What up, nerds?!? Need a fun monster movie to watch with your valentine? From tragic gothic romances to campy over-the-top love stories to couples who fight demons - there's something here for everyone! Don't forget to like and subscribe!
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Video by @NerdSquish Watch below or at YouTube:10 Romantic Monster Movies for Valentine’s Day
What’s up, nerds? With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to plan the perfect cozy-night watchlist. Sure, you could throw on a standard rom-com—but if you’re here, you already know that at Nerd Squish we like our romance with a little bite. Monsters belong in everything we do, especially Valentine’s Day.
Before we dive in, let’s define “romantic monster movie,” because it’s not as simple as humans dating creatures (though yes, that does happen). Some of these films are about people falling in love with monsters, some are monsters falling in love with each other, and a few are about couples who bond while fighting terrifying creatures side by side. This is not BookTok monster romance territory. These picks range from campy to action-packed to genuinely haunting, but they all have one thing in common: love is at the center of the chaos.
A few entries may get a little steamy, but that’s not the focus here. This list is about true love—the kind that survives curses, transformations, demons, and ancient evils. So grab your boo (or your blanket), and let’s get into it.
The Shape of Water (2017)
We’re kicking things off with a modern Gothic fairy tale from Guillermo del Toro, a filmmaker who famously wanted to see the Creature from the Black Lagoon finally get his happy ending. Set in 1962, The Shape of Water follows Eliza, a mute janitor working in a secret government lab, who forms a bond with a captive humanoid amphibian.
When she learns the creature is slated for vivisection, Eliza risks everything to help him escape. The result is a lush, dreamy love story filled with fantasy, melancholy, and quiet rebellion. Sally Hawkins delivers a deeply moving performance, while Doug Jones does what he does best—disappearing into incredible monster makeup. It’s romantic, tragic, and feels like the perfect way to begin a Valentine’s monster marathon.
Your Monster (2024)
This romantic horror-comedy centers on Laura, an actress down on her luck after cancer treatment and a brutal breakup. Forced to move back into her childhood home, she discovers a literal monster living in her closet. Naturally, they clash at first—screaming, arguing, demanding each other leave—before striking a temporary truce.
Over time, that truce turns into something much softer. Despite being marketed as horror, the film leans far more into romance and comedy, with the “horror” element mostly boiling down to the fact that the love interest is a monster. Think Nightmare Before Christmas vibes. Essentially, this is a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling made for anyone who ever crushed hard on Beast as a kid. The monster is charming, awkward, and weirdly adorable—and yes, you’ll probably fall for him too.
Underworld (2003–2009) – The First Three Films
I’m cheating a little here by grouping the first three Underworld movies together—but let’s be honest, these are the ones that matter. On the surface, the franchise is about an eternal war between vampires and Lycans. Underneath all the leather and gunfire, though, it’s deeply romantic.
The first film introduces Selene, a vampire warrior who falls for Michael, a human caught in the middle of the conflict. Their forbidden love drives the story forward, leading to betrayal, sacrifice, and the creation of the first vampire-Lycan hybrid (and yes, he is extremely hot). Evolution deepens their bond, while Rise of the Lycans delivers a tragic, heartbreaking love story between Lucian and Sonia that explains why everything goes so violently wrong. Action-heavy, stylish, and surprisingly emotional, these make for an unconventional but fitting Valentine’s watch.
Rockula (1990)
If you’re craving pure camp, Rockula has you covered. This over-the-top vampire musical follows Ralph, a vampire cursed to watch the love of his life, Mona, be reincarnated every 22 years—only to die again on Halloween night, usually at the hands of pirates.
Yes, pirates. With rhinestone peg legs. And giant ham bones.
It somehow gets even wilder: Ralph fronts a band with Bo Diddley on guitar, and his mom is played by Toni Basil of “Mickey” fame. It’s ridiculous, dated, and deeply silly—but also weirdly charming. If your Valentine’s vibe is “neon-soaked late-’80s chaos,” this one’s a blast.
