Latest Dracula Movie Gets Unimpressive Rotten Tomatoes Score

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I’ve been following the early buzz about Luc Besson’s Dracula, and the reviews are definitely all over the place. It’s hitting North American theaters on February 6, 2026, but it looks like it’s landing with a pretty average score on Rotten Tomatoes. Some critics are really knocking the film’s style and how the story unfolds, while others seem to be enjoying it for what it is. It’s a mixed bag so far, honestly.

The movie first came out in France on July 30, 2025. It’s a new take on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula, which has been adapted for film several times before, including versions by directors like F.W. Murnau, Werner Herzog, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Dracula reviews lead to mediocre Rotten Tomatoes score

The movie Dracula received a disappointing score of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating mixed reactions from critics. Many reviewers expressed their dissatisfaction with the film.

James Berardinelli of ReelViews felt Caleb Landry Jones’ performance as the main character was more sad and helpless than frightening. He explained this was because the movie shifted the character away from being a terrifying alien hunter and instead presented him as a troubled and lonely figure.

The reviewer felt the movie was a strange mix of Bram Stoker’s writing style and overly passionate fan fiction. They also criticized director Luc Besson, saying he didn’t have the ability to create a believable love story or erotic scene, which ultimately hurt the film.

In a review for The New York Times, Chris Azzopardi described the latest ‘Dracula’ as losing its playful appeal, making the romance feel overly drawn-out and exhausting, much like the idea of eternal love.

In a review for the Austin Chronicle, Richard Whittaker criticized the film for being unoriginal, calling it a derivative work. He succinctly described it as “Luc Besson’s Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula” – essentially a copy of a copy.

The film has received some positive feedback. In a review, Richard Crouse noted that while ‘Dracula’ isn’t perfect, it’s enjoyable because director Besson offers a fresh take on the classic tale, emphasizing romance over violence.

Robert Martin of Starburst complimented the film’s beautiful appearance, specifically praising its sets, cinematography, and costumes. He also highlighted the excellent score by Danny Elfman.

Rebecca Johnson from Movie Marker complimented Jones’ acting. She noted the film wasn’t perfect – its length and some uneven choices held it back – but highlighted that it successfully delivered the classic gothic horror experience audiences want.

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2026-02-06 14:27