5 of the Creepiest Love Stories in Horror Cinema

Yes, even some of the original Universal Horror films were romantics at heart. Case in point: Dracula’s Daughter. This overlooked classic often gets filed away under lesbian vampire films, and if that’s how you interpret it, then I fully and completely support that reading of the film. However, I very much consider the 1936 movie to be part of the highly underappreciated canon of bisexual vampire films.

After all, from the moment they meet, there’s major chemistry between Countess Zaleska, the eponymous offspring of Dracula, and Dr. Garth, the one man she believes can change her undead fate. And spoiler alert, even at the very end of the film, when she’s got the choice between Dr. Garth and his obviously superior and spunky assistant Janet, the Countess still wants to be with Dr. Garth. Definite bisexual horror vibes. 

I’m not typically a huge fan of remakes, but I wouldn’t mind seeing this one refashioned for modern audiences. Perhaps when Maggie Gyllenhaal finishes up promotion for the forthcoming The Bride!, she can consider taking a look at Dracula’s Daughter next. I bet she could give it a genius reinvention. 

Speaking of remakes, David Cronenberg proved that you could take an old classic and make it feel exceedingly new again. With his 1986 reinvention of The Fly, he not only directed one of the very best reboots in horror film history, but also one of the genre’s most heartbreaking horror romances.

The chemistry between the real-life couple Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis is truly off the charts, which means that when things start to take a turn for the grotesque, it’s only that much more devastating for the audience. The body horror — and the practical special effects — will make your skin crawl, but it’s the romantic epicenter of the film that will really stick with you. 

This is one of my very favorite horror films, but truth be told, I’ve only been able to sit through it once or twice. It shatters my heart too much for too many repeat viewings. 

Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this 1973 film follows a couple who travels to Venice in hopes of moving past the unexpected loss of their young daughter. Things only get stranger from there. To be honest, I’m still not sure I even like this movie, but I will admit that with its striking visuals and surreal storyline, it’s lived rent-free in my head for over a decade now.  

And it’s definitely got romance in it. In fact, the extended sex scene between the married characters played by Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie was highly controversial at the time and even rumored to be real (it wasn’t). There are some truly dizzying moments in the film and some real meditations on love and grief, but the final reveal at the end is so ludicrous that it undercuts the subtle and genuinely unnerving horror that came before. 

However, if you’re seeking an offbeat horror film for Valentine’s Day, Don’t Look Now might fit the bill perfectly. Just whatever you do, don’t follow the little girl in the red rain slicker.  

This is among the strangest and most beautiful vampire films you’ll ever see, and truly, they don’t make arthouse horror like this anymore. 

Directed by the late, great Bill Gunn, this 1973 film stars Duane Jones of Night of the Living Dead fame as Dr. Hess Green and Marlene Clark as Ganja Meda, two unlikely lovers who find themselves united in bloodlust thanks to a ceremonial dagger wielded by Ganja’s unstable husband George (played by Gunn).

Every time I have the opportunity, I urge horror fans to seek out Ganja & Hess; it’s that incredible. That being said, be sure to get a copy of the restored version. The first time I saw this film, it was an old degraded transfer, which entirely obscured the utterly beautiful cinematography. 

Fortunately, the MoMA restoration in particular is absolutely spectacular, so look for that version whenever possible. It’s more than worth your time.

If you’re going through a messy breakup this Valentine’s Day, then Companion is the film for you. The movie manages to completely live up to the darkly funny potential of its playful trailer while also being so much more. 

Sophie Thatcher turns in a top-notch performance as Iris, the titular companion robot, who must deal with not only learning of her own true nature but also dealing with her so-called partner double-crossing her. 

Companion does a fine job at exploring what it means to be “real” and furthermore what it means to be in love. A great film for all the romantics as well as all the sci-fi horror fans out there. 

Featured still via Warner Bros Pictures.