Romantic Horror Films Perfect for Valentine's Day

Finding great horror movies that are also compelling love stories can be a challenge, as these genres often seem to be at odds. Classic horror films like The Shining are terrifying but hardly ideal for a romantic evening. However, horror movies can indeed be romantic, often in unexpected and poignant ways. Stories of ghostly or demonic love affairs carry a tragic tone yet are deeply sincere. Even the most fearsome monsters can have a heart, if you look closely enough.

For an unconventional Valentine's Day, these films blend horror and romance seamlessly. Get ready to embrace love at first fright!

The Conjuring 2

Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are the epitome of a horror power couple. In The Conjuring 2, they travel to London's Enfield borough to tackle unholy evils, yet their love remains unshaken. Wilson's portrayal of Ed's faith and concern for Lorraine's safety, and her willingness to sacrifice for him, showcases a modern romance perfect for fans of haunted house thrillers. No crooked men or inverted crucifixes can break their bond. For those new to the "Conjuring-verse," check out our guide on how to watch The Conjuring movies in order.

Where to Stream: Max

Spontaneous

Can a film about teenagers who spontaneously combust be romantic? Brian Duffield's Spontaneous proves it can. Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer star as young lovers navigating romance amidst their peers' random explosions. Their chemistry and emotional journey make us believe that love can endure even the most dire circumstances. This adaptation of Aaron Starmer's novel confronts life's unpredictability with a sweet sincerity, thanks to the heartfelt performances of its leads.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Spring

The idea of love as a monstrous force is not new, but Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson's Spring brings it to life beautifully. Lou Taylor Pucci's character, an American in Italy, falls for Nadia Hilker's 2,000-year-old shape-shifting mutant. Their love story, woven with rich backstory, culminates in a pivotal choice: will Hilker's immortal creature give up her eternal life for Pucci's mortal love? This makes Spring an ideal date night film for horror enthusiasts.

Where to Stream: Tubi

After Midnight

After Midnight is an unconventional creature feature that evolves into a heartfelt exploration of relationships. Jeremy Gardner and Brea Grant star as a couple at a crossroads, with Gardner also writing and co-directing. While creature effects are crucial for the midnight attacks, the film's heart lies in retracing their romantic journey from early days to current challenges. It's a warm embrace with a hint of danger, exploring themes of abandonment and the power of romantic gestures.

Where to Stream: Tubi or Hulu

The Mummy (1932)

This classic horror film features Boris Karloff as an ancient mummy revived to reunite with his reincarnated lover, played by Zita Johann. Their tragic tale of eternal love requires her mummification and resurrection, showcasing Karloff's rare romantic lead. This Universal Monster movie remains a timeless testament to the power of love.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton's quirky horror comedy Beetlejuice may not seem romantic at first, but it offers a unique love story. After their untimely death, the Maitlands (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) are granted an eternity together, embodying the ultimate happily ever after. Their afterlife becomes a testament to enduring love and domestic bliss.

Where to Stream: Max

The Addams Family (1991)

While not strictly a horror movie, The Addams Family lives in a world where dark themes are everyday occurrences. Gomez and Morticia Addams, portrayed by Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston, are the epitome of a passionate, unbreakable bond, making them one of the happiest couples in cinema.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

The Mummy (1999)

Stephen Sommers' remake of The Mummy adds a lighter, more adventurous tone to the original's romanticism. Arnold Vosloo's charismatic monster seeks to resurrect his love by sacrificing Rachel Weisz's librarian, who is falling for Brendan Fraser's charming rogue. The chemistry between Weisz and Fraser elevates the film's romantic elements.

See our guide to the best Brendan Fraser movies.

Where to Stream: Hulu

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead is a satirical take on zombie apocalypse films, but it's also a heartfelt story of personal growth and romance. Shaun (Simon Pegg) must prove himself to his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) amidst a zombie outbreak, making for a humorous yet touching narrative.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Cloverfield (2008)

Cloverfield is often praised for its found-footage style, but it's also a poignant horror film about discovering what truly matters. As a giant monster attacks New York, Rob (Michael Stahl-David) risks everything to save his ex-girlfriend Beth (Odette Yustman), showcasing a bittersweetly romantic tale.

Where to Stream: PlutoTV

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive is an unconventional vampire movie that doubles as one of the most romantic horror films. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton play centuries-old vampires whose love endures, finding endless topics to discuss, from historical figures to the intricacies of nature.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Warm Bodies (2013)

Warm Bodies blends horror and romance as a zombie (Nicholas Hoult) falls for a human (Teresa Palmer). Jonathan Levine's film injects optimism into the zombie genre and adds a twist to the rom-com formula, suggesting that love can indeed save the world.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)

Burr Steers' Pride & Prejudice & Zombies adds a horror twist to Jane Austen's classic, with Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) battling zombies while navigating their romance. The film's strong cast makes it a delightful blend of romance and undead action.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Happy Death Day (2017)

Happy Death Day combines the slasher genre with a Groundhog Day-style loop, featuring a love story at its core. Jessica Rothe's charismatic performance as a college student reliving her murder day after day, and her chemistry with Israel Broussard, make this film a perfect date night choice.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water is a fairy tale horror romance about a mute cleaning lady (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with a mysterious fish monster (Doug Jones). This Oscar-nominated film beautifully intertwines sweetness and darkness, proving that love can transcend boundaries.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Bride of Chucky

Don Mancini's Bride of Chucky introduces Jennifer Tilly's Tiffany Valentine, Chucky's perfect match in murder and mayhem. Despite their lethal nature, their relationship showcases that even slasher villains can find love. Their journey from murder to romance, complete with a crime scene water bed, is both thrilling and endearing.

See our guide to The Chucky movies in order.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Nina Forever

Nina Forever explores the complexities of love and grief as Rob's new relationship with Holly is haunted by his deceased girlfriend, Nina. This horror-comedy delves into the emotional turmoil of moving on, with stunning cinematography and a poignant narrative about undying love.

Where to Stream: Tubi

Extra Ordinary

Extra Ordinary is a charming Irish romantic comedy with a supernatural twist. Rose, a ghost whisperer, teams up with her crush Martin to save his possessed daughter, all while helping locals with their ghostly problems. Their sweet, kindergarten-like flirtation amidst paranormal chaos makes this film a delightful watch for horror fans.

Where to Stream: Hulu

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