Love is universal. And lovers come in all shapes and sizes, their passion as expansive as the unexplored depths of the sea. But for a specific subset of romantics, nothing puts them in the mood for love like a macabre delight. The perfect elixir of horror intermingled with some romance is mesmerizing. A feature that is equally heart-warming and spine-tingling is a most irresistible concoction that ensures they are a bit shaken but not stirred.

There is a little over a month until Valentine’s Day. In preparation, here is a curated list of some of the best films created that blend horror and romance. While the list is non-exhaustive, it provides a snapshot of some of the most popular of the subset over the last four decades. 

9. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Although the earliest of these films dates back to the 1960s, the most memorable adaptation was released in 1986. Little Shop of Horrors, starring Rick Moranis (Seymour), Ellen Greene (Audrey), and Steve Martin, has become a cult classic. This story set to music is a perfect tale of love and longing, with one exception – a carnivorous Venus Fly Trap from outer space. While this flick is not quite bone-rattling, it has its unique brand of terror. And seeing the lengths someone will go to win the love of their life never grows old.

8. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

When it comes to romance, there is nothing like a tale of longing and unrequited love, as it refers to the elusiveness of a dream. In 1990, writers Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson used these thematic elements to tell a different kind of story. Burton and Thompson, who adapted it for the screen, were masterfully creative in using horror elements to relay a story of unrequited love. In their story, a beautiful but monstrous creation sets his sights on a lovely girl.

Edward, much like Frankenstein, does not fit into a box of conformity defined by conventional standards. An oddity in looks but stunning in his uniqueness, he becomes the fetishized object for the town’s hungry female residents. But his inability to identify with being human shifts the gaze of the residents, and he quickly becomes the object of disdain. Sadly, his nature renders him unsuitable for the lovely stranger who has captured his heart. Edward Scissorhands is the ultimate story of elusive love. Not only does the motif never grow old neither does love for this film. As Film Inquiry notes, “Burton’s surreal illustrative ingenuity, Depp and Ryder’s marvelous, career-making performances, and a story filled with simplicity and complexity and an intangible element of wizardry that stands the test of time. Edward Scissorhands is one of the greatest films ever made.”

7. Bride of Chucky (1998)

Chucky was a menace who reawakened fears of dolls. After the premiere of Child’s Play (1988), people looked at any dolls that entered their homes with a side-eye. But a little trepidation is expected when you mix voodoo, a serial killer, and a tiny plastic frame. Nevertheless, Chucky quickly became a favorite amongst horror fans. He seemed unstoppable. Then there was Tiffany. In 1998, Ronny Yu brought together the two nasty character creations of Don Mancini, Chucky and Tiffany, in the feature film Bride of Chucky. It was indeed the cutest, nastiest, and naughtiest of romantic pairings. However, that creative blending of romance and horror made this a memorable flick. 

6. Open Water (2003)

Jaws (1975) showed the viewers the actual dangers waiting in the waters. And when the end credits rolled, it reminded them they would never want to go in the water again. Unfortunately, only some people got the message. In 2003, viewers watched as a loving pair met their demise in Open Water. Not since Titanic (1997) was there such a woeful tragedy on the high seas, at least for some viewers. Sitting in the theater watching a lovely adventurous pair become shark bait was torturous. But pain and love are often an undeniable pairing.