BY BECCA JOHNSON FEBRUARY 14, 2024
Despite there being plenty of rom-coms out there to laugh at, cry to and swoon over on the day of love, it's hard not to feel like we've seen them all before. Plus... maybe you don't have that special someone to snuggle up with, or perhaps you just don't dig the romance genre and would prefer something a bit more... gnarly. Once again, horror is here to save the day. Providing plenty of gems that are made for or best viewed on Valentine's Day, join us as we discuss the best horror flicks to watch this week. After all, couples who get scared together stay together... right?
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Getting the obvious out the way first, My Bloody Valentine is usually the most popular choice for the day of love. Set in the mining town of Valentine Bluff's, a fatal mining disaster occurs on Valentine's Day whilst some of the crew are decorating for a party. The sole survivor of the accident killed the remaining crewmembers, and warned the town not to celebrate Valentine's Day again. When a group of teenagers defy the order 20 years later, a murderous maniac in mining gear begins dispatching the townsfolk one by one. With a unique setting and creative kills, this is not only a must-watch for V Day, but of the horror genre in general. Seen this one? Despite it not being anywhere near as good, the 2009 remake still provides some fun.
Valentine (2001)
Honestly, there is a tropey teen slasher set around every holiday, so did you really think Valentine's Day would be an exception? Starring Denise Richards and Scream alumni Marley Shelton, Valentine follows four friends who start to receive morbid Valentine's cards. They soon realise they're being stalked by someone they had spurned 13 years ago; a masked killer is on the loose, and Valentine's Day is soon approaching. Not quite reaching the heights of the greatest slashers of the genre but still providing lot's of early 2000's fun, this campy horror is the perfect easy watch to settle down on the couch alongside a takeaway with.
Warm Bodies (2013)
If you fancy a dash of horror, but don't want your pulse racing and still fancy something 'romantic', horror comedy Warm Bodies is where it's at. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, two horror genre regulars, it follows a zombie who becomes involved with the girlfriend of one of his victims. Their romance sets in motion a sequence of events that might transform the entire lifeless world. If you're still unsure, think 'Twilight', but zombies instead of vampires. Also, rest assured that it leans into it's quirkiness and silliness more than the Twilight franchise. The two leads are great, and it's a lot of fun.
Spontaneous (2020)
Following in the same vain as the above, Spontaneous is another horror comedy that's central love story is pretty swoon-worthy – this one also boasts a very unique premise. When students in their high school begin inexplicably exploding (yes, literally), seniors Mara and Dylan struggle to survive in a world where each moment may be their last. Starring Katherine Langford as Mara and Charlie Plummer as Dylan, and directed by Brian Duffield, we're in very good hands here, and the team make this wacky premise work. What's more, despite it's craziness, you may even shed a tear or two.
Bones and All (2022)
The newest addition on this list, Bones and All is a disgustingly gory genre-blend of horror, romance and road movie – trust us when we say, the romance here is to die for. Abandoned by her Father, a young woman (Taylor Russell) embarks on a thousand-mile odyssey through the backroads of America where she meets Lee (Timothee Chalamet), a disenfranchised drifter. Despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their 'otherness'. Unsure where the horror fits in here? Oh yeah, their 'otherness' is cannibalism.
The Love Witch (2016)
If you thought until now that this movie released in the 60's, we wouldn't judge you. Using gorgeous, vibrant, technicolour 60's-esque visuals, the movie centers on Elaine, a beautiful young witch who is determined to find love. In her gothic Victorian apartment, she creates spells and potions, to then pick up men and seduce them. However, her spells work too well, resulting in a string of hapless victims. When she finally meets the man of her dreams, her desperation to be loved will drive her to the brink of insanity and murder. Do we even need to explain why this one fits the brief?
Bride of Chucky (1998)
What's better than a movie with one psychopathic, murderous doll? A movie with two psychopathic, murderous dolls, of course. In 1998's addition to the Child's Play franchise, we see Chucky hook up with bridal gown-clad Tiffany, for a Route 66 murder spree with their unwitting hosts. Jennifer Tilly adds so much life and spark into this franchise as Tiffany, and the gothic aesthetic makes for a darkly gorgeous watch. It's not your traditional love story, but it's certainly a memorable one, and it's balance of humour and horror means it's the perfect choice for Valentine's Day.
The Loved Ones (2009)
One of the most disturbing, twisted and shocking on this list, The Loved Ones isn't for the faint of heart. Set during Prom season, Lola Stone asks Brent Mitchell to be her date – he says no, but he'll soon wish he didn't. What happens when Lola doesn't get what she wants? She enlists Daddy's help to throw a Prom of her own, where she is Queen and Brent is King, whether he likes it or not. Turning gory, nasty and violent, with a third act twist that'll leave you sick, we don't suggest hitting play until you've polished off your takeaway and are maybe a couple glasses of champagne deep.