Are you ready to enjoy the best Valentine’s day horror movies? Valentine’s Day is often associated with love and romance.
However, for those who prefer a different kind of excitement, horror movies can provide a perfect twist.
From creepy stalkers to blood-thirsty monsters, these movies will have you jumping out of your seat and hiding under the covers.
We have compiled a list of the best Valentine’s Day horror movies to keep you on the edge of your seat and make your heart race.
So, whether you are a fan of classic horror or prefer the new and contemporary, this list will have something for you.
Get ready to experience a Valentine’s Day unlike any other.
1. Psycho (1960)
- Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Janet Leigh.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
We hope your popcorn is ready for this special in the category of best Valentine’s day horror movies, set completely aside for our lovers of the creepy and the spooky. Psycho is a psychological thriller released in 1960 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film tells the story of Marion Crane, who steals money from her employer and goes on the run, only to end up at the Bates Motel, run by the mysterious Norman Bates.
It is a true classic of the psychological thriller genre. Its innovative storytelling, suspenseful score, and standout performances make it a must-see film for any movie lover. So why not sit back, turn off the lights, and get ready to be transported into the twisted world of Norman Bates and the Bates Motel?
2. The Shining (1980)
- Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, Danny Lloyd.
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The Shining is a classic directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Stephen King’s 1977 novel of the same name. It stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. It is quite a chilling and suspenseful film that will keep you up at night, especially if you are in search of the best Valentine’s day horror movies.
The film takes place in the Overlook Hotel, a secluded mountain resort where most of the story unfolds. Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, takes a job as the hotel’s caretaker to help him focus on his work and heal from his demons.
With his wife Wendy and young son Danny, Jack moves into the hotel for the winter, hoping for a peaceful and productive time. Still, things quickly spiral out of control as the isolation and the ghostly presence of the hotel begin to take their toll.
3. Carrie (1976)
- Starring: Sissy Spacek, Amy Irving, Betty Buckley, Nancy Allen, William Katt, John Travolta, P.J. Soles, and Piper Laurie.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
A masterpiece, this movie is a landmark film that has captivated audiences since its release in 1976. Carrie is not just a horror movie but also a powerful commentary on bullying, religious extremism, and the dangers of adolescence. Directed by Brian De Palma and based on Stephen King’s first novel, this film in the lineup of best Valentine’s day horror movies has left a lasting impact on the genre and remains a must-see for fans of nightmares and suspense.
The film revolves around the story of Carrie White, a high school student constantly teased and bullied by her classmates. She lives with her abusive and religious mother and is unaware of her telekinetic powers. The film turns dark when her classmates plan a cruel prank on her at the senior prom, leading to a horrifying event that will change Carrie’s life forever.
4. Halloween (1978)
- Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, P. J. Soles, Nancy Loomis.
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Halloween, released in 1978, is a gold-plated horror movie that has captivated audiences for over four decades. This has earned it a spot on your date-night watchlist of the best Valentine’s day horror movies. The film is a creative work of suspense, with a score that is both eerie and iconic.
Directed by John Carpenter and written by Carpenter and Debra Hill, the movie tells the story of Michael Myers. Michael Myers is a masked killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, to terrorize the neighborhood.
One of the reasons why Halloween has been so successful is its ability to create a sense of terror and suspense in the most ordinary of places. The movie’s impact on the horror genre cannot be overstated, and it has served as a source of inspiration for countless other horror movies that have come after it. So, jump on your sofas, turn off the lights, and get ready for a spooky night you won’t soon forget!
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
- Starring: John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Nick Corri, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a movie released in 1984 filled with suspense, terror, and gore. The film is a classic example of how horror can be both scary and entertaining, continually terrifying audiences and a testament to the timeless appeal of the genre. It is one of the best Valentine’s day horror movies that has since become a cult classic for horror fans and movie enthusiasts.
The plot follows a group of teens who are being haunted in their dreams by a disfigured serial killer named Freddy Krueger. Freddy has been killing the children of Elm Street for years, and now, in their dreams, he is after them. The teens soon realize that if Freddy kills them in their dreams, they will die.
6. Scream (1996)
- Starring: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich, Jamie Kennedy, Drew Barrymore.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Scream is a 1996 horror movie directed by Wes Craven, which revolutionized the genre with its unique blend of suspense, black comedy, and self-awareness. Starring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, the movie quickly became a cultural phenomenon and spawned three sequels. Undeniably a perfect fit for the collection of the best Valentine’s day horror movies. One of the standout features of Scream is its clever script, which is filled with witty one-liners, pop culture references, and meta-humor.
