R-Rated Dracula Movie Fails To Impress Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Reviews for Luc Besson’s French gothic romantic horror movie, Dracula, have surfaced ahead of its February 6, 2026, North American release. However, they are all mixed, resulting in a mediocre Rotten Tomatoes score. Several critics have lambasted the film’s style and its storytelling approach. However, others have enjoyed it for what it had to offer.

The film premiered in France on July 30, 2025. It is the latest film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s famous 1897 novel, Dracula, following adaptations from filmmakers like F.W. Murnau, Werner Herzog, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Dracula reviews lead to mediocre Rotten Tomatoes score

Dracula has received a rotten score of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to mixed reviews. Multiple critics have conveyed their disappointment with the film.

James Berardinelli of ReelViews said Caleb Landry Jones’ portrayal of the eponymous protagonist was “more pathetic than ferocious.” He attributed this to the film’s decision to change the character from a “cosmic predator” to a “misunderstood soul.”

The reviewer described the film as “a jarring fusion of Stoker’s prose and the feverish scribblings of erotic fan fiction.” He added that director Luc Besson’s lack of skill in writing a genuine romance or erotic story ruined it further.

Meanwhile, Chris Azzopardi of The New York Times wrote, “Sucked dry of its nonsensical charm, ‘Dracula’ leaves the romance feeling as long and labored as eternal love itself.”

The Austin Chronicle‘s Richard Whittaker, in his review, took issue with what he believed to be the film’s lack of originality and uniqueness. He summed it up with one line, “Call it what it is: Luc Besson’s Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a copy of a copy.”

Meanwhile, several positive reviews have emerged. Richard Crouse wrote in his review, “Despite flaws that would put a stake in the heart of many other films, ‘Dracula’ is entertaining, if only because Besson shakes up the familiar story to focus on the amorous rather than the murderous.”

Starburst‘s Robert Martin praised the film’s visuals, production, and costume design. He wrote, “It looks absolutely gorgeous – the sets, cinematography and costumes are stunning. There’s a fine Danny Elfman score to boot.”

Movie Marker‘s Rebecca Johnson praised Jones’ performance. While she acknowledged that some of the film’s elements, like its runtime and “some tonally inconsistent choices,” held it back from its potential, she stressed that it still “[nailed] the elements of gothic horror that viewers long for.”

Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net