Let’s face it: vampires are a risky investment, in terms of someone you’d want to date. Yeah, sure, out of your standard movie monsters, vampires do tend to be the most sensual and romantic (who doesn’t like a little nibble on the neck?), but then you have to deal with the whole biting thing, sharp fangs and the fact that your significant other can’t really go tanning with you in the Caribbean.

That said, this recent surge in vampire movies and TV shows have placed the character front and center once again – forcing us to look at the vampire in a new light (without the light, of course). So, in honor of Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (which hits theaters this weekend), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (did you watch Fandango’s exclusive new clip?), here are five vampires who I think are worthy of a date … or several.
 
 
 
Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson in Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse)
Our first obvious choice is a teen vampire I’m sure all you ladies out there would love to date. He’s dark, mysterious and a little too pale, but he makes up for it in his ability to protect his human significant other from other vampires, werewolves and thousands of screaming tween girls.
How Long Would It Last: Till marriage and beyond … because, see, Edward is the sincere type who knows how to get in touch with those pesky human feelings.
 
 
 
Selene (played by Kate Beckinsale in Underworld, Underworld: Evolution and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans)
What, you didn’t think this list would feature all guys, did you? The greatest thing about Selene (well, apart from her having a thing for tight black leather suits) is that she’s a warrior who’s definitely not afraid to get her hands dirty. Unfortunately, though, it would appear as if she has a thing for werewolves.
How Long Would It Last: Half a date and then she’s gotta bail to go fight like the true warrior that she is.
 
 
 
Blade (Wesley Snipes in Blade, Blade II and Blade: Trinity)
When he’s not busy slaying evil vampires, this half-vampire, half-mortal can give you a lesson on how to handle his giant sword. Ya know, because that’s what Blade does – he wields a big sword. C’mon, get your mind out of the gutter!
How Long Would It Last: Two dates before a freak swordplay accident ends things on a rather, um, bloody note.
 
 
 
Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire and Stuart Townsend in Queen of the Damned)
Long before Robert Pattinson crashed onto the scene, Tom Cruise wooed us with his brilliant turn as the sexy-yet-menacing vampire Lestat, based on the character created by Anne Rice. Townsend’s version of Lestat was a little more rock n’ roll, but either way you’re having a brilliant time with this classic character.
How Long Would It Last: Eternity.
 
 
 
Michael (Jason Patric in The Lost Boys)
You’d probably make out pretty well with Michael since he was just an ordinary teenager before meeting his fate in a beautiful young girl. But because he spent all those years as a human, chances are he’d know all the right ways to romance you … though watch out, because those newbie vampires sure do like a whole lotta blood.
How Long Would It Last: 3 Months … or until he finds something better to do. C’mon, he’s a teenager!