Valentine’s Day isn’t just about love and romance — it’s also the perfect opportunity to dive into the darker side of things. With the upcoming release of Heart Eyes, directed by Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Werewolves Within), from a screenplay co-written by Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy (Freaky, It’s a Wonderful Knife, Time Cut) and Phillip Murphy (Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard), we are more excited than ever to see a terrifying new twist on Valentine’s Day horror.
The film, which follows the deadly escapades of the “Heart Eyes Killer,” is set to make this holiday even more thrilling for horror fans. In honor of Heart Eyes hitting the big screen, we’ve curated a list of the best Valentine’s Day horror movies to watch with your partner. Whether you’re in the mood for classic slasher thrills or something a little more bizarre, these films will make sure your Valentine’s Day date is filled with blood, suspense, and plenty of scares. So grab your date, cuddle up, and get ready for a heart-pounding, spine-chilling celebration of love and terror!
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Plot: The town of Valentine Bluffs is haunted by the horrific memories of a tragic mining accident that left one man dead. Years later, the town prepares for the annual Valentine’s Day dance, but a mysterious killer returns to take revenge on anyone who dares to celebrate love on this cursed day.
Why it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day date movie: Nothing says love like a dance party, right? Well, when you throw in a killer in a mining mask, things get a bit more exciting. If you and your partner love the thrill of jump scares and want to bond over your shared fear, this bloody love letter to the slasher genre is a wild ride.
The moral of this love story: Maybe don’t throw a party or celebrate if there’s a dark history in your small town. Sometimes it’s best to skip the big event and stay home if there’s a murderous stalker lurking nearby.
Valentine (2001)
Plot: A group of high school friends reconnect as adults, only to find themselves stalked and murdered by a figure from their past on Valentine’s Day. The killer, wearing a creepy Cupid mask, aims to settle old scores in a blood-soaked revenge story.
Why it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day date movie: If your idea of a perfect night is watching a couple of old flames meet again—only for one of them to be out for a deadly form of revenge—this is your movie! It’s a great way to bring up your own high school memories with your partner while hoping you won’t end up like one of the victims.
The moral of this love story: Revenge is never the answer. If you’ve been hurt in the past, it’s best to leave the past behind and move forward, instead of stalking your old friends for revenge with a creepy mask.
The Loved Ones (2009)
Plot: After a failed prom night, a young man becomes the unwilling guest of a deranged couple who have a twisted plan for their own version of a romantic evening. What starts as a celebration of love soon turns into a nightmarish ordeal of torture and horror.
Why it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day date movie: You and your partner are in for a rollercoaster of suspense and gore, making it ideal for a night where you want to feel the highs and lows of a date—literally! Plus, it’s got that weird mix of romance and terror, which is the perfect combination for couples who enjoy their love stories with a little extra tension.
The moral of this love story: Sometimes, love can take a twisted turn. If someone is trying too hard to make you love them, you might want to take a step back and question their intentions before things get too intense.
Chopping Mall (1986)
Plot: Not exactly a Valentine’s Day-specific movie, but Chopping Mall is a fun blend of romance and horror. Teenagers sneak into a mall for a night of partying, but a malfunctioning security system unleashes a group of killer robots. It’s a mix of slasher and comedy, but with plenty of bloody mayhem to go around.
Why it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day date movie: What better way to bond with your partner than over a cheesy ’80s horror film filled with laughs, mayhem, and killer robots? The absurdity of it all will have you and your date laughing between screams, making for an unforgettable evening.
The moral of this love story: Sometimes, technology isn’t your friend. Especially when it comes to robots designed to protect you. In relationships, communication (not robots) is key to making sure things don’t go haywire.
Cupid (2020)
Plot: After being horrendously embarrassed by the mean girls at school, Faye, a practicing witch, summons the evil Cupid to take revenge on all those who wronged her.
Why it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day date movie: If you’re looking for something fresh with a mix of mythology, horror, and a twisted sense of romance, Cupid delivers just that. The chaos and violence of Cupid’s revenge make for an unforgettable date night—plus, you’ll never look at heart-shaped arrows the same way again.
The moral of this love story: Love is a powerful thing, but sometimes it comes with a price. Never mess with ancient deities, and maybe skip the romantic gestures that involve summoning spirits, especially on Valentine’s Day.
As Heart Eyes slashes its way into theaters this Friday, February 7, remember: not all love stories end with a kiss or a bouquet of roses. Sometimes, they end with a bloodbath. So, if you’re in the mood for a little romance with a side of terror, these films are the perfect choice. Watch them if you dare, but don’t say we didn’t warn you — after all, the only thing more dangerous than a broken heart is a homicidal maniac with a grudge. Happy Valentine’s Day!
As a little extra Valentine’s gift, we though we’d also come up with five books that would make perfect companion pieces to the Valentine’s Day horror films mentioned above. These books are also steeped in dark, twisted love stories, and some even explore revenge, obsession, and the horrors that arise on special days like Valentine’s:
1. My Bloody Valentine (1981) – Book Companion: The Valentine’s Day Massacre by Edward B. K.
Why it’s a fit: If you’re drawn to the classic slasher vibes of My Bloody Valentine, The Valentine’s Day Massacre brings that same love-gone-wrong atmosphere, mixed with a history of bloody retribution on Valentine’s Day. This nonfiction account of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day massacre delves into a real-life tragedy, making it a chilling companion piece for fans of Valentine’s Day-themed horror.
2. Valentine (2001) – Book Companion: Carrie by Stephen King
Why it’s a fit: Just like the characters in Valentine who are haunted by their past mistakes, Carrie tells the story of a shy, bullied girl who uses her newfound telekinetic powers to exact revenge on those who tormented her. Both stories explore the dangerous consequences of high school trauma coming back to haunt the characters, making Carrie a perfect companion for fans of Valentine.
3. The Loved Ones (2009) – Book Companion: The Heir by Kiera Cass
Why it’s a fit: While The Loved Ones is about a terrifying prom night gone wrong, The Heir introduces a different kind of obsession and twisted love, as characters become entangled in a royal family’s dangerous politics and romantic relationships. This dystopian novel explores the darker sides of loyalty and love, much like the destructive forces at play in The Loved Ones.
4. Chopping Mall (1986) – Book Companion: The Terminator by Randall Frakes
Why it’s a fit: If you enjoy the absurdity and retro sci-fi slasher vibe of Chopping Mall, then The Terminator would be a perfect match. This classic sci-fi novel (based on the iconic film) also features a deadly machine hunting humans down in a chaotic, futuristic scenario. It brings a similar blend of absurdity, technology, and bloodshed, perfect for those who love ’80s horror.
5. Cupid (2020) – Book Companion: The Vengeful Cupid by Lauren Landish
Why it’s a fit: If you enjoyed the twisted mythology behind Cupid in the film, this book brings a fresh take on the idea of love and vengeance. It follows the story of a woman scorned by her lover, leading to the ultimate act of revenge in the name of love. Dark, passionate, and vengeful, The Vengeful Cupid mirrors the themes of supernatural wrath and romantic obsession that Cupid explores.