Finding a horror movie that's also a great love story is a rare feat. Horror often thrives on tearing people apart, both literally and figuratively. Think *The Shining* – terrifying, but hardly a cozy date night. However, romance can bloom in unexpected ways within the horror genre. Tales of ghosts and demons falling for mortals often carry a poignant, tragic beauty, revealing surprising hearts within horrifying monsters. This Valentine's Day, prepare for love at first fright!
Many films offer unconventional Valentine's Day viewing. So sit back and prepare to believe in love at first fright!
The Conjuring 2
Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, are arguably the most iconic horror couple of the past decade. Their unwavering love and support for each other remain central even amidst their battles against unholy evils. *The Conjuring 2* takes them to London, but their bond remains as strong as ever. Wilson masterfully portrays Ed's panicked faith when Lorraine pushes her abilities to the limit, mirroring Lorraine's willingness to sacrifice for him. Their love story is a modern romance for the haunted house crowd, unyielding even against crooked men and upside-down crucifixes. For those new to the Conjuring-verse, our guide to watching the films in order is a helpful resource.
**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 play doomed lovers finding romance 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 confronts life's unpredictability with a sweetly sincere tone, thanks to Langford and Plummer's captivating performances.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Spring
The idea of love as a monster isn't new, but Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson expertly craft a compelling romance between a Lovecraftian entity and a lonely traveler in *Spring*. Lou Taylor Pucci's character finds himself smitten with Nadia Hilker's character, a 2,000-year-old shape-shifting mutant. Their unlikely relationship explores a profound choice: will Hilker's character forgo immortality for a mortal life with Pucci's? This central question makes *Spring* a perfect date night movie for horror fans.
**Where to Stream:** Tubi
After Midnight
Jeremy Gardner's *After Midnight* is anything but typical. What begins as a Floridian recluse battling a creature becomes a heartfelt exploration of a relationship at a crossroads. Gardner and Brea Grant portray partners navigating their relationship, with creature effects enhancing the midnight attacks. The film tackles fears of abandonment and the boundless nature of romantic gestures, offering a warm embrace amidst the fangs.
**Where to Stream:** Tubi or Hulu
The Mummy (1932)
Boris Karloff stars in this horror classic as an ancient mummy seeking his reincarnated lover (Zita Johann). Their reunion requires a chilling act: mummification and resurrection. This tragic tale of immortal love showcases a rare romantic lead performance from Karloff, and like many Universal Monster movies, it remains remarkably enduring.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton's quirky horror-comedy, *Beetlejuice*, offers an unexpected romance. The Maitlands (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin), after their demise, are granted an eternity together. Unlike many lingering ghosts, their afterlife is a romantic ideal of domesticity—the ultimate happily ever after, even in death.
**Where to Stream:** Max
The Addams Family (1991)
While not strictly horror, *The Addams Family* exists in a world where macabre acts are everyday occurrences. Gomez and Morticia Addams embody unwavering passion, a testament to enduring love.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
The Mummy (1999)
Stephen Sommers' remake infuses the original's romance with witty banter and adventure. Arnold Vosloo's alluring monster seeks to resurrect his love, creating a compelling dynamic with Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser's characters. The lighter tone and chemistry between Weisz and Fraser elevate the romantic elements.
**Where to Stream:** Hulu
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Edgar Wright's zombie satire is packed with humor, but also features a heartfelt story of growth and improved relationships. Shaun (Simon Pegg) must earn his girlfriend Liz's (Kate Ashfield) respect, a journey accelerated by the zombie apocalypse.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Cloverfield (2008)
Beyond its found-footage gimmick, *Cloverfield* is a compelling story about rediscovering priorities amidst tragedy. Rob (Michael Stahl-David) risks everything to save his ex-girlfriend Beth (Odette Yustman) during a monster attack on New York City.
**Where to Stream:** PlutoTV
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Jim Jarmusch's unconventional vampire film is surprisingly romantic. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton portray immortal lovers who find endless conversation and connection across centuries.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Warm Bodies (2013)
A zombie falls for a human in this unique rom-com/zombie hybrid. Jonathan Levine's film adds gruesome consequences to the rom-com and optimism to the zombie genre, suggesting hope and love can survive even the apocalypse. Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer deliver delightful performances.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)
Jane Austen's classic gets a zombie twist in Burr Steers' film. Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) battle the undead while navigating their complex relationship.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Happy Death Day (2017)
This slasher-Groundhog Day mashup includes a compelling romance. Jessica Rothe stars as a college student reliving her murder until she solves the mystery, developing chemistry with Israel Broussard along the way.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated film gives the Creature from the Black Lagoon a romantic subplot. A mute cleaning lady (Sally Hawkins) finds love with a mysterious amphibian creature (Doug Jones) in this fairytale-like horror story.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Bride of Chucky
Don Mancini's homage to *Bride of Frankenstein* introduces Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany Valentine, Chucky's murderous partner. Their chaotic relationship, filled with violence and affection, proves even slasher villains deserve love.
**Where to Stream:** Prime Video
Nina Forever
This horror-comedy explores the complexities of love and grief. Rob's deceased girlfriend Nina continues to be a part of his new relationship with Holly, creating a tangled love triangle with supernatural consequences.
**Where to Stream:** Tubi
Extra Ordinary
This Irish romantic comedy blends paranormal activity with adorable romance. Ghost whisperer Rose and her crush Martin team up to save his possessed daughter, their interactions filled with flirtation and genuine connection amidst supernatural chaos.
**Where to Stream:** Hulu
**Note**: *This list was updated February 13, 2025 to include additional links.*
