Dracula Vs Dracula: 5 Reasons The Netflix Series Is Best (& 5 Why The NBC Show Is Even Better)
Dracula from Bram Stoker’s novel is a renowned horror character that was the first iteration of a vampire that became popular in pop and media culture. The fanged and caped vampire has been reimagined many times on television and in movies. In film, the many adaptations include Dracula Untold and the 1931 movie, Dracula.
The bloodsucker is no stranger to the small screen; Netflix and BBC created an original mini-series titled Dracula that took a unique twist on the gothic character. Some may not know that NBC premiered a series of the same name in 2013 with Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the main role. The two versions are valuable contenders, but each have their own intriguing characteristics making them both worth watching.
10 NBC: Jonathan Rhys Meyers As Dracula
Some might remember Jonathan Rhys Meyers for his supporting role in the films August Rush or Bend It Like Beckham. What makes his Dracula so fun to watch is Meyers’s portrayal of the character.
He has the charming looks, hypnotizing eyes and not to mention the sultry American accent. The show’s take on the character is a bit different than what many are used to; this version is depicted as being much younger and fresh and Meyers is a perfect fit.
9 Netflix: It’s Easily Digestible
Fans got hooked on the BBC-Netflix miniseries due to the fact that it only debuted in three parts. It was made easily digestible for its audiences. There’s no need to have to keep up with constantly changing storyline.
It also added more intrigue wondering what more could happen in such a short amount of time. Fans had plenty to sink their teeth into. By the end of the show, audiences are left satisfied but questioning its overall story — in a good way.
8 NBC: Dracula’s Cover In A Human World
A unique twist to Dracula’s story in the show is his ulterior motives disguised by a real-life job. Dracula, or Alexander Grayson, gives himself a new name and travels to London from America. He goes under the ruse that he’s an American entrepreneur. His motives? Bring modern since and electricity to Victorian Europe.
His cover allows him to integrate into a high-class society and get close to the people he’s really after. His fake identity is only a cover to seek revenge on the Order of the Dragon who ruined his life centuries ago, as well. There aren’t many versions of Dracula where he adorns such a cover. The show is even described as an “updated” version of Stoker’s character.
7 Netflix: A Darker & Grittier Story
Compared to the show version, the BBC-Netflix Dracula (Claes Bang) is much scarier and darker. He also posses certain qualities the NBC version doesn’t have. Besides the haunting cinematography and coloring, the show’s overall atmosphere is meant to be chilling.
Viewers come to be wary of the main character and can feel a sense of fear; especially when it comes to his victim who is in fact a living corpse. This Dracula also has distinct powers — he’s able to shapeshift. The displays of blood and gore make for an impressive horror and suspenseful show.
6 NBC: Dracula Isn’t The Bad Guy
The NBC show takes Dracula’s character on a different route than audiences have previously seen before. This version of the vampire isn’t the bad guy; throughout the season, viewers will come to sympathize for him. He’s lived a lonely life in a deep sleep and lost his only happiness centuries ago.
Dracula is the anti-hero; despite being a vampire, his real goal is to seek revenge against the order that destroyed his life. He even shows kindness towards his dedicated servant, R. M. Renfield (Nonso Anozie). Don’t expect this Dracula to wantonly hurt people who threaten his plan.
5 Netflix: Tied More To Historical Version And Origins
The BBC-Netflix miniseries is better suited for viewers who like the original, most recognized version of Dracula or the one that is more tied to the Bram Stoker version. The one that is manipulative, has no emotions and downright evil. The show first starts with Dracula’s history and origins in Eastern Europe and his ghastly crimes.
It also has a small storyline of him meeting his bride. One that has been seen many times in different on-screen versions. The BBC-Netflix show’s overall premise is more closely tied to the character’s origins than the NBC version that instead reimagined it.
4 NBC: The Love Story
One of the reasons why viewers will come to sympathize with Dracula is because of his past trauma: he loses the love his life, his wife due to the Order. Hence, seeking revenge when he’s awoken. Dracula’s plans for revenge get complicated when he meets a socialite woman.
The huge problem is that she’s an exact replica of his late wife; he believes her to be a reincarnation of her. Unfortunately, she’s already promised to another man. The show has a complex love story that challenges his true motives: his secret and her safety.
3 Netflix: The Past & Future & The Twist
The miniseries takes a turn that no one expected. A majority of the first and second episodes take place in the respected timeline of the 1800s. But there’s a twist that changes the whole dynamic of the show.
It involves a shift in time periods. What viewers also didn’t expect was the unforeseeable ending. Dracula is invincible, one of the worst monsters but has a vulnerability that makes him weak and ultimately becomes his demise. It’s a whole psychological journey that hasn’t been seen before.
2 NBC: The Van Helsing Twist
For as long as people can remember, the character, Van Helsing is Dracula’s sworn enemy. A hunter hell-bent on eradicating supernatural creatures. Dracula included. In the NBC show, Helsing isn’t the famed hunter viewers know about; the show begins with an unidentified figure waking up Dracula with blood.
It’s later revealed that the figure was indeed Van Helsing. Dracula is wary and harbors hate for Helsing. In a turn of events, Helsing also isn’t the bad guy; ue woke Dracula to help him eradicate the Order. He was once a former member, and they now form an unlikely alliance.
1 Netflix: Another Van Helsing Twist
Both the BBC-Netflix show and NBC show created a twist to Van Helsing’s story, but the former version did it better. Viewers are introduced to a nun who is tasked with questioning the only surviving victim of Dracula. It’s clear she’s not a typical nun, if she is at all. It’s revealed that she is in fact Agatha Van Helsing played by Dolly Wells. Many would agree that the show did a good job in its casting of her and Dracula.
She is part of the church and the nuns are aware of the supernatural world and Dracula. Van Helsing becomes a major part of the storyline and much more in the third episode. But no spoilers; all that can be said is that the Van Helsing bloodline continued.
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