Lisa Frankenstein proves the best kind of rom-coms are the ones with a slice and dice of horror. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the Diablo Cody-penned story follows goth teenager Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), who dreams of a nice Victorian boyfriend. Her wish comes true as a corpse (Cole Sprouse) reanimates and rises from the grave for her to love and cherish. Now, Lisa and her new beau need to head off on a spooky adventure to gather limbs for him. If Lisa Frankenstein doesn’t sound like the perfect Valentine’s Day movie, then nothing is.
For those looking to indulge in more horror rom-com delight, here are some ghoulish treats to consider:
‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990)
Part Frankenstein, part meme-worthy, but full-blown gothic romance – Edward Scissorhands centers around the eponymous character and a lifelong love that’s not meant to be. Created by an inventor who passes away before completing his greatest creation, the gentle humanoid Edward lives in a giant mansion, all alone and with razor-sharp scissors for hands. After a chance encounter, the kindhearted Peg Boggs invites Edward to stay with her family and become a part of their community. Soon, Edward and Peg’s daughter, Kim, fall in love as they spend more time together. Fearing what they don’t understand, though, the townspeople ostracize and banish Edward, effectively ending his and Kim’s chances at a happily ever after. Tim Burton directs the fantastical film from a story conceived by him and Caroline Thompson. Johnny Depp stars as Edward, the greatest hair stylist in the world, while Winona Ryder plays Kim.
‘Burying the Ex’ (2014)
The 2014 zom-com Burying the Ex carves its way into everyone’s hearts with a story about love, second chances, and rotting corpses. Horror fan Max falls head over heels for Evelyn; however, their relationship goes south and Max plans to dump her. Unfortunately, Evelyn gets hit by a bus and dies. A guilt-ridden Max struggles with Evelyn’s death, believing he played a part in it, but he eventually tries to move on with Olivia. It all seems to be going well until Evelyn rises from the grave and thinks this is another opportunity for her and Max as a couple. Horror comedy maestro Joe Dante directs this quirky film from a script written by Alan Trezza. The late Anton Yelchin plays Max, while Ashley Greene and Alexandra Daddario portray Evelyn and Olivia respectively.
‘The Babysitter’ (2017)
Cole isn’t having a good time in life, as the 12-year-old boy is bullied and doesn’t have many friends. A person who is always in his corner is his attractive babysitter, Bee, whom he has a major crush on. One night when his parents are away, Cole decides to see what Bee gets up to when he goes to bed. Turns out that she is part of a demonic cult that sacrifices people to the horned one. Now, they know Cole is onto them, but where do Bee’s loyalties lie in the end? McG directs the gruesome but hilarious film from a script written by Brian Duffield. Judah Lewis plays Cole, while Samara Weaving steals the show as Bee. A sequel, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, was released in 2020.
‘Warm Bodies’ (2013)
Imagine The Walking Dead humanized its walkers. That’s the premise of 2013’s Warm Bodies, a horror rom-com that’s based on the 2010 Isaac Marion novel of the same name. In the film, a zombie named R falls for a human woman named Julie. At first, Julie is hesitant about R and his motivations, since he wants human brains for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, they soon begin to bond over music and kill time together, resulting in R developing a heartbeat and becoming more human. Written and directed by Jonathan Levine, Warm Bodies proves it’s possible to find love in the strangest places, including the zombie apocalypse. Nicholas Hoult stars as R, while Teresa Palmer plays Julie.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986)
Based on the 1960 film of the same name, Little Shop of Horrors tickles the funny bone while caressing the heart at the same time. Florists Seymour Krelborn and Audrey work in the less-than-successful Mushnik’s Flower Shop. The co-workers harbor strong feelings for each other, but their respective shyness prevents them from acting on them. As the shop prepares to shut its doors for the final time, its fortunes change when Seymour brings his exotic plant dubbed Audrey II into the store. Suddenly, everyone wants to see this glorious attraction. One problem, though: Audrey II has a particular taste for human blood. The good news is Audrey has a despicable boyfriend who would make a nice snack for the plant. The musical masterpiece comes to mind thanks to the vision of Franz Oz, who directs from a script written by Howard Ashman. Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene star as Seymour and Audrey respectively, while Levi Stubbs provides the unmistakable voice for the blood-lovin’ Audrey II.
‘Bride of Chucky’ (1998)
Seeing Chucky the murder doll from Child’s Play receive a romantic partner in a Bonnie and Clyde setup was on no one’s bingo list in 1998. However, to quote Jeff Goldblum’s Ian Malcolm: “Life, uh, finds a way.” Bride of Chucky sees Chucky’s former beau, Tiffany Valentine, collect the doll’s remains, revive him through a voodoo ritual, and then plan their wedding. The joke’s on Tiffany, as Chucky electrocutes her to death and transfers her soul into a doll as punishment for even daring him to walk down the aisle. Chucky has a plan to see them revived in human form, though, eyeing Tiffany’s neighbor, Jesse, and his girlfriend, Jade, as the right hosts for them to inhabit. Thus, the gruesome twosome embark on a quest of murder, mayhem, and macabre. Brad Dourif provides the cheeky voice for Chucky once again, while Jennifer Tilly breathes Tiffany to life. Franchise co-creator Don Mancini pens the scintillating script that sees dolls bumping uglies, while Freddy vs. Jason virtuoso Ronny Wu handles directing duties.
‘Idle Hands’ (1999)
The saying “idle hands are the Devil’s play-things” gets turned into an actual teen movie in 1999’s Idle Hands. Slacker Anton Tobias discovers his hand is possessed by an evil spirit after it murders his friends, so he does the right thing: He chops it off. This only makes matters worse, as the hand soon escapes from captivity. No longer attached to Anton’s body, the hand runs rampant. Meanwhile, Anton learns his hand wants to steal the soul of his latest crush, Molly, so he needs to act fast. Fueled by the power of marijuana and love for Molly, Anton sets out to stop the evil hand. Rodman Flender directs from a script written by Terri Hughes and Ron Milbauer. Idle Hands features an all-star cast including Devon Sawa, Jessica Alba, Seth Green, Elden Henson, and Christopher Hart (the hand actor for Thing in The Addams Family movies).
