As the clock strikes midnight, couples brace for a romantic evening, but for some, a darker turn awaits. The perfect blend of thrills and tender moments beckons from the streaming screen. This Valentine’s Day, ditch the cliché romance flicks and delve into these chilling tales, where love and horror intertwine.
Sinners
Some films invoke heart and horror in equal measure, and Sinners is a testament to that balance. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi, it tells the gripping story of twin brothers, played by the talented Michael B. Jordan, as they confront a feared vampire invasion. The romance intertwined within the narrative—first love and second chances—adds emotional depth to the gore, making it a haunt worth experiencing. (HBO Max)
Queens of the Dead
This isn’t just another zombie movie; Queens of the Dead is a vibrant tribute to community and resilience amid chaos. Picture a ragtag group of drag performers and bar staff banding together against a brain-munching apocalypse. With heartfelt stakes, including a pregnant woman’s desperate race to find her wife, this film packs humor and heart—a refreshing concoction for horror aficionados. (Shudder)
The Conjuring 2
If love can vanquish evil, then Ed and Lorraine Warren are the ultimate power couple. The Conjuring 2 masterfully juxtaposes spine-chilling supernatural events with tender moments, particularly Ed’s soulful tribute to Lorraine through Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The narrative’s haunting visuals combined with genuine affection create a richly layered experience. (HBO Max)
Heart Eyes
What happens when a masked serial killer turns Valentine’s Day into a horror show? In Heart Eyes, Seattle couples find themselves targets of this gruesome game. With a lineup of fresh talent, including Mason Gooding and Devon Sawa, this slasher film balances horror with budding romance, leaving viewers questioning whether attraction can survive in darkness. (Netflix)
Witchboard
Not just for fans of Vecna, the 2024 Witchboard remake is garnering attention, but I can’t overlook the original from 1986. This campy classic, featuring Tawny Kitaen as a woman whose Ouija board games invite chaos, intertwines romance and possession in unexpected ways—while love triangles add intrigue to the ghastly escapades. (Shudder)
Your Monster
In the world of theater, heartbreak can spark unexpected revelations. Your Monster follows a heartbroken actress seeking closure, until she stumbles upon a living embodiment of her insecurities—a curious monster in her closet. The emotionalcore of this narrative transforms as she discovers the true meaning of self-love amidst personal chaos. (Rent on Prime Video)
The Mummy
When we think of romance amid the undead, the 1999 version of The Mummy reigns supreme. Packed with adventure and a charming chemistry between Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, this tale of tomb raiding and cursed love invites viewers back to where it all began, right before a new sequel emerges. (Hulu/Disney+)
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consensual Suicidal Person
For those who adore quirky narratives, this indie gem from 2023 spins a unique love story. A reluctant young vampire meets a man battling his own dark thoughts, leading them both toward unexpected intimacy. Their interactions unravel layers of emotion, illustrating how love can flourish at the unlikeliest crossroads. (Shudder)
Together
Real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie take center stage in Together, a film exploring an inseparable bond that takes a disturbing turn. While it pushes boundaries with its body-horror gimmick, the humor and sharp observations will leave you questioning the limits of love and connection. (Hulu/Disney+)
Cemetery Man
Rupert Everett stars in Cemetery Man, a darkly humorous cult classic that dances between love and the macabre. As a cemetery caretaker falls for a young widow, the film dives into bizarre scenarios of death and rebirth, merging comedy and horror seamlessly. Its charm lies in its quirkiness, proving that love often intersects with the strange and unexpected. (Shudder)
Want more insights on the latest in horror and romance? Discover upcoming releases across your favorite platforms and what makes these stories resonate in our collective imagination.