Romance in horror isn’t new. Look at Scream, one of the most iconic horror movies of all time. The plot is literally driven by murder and love.
But let’s take a step back and figure out exactly what horror romance is.
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines horror as “a painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay.” If we use that definition to define the genre of horror, we can assume it needs to elicit those emotions.
As far as romance, Wikipedia defines the genre as “…a type of genre fiction novel which places its primary focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people, and usually has an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending.
But what does it mean when the two are blended together? According to Mystery and Suspense Magazine, “Romantic horror novels expertly blend the passionate, emotional intensity of romance with the spine-tingling dread of horror.”
It’s easy to see why romance is often entwined with horror; it humanizes the experience and gives the audience something to root for (other than survival, of course). While horror romance isn’t necessarily revolutionary, it has picked up speed in the last few years.
The Appeal of Horror Romance
Blending horror and romance creates a unique storytelling experience that capitalizes on the interplay between love and fear. At the core of horror romance is the theme of love flourishing in the face of fear.
As characters navigate their feelings for each other within a world filled with danger and the supernatural, viewers and readers are drawn into the emotional rollercoaster, experiencing both the highs of romance and the chills of horror. This juxtaposition intensifies the connection audiences feel with the characters, making every moment of tenderness or triumph resonate more deeply because of the lurking threats.
Horror romance often uses monsters and supernatural elements as metaphors for real-life relational and personal struggles. Vampires, ghosts, or other entities can represent forbidden desires, societal taboos, or internal conflicts. By externalizing these struggles through supernatural elements, the genre explores complex psychological and social issues in a visually impactful and emotionally engaging way. This not only entertains but also provides catharsis, as audiences see characters confront and overcome both literal and figurative demons.
On top of that, the fear induced by horror heightens the emotional stakes, making every romantic gesture or conflict more intense and meaningful. It taps into our deepest fears and desires, presenting them in a context that is both thrilling and touchingly human, broadening its appeal to a wide and varied audience.
Horror Romance in Literature
Literature is one pioneer in horror romance. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer was a smash hit. The romance captivated audiences from the beginning and the series made Meyer millions. The novel sparked a resurgence in the intertwining of the supernatural and romance, paving the way for other novels to breakout in the market.
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion was later made into a movie, but it started as a novel. While a zombie movie, the plot is a love story as a human and a zombie, challenging the conventions of zombie lore by presenting them as capable of human emotions and redemption through love. As they navigate their growing feelings amidst the constant threat of deadly encounters and societal collapse, the horror of their reality—where survival hangs by a thread—is palpable, amplifying the stakes of their unconventional romance.
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black, another vampire novel, depicts a world in which vampires and humans exist in a precarious balance, bringing a fresh perspective on vampires along with the allure of a forbidden romance with the constant, looming threats that define the horror genre. The main character is grappling with the prospect of turning into the very monster that brutally murdered her friends.
Besides these mainstream successes, several newer works are entering the scene. For instance, Together We Rot by Skyla Ardnt blends the supernatural and cults with in a romance that’s page turning.
Horror Romance on Television
The amount of romance in horror television shows is really astounding when you think about it. Take Buffy the Vampire Slayer for example. Set in Sunnydale, a town precariously situated on the Hellmouth, a portal teeming with demonic activity, the series delves deep into the realm of horror. Buffy, the protagonist, is perpetually in jeopardy, facing not only the physical danger of battling vampires and demons but also multiple personal sacrifices that come with her role as the Slayer.
The pinnacle of the show’s horror elements is encapsulated in her tumultuous relationship with Angel, a vampire. Their romance ultimately leads to a catastrophic turn of events when their love inadvertently causes him to lose his soul, transforming him back into Angelus, a ruthless killer.
Really, Buffy is the pioneer of blending horror with romantic elements. Buffy’s life was horrific, but the themes of love and friendship gave her something worth fighting for. It paved the way for future series and has left a lasting impact on media.
In fact, one might say Buffy walked so True Blood could run. The HBO series based on the Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris, is a quintessential example of the blend of horror and romance. Set in the sultry atmosphere of small-town Louisiana, the show explores a world where vampires have ‘come out of the coffin’ to live openly among humans, thanks to the invention of synthetic blood. This setting provides the backdrop for intense romantic entanglements, particularly between Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress, and Bill Compton, a 173-year-old vampire.
