Unconventional Valentine's Day? Try These Horror-Romantic Movies!
It's a rare find: a truly great horror movie that's also a compelling love story. Horror often thrives on the destruction of relationships, both literal and metaphorical. Think The Shining – terrifying, but hardly a cozy date night.
However, romance can exist within the horror genre, often in unexpected ways. From ghosts falling for mortals to monsters with hidden hearts, these films offer a unique blend of thrills and heartfelt connection. Get ready for love at first fright!
The Conjuring 2
Ed and Lorraine Warren, the iconic paranormal investigators portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are the epitome of a horror couple. Their unwavering love and devotion to each other remain central even amidst terrifying demonic encounters. Their bond is tested, but never broken, making for a uniquely thrilling and romantic experience. For those new to the Conjuring universe, check out our guide to watching the films in order.
Where to Stream: Max
Spontaneous
Who knew spontaneous human combustion could be romantic? Brian Duffield's Spontaneous masterfully intertwines teen angst, explosive classmates, and a blossoming romance between Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer. Their connection shines brightly against the backdrop of chaos, proving love's resilience even in the face of death. A heartfelt adaptation of Aaron Starmer's young adult novel.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Spring
Love as a monster? Not exactly groundbreaking, but Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson's Spring makes it work brilliantly. Lou Taylor Pucci's American traveler falls for Nadia Hilker's shape-shifting, 2000-year-old being. Their unconventional romance explores themes of immortality and choice, culminating in a powerful decision that solidifies their bond. A perfect date night for horror enthusiasts.
Where to Stream: Tubi
After Midnight
After Midnight is anything but typical. This creature feature, starring Jeremy Gardner and Brea Grant, transforms into a poignant exploration of a relationship at a crossroads. The creature effects are intense, but the heart of the story lies in the couple's journey, showcasing the resilience of love amidst fear and uncertainty.
Where to Stream: Tubi or Hulu
The Mummy (1932)
Boris Karloff shines in this classic horror romance. An ancient mummy seeks his reincarnated lover (Zita Johann), leading to a tragic tale of immortal love and a chilling quest for eternal togetherness. A testament to the enduring power of classic horror.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton's quirky horror-comedy offers a unique take on romance. Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin's deceased couple find a happily ever after, even in the afterlife, showcasing a lasting love that transcends death.
Where to Stream: Max
The Addams Family (1991)
While not strictly horror, the Addams Family's darkly comedic world makes them "horror adjacent." Gomez and Morticia Addams embody passionate, enduring love, a testament to a relationship that thrives amidst unconventional circumstances.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
The Mummy (1999)
Stephen Sommers' remake retains the romance of the original, adding witty banter and action. Arnold Vosloo's alluring mummy and Rachel Weisz's librarian, caught in a love triangle with Brendan Fraser's adventurer, create a captivating and entertaining blend of horror and romance.
Where to Stream: Hulu
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Edgar Wright's zombie satire is a hilarious and heartfelt story of self-improvement and rediscovering love amidst a zombie apocalypse. Simon Pegg's Shaun must earn his girlfriend's respect, a journey unexpectedly accelerated by the undead hordes.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Cloverfield (2008)
Beyond the found-footage kaiju spectacle, Cloverfield explores a young man's determination to save his ex-girlfriend amidst a city-wide monster attack. A harrowing and bittersweetly romantic tale of sacrifice and rediscovering priorities.
Where to Stream: PlutoTV
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Jim Jarmusch's unconventional vampire film offers a surprisingly romantic portrayal of centuries-long love between Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton's immortal characters. A testament to the enduring power of connection.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Warm Bodies (2013)
A zombie falls for a human – awkward, but charming. Jonathan Levine's horror-comedy 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. Lily James and Sam Riley's Elizabeth and Darcy battle undead hordes while navigating their complex relationship. A fun blend of romance and action.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Happy Death Day (2017)
A Groundhog Day-esque slasher with a romantic twist. Jessica Rothe's college student relives her murder repeatedly, developing an unexpected connection with Israel Broussard's character.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated masterpiece delivers a fairy-tale-esque romance between a mute cleaning lady (Sally Hawkins) and an amphibious creature (Doug Jones). A beautiful and poignant exploration of love and acceptance.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Bride of Chucky
Jennifer Tilly's Tiffany Valentine joins Chucky in this darkly comedic installment. Their toxic yet undeniably passionate relationship defies expectations, proving even slasher villains can find love (of a particularly twisted kind).
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Nina Forever
Love gets complicated in this horror-comedy. A man's relationship with his deceased girlfriend interferes with his new romance, creating a unique and often darkly humorous love triangle.
Where to Stream: Tubi
Extra Ordinary
This Irish romantic comedy blends paranormal activity and adorable romance. A ghost whisperer and her crush team up to save a possessed child, leading to heartwarming moments amidst supernatural chaos.
Where to Stream: Hulu
Note: This list was updated February 13, 2025 to include additional links.
