Top Valentine's Day Horror Movies: Spooky Love Stories, Slashers & Killer Thrills for Your February 14th
Valentine’s Day is the time for love, romance, terrifying killers, screaming and chaos. If you're tired of the usual chocolates and roses and crave something a little more thrilling this February 14th, why not spice up your Valentine’s Day with this selection of romance-based horror? So, grab your partner (or your favourite blanket) and settle in for a bloody good time!
Ready or Not (2019)
Ready or Not is a darkly comedic horror-thriller directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett that offers a twisted take on family dynamics and survival. Following Grace, who on her wedding night after marrying into a wealthy, eccentric family, is forced to play a seemingly innocent game that turns into a deadly fight for her life, Ready or Not cleverly blends satire with gruesome horror, delivering both thrills and laughs. The tension steadily builds as Grace, portrayed by Samara Weaving, navigates her new family’s mansion, using her wits to survive the increasingly violent antics of her in-laws.
What makes Ready or Not stand out in the realm of horror is that it has a lot to say. It has smart commentary on class, greed, and the absurdity of some traditions, all while embracing a campy, over-the-top atmosphere. The film offers a satirical take on wealth and privilege, with each character playing into a particular archetype of the upper-class, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Ready or Not was nominated for Best Horror Film at the 46th Saturn Awards and a sequel is in development.
Fatal Attraction (1987)
When it comes to love stories, Adrian Lyne and James Dearden’s Fatal Attraction is one of the most well-known. It’s the ultimate love story really... giddy, lustful, romantic, obsessive, vengeful, and bloody. Glenn Close delivers an unforgettable performance as a woman who takes being "love-struck" to an extreme level. After a one-night stand with a married man played by Michael Douglas, she spirals into a psychotic fixation that results in a ruined marriage, a whole lot of need for therapy, and not to mention the boiling bunny- a scene which spawned a phrase that is now part of our everyday language. If you're looking for a romantic date night film with a twist, Fatal Attraction is the ultimate love story-turned-cautionary tale.
What makes Fatal Attraction perfect for a Valentine’s horror binge is its balance of steamy tension and full-on "I’m never answering the phone again" paranoia. It’s the kind of film that makes you check the locks, second guess your flirty- or just regularly nice-interactions with people, and wonder whether casual dating is worth it.
The Love Witch (2016)
In a lot of ways, The Love Witch (written, edited, directed, produced, and scored by Anna Biller) is the perfect Valentine’s horror-comedy flick. It’s a campy tribute to 60’s and 70’s B-movies with magic, love potions, witchcraft, cults and the occasional murder. It follows a beautifully tragic witch (played by Samantha Robinson) on her quest to find true love. Unfortunately, her magical methods for making men fall head over heels involve more than just a few potions, finger-pointing and abracadabras. It's a technicolor love story where obsession isn’t just a feeling – it’s a full-on ritual. Despite its style however, The Love Witch does in fact take place in the modern day.
For anyone who wants their Valentine’s Day to be just a touch more murderous (and wildly stylish), this film delivers the perfect mix of romance, gore, humour and unhinged passion. As a bonus, it’s not really scary or particularly horrific, making it the perfect film for your more anxious or squeamish partners. It's the kind of love story that makes you seriously wonder about that candle placed in the middle of the table during a romantic dinner.
Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Lisa Frankenstein is a delightful blend of '80s teen comedy and gothic horror, with a touch of supernatural charm. Directed by Zelda Williams (daughter of the late Robin Williams), this film follows Lisa (Kathryn Newton), a high school outcast who accidentally reanimates a Victorian pianist in a cemetery where she spends much of her time. The “creature” breaks into her house and is missing multiple body parts, and so what follows is a quirky, Frankenstein-inspired romance where Lisa shapes him back into his handsome, Cole Sprouse-looking self- using the various parts of the people who have done her wrong.
Lisa Frankenstein is a perfect mix of retro B-movie vibes and its creative take on the classic monster story. The film is unapologetically fun, diving deep into teen fantasies, reanimation, and all the messy emotions that come with it. It’s a love letter to both '80s and gothic horror. For fans of quirky, light-hearted horror with a bit of bite (and maybe some broken hearts), this one's a must-watch!
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
If we’re talking about Valentine’s Day horror movies, this is the Valentine’s day horror movie. My Bloody Valentine is a slasher film that blends classic tropes of horror with another splash of red for Valentine’s Day lore. Set in a small mining town, the story follows a group of friends who reunite for a Valentine’s Day dance, only to find their romantic evening interrupted by a pickaxe-wielding maniac. The film offers a balance of gory kills and some surprisingly deep character exploration, with characters who are actually relatable as opposed to your typical slasher high school teens.
Despite its 80s B-movie roots and its disappointing box office run, My Bloody Valentine has gained a cult following over the years for its effective blend of horror, romance and character depth which sets it apart from your typical slasher. The movie dives into the tragic backstory of a vengeful killer, making the terror feel deeply personal. The film was originally censored for its graphic violence, but the since uncut version showcases some of the most memorable kills in slasher history. It’s dark, it’s bloody, and it’s got that perfect mix of horror and humour. It spawned a remake in 2009, My Bloody Valentine 3D, which is one of the rare cases of a remake being just as good, and some feeling that it even surpasses the original.
So there you have it- your little guide to Valentine’s Day horror movies. Whether you’re into twisted love stories, slasher flicks, or just want an excuse to hide behind the couch munching on a box of chocolates out of view of judgmental eyes, these films have something for every thrill-seeker!
Looking for more horror movie recommendations? Check these out:
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