Romantic Horror Films for Valentine's Day

Finding a truly great horror movie that's also a great love story is a rare feat. Horror often thrives on the disintegration of relationships, both literally and figuratively. Think *The Shining* – terrifying, yes, but hardly a cozy date night. However, that doesn't mean romance and horror are mutually exclusive; they just need to find unconventional ways to coexist. Tales of ghosts and demons falling for mortals often possess a poignant, tragic beauty, revealing the surprising tenderness within even the most horrifying creatures.

Many films cleverly blend these seemingly opposite genres, making them perfect for an unconventional Valentine's Day. Prepare to believe in love at first fright!

The Conjuring 2

Ed and Lorraine Warren, arguably the most iconic horror couple of the last decade (as portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), are the heart of this film. Their unwavering devotion to each other shines through even amidst battles against unholy evils. The Conjuring 2 transports them to London, but their love remains unaffected. Wilson masterfully portrays Ed's panicked faith when Lorraine pushes her abilities to the limit, mirroring Lorraine's willingness to sacrifice for him. Their relationship offers a modern romance for the haunted house crowd, unshaken by demonic forces.

**Where to Stream:** Max

Spontaneous

Can a movie about spontaneously combusting teenagers be romantic? Brian Duffield's *Spontaneous* proves it can. Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer portray doomed lovers finding solace in each other amidst the chaos of their exploding classmates. Their connection transcends the horrific circumstances, showcasing a bond that endures even beyond death. This adaptation of Aaron Starmer's young adult novel tackles life's unpredictable nature with a surprisingly sweet and sincere tone, thanks to the captivating performances of Langford and Plummer.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Spring

The idea of love as a monster isn't new, but Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson masterfully execute this concept in *Spring*. Lou Taylor Pucci plays an American tourist who falls for Nadia Hilker's character, a 2,000-year-old shape-shifting mutant. Their unlikely romance unfolds delicately, culminating in a profound choice: will Hilker's character forgo immortality for a mortal life with Pucci's? This ultimate choice solidifies *Spring* as the perfect date-night movie for horror enthusiasts.

**Where to Stream:** Tubi

After Midnight

This creature feature is anything but ordinary. What begins as a Floridian recluse fending off a monstrous attack evolves into a deeply heartfelt exploration of a relationship at a crossroads. Jeremy Gardner, who co-directs and stars alongside Brea Grant, portrays a couple navigating their relationship amidst external threats. The film uses creature effects sparingly, focusing instead on the couple's journey from initial attraction to their current challenges. The screenplay confronts fears of abandonment and the boundless nature of romantic gestures, creating a surprisingly warm and engaging story.

**Where to Stream:** Tubi or Hulu

The Mummy (1932)

Boris Karloff stars in this classic horror film as an ancient mummy seeking his reincarnated lover (Zita Johann). To be together eternally, he must mummify and resurrect her. This tragic tale of immortal love features a rare romantic lead performance from Karloff, and the film remains surprisingly captivating.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton's quirky horror-comedy offers an unexpected take on romance. The protagonists, already married, die early on, but their afterlife grants them an eternity together. Unlike many lingering ghosts, the Maitlands (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) achieve a romantic ideal of domestic bliss, even in death.

**Where to Stream:** Max

The Addams Family (1991)

While not strictly horror, the Addams Family inhabits a world where macabre acts are everyday occurrences. Gomez and Morticia Addams represent an enduring, passionate relationship, a testament to unwavering love.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

The Mummy (1999)

Stephen Sommers' remake adds witty banter and action to the original's romantic elements. Arnold Vosloo's alluring mummy seeks to resurrect his true love, while Rachel Weisz's librarian falls for Brendan Fraser's adventurer. The lighter tone and strong chemistry between Weisz and Fraser make it a delightful watch.

**Where to Stream:** Hulu

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright's zombie satire is a hilarious and heartfelt story about growth and finding better romantic partnerships. Shaun (Simon Pegg) must earn back his girlfriend's respect, a task unexpectedly expedited by a zombie apocalypse.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Cloverfield (2008)

Beyond its found-footage kaiju gimmick, *Cloverfield* is a poignant story about rediscovering priorities during a crisis. Rob (Michael Stahl-David) risks everything to save his ex-girlfriend, Beth (Odette Yustman), amidst a city-wide monster attack.

**Where to Stream:** PlutoTV

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Jim Jarmusch's unconventional vampire film features Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as immortal lovers who have sustained their relationship for centuries, showcasing the enduring power of love.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Warm Bodies (2013)

A zombie falls for a human in this quirky rom-com horror. Jonathan Levine's film subverts both genres, offering a surprisingly optimistic take on love and hope in a post-apocalyptic world.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)

Jane Austen's classic gets a zombie twist. Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) battle undead hordes while navigating their complex relationship.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Happy Death Day (2017)

A slasher-meets-Groundhog Day story with a surprising romantic element. Jessica Rothe's character relives the same day repeatedly, encountering and falling for Israel Broussard's character.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated film delivers a fairy tale-like monster romance. A mute cleaning lady (Sally Hawkins) falls for a mysterious amphibian creature (Doug Jones).

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Bride of Chucky

Don Mancini's homage to *Bride of Frankenstein* introduces Jennifer Tilly's Tiffany Valentine, Chucky's murderous partner. Their toxic yet undeniably passionate relationship is a darkly comedic take on love and violence.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Nina Forever

This horror-comedy explores a complicated love triangle involving a living man, his new girlfriend, and his undead ex-lover. The film tackles grief and expectations within the context of an unusual relationship.

**Where to Stream:** Tubi

Extra Ordinary

This Irish romantic comedy blends paranormal activity with heartwarming romance. A ghost whisperer (Rose) partners with her crush (Martin) to save his possessed daughter and help others with supernatural problems, creating a charming and funny story.

**Where to Stream:** Hulu

**Note**: *This list was updated February 13, 2025 to include additional links.*