10 Movies and Shows Like The Vampire Diaries (2009)

Description: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a seminal supernatural drama that paved the way for shows like The Vampire Diaries. Both feature strong female leads, high school settings, and a mix of horror and teen drama. Buffy's witty dialogue and monster-of-the-week format influenced many subsequent series.

Fact: Buffy was created by Joss Whedon, who also wrote the 1992 film of the same name. The show's musical episode, 'Once More, with Feeling,' is a fan favorite. Sarah Michelle Gellar performed many of her own stunts.

Description: Angel is a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, focusing on the vampire with a soul, Angel. Like The Vampire Diaries, it explores redemption, love, and the struggle between good and evil within supernatural beings. The show has a darker tone and more mature themes.

Fact: Angel was initially a character on Buffy before getting his own series. The show is set in Los Angeles, contrasting with Buffy's small-town setting. David Boreanaz, who plays Angel, also stars in Bones and SEAL Team.

Description: Supernatural shares the supernatural genre with The Vampire Diaries, focusing on two brothers who hunt monsters. Both shows blend horror, drama, and humor, with a strong emphasis on family bonds. Supernatural's long run allowed for deep mythology and character development.

Fact: Supernatural ran for 15 seasons, making it one of the longest-running fantasy series. The show's iconic car, a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, is almost a character itself. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki became close friends during the show's production.

Description: True Blood shares the vampire genre with The Vampire Diaries but with a more adult and gritty tone. Both shows explore the coexistence of vampires and humans, along with themes of love, power, and morality. True Blood's Southern Gothic setting and political undertones add a unique flavor.

Fact: True Blood is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. The show's vampires 'come out of the coffin' after the invention of synthetic blood. Alexander Skarsgård won an Emmy for his role as Eric Northman.

Description: Teen Wolf, like The Vampire Diaries, is a supernatural teen drama with a focus on werewolves and other creatures. Both shows feature high school settings, romantic subplots, and a mix of action and drama. Teen Wolf's tone is slightly more comedic but equally engaging.

Fact: Teen Wolf is loosely based on the 1985 film of the same name. Dylan O'Brien, who plays Stiles, became a breakout star. The show's success led to a revival movie in

Description: The Originals is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, focusing on the Mikaelson siblings, the original vampires. It shares the same supernatural themes, complex family dynamics, and romantic entanglements. The show delves deeper into vampire lore and expands the universe established in The Vampire Diaries.

Fact: The Originals was initially introduced as a backdoor pilot in The Vampire Diaries' fourth season. The show is set in New Orleans, adding a rich cultural and historical backdrop. Joseph Morgan, who plays Klaus Mikaelson, also directed several episodes of the series.

Description: Shadowhunters, based on The Mortal Instruments series, shares the supernatural romance and action elements with The Vampire Diaries. Both shows feature young protagonists navigating a hidden world of demons, vampires, and other supernatural beings. The love triangles and family secrets are also similar.

Fact: Shadowhunters was initially developed as a film, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, in 201The show was canceled after three seasons but had a dedicated fan campaign for its continuation. Katherine McNamara, who plays Clary, is also a trained singer and dancer.

Description: The Magicians combines fantasy and drama, much like The Vampire Diaries, but with a focus on magic and alternate worlds. Both shows feature young adults discovering their powers and facing moral dilemmas. The Magicians has a darker, more surreal tone but shares the same blend of romance and adventure.

Fact: The Magicians is based on Lev Grossman's novel series. The show's musical episodes are highly praised by fans. Quentin Coldwater, the protagonist, is a fan-favorite character despite his tragic arc.

Description: Legacies is a sequel to The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, following Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall. It continues the supernatural legacy with a new generation of vampires, werewolves, and witches at the Salvatore School. The show maintains the same blend of drama, romance, and supernatural elements.

Fact: Legacies introduces new creatures like dragons, fairies, and even a tribrid (a mix of vampire, werewolf, and witch). The Salvatore School is named after Damon and Stefan Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. Danielle Rose Russell, who plays Hope Mikaelson, was only 18 when she started the role.

Description: Roswell, New Mexico, like The Vampire Diaries, is a supernatural teen drama with a strong romantic core. Instead of vampires, it focuses on aliens living among humans. Both shows explore themes of identity, love, and the challenges of keeping supernatural secrets.

Fact: Roswell, New Mexico is a reboot of the 1999 series Roswell. The show addresses contemporary issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Jeanine Mason, who plays Liz, won So You Think You Can Dance before becoming an actress.