The 25 best vampire audiobooks to suck you in

Technically speaking, this pick isn't an audiobook. No, the Audible Original Impact Winter is a totally immersive audio experience unlike any other, utilizing innovative 3D audio that makes it difficult to ascertain where reality begins and ends. And that's especially terrifying here, as we're left to fend for survival alongside sisters Darcy and Hope in the face of the end of times—and the vampiric creatures that haven risen from the darkness. Whether listeners are fighting beside battle-ready hunter Darcy or running for dear life, this impeccably designed thriller feels less like hearing a story retold and more like living it in real time.

This legendary classic by acclaimed author Anne Rice revolves around a vampire named Louis who recounts his tragic life story to a young journalist in 20th-century New Orleans. Interview with the Vampire is the first of an iconic series of more than 10 vampire novels that earned Rice worldwide fame. The rich descriptions of the setting, the complex characters, and the historical references woven into the narrative make the listening experience unforgettable. Audie Award-winning narrator Simon Vance nails this performance, adding an emotional depth to the multifaceted characters.

Performed by an incredible cast including Alan Cumming and Tim Curry, the dialogue and vivid descriptions in this classic vampire story will instantly captivate listeners. Published in 1897, Dracula laid the foundation for an entire subgenre of horror stories, starting a vampire craze in pop culture that still exists today. Told from multiple points of view, the different perspectives of characters recounting their experiences with Count Dracula are spine-tingling. This theatrical performance by such talented voice actors creates an eerily palpable experience of the story.

Fledgling is a unique vampire story that bridges different genres—it’s written by a celebrated science fiction author, Octavia E. Butler, and it pushes social boundaries by exploring themes of racism and sexism. The protagonist, Shori, performed with pitch-perfect emotion by narrator Tracey Leigh, is a young girl with amnesia who slowly comes to grasp the cause for her gaps in memory: she is sharing her body with a 53-year-old vampire. Her precarious position as a supernatural creature trying to survive in a human world leads to numerous revolting encounters as Shori feels her desires grow increasingly inhuman. As she struggles to remember her past and solve the mystery of her vampire family’s murder, she finds herself in a series of complicated situations that, if she’s not careful, could become incredibly tragic.

In this thriller, iconic author Stephen King tells the tale of a mysterious small town that is gradually taken over by vampires. The plot involves a writer returning to his hometown, discovering a series of disturbing occurrences involving a long-abandoned house and various deaths and disappearances. The impeccable character development and eerie—occasionally gruesome—scenes will make it nearly impossible to stop listening. Salem's Lot is only the second novel published by the prolific master of horror. Narrated by Ron McLarty and King himself, it remains one of the best vampire audiobooks to date.

This irresistible story is a mix of supernatural crime fighting and mystery solving in the underbelly of modern-day Chicago. The first novel in Jim Butcher’s bestselling The Dresden Files series, Storm Front hooks listeners with its suspenseful plot and dysfunctional characters. The story is told from the perspective of Harry Blackstone, a wizard detective who moonlights as a vampire hunter. Harry’s slightly sarcastic tone throughout the action-packed story is highly entertaining, and narrator James Marsters (vampiric royalty, having portrayed Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) nails the protagonist’s wry sense of humor. Though far from a traditional vampire audiobook, this eccentric urban fantasy is quite enjoyable listening.

Also known as Let the Right One In, this Scandinavian take on the vampire myth is entirely inventive—an effective, stirring character study wrapped in a dismal landscape and the brutality of mortals and immortals alike. Set in 1983, it tells the story of Oskar, a young boy who is fascinated by Eli, the strange new girl who’s moved in next door. As the two begin to form a friendship, Oskar can’t help but be suspicious about Eli's behavior—for a start, his new neighbor only comes out at night. This gripping novel is made all the more so by the expert narration of Steven Pacey, described by one Audible listener as "among the best."

One of the most popular young adult novels of the 21st century, Twilight is the first book in a series chronicling the love story of protagonist Bella Swan and the beguiling vampire, Edward Cullen. A gifted storyteller, Stephenie Meyer creates a mysterious realm of vampires and werewolves within a sleepy small town in the Pacific Northwest. It’s easy to be captivated by the detailed characterizations of the Cullen vampire clan and their unique relationship with humans and each other. The story is told entirely from Bella’s perspective, making listeners feel personally invested in the narrative. Award-winning narrator Ilyana Kasdushin conveys the nuances of Bella’s emotions while recounting her supernatural and romantic experiences.

Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend is a gripping story of the last man on Earth, fighting vampiric creatures alone in a decimated world after a deadly plague. A blend of science fiction, horror, and vampire lore, it’s a tale of perseverance in the face of unthinkable hardship. Originally published in the 1950s—and lauded as one of the most impactful vampire novels of the 20th century—I Am Legend stands the test of time. The audiobook captures listeners’ attention with vivid scenes of struggling to survive in a dark, postapocalyptic America. Narrator Robertson Dean accurately captures the nuances of the protagonist’s voice throughout the various stages of his battles. This chilling and thought-provoking vampire audiobook is worth a listen, especially for the philosophical twist at the end.

