Why is there this sudden interest in zombies and vampires?

I enjoyed the original Dracula movie, largely due to Bela Lugosi’s performance. “There are things far verse than death, Van Hilsinger.” Beyond that I do not have any particular interest in the undead. Is this just a U.S. phenomenon and is it mainly for younger people? It strikes me as a bit decadent. If the U.S. is, as some say, in a decline then I can see future historians pointing to this as an indicator.

I don’t know if there is any historical precedent. There is plenty of literature involving ghosts and spirits, but people believed in such things. Nobody really believes in the existence of zombies or vampires.