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Doing something new with a well-established IP—especially when said IP is a bestselling novel that has already received an iconic film adaptation—is a tricky business. Still, the team behind AMC+’s excellent adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel Interview with the Vampire more than rose to the challenge.
Bringing the book’s queer subtext to the forefront and leveling some of the power dynamics between its central characters, the series has been a streaming TV standout over the course of its first two seasons, and into the currently airing third (under a new name, The Vampire Lestat). If you’ve devoured every episode and are craving more lush, deeply imagined vampire fiction in the same vein, here are the books, films, games, and podcasts you can turn to next.
The best books like Interview with the Vampire
It goes without saying that if you love Interview with the Vampire on streaming, you should read Anne Rice’s 13-novel series set in that universe, starting with her titular 1976 debut. If you’ve already read those, or just want to roam a bit more widely to find your vampire thrills, here are some of the best books that Interview fans will love.
A Dowry of Blood, by S. T. Gibson
If you’re into vampires, you’re at least aware of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Gibson’s novel uses Stoker’s classic as a launching pad, telling the story of Constanta, one of Dracula’s unwilling brides—and a victim of his abuse and violence. Constanta’s turning in the Middle Ages binds her to this monster, but it’s his psychological, emotional, and physical abuse that forms the true horror of the story. If you love the complex queer emotional politics of the TV show, this is the vampire story for you.
Lost Souls, by Poppy Z. Brite
If you love the newest incarnation of the show, The Vampire Lestat, with its rock star trappings and grimy glamour, check out Lost Souls. When a young girl becomes pregnant after being seduced by a vampire and dies (horribly) during childbirth, the orphaned boy is raised by adoptive parents but doomed to alienation. When he figures out his true nature, he renames himself Nothing and falls in with his vampire father, Zillah (who doesn’t know Nothing is his son), and his coven. The relationship between Zillah and Nothing is twisted, emotionally scarring, and perfect for fans of Interview with the Vampire.
Anno Dracula, by Kim Newman
Part of what makes Interview with the Vampire so fun is the sense of verisimilitude—the way the presence of vampires is depicted in a realistic setting. Newman’s Anno Dracula novels are a bit campier, but the premise is gold: In the late 19th century, Count Vlas Tepes (aka Dracula) marries Queen Victoria and becomes the de facto ruler of the English Empire. Vampirism becomes fashionable, and vampires slowly begin a march to world domination, supported and opposed by a broad cast of fictional characters and real-life historical figures. It’s great fun, especially if you like the way the show plays with history.
The Monster of Elendhaven, by Jennifer Giesbrecht
Is your favorite part of Interview with the Vampire the complicated relationship between Louis and Lestat? Then you might love this short novel. The city of Elendhaven is literally dying, succumbing to a terrible plague and rumored to host monsters that crawl from the dark water lapping at its coastline. Johann doesn’t remember much, but he knows he is not quite a man. When he meets a sorcerer named Florian, he’s recruited into a revenge scheme targeting the city at large, and is embroiled in a complex relationship that journeys into dark places.
The Vampire Diaries, by L.J. Smith
Just looking for another vampire story that offers plenty of drama, dark romance, and a deeply-imagined vampiric universe filled with lore and history? Read The Vampire Diaries series. The story begins when a woman named Elena Gilbert becomes involved—in various ways—with vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Although it’s marketed as a young adult series, it’s a twisty, soapy story with plenty of gore, as Stefan struggles to protect Elena from his erratic, dangerous brother, even as she is drawn to Damon. It will definitely scratch that melodramatic vampire itch that Interview inspires in its fans.
The best movies like Interview with the Vampire
Looking for a more cinematic experience with Interview vibes? Well, you should obviously check out the 1994 adaptation directed by Neil Jordan, scripted by Rice herself, and starring an improbably enjoyable Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as Lestat and Louis, respectively. But it’s a very different vibe from the show, so you should check out these other great vampire films as well.
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
If you’re drawn to the show for its exploration of a personal relationship between two immortal (and kind of monstrous) people over the course of centuries, check out Only Lovers Left Alive. Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton) are married vampires who currently live on opposite ends of the world. They’re artistic, cultured, and do their best not to prey on living humans. It’s a moody exploration of love and how existence can wear thin if you experience it long enough. Stream Only Lovers Left Alive on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video.
Byzantium (2012)
The deep bond between ancient beings that makes Interview so compelling is shared by Byzantium, the tale of Clara (Gemma Arterton), who chose to become a vampire after being sexually assaulted and forced into prostitution, and who turned her daughter Eleanor (Saoirse Ronan) to save her life. Centuries later, the two try to survive while being hunted by a secret order of vampires. Things go about as bloodily haywire as you can imagine, making this a great choice for anyone who appreciates a codependent vampire mess. Stream Byzantium on AMC+ or rent it on Prime Video.
The Hunger (1983)
It’s splashed with a 1980s aesthetic, but The Hunger sits in the same space as Interview with the Vampire in the way it explores vampires preying on people and surviving in the modern world. In the 1700s, vampire Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) recruited brilliant cellist John (David Bowie) with the promise of eternal life. Centuries later, the couple lives a posh lifestyle in Manhattan, killing their victims in their swanky townhouse. When John begins to experience rapid physical decay, he realizes Miriam lied to him, and launches a desperate effort to save himself as she seeks her next companion. Stream The Hunger on Tubi or rent it on Prime Video.
