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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 slasherValentineto under-loved recent releases likeYour Monster.
Anyone looking to bah-humbug their way through Lover's Day, beware: This isnotan 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 peopleprefer 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 byPEOPLE's resident horror enthusiast.
Lisa Frankenstein
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As I have previously written ofZelda Williams' deeply underrated directorial debut,Lisa Frankensteinis "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 — fromDiablo 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.
Valentine
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An oft-forgotten entry in the early 2000s slasher-ssance — once upon a time, every horror movie wanted to beScream, 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 alsostars Angel himself(David Boreanaz).
Thirst
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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 theOldboyandDecision to Leavedirector, 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.
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It is essential viewing for any sexy vampire movie enthusiast.
Queen of the Damned
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Speaking of sexy vampire movies, nothing says Valentine's Day quite likeAaliyahflashing her fangs in a bathtub full of rose petals toDeftones' "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 andStuart 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.
Bones and All
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 thanBones and All.Luca Guadagnino's tender romance, which sees Taylor Russell andTimothée Chalametfall 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.
Innocent Blood
There are simply not enough vampire crime movies in the world. But thankfully, there isInnocent Blood.
For anyone whose Valentine would rather watchThe Godfatherthan 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.
Your Monster
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A unique blend of horror, romance and musical, this underseen jewel starringScreamalumMelissa Barrerais an absolute blast, and it baffles me just how much fell under the radar following its 2024 release.
InYour 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.
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