Welcome to the shadows. If you’ve ever found yourself fascinated by the bite of the undead or the evolution of the creatures that haunt our screens, you’ve finally found your sanctuary.

About the show

Vampire Videos is a deep dive into a century of blood-soaked cinema, tracing the lineage of the vampire from its eerie origins in 1920s expressionism to the glossy, modern re-imaginings that dominate global box offices. Hosted by Dan Owen and Hugh McStay, this podcast is a labour of love that treats every film—from the most celebrated classics to the strangest direct-to-video curiosities—with the intellectual rigour and curiosity they deserve.

We don’t just summarise plots; we explore the cultural currents that shape our monsters. We examine how different decades reinterpret the same legends, whether we are analyzing the Toei animation adaptation of comic book lore, deconstructing the cultural phenomenon of a major YA franchise conclusion, or peering into the neon-lit intersection of mobster tropes and supernatural horror. Every episode is a mix of film history, sharp critique, and infectious enthusiasm for the macabre.

What you'll discover

  • The evolution of vampire mythology across different mediums, including rare forays into high-octane anime horror.
  • Insightful conversations with academics and film journalists who help us contextualise the director's intent and the political climate behind the lens.
  • Deep dives into the technical craft of horror, from the challenges of shooting in claustrophobic, rural settings to the stylistic choices of legendary auteurs.
  • An appreciation for cult classics and overlooked gems, such as the arthouse sensibilities of a David Lynch-produced project.
  • An honest assessment of long-running franchises and how they change from their first installment to their final, often wild, entries.
  • Contextual analysis of how legendary figures like Christopher Lee returned to iconic roles later in their careers.

Who this podcast is for

This show is for the cinephile who wants to see beyond the jump scares. If you enjoy deconstructing how a story is told as much as you enjoy the thrills themselves, you’ll feel right at home. Whether you grew up watching late-night horror marathons, you’re a student of film history, or you just have a soft spot for capes, fangs, and fog machines, we invite you to pull up a seat at our campfire.

Meet the hosts

Dan Owen and Hugh McStay are dedicated chroniclers of the dark. With a shared background in film criticism and a mutual obsession with the history of the screen, they bring a friendly, expert, and conversational tone to every recording. They believe that even the silliest horror film has something interesting to say, and they make it their mission to find that hidden meaning one bite at a time.

Start listening

Ready to join the coven? Whether you want to start with a deep dive into our season-ending rankings or explore our extensive backlog of films, there’s a crypt waiting for you. Subscribe to Vampire Videos wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an investigation into the shadows of cinema.