Mental Floss

VAMPIRES

John P. Johnson/HBO

Alan Ball's metaphorical vampire series made its HBO debut 10 years ago today.

iStock

Villagers liked to make extra sure their deceased stayed that way.

Tales of headless horseman predate The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

From myths to literature to giant squid, here's how some of our favorite eerie creatures and legends got their start.

Whitby as seen from the top of the 199 Steps

How a seaside vacation in 1890 gave rise to Bram Stoker's terrifying tale.

The Brown family was involved in New England’s vampire panic.

Some families were so desperate to save their loved ones from a mysterious illness, they were willing to try anything, even exhuming them.

Scholars believe Stoker’s intense, sensual Count Dracula was partly inspired by his relationship with actor Henry Irving.

Getty (Cher) // iStock (bats)

There’s a reason Cher had bats on the brain: At the time she wrote the song, she was being considered for a lead role in 'Interview With the Vampire.'

Warner Home Video

The '80s cult classic made vampires cool again.

Dracula (1931) // Universal Pictures

Some creative physics students look into the fluid dynamics of a vampire meal.

What We Do in the Shadows (2014) // YouTube

Scientists have done the calculations and it doesn't look good for us.

Getty Images

With no money for reshoots, viewers could sometimes catch the lead actor picking his nose.