As their relationship unfolds, it is continuously tested by a series of gruesome and supernatural challenges, including clashes with otherworldly creatures, vampire politics, and local bigotry. The romance is deeply intertwined with horror elements, as the show does not shy away from the violent and predatory nature of its vampire characters, creating a rich, dark, and compelling narrative that keeps viewers enthralled through a fusion of fear and fascination.
The influence of The Vampire Diaries—vampires seem to be popular, huh?—extended well into the horror genre, leading to many spinoffs, including The Originals. This series, set against the brooding backdrop of New Orleans, delves deeper into the dark mythology of its universe, exploring themes of power, redemption, and immortality, all steeped in gothic horror more intensely than its predecessor.
Then there’s Pretty Little Liars, which, while initially masquerading as a teen drama, unravels a terrifying narrative of stalking, murder, and blackmail, transforming the picturesque town of Rosewood into a landscape of fear and paranoia where secrets have deadly consequences amidst the tangled romances of the main characters.
The Haunting of Bly Manor, often labeled strictly as horror due to its ghostly apparitions and eerie atmosphere, skillfully weaves a tale of tragic romance amidst its haunting. The series delves into the heartbreak and doomed love stories of its characters, juxtaposed against a backdrop of spectral encounters and a pervasive sense of dread, showing how deeply intertwined love and horror can be.
Similarly, Midnight Mass presents itself as an exploration of faith and fanaticism with unmistakable horror elements—mysterious deaths, unsettling omens, and a community unraveling at the seams. Yet, at its core, it’s a narrative about the human capacity for love, forgiveness, and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable horror.
Each of these series showcases the powerful dynamics between horror and romance, using elements of terror not just to thrill, but to amplify the emotional stakes of their intertwined relationships, crafting stories that are as heart-rending as they are harrowing.
Horror Romance in Film
Horror romance isn’t strictly for books and television. Films have been blending the genre for years. While a couple of the books mentioned are also movies now, there are horror romance movies popping up every day.
Crimson Peak by Guillermo del Toro is a prime example of a flawless blend of the genres. When it was released, it was criticized for not being a true “horror.” That’s because the movie is also a vivid gothic romance. The movie uses its horror elements to enhance the romantic and tragic core of the story. Del Toro depicts the decaying grandeur of the haunted mansion at the center of the film, making it not just a setting but a character in its own right. The ghosts, while initially appearing as malevolent specters, are really just a metaphor to emphasize the themes of memory and loss that parallel the romance between the main characters.
Then there’s The Invitation, which leans more towards psychological thriller and horror. The film starts out as a promising romance before descending into a horror, layering romantic and horror elements throughout its progression.
The Invitation masterfully melds psychological thriller and horror elements, beginning with the promise of a blossoming romance that spirals into a terrifying ordeal. The film initially draws viewers in with the allure of a new romantic connection, setting an eerily deceptive tone as the protagonist is lured into a luxurious but isolated mansion.
As the story unfolds, this new romances= descends into a nightmare, revealing a sinister gathering steeped in ancient, vampiric rituals and hidden agendas. The romantic elements quickly become overshadowed by the growing horror as the protagonist must navigate a web of deception and survive the deadly intentions of her hosts. This chilling progression from romance to horror showcases how love can be manipulated into a tool for dark purposes, heightening the film’s haunting and suspenseful atmosphere.
There are countless others. What’s clear is that as the genre progresses, filmmakers aren’t shying away from the horror elements of the genre.
The Future of Horror Romance
As we look to the future, horror romance is challenging traditional forms of storytelling. It pushes the boundaries of genre conventions, blending elements in ways that can explore complex themes such as the nature of fear, the power of love, and the human condition itself. This genre offers space for writers and filmmakers to innovate and experiment, potentially leading to new subgenres or hybrid forms that could further enrich the media landscape.
On the other hand, horror and romance fans come with distinct expectations, and blending these can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction on both sides. Horror fans might find the romance too prominent and feel that it detracts from the suspense and thrill they seek, while the intensity of the horror elements might put romance fans off. Satisfying both audiences is a delicate act that not all works achieve.
In the coming months, we’re expecting the second season of School Spirits, and the release of books such as If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens. What’s interesting about the genre is that with the increase in popularity, audiences appear to be more open to media that leans farther into the horror spectrum. We can assume that as more titles are released, the horror is going to take a front seat.
The sustained appeal and dynamic nature of horror romance highlight its potential to continue evolving and growing in popularity. Whether through books, films, or television, it invites us to confront our fears while giving the audience a love story to root for, offering a reminder of the endless possibilities of stories.
