Why has the representation of vampires changed?

Once upon a time, the stereotypical vampire consisted of a dark and mysterious figure with fangs, evidently different from normal humans (due to the way they would dress, the way they would act) and intent on sucking the blood of mortals (Dracula and Nosferatu). Nowadays, this idea has changed drastically and when we think of vampires, we expect to see an attractive, sophisticated and seductive character, who, despite having the traits of fangs and blood sucking, appears to be exactly the same as an everyday person (Edward Cullen and Stephan Salvatore).

I feel that vampires have changed in such a big way due to the idea of sucking blood. A while ago, this would have been seen as highly threatening and scary, but in today’s society, with its heavily sexualised ways, this act is seen as sexual and appealing. So, due to this change, it is no longer possible to have a deformed and ugly character sucking blood from necks, as instead a far more attractive character is required to satisfy the audience. Audiences also get bored incredibly quickly, so therefore I feel the idea of a scary and hideous vampire rapidly became old, and a more exciting, interesting and different formula was needed in order to draw audiences in. Another possible theory is due to society’s increasing fear of normal people (it is now possible for your average, next door type character to be a murderer), vampire films/programmes feel the need to incorporate the theory that nobody is truly who you think they are.