Diana Bishop comes from a long line of witches, but when she discovers a mysterious manuscript in an Oxford library, it opens up a wider world of magic and intrigue. It also leads her to a 1,500-year-old vampire, Matthew Claremont, who knows a thing or two about the dangers Diana has unleashed. The two pair up to fight the looming darkness in Deborah Harkness's richly imaginative fantasy debut, A Discovery of Witches. Narrator Jennifer Ikeda captures the novel's blend of fantasy, action, and romance, as well as the voice of its plucky heroine. It's the first book in the author's bestselling All Souls Series, and if that leaves you thirsty for more, be sure to check out Time’s Convert, a spin-off series about one of the vampires that Matthew turned.

Though Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro is best known for his work on gorgeously macabre films like Pan's Labyrinth and Crimson Peak, his collaboration with Hammett Award-winning novelist Chuck Hogan is not to be missed. Wielding a pandemic-style twist on the vampire genre, The Strain kicks off a fan-favorite trilogy tracking a virus that takes hold of New York City in the hours of an eclipse. In its wake, a misfit group of survivors tries to contain the vampiric-style sickness and protect the city before it's too late. The Strain is quite the gem in audio, as Hellboy's Ron Perlman lends his incomparable voice with a street-smart delivery that's the perfect match for this urban horror.

"One of the things I like the most about Grady Hendrix’s novels is the nostalgia factor. It’s just so darn satisfying to submerge myself in all of the stereotypical yet true-to-life, generation-defining quirkiness he brings to the story. This time around, it’s the early ‘90s, and the plot is centered on a group of suburban book-clubbing housewives and the mysterious stranger who’s interloped their bucolic neighborhood. These ladies are fierce. And props to narrator Bahni Turpin with her spot-on Southern accent. Even as a life-long Northerner, I find her performance distinctly comforting." —Tricia F., Audible Editor

A haunting horror story wrapped in a mystery, The Historian revolves around a young woman's search for the tomb of Vlad the Impaler—the infamous historical figure who inspired the character of Dracula—starting with the clues found in a secret stash of her father's letters. Bestselling author Elizabeth Kostova is a skilled storyteller whose intricate plot, vivid gothic setting, and fully realized characters create an intense listening experience. Skillfully performed by Audie Award-winning narrators Justine Eyre and Paul Michael, this spellbinding audiobook raises intriguing questions about the bond between the original vampire and a real-life barbaric medieval ruler.

Vampires meet seafaring adventure in this inventive novel from the bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire series, George R.R. Martin. Set on the mighty Mississippi River in 1857, Fevre Dream draws listeners into a dark and stormy fantasy world, marked by the complicated alliance between Abner Marsh, a struggling riverboat captain, and Joshua York, the mesmerizing, unnaturally pale aristocrat who offers to pay him handsomely for navigating a mysterious mission. Has Marsh signed on for a nightmare—or does York hold the secret to defying death? Actor Ron Donarchie brings the characters to life with a performance that conveys the inner workings of their tortured yet determined minds throughout the journey.

Zoey Redbird is a typical, normal teenager—that is, until she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre. Suddenly, her entire life is turned upside down, and she must attend House of Night, a vampyre boarding school. There, she makes a whole new crew of friends and even finds a chance at romance, but danger lurks at every turn. Someone who ought to be a mentor might have darker intents, and even full-fledged vampyres may not be safe. Marked is the first book in House of Night, a long-running series by mother-daughter authors P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Accomplished narrator Caitlin Davies will keep you immersed in all things dark and dangerous as Zoey grapples with her destiny.

Joe Hill, the son of Stephen and Tabitha King, was literary royalty from birth. But even without his storied lineage, the modern horror maestro has carved out a place in the genre all his own, as his third novel, the 2013 chiller NOS4A2, undoubtedly proves. Narrated with unparalleled skill by actor Kate Mulgrew, this audiobook transports listeners to Christmasland, a mysterious amusement park where the sinister Charles Talent Manx takes the children he abducts. But what happens to their parents—and to the children themselves once they've been brought to this eerie holiday wonderland—is far from merry and bright. A sharp reimagining of the vampire tale with plenty of bite, this is a must-listen for fans of things that go bump in the night.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's 2020 stunner Mexican Gothic was an instant in-house favorite, a standout for its imaginative take on the well-worn gothic fiction genre. Moreno-Garcia again demonstrates her adaptability to a myriad styles and themes with Certain Dark Things, her 2021 neo-noir take on vampire mythology. Set in Mexico City after surrounding areas have been ravaged by vampires, this listen follows Domingo, a street kid just trying to survive, when he crosses paths with Atl, an Aztec-descended vamp whose allure is all too intoxicating. But Atl is on the run from something much more dangerous than herself—a rival clan, local cops, and crime bosses, to name a few. Can the unlikely pair escape before the city falls? Narrator Aida Reluzco deftly builds the suspense.

