Finding a great horror movie that's also a great love story is a challenge. Horror often thrives on tearing people apart, literally and figuratively. *The Shining*, for instance, is terrifying but hardly a cozy date night. However, romantic horror exists; it just takes unexpected forms. Tales of ghosts and demons falling for mortals offer tragic, yet sincere, romances. Even the most horrifying monsters can possess a heart, if you know where to look (and aren't wielding a stake).

Many films offer unconventional Valentine's Day viewing. Prepare for love at first fright!

The Conjuring 2

Ed and Lorraine Warren are arguably the most iconic horror couple of the past decade. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga portray these demon-fighting spouses, whose love for each other remains central throughout their battles against unholy evils. Even in London's Enfield borough (the setting of *The Conjuring 2*), their connection remains strong. Wilson masterfully portrays Ed's panicked faith when Lorraine pushes her abilities to the limit, mirroring Lorraine's willingness to sacrifice for him. Their romance is a modern classic for haunted house enthusiasts, unshaken by crooked men or upside-down crucifixes. For a viewing guide on the Conjuring universe, see our guide to watching The Conjuring movies in order.

**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 classmates exploding randomly. Their connection showcases love's resilience even in the face of horrific circumstances. It's a heartfelt adaptation of Aaron Starmer's young adult novel, confronting life's unpredictable nature with sincerity, thanks to Langford and Plummer's chemistry.

**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 American vacationer meets Nadia Hilker's local woman, who is revealed to be a 2,000-year-old shapeshifting mutant. Their unlikely relationship unfolds beautifully, culminating in a pivotal choice: will Hilker's character forgo immortality for a mortal life with Pucci's? This makes *Spring* a perfect date night movie for horror fans.

**Where to Stream:** Tubi

After Midnight

*After Midnight* is anything but ordinary. What begins as a Floridian recluse barricading himself from a monstrous attack evolves into a heartfelt relationship study. Jeremy Gardner, who co-directs and stars alongside Brea Grant, portrays a couple facing challenges. The creature effects are integral to the midnight attack sequences, but the film focuses on the couple's courtship, from initial attraction to their current crossroads. The screenplay tackles fears of abandonment and explores the boundless nature of romantic gestures, creating a warm, yet suspenseful, experience.

**Where to Stream:** Tubi or Hulu

The Mummy (1932)

This horror classic stars Boris Karloff as a resurrected mummy seeking his reincarnated lover (Zita Johann). To be together eternally, he must mummify and resurrect her. This tragic tale of immortal love features a rare romantic lead performance from Karloff and remains impressively enduring.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton's quirky horror-comedy, while not overtly romantic at first glance, offers a unique take on romance. The protagonists, already married, die early on but are gifted with eternity together. Unlike many lingering ghosts, the Maitlands (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) achieve a romantic ideal of domestic bliss—a happily ever after, even in death.

**Where to Stream:** Max

The Addams Family (1991)

While not strictly "horror," the Addams Family inhabits a world where torture, grave robbing, and murder are commonplace, making them "horror adjacent." Gomez and Morticia Addams represent a remarkably happy and passionate couple whose love remains unwavering.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

The Mummy (1999)

Stephen Sommers' remake adds witty banter and adventure to the original's romanticism. Arnold Vosloo's alluring monster seeks to resurrect his love, leading to a romance between Rachel Weisz's librarian and Brendan Fraser's adventurer. The lighter tone and chemistry between Weisz and Fraser make it a delightful watch. *See our guide to the best Brendan Fraser movies.*

**Where to Stream:** Hulu

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright's zombie satire is a hilarious and heartfelt story about growth and improving relationships. Shaun (Simon Pegg) must earn his girlfriend Liz's (Kate Ashfield) respect, a process accelerated by a zombie apocalypse.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Cloverfield (2008)

Beyond its found-footage kaiju 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 have sustained their connection for centuries, finding continuous conversation and companionship.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Warm Bodies (2013)

A zombie falling for a human creates an awkward yet charming premise. Jonathan Levine's comedy subverts both rom-com and zombie tropes, offering optimism amidst apocalyptic settings. Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer's chemistry makes the film both funny and touching.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2016)

Adding zombies to Jane Austen's classic doesn't diminish its charm. Burr Steers' film features Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) battling undead while navigating their relationship. The strong cast elevates the film, making the romance a highlight.

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Happy Death Day (2017)

This slasher-Groundhog Day mashup includes a compelling love story. Jessica Rothe plays a self-involved 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) falls in love with a mysterious amphibian creature (Doug Jones) in a fairy tale-esque 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 ex-lover. Their shared psychopathy makes them a perfect match, despite their anatomical differences. Their chaotic relationship, filled with violence and affection, proves that even slasher villains can find love. *See our guide to The Chucky movies in order.*

**Where to Stream:** Prime Video

Nina Forever

This horror-comedy explores the complexities of love and grief. Rob's deceased girlfriend, Nina, interferes with his new relationship, creating a tangled love triangle. The film tackles grief and expectations amidst supernatural occurrences.

**Where to Stream:** Tubi

Extra Ordinary

This Irish romantic comedy blends paranormal activity with adorable charm. Ghost whisperer Rose and her crush Martin team up to save his daughter, navigating supernatural issues and romantic tension amidst ectoplasmic goo and catchy tunes.

**Where to Stream:** Hulu

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