Finding great horror movies that are also compelling love stories can be challenging, as these genres often seem to be at odds. Classic horror films like The Shining are terrifying, but hardly ideal for a cozy date night. However, horror movies can indeed be romantic in unexpected and intriguing ways. Stories of ghosts and demons falling in love with mortals often carry a tragic yet sincere undertone, and even the most fearsome monsters can reveal a heart beneath their terrifying exteriors.
These films are perfect for an unconventional Valentine's Day, blending romance with fright to create unique cinematic experiences. So, sit back and prepare to believe in love at first fright!
The Conjuring 2
It's hard to think of a more iconic horror couple than Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga in the past decade. As demonologists who battle unholy evils, their love and care for each other remain paramount. In The Conjuring 2, the Warrens travel to London's Enfield borough, but their deep connection doesn't suffer from jet lag. Wilson brilliantly captures Ed's panicked faith when Lorraine pushes her abilities to dangerous limits, just as Lorraine is always ready to sacrifice for Ed. Theirs is a modern romance tailored for fans of haunted houses, unbreakable even by crooked men or upside-down crucifixes. If you're 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 who spontaneously combust be romantic? Brian Duffield's Spontaneous proves it can. Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer star as doomed lovers finding solace in each other while their classmates explode randomly. Their chemistry is palpable, making us believe that love can endure even the most dire circumstances. The film adapts Aaron Starmer's young adult novel, confronting life's unpredictability with a sweet sincerity, thanks to the heartfelt performances of Langford and Plummer.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Spring
The idea that love can be monstrous isn't new, but Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson's Spring turns it into a compelling romance. Lou Taylor Pucci plays an American in Italy, escaping his depressive state, who falls for Nadia Hilker, a 2,000-year-old shape-shifting mutant. Their love story weaves through a rich backstory, culminating in a pivotal decision: will Hilker's immortal being choose a mortal life with Pucci's character? This ultimate choice makes Spring the perfect date night film 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 against a mysterious beast but evolves into a heartfelt exploration of a relationship at a crossroads. Jeremy Gardner, who writes, co-directs, and stars alongside Brea Grant, retraces their characters' journey from early romance to current challenges. The film confronts fears of abandonment with touching moments, from singing Lisa Loeb at karaoke to facing strange lifeforms with shotguns. It's a warm embrace, with a hint of danger.
Where to Stream: Tubi or Hulu
The Mummy (1932)
This horror classic features Boris Karloff as an ancient mummy revived to find his reincarnated lover, played by Zita Johann. Their tragic tale of immortal love requires him to mummify and resurrect her. Karloff's rare romantic lead performance adds depth to this Universal Monster classic, which remains impressive today.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton's quirky horror comedy Beetlejuice might not seem romantic at first glance, but it offers a unique love story. After their untimely deaths, the Maitlands, played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, are gifted with an eternity together, turning their afterlife into a romantic ideal of domestic bliss. It's a heartwarming tale of everlasting love.
Where to Stream: Max
The Addams Family (1991)
Though not strictly horror movies, the Addams Family live in a world where dark themes like torture and murder are everyday fun. Gomez and Morticia Addams, portrayed by Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston, exemplify a marriage filled with undying passion and joy, making them a horror-adjacent couple whose love never fades.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
The Mummy (1999)
Stephen Sommers' The Mummy adds a playful twist to the original's romanticism with witty banter and adventure. Arnold Vosloo's alluring monster seeks to resurrect his love by sacrificing a librarian, played by Rachel Weisz, who develops a charming chemistry with Brendan Fraser's adventurous hero. The lighter tone and strong performances make this a delightful watch.
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 the zombie apocalypse, filled with humor and heart. Shaun, played by Simon Pegg, must prove himself to his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) amidst a zombie outbreak, turning a day of horror into a journey of personal growth and romance.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Cloverfield (2008)
Cloverfield is renowned for its found-footage style and giant monster, but it's also a poignant horror film about discovering what truly matters. As New York City faces destruction, Rob (Michael Stahl-David) races towards the danger to save his ex-girlfriend Beth (Odette Yustman), showcasing a bittersweet yet romantic narrative.
Where to Stream: PlutoTV
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive offers a unique vampire romance. Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton play immortal lovers who, after centuries together, still find joy in each other's company, discussing everything from historical figures to the intricacies of fungi. It's a testament to enduring love.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Warm Bodies (2013)
In Warm Bodies, a zombie (Nicholas Hoult) falls for a human (Teresa Palmer), blending horror and romance in a fresh way. Jonathan Levine's film adds optimism to the zombie genre and heartfelt moments to the rom-com, suggesting that love can bring hope even in a post-apocalyptic world.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies injects novelty into Jane Austen's classic with undead action. Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) navigate romance and zombie warfare, with the film's strong cast making the romantic elements shine amidst the horror-comedy.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Happy Death Day (2017)
Happy Death Day combines the slasher genre with Groundhog Day's time loop concept, adding a romantic subplot. Jessica Rothe's charismatic performance as a college student reliving her murder day after day is complemented by her chemistry with Israel Broussard, making it an ideal date night film.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water is a captivating monster romance. Sally Hawkins plays a mute cleaning lady who falls in love with a mysterious fish-man (Doug Jones), blending fairy tale elements with horror. Del Toro masterfully balances sweetness and grimness, creating a timeless love story.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Bride Of Chucky
In Bride of Chucky, Don Mancini introduces Jennifer Tilly's Tiffany Valentine, Chucky's perfect match in bloodlust and psychopathy. After Chucky resurrects Tiffany as a "living dead girl," the two embark on a killing spree, mixing romance with horror. Their relationship, complete with crime scene hanky-panky, shows that even slasher villains can find love.
See our guide to The Chucky movies in order.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Nina Forever
Nina Forever explores the complexities of love with a dark twist. Rob's new relationship with Holly is disrupted by the undead presence of his former girlfriend, Nina. The film blends horror and comedy, tackling grief and expectations through a messy, yet profound, exploration of 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 navigating their budding romance. Their adventures, filled with quirky ghosts and Will Forte's cosmic tunes, make for a delightful horror-comedy perfect for Valentine's Day.
Where to Stream: Hulu
Note: This list was updated February 13, 2025 to include additional links.
