From Edward Cullen to Dracula, Lestat de Lioncourt to Count von Count, society has been constantly bombarded for years by the blood suckers known as vampires.
But long gone are the days when vampires were portrayed as old men rising up from caskets every Halloween — vampires today are now portrayed as attractive, lust-driven teenagers and twenty-somethings.
This Friday, the supernatural romance between vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and teen mortal Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) hits the silver screen once again in "Twilight Saga: New Moon," the second installment of the movie adaptation of Stephenie Meyers' best selling book series "Twilight."
Freshman and self-proclaimed "Twi-hard" Amanda Edwards has watched the first film well over a hundred times and said her passion for the series stems from its relatable story about desire in teenage romances.
"They're something we can't have," she said. "[Edward and Bella] really find themselves while they are together and apart. They change just as we do in relationships."
She said she already has her ticket to the 12:02 a.m. showing but is planning on arriving at the theater well in advance.
"I'm actually going to get there at like 7 [p.m.]," she said.
With all the hype surrounding the movie and the books, many have come to wonder why vampires fascinate so many of us.
Indiana University Assistant Professor of folklore Michael Dylan Foster said vampires are popular among fans of all ages and both genders because they represent more than just the undead.
"Vampires look to represent ambiguous desire within the readers, the viewers — the ones that are incredibly physically attractive and desirable in a sexual way," he said. "At the same time, much of the story's about resistance to that desire and abstinence and trying not to succumb to the desire. In having the desire and not succumbing to it, it keeps the excitement, thrill and attraction of them."
Love it or hate it, vampire lust is here to stay: the "Twilight Saga" has two more movies to film, "True Blood," the sex-drenched drama based on the life of Sookie Stackhouse, has two more seasons in the works and the CW has caught vampire fever with the release of its own vampire show, "The Vampire Diaries."
Freshman Tyler Nichols has latched onto the vampire wagon for similar reasons, but in the form of HBO's hit series, "True Blood."
Nichols said he likes "True Blood" because it uses good metaphors for race, sexuality and prejudice in general.
As for "Twilight," Nichols said he is not so much a fan.
"I'm tired of fake vampires like ‘Twilight' that sparkle," he said.
Popular Vamps
Edward Cullen
With his sparkling alabaster skin, piercing topaz eyes and trademark messy hair, female fans cannot get enough of the permanently 17-year-old vampire played by Robert Pattinson from the "Twilight" series.
Count Dracula
Dracula was always portrayed as a crude, vicious vampire with a cape, widow's peak hairline and slicked back black hair.
Bill Compton
"True Blood" character Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) plays a pre-Civil War farmer who was turned into a vampire and decided to stay in the South where he meets and falls for telepathic human Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin).
Lestat de Lioncourt
Anne Rice's sensual yet lonely vampire was portrayed by Tom Cruise in the 1994 film, "Interview with a Vampire," an adaptation of the book by the same name.
Grandpa Munster
Grandpa Munster (Al Lewis) was one of the first demonstrations of a vampire with a family life. Living in a home with his family in the 1960s, Munster reminded us all of the crazy grandpa we all enjoy and love to be around.
Count Von Count
The lovable vampire taught us how to count on "Sesame Street." After being introduced on the show in the 1970s, Count Von Count became a regular on the show and is best known for the thunder and lightning that would always accompany his cooky laughter.
Selene
Portrayed by Kate Beckinsale in the "Underworld Trilogy," the Hungarian vampire and femme fatale was often seen in a dark, form-fitting leather suit and fighting villains with a bevy of weapons.
Blade
The Marvel comic book and silver screen character is a human with vampire genes, making for a deadly combination for foes. After his mother was killed by a vampire during his birth, Blade was determined to eradicate all vampires from the earth. The only problem with his mission: He himself is a vampire.
Angel
Joss Whedon's character from the series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was portrayed by David Boreanaz as a tortured soul who has to make up for his past sins. The manly vampire is also the love interest of Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar), the namesake of the show. The character later garnered a show of his own, "Angel."
Eben
Eben Oleson was the All-American sheriff of an Alaskan town until he turned himself into a vampire to protect his family and the town in "30 Days of Night." The horror comics were later turned into a movie bearing the same name, starring Josh Hartnett.
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