Cupid Did Me Dirty…Again: 5 Horror Movies That Prove Romance Can Be Deadly
“Roses are red, violets are blue, love can be sweet… but also haunt you.” Romance and horror have always been a favorite combination of mine. Both can make your heart race, consume your thoughts, and even drive you into madness. In the realm of horror, romance isn’t always about the dinner dates, and happily ever after; sometimes it’s about obsession, lust, and the fear of not really knowing who your partner is.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, my gift to you, sweet reader, is this special list of movies exploring a variety of love and horror. I hope you have your conversation hearts ready!
Into the Dark: Down (2019)
Directed by Daniel Stamm
Where You Can Watch: Hulu
Here I go again suggesting another Into the Dark episode—I couldn’t pass this one up! Down is the fifth episode of the show’s first season. What starts as a meet-cute between two strangers trapped in an office building elevator over the long Valentine’s and Presidents Day weekend, quickly spirals into a tense, claustrophobic thriller oozing with deception and obsession. The chemistry between the two leads almost had me cheering them on as a potential couple—until the true nature of their situation is revealed. Down is a slick, nerve-wracking Valentine’s horror story that proves that love can be sweet… but also deadly.
X-Ray aka Hospital Massacre (1981)
Directed by Boaz Davidson
Where You Can Watch: MGM+(with subscription)
Paging Dr. Slasher, your appointment is here! Who knew that a Valentine’s Day gone wrong 19 years ago could land you an overnight hospital stay from hell? What should have been a simple routine check-up, spirals into a night of terror and malpractice. X-Ray takes medical horror to absurd heights. We follow Susan as she arrives for a routine medical exam, only to be stalked by a deranged killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on her. This film may not be the most well-structured film, but the mix of sleaze, paranoia, and impressive over-the-top kills ensures a wildly entertaining ride.
Spring (2014)
Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead
Where You Can Watch: Tubi, Fandango at Home
I have to say, I’m shocked to not hear a lot of talk about this one. With a unique blend of body horror and romance, Spring follows Evan, who is grieving the loss of his mother to Italy. He meets and falls in love with a flirtatious woman named Louise; who seems to be harboring a dark secret. Though this film is a slow burn, it is a tale of transformation both literal and emotional. If you are looking for a different kind of horror romance film, then this one’s for you.
Lover’s Lane aka I’m Still Waiting for You (2000)
Directed by Jon Steven Ward
Where You Can Watch: MGM+ and Premium subscriptions
Lover’s Lane follows a group of high school students who, on Valentine’s Day, find themselves preyed upon by a hook-handed killer who has just escaped from the psychiatric hospital, where he was incarcerated for committing murders at Lovers’ Lane thirteen years ago. Featuring Anna Faris in one of her earlier roles, Lover’s Lane is a fun little slasher to put on when you’re having a chill day. Borrowing a few pages from I Know What You Did Last Summer and Urban Legend, this film captures the 90’s slasher vibes we all love.
The Loved Ones (2009)
Directed by Sean Byrne
Where You Can Watch: VOD
Oh, baby, I sure do love some Australian horror. This gem is a perfect example of obsession and what it will do to a person. The Loved Ones flew under the radar for far too long until recently more people have discovered it and given its praises. After politely declining Lola’s invitation to the school dance, Brent becomes a victim of her sadistic plan for revenge. The Loved Ones doesn’t shy away from the torture. I usually can handle most things, but there’s a scene with a power drill that had your girl squirming.
If you’re looking to add more movies to your Valentine’s Day horror movie marathon, then you should add one or even all of these gems to your queue!
Categorized:Editorials
