The movie opens in medieval Europe, where the mortal Count Dracula (Gary Oldman) loses his dearly beloved to unfortunate death. Fast forward a few centuries and the now vampire Count Dracula journies to London in search of his true love. He falls for a young English woman (Winona Ryder), who is already involved with a young English gentleman (Keanu Reeves). Vampire Dracula uses various supernatural means to ensnare his object of desire, including transforming himself into something of a new-wave dandy. The services of a vampire hunting doctor (Anthony Hopkins) are sought in an attempt to thrawt Count Dracula's evil intentions. A battle for the soul of the young woman ensues.