HONOLULU (KHON2) — Looking for a unique twist on your Valentine’s Day movie night? Skip the usual rom-coms and try one of these chilling films that blend love and horror.
Steven Hobaica, founder of Honolulu Horror Nights, has curated the perfect list of spooky films that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat while exploring romance in its darker forms.
Bones and All (2022)
“A beautifully haunting mix of romance and cannibal horror,” said Hobaica. “This film is about love and survival, with raw, emotional performances by Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell. It’s a tragic road movie that blends tenderness with gruesome twists.”
The Love Witch (2016)
“This film is a mesmerizing, Technicolor dream that’s equal parts stylish and sinister,” Hobaica shared. “It mixes ‘60s aesthetics with witchcraft and murder that offers a feminist take on love, obsession and power.”
Thirst (2009)
Hobaica described this film as “sensual, grotesque, and deeply tragic. In this vampire horror film by Park Chan-wook, a priest-turned-vampire embarks on an illicit love affair, exploring passion and morality in a dark and twisted way.”
Your Monster (2024)
“A dark and whimsical blend of horror and romance,” said Hobaica. “The story follows an actress dealing with cancer and a painful breakup, who finds an unexpected companion in a monster living in her childhood home.”
Spring (2014)
Hobaica called Spring “consistently surprising. This genre-blending love story set in Italy features a romance with a supernatural twist that’s as unsettling as it is thought-provoking.”
Nosferatu (2024)
“This reimagining of the classic vampire tale is hauntingly beautiful,” Hobaica explained. “The film explores obsession, loneliness, and the unquenchable thirst for love through a mesmerizing mix of horror and tragic romance.”
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Hobaica referred to this cult classic as “a perfect anti-Valentine’s Day flick. Megan Fox stars as a high school girl turned man-eating demon in this biting mix of horror and dark comedy, which explores toxic friendships and deadly seduction.”
Let the Right One In (2008)
Hobaica described this film as “a horror masterpiece with a chilling yet deeply moving vampire romance. It tells the story of a lonely child and his mysterious new neighbor, blending eerie atmosphere with themes of love and isolation.”
Attachment (2022)
“This queer horror romance blends supernatural scares with real emotion,” said Hobaica. “Following a woman drawn into her girlfriend’s unsettling family secrets, this film combines eerie Jewish mysticism with a fresh take on love and horror.”
Honeymoon (2014)
“Newlywed bliss turns into a slow-burning nightmare,” Hobaica explained. “This eerie body horror film captures a chilling look at love, identity, and transformation through its intimate setting and unsettling atmosphere.”
Hobaica also recommended two new horror-romance films that are currently playing in local; theaters.
These new films are perfect for anyone looking for something fresh and thrilling this Valentine’s season:
Companion (2025): “Companion effectively blends sci-fi horror with relationship drama,” Hobaica said. “This film follows a weekend getaway that quickly turns twisty, trippy and bloody as a couple’s relationship is put to the test. It explores themes of love, control, and what it means to be human in a chilling and unexpected way.”
Heart Eyes (2025): “If you like your love stories a little darker, this one’s for you,” said Hobaica. “Heart Eyes is about a masked killer with glowing red heart eyes who terrorizes unsuspecting couples on Valentine’s Day. This movie delivers a mix of classic slasher thrills and throwback rom-com energy, making it perfect for those who enjoy a darker twist on romance or just want a break from traditional Valentine’s Day films.”
These films are sure to make for a memorable night out at the movies, blending love and horror in ways you won’t soon forget!
There is also an opportunity for you to join in the fun with Honolulu Horror Nights for a special event featuring a film chosen by the audience!. This event is for adults 18 and up and will be held at Hawaiian Brian’s on Feb. 18.
The evening will include a horror mokumentary trivia, a Q&A with Lopaka Kapanui, “The Hawai’i Ghost Guy” and time for socializing.
There will be food available for purchase from Hnl Poke Company along with a pool hall and a vegan speakeasy, Wild Orange, that are located inside the venue. You can also enjoy free popcorn; but you can also purchase snacks, drinks and merch made by local artists.
This is a donation-based, not-for-profit event, with a suggested donation of $15 or more. Pre-sale tickets require a $5 donation on Humanitix. The schedule includes social hour from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., trivia and Q&A from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and the film screening from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
You can click here for tickets. You can click here to learn more about Honolulu Horror Nights.
So, if you’re in the mood for something different this Valentine’s Day, these films bring both the terror and tenderness of love in ways that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. Happy haunting!