Five horror films for romance lovers
- Flora Irvine-Hall
- 24 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Flora Irvine-Hall
Who said romance was dead? Well, in this case, it sort of is. Or rather, it’s undead.
If there’s one myth that needs to be busted it’s that horror lovers hate romance. A lot of horror fans like me happen to love it. And if you can somehow combine both romance and horror? Count me in.
Below are five (sort of) romantic horror films to watch this valentines day.
1. Corpse Bride, 2005
Not to sound dramatic, but I genuinely believe this is one of the most beautiful animated films of all time.
This Tim Burton classic centres around Victor, a kind but meek young man who is arranged to be married to kind and beautiful young woman named Victoria. They very conveniently hit it off and practically fall in love at first sight. But after Victor stumbles through a very awkward rehearsal ceremony, he flees to the woods to practice his vows, not knowing that he’s actually vowing to wed another woman. A dead woman.
Corpse Bride follows lots of classic romance tropes such as heartbreak, arranged marriage and unrequited love.
The story is beautifully tragic; the animation is stunning and the film holds strong messages about sacrifice, selflessness and grief.
2. The Love Witch, 2017
This film walked so the TikTok witches could run.
The Love Witch follows Elaine, a stunningly beautiful young witch who is determined to find her perfect match via potions and spells. But through her search for love comes obsession, insanity and murder.
The film has a very appealing sixties/seventies style aesthetic despite being made in 2017. This allows to film to be pleasing to the eye while also commenting on more modern feminist topics such as the male gaze.
If you’re a fan of campness, spectacular outfits and women’s wrongs, this fun flick will be right up your street.
3. The Fly, 1986
Okay, here me out. I know it’s gross and gore galore, but there’s something tragically beautiful about this 80s classic.
After a scientist decides to test a teleportation machine that he created, a fly enters the machine, causing their genes to get spliced. Slowly, the once handsome and promising young man finds himself transforming into a terrifying and grotesque beast, much to the dismay and horror of his devoted girlfriend.
There’s no denying to that this film is disgusting. And no, body horror doesn’t exactly scream a romantic night in, but if you’re like me and love a good weep and a good scare, you need to get on this on asap.
The scenes climax is in particular, deeply harrowing.
4. Together, 2025
A perfect date night film if you’re looking for something completely bonkers and unhinged.
Tim and Millie have been together for years, and although they still love each other, the spark that they once had seems to have died. Moving to the countryside doesn’t make things any better, and things quickly turn bitter between the pair. But after a very unusual encounter with an unknown force, the pair slowly find themselves falling back together. Quite literally.
The on-screen chemistry between real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie is undeniable, which really makes you root for their love to prevail.
It’s funny, outrageous, disgusting and romantic. What more could you want from a romance?
5. Lisa Frankenstein, 2024
If you’ve ever felt weird, this film will feel like a love letter to you.
Lisa, a gothic, misunderstood outcast, is a hopeless romantic who spends most of her time at the local cemetery. Then, one stormy night, a Victorian and decaying corpse walks into her home. At first, she’s terrified, but soon Lisa starts to realise that she might have finally met someone who, as the kids like to say, 'matches her freak.'
Set in the 80s, Lisa Frankenstein is a fun, whimsical and darkly comedic film that will have you jumping out of your skin, howling with laughter and falling in love.
If you’re one true wish in life is to have a boyfriend that’s obsessed with you, this ones for you.
Do you have a favourite romantic horror? Let me know in in the comments! (And have a very lovely valentine's day!)
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