Based on the manga series by Matsuri Hino, this shōjo series was a staple for '00s emo teens. In a very questionable academic setup, Cross Academy has two streams of students: the Day Class, who are humans; and the Night Class, who are vampires.

This haunting slowburn anime series focuses on the ethereal lead bloodsucker. But unlike your normal vamps, Miyu is a Daywalker, allowing her to attend school as the perfect cover for her activities as a hunter of violent demons known as Shinma.

The first of two Blood: The Last Vampire adaptations on our list, Blood-C is a dark and horror-soaked adventure that introduces viewers to Saya, a school girl by day and brutal demon slayer by night.

The Monogatari light novel series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan has long been delighting vampire fans, not least because they inspired this charming 15 episode series and its sequels. The experimental and abstract anime adaption takes an unusually artistic approach to fanservice, merging it with introspective and thoughtful character interactions.

Blood Lad is the slice of life vampire story that you never knew you needed. Over the hundreds of years of vampire stories there are multiple reimaginings and reconsiderations of the iconic figure of the surly, dangerous bloodsucker. But Staz, the powerful vampire at the center of this tale, couldn't be less interested in the usual activities of the undead.

When Tsukune's father gets drunk and manages to enroll him in Yokai Academy, no one seems to be worried despite the ominous name. Even when he gets to the Halloween-themed world, he's more concerned with how many beautiful girls there are rather than the fact that some of them call themselves vampires.

If you enjoy your bloodsuckers with a sharp twist, then Vampire Hunter D will sate your appetite. Adapted from Hideyuki Kikuchi's iconic light novel series, this cult smash has been finding fans for decades.

Starting off our top three with a big bang is the 2005 Blood: The Last Vampire adaptation directed by Junichi Fujisaku. This globe-hopping take on the tale once again focuses on schoolgirl Saya whose fate is entwined with the batlike monsters known as Chiropterans.

While the 2000 Helsing anime series is a classic, this mid-'00s OVA is a far closer adaptation of Kouta Hirano's original manga. It's also one of the coolest and most terrifying horror anime ever made. Told in 10 parts, we meet Integra Hellsing, the head of the Hellsing Organization.

Hirohiko Araki's bombastic and influential action anime might be the most unexpected vampire series of all time. Yes, those fantastic neon colors, haute couture, and a centuries-long family saga hide a dramatic superpowered vampire plotline for the ages. It all starts with Dio Brando, the icon villain of the series, who discovers the ancient Stone Mask.