Queen of the Damned (2002)
If you’re just jumping into the third season of the show, retitled The Vampire Lestat, check out this glitzy 2002 adaptation of the third book in the series. Lestat de Lioncourt has discovered that vampirism and being a rock star go together surprisingly well, but his rising fame and power awaken Akasha, the vampire queen, who decides he should be her king—whatever the cost. Starring Aaliyah in her final role before her tragic death, it’s worth watching for its camp value, if not its fidelity to the source material. Rent Queen of the Damned on Prime Video.
Carmilla (2020)
With repressed sexuality pulsating under the surface, Carmilla is the adaptation of a 19th-century gothic horror novel you didn’t know you needed. Lara (Hannah Rae) lives a lonely, isolated life with her father and governess until a carriage crash brings vampire Carmilla (Devrim Lingnau) to the house to be cared for. Lara finds herself drawn to the strange woman in ways she barely understands, complicating a subtext-rich relationship with that governess. It’s a hot-and-bothered queer vampire story fans of the show will instantly bond with. Stream Carmilla on The Roku Channel or rent it on Prime Video.
The best video games like Interview with the Vampire
Sometimes you need to be a little more hands-on with your vampiric experience. If you’re a gamer who wants to map a vibe similar to Interview with the Vampire onto their sessions, here are the video games to check out.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Both the original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines and its sequel are ideal choices for Interview fans. These action role-playing games let you play as a vampire (a fledgling just turned in the original; an ancient Elder in the sequel) who must navigate the politics of vampire clans while using their supernatural abilities to navigate the narrative. If you want to see what it might be like to be a vampire in the modern world, these games are the perfect choice.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Vampyr
If you’re looking for an immersive gaming experience where you play as a vampire and struggle with moral and ethical dilemmas similar to those found in the show, look into Vampyr. In this action RPG, you play as a doctor turned into a vampire who is in constant conflict between his deeply-held oath to do no harm and his driving need for human blood. The game’s mechanics allow you to avoid killing for the most part, adding an extra layer of challenge and depth to the experience that fans of the show’s deep writing will appreciate.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
What do you think so far?
A Vampyre Story
If you’re looking for a more lighthearted and straightforward game, this point-and-click adventure is just the ticket. You play as Mona De Lafitte, an aspiring opera singer who is kidnapped and turned into a vampire. Stranded in remote Draxsylvania, you must find your way back to Paris in order to pursue your singing career, solving puzzles using your newfound powers along the way. It’s much less grim than Interview, but will scratch that itch to roleplay as a vampire throughout history.
Platforms: Steam
Castlevania
If you want the kind of sprawling lore and worldbuilding that Interview with the Vampire delivers, check out the Castlevania games. One of the most storied video game franchises in history, there have been more than 30 games in the series since 1986. In these games, which have their own deep lore, you don’t just battle vampires (often in the form of Count Dracula himself) but also zombies, werewolves, and Frankenstein’s monster.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Vampire Therapist
Looking for more of a thoughtful dive into the emotional and moral impact of being a vampire? Vampire Therapist is the quirky game you need in your console. You play as a former Wild West gunslinger turned vampire named Sam Walls, who now works with other vampires to help them navigate the psychological trauma of being a vampire. At the same time, Sam has his own baggage you have to help him figure out. It’s a quiet game that lets you sink into the ethical dilemma of existence as an undead ghoul.
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam
The best podcasts like Interview with the Vampire
Interview with the Vampire is the sort of show that prompts a lot of discussion, from its exploration of the moral quandaries of vampirism to the deep bonds between ancient characters who have known each other for centuries. Whether you want a dive into the details of the show or a similar narrative experience, here are the podcasts to explore.
Vampire Insider
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Want a conversation about each episode driven by superfans like yourself? Vampire Insider is the show for you. Fans Joann, Marc, and Kristina bring smart, passionate energy to their discussions, offering plenty of insight and commentary with a light, friendly vibe. If you lack a space where you can gush over each episode and get way too involved in the character dynamics of the story, head over here to find your people.
Vampire: The Masquerade Port Saga
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If you’re looking for more vampire-focused narrative drama, look no further than Vampire: The Masquerade Port Saga. This is the story of Titus Reed, a relatively fresh vampire who begins investigating a murder that hit close to his heart and is forced to confront his own violent nature and crimes along the way. It’s set in the tabletop RPG universe World of Darkness, but you don’t need to be familiar with those games to enjoy this complex tale of coming to terms with immortality and violence.
The Articulate Coven
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If you want a podcast that explores the divide between the TV and film adaptations and the original books by Anne Rice, check out The Articulate Coven. There are plenty of episode breakdowns and specific discussions about the series, but the hosts also delve into the differences between adaptations and source material and their implications in general. This approach often offers a fresh perspective on Interview that ranges beyond the confines of each episode.
The Lesser Dead
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Adapted from Christopher Buehlman’s novel, The Lesser Dead is set in 1978 New York City. A group of vampires calling themselves “the Family” is living in a series of dark, unused subway tunnels, carefully feeding on the unsuspecting population without killing or turning anyone. When a rogue vampire begins killing people, drawing unwanted attention, a young vampire is delegated to find out who’s breaking the rules.
The Vampire Historian
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Created by librarian Dax Stokes, The Vampire Historian is a broad examination of vampires throughout history, mythology, and folklore. The podcast digs into how vampires have been viewed in both legend and fiction, the real-life myths and events that inspired classic vampires, and the connections to books, films, and TV shows—including, of course, Interview with the Vampire in its many incarnations.
