New R-Rated Dracula Movie From Acclaimed Director Has Critics & Audiences Very Divided On Rotten Tomatoes

4 days ago 9

Caleb Landry Jones as Count Dracula in Dracula

Published Feb 7, 2026, 9:16 AM EST

Fariba Rezwan is a Lead Editor for the Movie News team. She has been with ScreenRant for nearly five years, with roles ranging from list editor to junior news editor.

During that time, Fariba has led coverage for breaking movies and TV news, including Hunger Games, Marvel, and streaming. Additionally, she has actively provided commentary and reactions to the biggest movies and shows on her YouTube channel, The Movieception Show.

A new Dracula movie is enchanting audiences after its United States release.

The latest adaptation of the famous Bram Stoker story follows a 15th-century prince who is heartbroken by the loss of his beloved wife. While condemning God, he eventually turns into the notorious Dracula, with hopes of one day reuniting with a reincarnation of his wife.

Before its release, reviews were split on the new Dracula movie. Despite praises for Caleb Landry Jones’ breathtaking performance as the titular vampire and the gothic stylistic visuals, the movie's tonal inconsistencies are a primary criticism. This has ultimately led to a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Caled Landy Jones as old Dracula in Dracula 2026

On the other hand, audiences seem far more captivated by Luc Besson’s version of the vampire story, with some appreciating the emphasis on the love story. Based on just over 100 verified ratings, Dracula currently has a solid 76% audience score. While the new adaptation is faring well with audiences, Tod Browning’s 1931 iteration and Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula remain classic depictions of the iconic story.

Also starring Christoph Waltz and Zoë Bleu, the new 2026 reimagining is just the latest to adapt the iconic story. Recent Dracula adaptations have attempted to retool the story with a fresh premise, including Renfield showing the dynamic between the vampire and his servant and The Last Voyage of the Demeter depicting a single chapter from the iconic novel, “The Captain's Log.”

Besson joined in on the trend because he found that the 1897 novel's core was the love story between the titular vampire and his beloved. With most versions showcasing a horror and fantastical approach, the director focused on the character’s tragic origins that motivated his transformation into the blood-sucking creature.

With a budget of roughly $52 million, the new adaptation has already generated $30 million due to its early release in France last summer. Now, the movie is making its waves internationally, including the United States on February 6, 2026.

Dracula is now playing in theaters in the United States.