At the time of its release, critics were less than kind, often citing the thin plot and frantic pacing. Yet, in the years since, Van Helsing has earned a dedicated cult following. There is an earnestness to the film that is hard to find in modern blockbusters. It doesn't wink at the camera or apologize for its absurdity; it fully commits to being a high-octane monster romp.

The movie's iconic characters, including Van Helsing and Anna Valerious, have become staples of modern pop culture, inspiring countless fan art, cosplay, and fiction. The film's themes of good vs. evil, redemption, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences, making Van Helsing 2004 a timeless classic in the making.

On rewatch, both. The CGI is dated in spots, but the practical effects, monster designs, and sheer ambition are unmatched today. This was Stephen Sommers going full throttle after The Mummy . It’s a love letter to classic horror dressed up as a summer blockbuster.

: An eccentric friar and inventor who provides Van Helsing with high-tech Victorian gadgets like the automatic crossbow. 🗺️ Iconic Locations

But Dracula isn’t the only threat. The plot thickens with the tragic figure of Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale), the last surviving member of a noble family sworn to destroy the Count. To make matters worse, the Wolf Man (a tragic Mr. Hyde-esque figure) and Frankenstein’s Monster (a sympathetic, mute giant played by Shuler Hensley) are woven into Dracula’s nefarious plan to bring his stillborn children to life.