The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Check Out After Watching 'Interview With the Vampire'[html]
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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.
