 Considered one of the preeminent figures of the classic horror film , the vampire has proven to be a rich subject for the film and gaming industries . Dracula is a major character in more films than any other but Sherlock Holmes , and many early films were either based on the novel of Dracula or closely derived from it . These included the landmark 1922 German silent film Nosferatu , directed by F. W. Murnau and featuring the first film portrayal of Dracula — although names and characters were intended to mimic Dracula 's , Murnau could not obtain permission to do so from Stoker 's widow , and had to alter many aspects of the film . In addition to this film was Universal 's Dracula ( 1931 ) , starring Béla Lugosi as the Count in what was the first talking film to portray Dracula . The decade saw several more vampire films , most notably Dracula 's Daughter in 1936 . 
