivers plenty of heavy-handed symbolism, but it works to haunt rather than distract. Dozens of Dracula films followed, but none captured the essence of Bram Stoker's artistry.

Related Links

• Friedrich W. Murnau
• Max Schreck
• Dracula: Fact, History, Mystery