Romantic Horror Films for Valentine's Day

Finding great horror movies that are also great love stories can be challenging, as these genres often seem to be at odds. Many of the scariest horror films focus on tearing apart loved ones, both literally and figuratively. Take The Shining, for example—a terrifying film, but not exactly a romantic date night choice. However, horror movies can indeed be romantic, often in unexpected and poignant ways. Stories of ghosts and demons falling for mortals carry a tragic tone but are deeply sincere. Even the most horrifying monsters can have a heart if you look closely enough, and aren't trying to stake it.

For an unconventional Valentine's Day, these films blend horror and romance seamlessly, proving that love can flourish even in the darkest corners. So, sit back and prepare to believe in love at first fright!

The Conjuring 2

Name a more iconic horror couple than Ed and Lorraine Warren from the past decade. Portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, these nun-fearing spouses battle unholy evils while their love for each other remains paramount. In The Conjuring 2, the Warrens travel to London’s Enfield borough, yet their blissful connection remains unwavering. Wilson brilliantly captures Ed’s panicked faith as Lorraine pushes her abilities to dangerous limits, while Lorraine is always ready to sacrifice for Ed. Theirs is a modern romance tailored for the haunted house crowd, resilient against crooked men and inverted crucifixes. For those new to the "Conjuring-verse," check out our guide to watching The Conjuring movies in order.

Where to Stream: Max

Spontaneous

Can a movie about teenagers spontaneously combusting be romantic? Against all odds, Brian Duffield’s Spontaneous does just that, weaving a heartfelt romance amidst the chaos of exploding classmates. Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer play star-crossed lovers finding solace in each other as their peers erupt unpredictably. Their highs convince us that love can endure even the direst circumstances, while their lows highlight a bond that transcends death. This film is a timeless adaptation of Aaron Starmer’s young adult novel, confronting life's unpredictability with the sincere charm of Langford and Plummer’s chemistry.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Spring

The notion that love can be monstrous isn't new, yet Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson's Spring masterfully crafts a compelling romance between a Lovecraftian entity and a vacationing American. Lou Taylor Pucci's character, seeking solace in Italy, falls for Nadia Hilker, who plays a 2,000-year-old shape-shifting mutant. Their love story is delicately woven with rich backstory, culminating in a pivotal decision: will Hilker’s immortal creature abandon her eternal life for a mortal one with Pucci’s character? This ultimate choice makes Spring the perfect date night movie for horror enthusiasts.

Where to Stream: Tubi

After Midnight

After Midnight is far from a typical creature feature. It starts with a Floridian recluse barricading himself from a beast but transforms into a deeply emotional relationship study. Jeremy Gardner, who writes, co-directs, and stars, alongside Brea Grant, explores the dynamics of a couple at a crossroads. While creature effects are crucial for the midnight attack scenes, the film's heart lies in retracing the couple's journey from early romance to their current situation. Gardner’s script delves into fears of abandonment and the boundless nature of romantic gestures, making this a warm yet sharp-edged love story.

Where to Stream: Tubi or Hulu

The Mummy (1932)

This horror classic features Boris Karloff as an ancient mummy revived to reunite with his reincarnated lover, played by Zita Johann. To achieve eternal union, he must mummify and resurrect her. This tragic tale of immortal love showcases a rare romantic side of Karloff and remains a timeless piece of horror cinema.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton's quirky horror comedy may not seem romantic at first, given the protagonists' early demise. However, their death grants Adam and Barbara Maitland (played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) an eternity to live in wedded bliss. Unlike many ghosts who linger due to unresolved issues, the Maitlands embody the ideal of domestic happiness even in the afterlife.

Where to Stream: Max

The Addams Family (1991)

While not strictly a horror movie, the Addams Family revels in a world where dark themes like torture and murder are everyday fun. Gomez and Morticia Addams are the epitome of marital bliss, their passion never faltering for a moment, making them an iconic couple in the "horror adjacent" realm.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

The Mummy (1999)

Stephen Sommers’ blockbuster remake of The Mummy infuses the original's romanticism with humor and adventure. Arnold Vosloo's alluring monster seeks to revive his love by sacrificing a librarian (Rachel Weisz), who is just beginning to fall for Brendan Fraser's adventurous hero. The film's lighter tone and the electric chemistry between Weisz and Fraser make it a delightful blend of romance and horror.

See our guide to the best Brendan Fraser movies.

Where to Stream: Hulu

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright's satirical take on the zombie apocalypse is both a laugh riot and a touching story of personal growth and romance. Shaun (Simon Pegg) must prove himself to his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield), and it's only during a zombie outbreak that he manages to do so in a single, hilariously horrifying day.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Cloverfield (2008)

While Cloverfield is often praised for its found-footage style, it's also a compelling horror story about discovering what truly matters in the face of disaster. As a giant monster ravages New York City, Rob (Michael Stahl-David) races towards the danger to rescue his ex-girlfriend Beth (Odette Yustman). This harrowing, clever, and bittersweetly romantic film is a testament to enduring love.

Where to Stream: PlutoTV

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Jim Jarmusch’s unique take on the vampire genre delivers one of the most romantic horror movies ever made. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton portray centuries-old vampires still finding new things to discuss, from historical celebrities to the intricacies of fungi. Their enduring love is a testament to finding a partner for life—and beyond.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Warm Bodies (2013)

In this quirky horror comedy, a zombie (Nicholas Hoult) falls in love with a human (Teresa Palmer), challenging the norms of both rom-coms and zombie films. Warm Bodies injects humor and optimism into a post-apocalyptic world, suggesting that even the strangest love can offer hope and salvation.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)

Jane Austen's classic gets a horror twist in this film where Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) battle zombies while navigating their tumultuous romance. While the undead action is entertaining, the strong performances make you wish the film focused even more on the romance.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Happy Death Day (2017)

This clever horror comedy blends the time-loop concept of Groundhog Day with a slasher twist. Jessica Rothe plays a college student caught in a deadly time loop, reliving her murder until she solves it. Her chemistry with Israel Broussard, who helps her break the cycle, makes this film a perfect blend of horror and romance for a date night.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-nominated film blends fairy tale romance with horror elements. A mysterious fish monster (Doug Jones) finds love with a mute cleaning lady (Sally Hawkins). This enchanting story intertwines sweetness with grimness, showcasing del Toro’s mastery of blending genres.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Bride Of Chucky

Don Mancini’s Bride of Chucky brings a romantic twist to the killer doll saga. Chucky (Brad Dourif) resurrects his ex-fling Tiffany Valentine (Jennifer Tilly) after murdering her, turning her into a "living dead girl." Together, they embark on a killing spree while navigating their tumultuous yet passionate relationship, proving that even slasher villains deserve love.

See our guide to The Chucky movies in order.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

Nina Forever

Love can be complicated, especially when your deceased girlfriend's ghost crashes your new relationship. Nina Forever explores this theme with a mix of horror and comedy. Rob loses Nina, starts dating Holly, but Nina's corpse keeps intruding on their intimacy. The film delves into grief and the complexities of moving on, all while showcasing stunning cinematography and a unique take on undying love.

Where to Stream: Tubi

Extra Ordinary

This charming Irish film blends elements of Paranormal Activity and Ghostbusters into a romantic comedy with supernatural twists. Rose, a ghost whisperer, teams up with her crush Martin to save his possessed daughter and help locals with their ghostly problems. Their budding romance unfolds amidst humorous and heartwarming moments, making Extra Ordinary a delightful watch for horror fans on Valentine's Day.

Where to Stream: Hulu

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