- - Valentine’s Day “Is” Scary. Embrace the Spooks with These 7 Horror-Romance Flicks, According to a PEOPLE Staffer

Bailey RichardsFebruary 14, 2026 at 6:30 AM

0

Stills from 'Bones and All,' 'Queen Of The Damned' and 'Thirst'

Frenesy Film Company / Per Capita Productions / Album; Jim Sheldon/Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock; Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo

Valentine's Day is a holiday for horror movie lovers, PEOPLE staffer Bailey Richards argues

The Writer/Reporter has created a list of seven horror-romance movies for Valentine's Day viewing that includes slashers, vampire movies and more

Thirst, Bones and All and Valentine are among the recommendations on the list

Valentine’s Day is for lovers. Horror lovers, that is.

With Feb. 14 here, it's time to make a decision — and I’m not talking about where to make a dinner reservation or what to buy for a last-minute gift. No, I’m talking about the most important decision of all: what movie to watch on the holiday of love.

Whether spending Cupid’s Day solo, commiserating with pals or seeking something to watch with a special someone, it’s a tough choice. But I’m here to help.

More specifically, as I have done for holidays past, I am here to offer up a selection of horror-romance flicks ideal for Valentine’s Day viewing — from obvious choices like slasher Valentine to under-loved recent releases like Your Monster.

Anyone looking to bah-humbug their way through Lover's Day, beware: This is not an anti-Valentine’s list. It is a list for those who enjoy the lovey-dovey, but prefer it with a side of ooey-gooey. It’s a simple fact — some people prefer their Valentine bloody!

For anyone who thinks they fit the bill, grab your popcorn and candy hearts, and read on — if you dare for seven Valentine’s Day movie recommendations, carefully curated by PEOPLE’s resident horror enthusiast.

01 of 07

Lisa Frankenstein

Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'

Michele K. Short/FOCUS FEATURES

As I have previously written of Zelda Williams’ deeply underrated directorial debut, Lisa Frankenstein is “the perfect Halloween rom-com.” But what I failed to mention is that it is also the perfect Valentine’s Day horror movie. Frankly, it is also just the perfect every-single-day watch. (Did I mention that I love this film?)

This campy, candy-colored retelling of Mary Shelly’s classic story — from Diablo Cody, the screenwriter behind another great horror-romance entry, Jennifer's Body — expertly balances the saccharine with the sanguine, making it the ideal V-Day viewing. Bonus points for anyone who watches with their undead honey.

02 of 07

Valentine

Marley Shelton and 'David Boreanaz' in 2001's 'Valentine'

Diyah Pera/Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

An oft-forgotten entry in the early 2000s slasher-ssance — once upon a time, every horror movie wanted to be Scream, and who can blame them? This one is a must-mention on any Valentine’s Day horror list.

Denise Richards, Marley Shelton and more fear for their lives as a serial killer takes Cupid’s Day very literally, donning a cherub mask to draw blood with a creative arsenal. I’m talking everything from a bow and arrow to a hot tub. And if that’s not enough to inspire a Feb. 14 viewing, it also stars Angel himself (David Boreanaz).

03 of 07

Thirst

Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-vin in 'Thirst'

Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo

A criminally underrated gem in the unparalleled catalog of Park Chan-wook, this 2009 vampire flick is more experience than film.

Like any movie from the Oldboy and Decision to Leave director, it is a feast for the eyes, oozing style even when it isn’t dripping blood.

Plus, Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-vin make it impossible to peel one’s eyes away from the screen, bringing palpable chemistry as a bloodthirsty Catholic priest and the wife of his childhood friend, respectively.

It is essential viewing for any sexy vampire movie enthusiast.

04 of 07

Queen of the Damned

Aaliyah in 'Queen Of The Damned'

Jim Sheldon/Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Speaking of sexy vampire movies, nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like Aaliyah flashing her fangs in a bathtub full of rose petals to Deftones’ "Change (In the House of Flies).”

The singer’s turn as the luminous Queen Akasha in this 2002 horror-fantasy film — plus, a soundtrack from Korn’s Jonathan Davis and Stuart Townsend’s rockstar spin on iconic vamp Lestat de Lioncourt — make it the perfect Lovers' Day viewing for Anne Rice aficionados, nu metal lovers and everything in between.

05 of 07

Bones and All

Taylor Russell and Timothee Chalamet in 'Bones and All' Yannis Drakoulidis/Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Swap conversation hearts and chocolate-covered strawberries for something … fleshier ... this Valentine’s Day. I dare you.

Though not for the faint of heart, it is difficult to find a film with more of it than Bones and All. Luca Guadagnino's tender romance, which sees Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet fall in love on the run, cuts deep while maintaining an aura of softness so rarely seen on screen.

It is both grotesque and delicate, quiet and loud — so loud that one feels the characters’ connection reverberating in their brain for hours after viewing.

06 of 07

Innocent Blood

Anne Parillaud and Anthony LaPaglia in 'Innocent Blood'

Alamy

There are simply not enough vampire crime movies in the world. But thankfully, there is Innocent Blood.

For anyone whose Valentine would rather watch The Godfather than a romantic comedy, consider meeting in the middle — or, more accurately, somewhere else entirely — with this off-the-map 1992 horror-comedy-fantasy-crime thriller.

It is silly and sexy, with gorgeous neon lighting, ruby-eyed vamps and an all-time performance from Robert Loggia.

07 of 07

Your Monster

Tommy Dewey and Melissa Barrera in 'Your Monster'

FlixPix / Alamy Stock Photo

A unique blend of horror, romance and musical, this underseen jewel starring Scream alum Melissa Barrera is an absolute blast, and it baffles me just how much fell under the radar following its 2024 release.

In Your Monster, Barrera stars as a timid actress who finds love in an unexpected place (her closet, to be exact) with the titular beast, portrayed by Tommy Dewey.

Both leads drip with charisma — Dewey from beneath a thick layer of makeup — making it nearly impossible to watch without a kaleidoscope of stomach butterflies and ear-to-ear grin.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”