The Crow (1994)
Dark, rainy, and dripping with tragic romance, The Crow is powered entirely by love stronger than death. Brandon Lee stars as Eric Draven, a musician resurrected to avenge his and his fiancée’s murders. The city is grimy and hopeless, but Eric’s devotion to Shelly gives the story its emotional core.
Their relationship is mostly shown through brief flashbacks, yet it fuels everything Eric does. Lee’s performance is haunting and powerful, making the film even more emotional given his real-life death during production. Eric Draven is the ultimate tragic romantic—he literally came back from the dead for love. If that’s not Valentine’s energy, what is?
Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
This neon-soaked ’80s-inspired horror-comedy is made for the monster girlies. Lisa is an awkward outcast who spends her time talking to her crush’s grave—until a lightning strike brings him back to life. What follows is a stitched-together love story that feels straight out of vintage fantasy comedies like Once Bitten and Teen Wolf.
Visually, the film is stunning, with pastel colors, high-contrast dream sequences, and deliberate camp. It’s quirky, intentionally cheesy, and polarizing in the best way. Like those chalky Valentine’s candy hearts, you either love it or you don’t—but if it’s your thing, it really works.
The Lost Boys (1987)
At its core, this vampire cult classic is driven by romance. When two brothers move to Santa Carla, it’s love—not curiosity—that pulls them into vampire territory. Michael falls for Star at one of the most iconic concert scenes in movie history, and that infatuation leads him straight into the arms of the local vampire gang.
Star’s refusal to fully turn because she cares too much about Michael adds a surprisingly sweet layer to the chaos. Beneath the jokes, leather, and saxophone solos, The Lost Boys is a love story wrapped in blood and beachside neon.
The Munsters (2022)
Rob Zombie’s colorful, theatrical take on The Munsters was divisive, but if you lean into the camp, it’s a love letter to classic monster romance. At the center is Herman and Lily—ridiculously, unapologetically in love.
Their affection is loud, silly, and pure, like a high-school crush turned all the way up. The bright colors and exaggerated performances match the sweetness of their relationship, making this a surprisingly cozy Valentine’s pick.
The Conjuring (2013–2016)
Yes, these are terrifying. But they’re also deeply romantic. Based loosely on paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the first two Conjuring films show a married couple whose love and trust anchor them through demonic possessions and haunted houses.
While the scares are iconic, the heart of these films is their relationship. Their devotion to each other is portrayed as a literal weapon against evil—and honestly, that kind of ride-or-die partnership feels incredibly Valentine-appropriate.
The Mummy (1999)
We’re closing things out with a classic. The Mummy is the perfect blend of romance, humor, and adventure. Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan start off annoyed with each other, but while dodging curses, mummies, and ancient evils, they fall hard.
Brendan Fraser is at peak charm, Rachel Weisz is endlessly lovable, and their chemistry carries the film. It’s proof that love can be just as thrilling as defeating an ancient resurrected nightmare—and it remains one of the most fun Valentine’s watches out there.
Honorable Mentions:
Bram Stokers Dracula (1992)
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025)
From tragic Gothic romances to campy ’80s chaos and demon-fighting power couples, these ten films prove that monsters and love go hand in hand. Whether you’re into falling for the creature, fighting evil alongside your soulmate, or both, there’s something here for every kind of Valentine.
Now it’s your turn—what are your favorite romantic monster movies? Let me know in the comments. And yes, I already hear you yelling Bram Stoker’s Dracula and del Toro’s Frankenstein. I left them out on purpose. Sometimes the obvious choice just isn’t as fun.
Stick around, because another Valentine-themed list is coming soon—this time focusing on fictional characters I’d give a Valentine to. You can probably guess a few already.
Until then, happy Valentine’s Day, nerds. Catch you later 🖤🎃
Video by @NerdSquish Watch at YouTube:
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