Valentine’s Day is upon us, and stores are dripping red with candy filled hearts and teddy bears of every shape and size. It’s a great night to curl up on the couch and watch a movie with the one you love. If you’re hanging out on iHorror.com, though, I have a feeling the regular regime of romantic comedies just might not be for you. So, in the spirit of the season, We’ve put together a list of flicks that just might be perfect for the horror lover’s Valentine’s Day. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but they’re some of my favorites and I hope they’ll be added to yours.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Though problematic in places, this is certainly one of the most opulent versions of the classic tale to ever grace the screen. Oldman’s Dracula oozes sex appeal and as one of my close friend’s once said it, “If any man ever looked at me the way he looks at Winona Ryder in that movie, he could have my blood, land, life, whatever. Just keep looking.” Available for purchase here.
Warm Bodies
Does love really conquer all? In Warm Bodies it does. Not only is love capable of taming a zombie’s hunger, it also has the power to restore his humanity. Nicholas Hoult is at his charming best as the zombie in question and Teresa Palmer only slightly softens the badass appeal that made her a scene stealer in I am Number Four. This is probably the “cutest” movie on the list, but it’s perfect for the YA fiction horror set and certainly fits the bill of putting a twist on Valentine’s Day romance. If you don’t have a copy, you can pick it up here.
Phantom of the Opera
A genius composer with a murderous obsession, a promising ingenue, a wealthy patron, and the glorious setting of a French opera house…what could go wrong? If you’re familiar with the tale of The Phantom of the Opera, you know exactly what could and does go wrong and you love it anyway. Brought to life by a brilliant cast, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s version of the tale is perfect viewing for Valentine’s Day. Available for purchase here.
Carrie
Carrie is going to the prom, and her school will never be the same again. We all know the story of Carrie and her awesome telekinetic powers. Her apocalyptic revenge on the fellow students who abused and bullied her for years is legend in the genre, but the story also has elements of the Cinderella story as Carrie dons her prom gown and shares a dance with the coolest, cutest guy in school. With romance, the dance, a crazy mother and buckets of blood, this is a movie with everything you need for a romantic evening with your horror honey. Get it here!
My Bloody Valentine 3D
Oh come on…you knew this was going to be on the list. This remake of the 1981 original stars Jensen Ackles and puts an interesting twist on the plot of the original, and the only film on the list that actually centers around Valentine’s Day and all the trappings that go with it. Get your copy here.
An American Werewolf in London
A movie that’s all about letting the beast out in all the right ways, John Landis’ classic werewolf tale is not only a highly entertaining film filled with the restless undead and an unlikely werewolf terrorizing London, but it also contains a sensual love story brought to life by David Naughton and Jenny Agutter. And, let’s not forget that awesome scene in the porn theater with the hilariously polite British porn playing in the background. Get your copy here.
The Strangers
A young couple tormented through the night by a trio of sadistic, mask wearing psychopaths? What’s not romantic about that? Seriously though, Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman are electric as the couple in question and if tension is an aphrodisiac for you and your sweetheart, this is the film for you. Get it here. You won’t be disappointed!
Horns
Horns is everything. Love story, horror, mystery, thriller… everything rolled into one tight package. Ig and Merrin, played expertly by Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple, have the kind of love that most people only dream of, so of course it’s doomed from the start. I won’t give away more, but you have to see it. Get a copy here and enjoy it with your favorite love!
Odd Thomas
Odd Thomas sees spirits everywhere he goes. He helps them bring justice to the people who murdered them. He helps them move on and find peace. Odd also has a sweet girlfriend who gets him and even helps him when the need arises. There’s so much more to this film and the ending? Heart wrenching springs to mind, but it’s totally worth the ride and it’s a perfect blend of comedy, horror and romance for any Valentine’s Day date. You can get a copy here.
Candyman
A love that lasts beyond death? An obsession that cannot be denied? And all you have to do is say his name five times…”Sweets for the sweet” has never been so insidious as it was in Candyman. This one’s a heavy hitter for the horror couple who doesn’t mind some gore with their romance, but I highly recommend it for your Valentine’s day celebration. Get your copy here and enjoy!