Even us horror fans feel love sometimes. The horror genre, like many in film itself incorporates some form of romance and why not? It's one of if not the strongest human emotion and can be applied to so many different stories of all types. So today, I will be presenting five of my favorite romantic horror films for you and your valentine.
Let the Right One In (2008)
The vampire film has been done to death, and the romantic angle has long decayed but here comes a little Swedish film that gave it some life. It takes something we can all connect with (childhood loves) and turn that on its head with vampires, giving us a film that we have more emotional investment in. It also appeals to its audience with its sadness, as it is essentially a doomed romance like so many stories of old and in the end we feel for this strange child couple and all of this is wrapped up nicely with some wonderful cinematography and strong performances by the child actors. Skip the American remake and put up with subtitles for two hours, and you'll be satisfied by the end.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
One of the oldest love stories ever told, 'Dracula' had one of the best adaptations from director Francis Ford Coppola. Using old fashioned film techniques, it brings a truly unique experience than your usual horror fare at the time. It's a classy horror film that has horrific and grotesque moments, but is executed and performed with expertise. Gary Oldman is truly a master of his craft, donning at least three distinct forms of the titular Count and plays the role with finesse. Also, what is a more romantic thought than someone who transcended time and defeated death itself for the one he loved?
Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993)
By the 90's, the horror genre was dead in the water. Stale sequels or direct to video garbage littered the land but then here comes a underrated gem from director Brian Yuzna. The much superior sequel to the cult hit sees a young couple who meet an unfortunate motorcycle accident. The young woman sadly dies, leaving her grieving boyfriend desperate and angry. Well it just so happens that this boy's father is working on a top secret zombie formula (because of course) and his desperation turns to madness and horror and all of it in the name of love. I won't lie, it isn't like the film is a masterpiece but man is this an entertaining zombie flick. The special effects work is some of the best in the genre and the story while essentially a rehash of many doomed lover films manages to give us some decent characters and you feel bad for them when things don't go quite the way they expect.
Bride of Chucky (1998)
Chucky and Tiffany are almost your typical married couple. Sure, they're homicidal plastic dolls but they fight over the dishes, children, and even gossip in Hollywood like many of us do. That is why I think the characters are so beloved by horror fans and why they've cemented themselves in pop culture. They're relatable in many ways despite the horrific acts they commit and even through their gripes and domestic violence, they show that they do feel for one another. It's just in their own little way and we go with them because of that. I picked 'Bride' out of the series mostly down to the story focusing on the couple's relationship more than the sequels and its the perfect date movie.
Hellraiser (1987)
Christian Grey has nothing on Pinhead. Clive Barker's film adaptation of his short story is one of the sickest, mean spirited, and violent films in the horror genre. However, it's also a love triangle romance story about one couple feeling unfulfilled and another going as far as murder and betrayal in order to be with each other. Frank and Julia, as horrific as they are as a couple do seem to show genuine love for each other, with Julia sacrificing her husband's soul for her lover's resurrection. 'Hellraiser' isn't the traditional love story, but hey no relationship is the same and very few of them are far from what we consider 'normal'. It's my number one pick for your Valentine's Day and I hope you enjoy it.
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