The work of Jewelle Gomez is celebrated both for its emotionally attuned, identity-focused world-building and its centering of queer women of color. Her gift for this melding especially shines through in The Gilda Stories. A cult classic, this novel follows an escaped slave turned sex worker who finds herself ushered into immortality, with all its glories and pitfalls. Like many vampire stories, this listen dwells on the inherent eroticism of the creature; however, it stands out for its deft exploration of race, lesbian identity, and found family. Narrator Adenrele Ojo brings her extensive theatre expertise to this audiobook, infusing a genuine rhythm and breath of life into every line.

New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore is known for his unique blend of offbeat humor and the grim world of the supernatural, and Bloodsucking Fiends—a funny, sexy start to a binge-worthy series—is no exception. While walking home one night in San Francisco, Jody, a striking redhead 20-something, is attacked and turned into a vampire. As she tries to adjust to this lifestyle shift, she meets 19-year-old Tommy, and sparks fly. But love is never quite that simple—the police suspect that Tommy may be a voracious new serial killer, who drains his victims of their blood. Full of drama, hilarity, and romance with a touch of gore, this lighthearted vampire trilogy soars on the pitch-perfect comedic timing of narrator Susan Bennett.

In this action-packed series about a secret underworld of vampires, there are two different types of the bloodsucking creatures. Moroi are benevolent and can keep their blood lust in check, while Strigoi are evil and will turn and kill anyone—Moroi and human alike. Moroi are protected by half-human, half-vampires known as Dhampirs. Rose, a Dhampir, and her Moroi best friend, Vasilisa, have been on the run since something spooked them badly enough to leave the vampire world altogether. But after they’ve been found, they're dragged back to the danger of Vampire Academy. Narrators include Khristine Hvam, Emily Shaffer, and Stephanie Wolff, who highlight both the thrilling and romantic elements of Richelle Mead's novels.

An Audie Award-nominated Audible Original dramatized adaptation of one of the first vampiric thrillers ever published, Carmilla is a must for fans of the classic and the daring alike. After a carriage accident, our heroine Carmilla is left fending for herself in the woods, and ends up on the doorstep of Laura, a young woman living with her widowed father. The spark between them is undeniable. As the two women spend day in and day out in each other's company, they descend into a forbidden romance built on bloodlust. This tale of erotic gothic horror is performed by an all-star cast, including Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones), David Tennant (Doctor Who), and Phoebe Fox (The Great).

One of the longest-running and best-loved vampire series from this century, Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter has more than enough titles (over two dozen and counting) to keep you entertained for hours on end. Brilliantly written by Laurell K. Hamilton, narrated by Kimberly Alexis and Cynthia Holloway, and set in St. Louis, the series follows Anita Blake, who spends her time raising the dead, tracking down problematic vampires, solving mysteries, and trying to resist the allure of sexy vampire Jean Claude. If you're looking for a vampire listen with a strong woman lead, Guilty Pleasures is a great place to start.

Paranormal romance superstar Molly Harper turns the good-girl-gone-bad trope on its head in this unexpectedly funny vampire romance. Jane Jameson, who’s been nothing short of an angel her whole life, finally gets fed up one day after being fired disrespectfully. She goes out drinking to blow off some steam, and the next thing she knows, she’s woken up as a vampire. Hearing Jane figure out her new life and her new, very inconvenient thirst for blood is laugh-out-loud funny, thanks to narrator Amanda Ronconi’s perfect delivery of the wry, witty writing. Throw in a love story and a murder-framing plot that add more layers of comical complication to Jane’s life, and you have the recipe for a truly refreshing take on the vampire romance. And if you love Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs, you'll be thrilled to know that it's the start of a long series.

In the first novel of the series that inspired HBO’s True Blood, listeners experience life from the perspective of Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress in rural Louisiana who can hear people’s thoughts. When she falls in love with a charismatic vampire, she finds herself entangled in the drama of a dangerous, unfamiliar world. Dead Until Dark is an extremely enjoyable listen, with witty dialogue and plenty of romance. The first-person narration by Johanna Parker is spot-on, effortlessly conveying Sookie’s charming quirkiness throughout the audiobook. Listeners will find themselves enjoying the rich character development and clever storyline in the world Charlaine Harris creates.

This is not a drill. In this epic audio production, original cast members from Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunite for an adventure like you've never heard before. A decade has passed since the TV series's final battle, and the game-changing spell that gave power to all potential Slayers persists. With new Slayers constantly emerging, things are looking grim for the bad guys, like rebellious vampire Spike (James Marsters) and his old pal Clem (James Charles Leary). New Slayer Indira (Laya DeLeon Hayes) wants Spike to be her mentor, but who should show up but Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) with news from an alternate reality terrorized by Drusilla (Juliet Landau)? Giles (Anthony Head), Anya (Emma Caulfield Ford), and Tara (Amber Benson) also return, but will they be enough to stop the Big Bad?