Dracula

Dracula

Year: 1979

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: John Badham

HorrorRomance

A vampire known as Dracula arrives in Hollywood, bringing with him a dark and captivating presence. Driven by a tragic past, vampire hunter Van Helsing begins a dangerous mission to avenge the losses and halt the Count’s terrifying influence. He must confront Dracula’s power and prevent the city from falling into darkness.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dracula yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dracula (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dracula (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Walpurgis Night

Walpurgis Night is steeped in folklore, traditionally celebrated as a time when the veil between life and death is thinnest, allowing malevolent forces to roam unchecked. This night serves as a pivotal moment in the film, exemplifying the onset of horror and chaos, as Tania's seduction and subsequent murder occur in its shadow. The arrival of Jonathan Harker heralds a modern age clashing with ancient evils, showcasing the timeless battle against darkness.

Location

Carpathian Mountains, Passo Borgo, Kisslinger estate, Count Dracula's castle

The Carpathian Mountains provide a dark and eerie backdrop for the unfolding drama, amplifying the sense of isolation and doom. Passo Borgo, a secretive woodland location, witnesses the tragic romance of Tania and Milos, marking the beginning of the horror. The Kisslinger estate serves as a residence filled with personal tragedy, while Count Dracula's castle stands as a foreboding fortress, home to supernatural occurrences and undying secrets.

🏔️ Mountains 🏰 Castle 🏡 Estate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:10

Main Characters – Dracula (1979)

Meet the key characters of Dracula (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jonathan Harker

Jonathan Harker is a young librarian whose curiosity leads him into the terrifying world of Count Dracula. His innocence and determination are tested as he grapples with the sinister forces within Dracula's castle. Harker's journey illustrates the shift from naïveté to grim awareness as he confronts the horrors at hand.

📚 Librarian ⚔️ Hero

Tania

Once a passionate lover, Tania transforms into a seductive undead siren under Dracula's control. Her tragic fate and relentless pursuit of Jonathan Harker illustrate the dangers of obsession and manipulation. Despite her malevolent turn, remnants of her former self evoke sympathy, adding a layer of complexity to her character.

💘 Lover 😈 Undead

Count Dracula

Count Dracula embodies the archetype of the tragic and seductive vampire, seeking both companionship and power. His ruthless methods in subjugating his victims reveal his deep-seated loneliness and desire for love, complicated by his evil nature. Dracula's ongoing battle against Van Helsing underscores the eternal struggle between good and evil.

🦇 Vampire 👑 Antagonist

Van Helsing

Professor Van Helsing is a renowned expert on vampirism, portraying wisdom and action against the encroaching forces of evil. His resolve to confront Dracula highlights his courage and steadfastness, making him a pivotal character in the story. Van Helsing's knowledge and resourcefulness symbolize humanity's enduring fight against darkness.

🧙‍♂️ Scholar 💪 Hero

Mina

Mina is Jonathan Harker's devoted wife, whose journey into the depths of despair showcases the impact of Dracula's manipulation. Her struggle against the dark influence reveals complexities of loyalty and love as she tries to break free from his grasp. Mina's character represents innocence threatened by overwhelming evil.

💑 Wife 😧 Victim

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:10

Major Themes – Dracula (1979)

Explore the central themes of Dracula (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

The theme of forbidden love is central to the story, encapsulated by the tragic relationship between Tania and Milos. Their passionate yet doomed romance illustrates the destructive power of desire and rejection. This motif resonates throughout the film as other characters, like Mina, become ensnared in the dark, obsessive allure of Count Dracula.

🌑 Supernatural Horror

Supernatural horror permeates the narrative, as the living face off against the forces of the undead. The transformation of Tania and the manipulative powers of Dracula highlight the struggle between the natural and supernatural realms. This theme not only builds tension throughout the film but also explores humanity's vulnerability in the face of ancient evil.

🧛‍♂️ Immortality

The concept of immortality is intricately tied to Count Dracula's character, presenting a juxtaposition of power and damnation. Dracula's quest to reunite with Mina illustrates his desperate longing for connection, yet his methods bring ruin to those around him. The allure of eternal life is ultimately portrayed as a curse that breeds sadness and destruction.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:10

Unlock the Full Story of Dracula

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dracula in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dracula is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dracula Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dracula, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dracula Summary

Dracula Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dracula with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dracula Timeline

More About Dracula

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dracula: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dracula

Similar Movies to Dracula

Discover movies like Dracula that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.