In the story, Sidney Prescott is a high school student targeted by a mysterious killer known only as “Ghostface.” As the body count rises, Sidney discovers that the killer is someone close to her and that the murders are connected to her mother’s death. The tension in the movie is built up through expert pacing and a carefully crafted score, making the movie a thrilling ride from start to finish just for you to ‘scream.’
7. The Babadook (2014)
- Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, Barbara West, Ben Winspear.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
The Babadook is a 2014 Australian horror film that has gained a massive following and a reputation as one of the best Valentine’s day horror movies of the modern era. This film is a psychological horror movie that delves into the themes of grief, motherhood, and mental illness. It also explores the darkness within the human psyche and how it can consume a person if left unchecked.
Starring Essie Davis as Amelia, the movie follows the story of a grieving mother and her troubled son, Samuel, who is haunted by a monster from a pop-up book called “Mister Babadook.” Amelia is at her wit’s end and is pushed to the brink of insanity as the monster from the book troubles both mother and child. Babadook’s use of dark and atmospheric cinematography, coupled with its haunting score, makes it one of the most recognizable horror movies of the modern era and an exciting option for you to choose from.
8. Get Out (2017)
- Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Catherine Keener.
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Get Out is a 2017 horror/comedy film that is not just a movie but an experience among the best Valentine’s day horror movies. It is the directorial debut of Jordan Peele and stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington, a young black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. As the weekend progresses, strange things happen, and Chris discovers that the seemingly perfect family is hiding a dark and sinister secret.
The film is a cultural phenomenon that has received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards and becoming one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time. It has inspired countless discussions and debates, making it a must-see for anyone who loves horror or comedy or wants to see a movie that will make them think.
9. It Follows (2014)
- Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
It Follows is not just your typical horror movie but a slow-burner, relying on suspense and atmosphere to create a truly frightening experience. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, It is a horror film that stands out from the rest of the best Valentine’s day movies in a unique way. It is an engaging and thought-provoking film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The story is about a young woman named Jay who is plagued by a supernatural entity that is always one step behind her. The entity takes the form of various people and follows her wherever she goes, determined to end her life. The film doesn’t provide a clear explanation of what it is or where it comes from, which only adds to its frightening presence
10. Let the Right One In (2008)
- Starring: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Ika Nord, Peter Carlberg.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Let the Right One In is a Swedish horror film adapted for the screen from the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Among the best Valentine’s day movies, this is a masterpiece of atmosphere, suspense, and heart-wrenching emotion. The story is about love, loneliness, and the power of friendship.
The film takes place in the early 1980s in a small town in Sweden and centers around Oskar, a 12-year-old boy who is lonely and isolated, bullied at school, and has no friends. A new girl named Eli moves in next door, and the two quickly become friends. Oskar later learns that Eli is a vampire who has been alive for over 200 years.
11. The Witch (2015)
- Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson.
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
The Witch is a horror movie that explores themes of family, faith, and power. Directed by Robert Eggers, the plot takes place in 1600s New England and renders the account of a Puritan family torn apart by the sudden disappearance of their youngest child.
The family’s growing paranoia and fear lead them to accuse their daughter of witchcraft, and the story quickly spirals into a tale of terror, madness, and evil. The film was shot on location in rural Canada and featured authentic period costumes, architecture, and language. This gave the story a sense of realism and authenticity, which is often lacking in other horror films.
12. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- Starring: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans, Ralph Bellam.
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
Rosemary’s Baby is a seminal horror film that explores the fear of the unknown and the power of the supernatural. It drew from the novel by Ira Levin and was released in 1968. A typical delight in the range of films that make up the best Valentine’s day movies, this is a haunting and brain-engaging work of art that explores the dark corners of the human psyche and what lies beyond the natural world.
At its center, Rosemary’s Baby is a story about a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into a New York City apartment building and become entangled in a web of sinister events. As Rosemary becomes pregnant, she begins to experience strange and frightening symptoms, and it soon becomes clear that something is wrong with her baby. Prepare to be disturbed and captivated by one of the greatest horror films.
13. Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)
- Starring: Megumi Okina, Misaki Ito, Takashi Matsuyama, and Yui Ichikawa.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Ju-On: The Grudge is a Japanese horror movie that has been scaring its audience since its release in 2002 and is a perfect match for your “best Valentine’s day movies” web search. Directed by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Shimizu, it has long inspired several remakes, sequels, and spin-off films in multiple countries. The film focuses on a house where a vengeful spirit murdered a family.
