When you think of vampire hunters, Abraham Lincoln probably isn't the first name that comes to mind. But in 2012, director Timur Bekmambetov turned that very idea into a big-budget, action-packed spectacle. Now, that film—Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter—is set to leave HBO Max on November 1, so if you've ever been curious about the 16th president's secret nocturnal hobby, you've got a limited window to check it out.
Bekmambetov first made waves internationally with his Russian vampire films, then exploded onto the Hollywood scene with the stylized action of Wanted, which grossed nearly $350 million worldwide. That success gave him the clout to take on an ambitious follow-up: adapting Seth Grahame-Smith's novel that reimagines Lincoln as a vampire slayer. The project had a heavyweight producer in Tim Burton, and it was clearly designed to launch a franchise. But despite the pedigree, the film underperformed at the box office and earned mixed reviews, effectively killing those plans.
Released in 2012, the same year as Django Unchained and Lincoln, the movie starred Benjamin Walker as the titular president, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Dominic Cooper, and Anthony Mackie in supporting roles. It's a wild premise: Lincoln discovers that vampires are real, and they're behind the institution of slavery. He becomes a secret hunter, wielding an ax and using his political career to fight the undead from the shadows.
The film was a visual treat, with Bekmambetov's signature slow-motion action and inventive set pieces. But critics were divided. It currently holds a 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting that its serious tone clashes with its inherently silly concept. Still, for fans of genre mashups and historical fantasy, it's a fun ride that doesn't take itself too seriously—even if the film itself does.
If you're in the mood for more vampire-centric entertainment, you might also want to check out our ranking of the best vampire movies since 2016 for some other fang-tastic picks. Or, if you're a fan of epic fantasy, our list of the greatest epic fantasy films might be right up your alley.
So, before November 1 rolls around, consider giving Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter a watch. It's a fascinating artifact of a time when studios were willing to take big swings on unconventional ideas. And if you miss it, you'll have to wait for it to resurface on another platform—or hope that Bekmambetov's recent comeback, Mercy, sparks renewed interest in his earlier work.
Stay tuned for more updates on what's leaving and arriving on your favorite streaming services.
