Unconventional Valentine's Day: Horror Movies That Are Also Great Love Stories
Finding a horror movie that's also a great love story is a rare feat, as the genres often clash. Many terrifying horror films focus on the destruction of relationships. However, that doesn't mean romance can't exist within the horror genre; it just takes unexpected forms. Prepare for love at first fright with these picks:
The Conjuring 2
Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are an iconic horror couple. Their unwavering devotion to each other shines through even amidst demonic encounters. Their love story is a modern romance with a haunted house twist.
Where to Stream: Max
Spontaneous
This film, about teenagers spontaneously combusting, surprisingly delivers a heartfelt romance. Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer portray doomed lovers whose bond transcends even the most horrific circumstances. Their chemistry makes for a sweetly sincere watch.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Spring
This film explores the unconventional idea of love as a monster. Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker star as unlikely lovers – a human and a 2,000-year-old shape-shifting mutant. Their relationship leads to an ultimate choice: immortality or mortal love.
Where to Stream: Tubi
After Midnight
This creature feature is a heartfelt relationship study disguised as a horror film. Jeremy Gardner and Brea Grant portray partners facing challenges, both personal and monstrous. The film explores themes of abandonment and the boundless nature of romantic gestures.
Where to Stream: Tubi or Hulu
The Mummy (1932)
Boris Karloff stars as a mummy seeking his reincarnated lover (Zita Johann). Their tragic tale of immortal love is a classic horror romance that still holds up today.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton's quirky horror comedy features a happily married couple, the Maitlands (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin), who find an eternity of wedded bliss, even in death.
Where to Stream: Max
The Addams Family (1991)
Gomez and Morticia Addams are a testament to enduring love, even within a darkly comedic, horror-adjacent world.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
The Mummy (1999)
This remake adds witty banter and adventure to the original's romantic elements. Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser share excellent chemistry as unlikely lovers amidst mummy mayhem.
Where to Stream: Hulu
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
This zombie comedy is also a heartwarming story about personal growth and strengthening romantic relationships.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Cloverfield (2008)
This found-footage kaiju film explores the importance of love and relationships amidst a catastrophic event.
Where to Stream: PlutoTV
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Jim Jarmusch's unique vampire film showcases a centuries-long romance between Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Warm Bodies (2013)
A zombie falls for a human in this quirky rom-com with a zombie twist.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)
This adaptation of Jane Austen's classic adds zombies to the mix, but the romance between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy remains central.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Happy Death Day (2017)
This slasher-Groundhog Day mashup features a compelling romance amidst the chaos.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated film presents a unique fairy tale-like romance between a woman and an amphibian creature.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Bride of Chucky
This film features a surprisingly compelling romance between the killer doll Chucky and his equally murderous partner Tiffany.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Nina Forever
This horror-comedy explores a complex love triangle involving a living man, his new girlfriend, and his undead ex.
Where to Stream: Tubi
Extra Ordinary
This Irish romantic comedy blends paranormal activity with an adorable romance.
Where to Stream: Hulu
Note: This list was updated February 13, 2025 to include additional links.