The ghost, known as Kayako, haunts the house, and anyone who enters it becomes cursed by her wrath. The film is told through a series of interconnected vignettes that follow different characters as they encounter the haunted house and become trapped by the curse. Ju-On: The Grudge is quite terrifying because it blends traditional Japanese ghost stories with modern horror elements, thereby making it a scary and fun watch.
14. The Grudge (2004)
- Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, KaDee Strickland, Clea DuVall, Bill Pullman, Takako Fuji.
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
The Grudge is a 2004 horror film that is sure to send shivers down your spine in your bid to track down the best Valentine’s day movies for your indoor cinema experience. Also directed by Takashi Shimizu and is a remake of Ju-On. The Grudge is filled with jump scares, creepy visuals, and eerie sounds that are guaranteed to keep you hiding away behind your couch.
Set in Tokyo, it tells the story of an American nurse named Karen Davis, who takes care of an older woman in a haunted house. Little does she know that she has stumbled into a place plagued by a vengeful ghost who seeks revenge on anyone who enters. The film is preoccupied with death, revenge, and the consequences of our actions.
15. The Ring (2002)
- Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian Cox.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The Ring is a film among the best Valentine’s day movies that is sure going to haunt you long after you’ve seen it. For die-hard slasher lovers, your heart is in the right place because when it comes to horror movies, few are as memorable and enduring as The Ring. With its haunting imagery, tense atmosphere, and gripping storyline, you are in for an increased heart rate from every scene that is brought to you.
The visuals open up with a mysterious videotape that, when watched, causes the viewer to die seven days later. A journalist named Rachel Keller sets out to uncover the truth behind the tape after her young son watches it. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she finds herself drawn into a dark world filled with strange symbols, eerie images, and a frightening creature known only as Samara.
16. The Others (2001)
- Starring: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston, Elaine Cassidy, Eric Sykes, Alakina Mann, James Bentley.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The Others is a 2001 psychological horror film directed by Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar and starring Nicole Kidman. The film is a beehive of tension and suspense, delivering an unforgettable viewing experience that is both creepy and thrilling. It is worth mentioning among the best Valentine’s day movies recommendation because of its twist ending, one of the most memorable in modern horror, leaving audiences stunned and gasping for breath.
The movie kicks off during the aftermath of World War II on the Channel Islands of Jersey. Grace Stewart, a highly religious woman, lives in a secluded house with her two children, Anne and Nicholas. The children suffer from a rare medical condition that makes them highly sensitive to light, forcing them to live in a world of darkness and solitude.
As the family awaits the arrival of three servants to help care for the children, strange events begin to occur in the house. Grace is convinced that their home is haunted, but as she sets out to uncover the truth, she realizes that the source of the disturbances is far eviler than she could have imagined. If you’re looking for a film that will keep you up at night, with a gripping story, fantastic cinematography, and spine-chilling suspense, then look no further than The Others.
17. Audition (1999)
- Starring: Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
This addition to our compelling list of the best Valentine’s day movies to spice things up for you is a 1999 Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike. Audition is a tour de force of horror cinema that is sure to leave a lasting impression owing to its masterful direction, intense suspense, and relatable themes. You are lucky with this slow-burning psychological thriller because it resonates with the Valentine’s Day perspective, love, regardless of the plot’s twist.
The film revolves around a middle-aged man named Aoyama, who has been widowed for seven years and is now looking for love. He holds auditions for fake movie production to find a suitable partner. He meets a young woman named Asami, and they begin a relationship, but as they grow closer, Aoyama realizes that Asami is not who she seems to be.
18. The Orphanage (2007)
- Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep, Mabel Rivera, Montserrat Carulla, Andrés Gertrúdix, Edgar Vivar, Geraldine Chaplin.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
This heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the power of the human spirit, is last on our list of best Valentine’s day horror movies recommendation. From the carefully designed sets and costumes to the exceptional sound design, every aspect of the film has been carefully crafted to create a haunting and immersive world just for you.
The plot presents Laura, a woman who returns to the orphanage where she grew up with her husband and adopted son, Simón. Simón has a rare condition that makes him unable to communicate with the world around him, and Laura is determined to give him the love and care he deserves. However, soon after they arrive at the orphanage, Simón disappears without a trace, and Laura sets out on a desperate quest to find him.
The Orphanage is a must-see for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling, masterful cinematography, and excellent performances. So, if you are genuinely a fan of horror and drama, then you cannot afford to miss this piece.
