02/13/2026
The ruef office is, admittedly, filled with horror film nerds. And this weekend’s collision of Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day has us excited for an extended celebration of jump scares and chocolate hearts!
Horror films are THE genre for a romantic date night!
Why? It teases, builds, escalates, then pays it off. You connect over the shared tension. And when the scares really start coming... who doesn't want a special someone to cling to under the protection of a cozy oversized blanket?
Here are some of our favorite date night horror films. Share yours in the comments!
Scream
Get Out
Dracula
Shaun of the Dead
The Fly
Army of Darkness
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
Halloween
Basket Case
Warm Bodies
Here are some tips on how to make a horror movie night actually romantic (pro tips from video production people who obsess over lighting, audio, production value, and storytelling):
- Pick the right intensity level. First date? Go “fun-scary.” Anniversary? Wade into a “deep mind-bender.”
- Mood lighting. Low, warm lamps/candles keeps it cozy and less "sleep with one eye open."
- Audio matters. Keep volume clean (no blown-out jump scares). Turn the subwoofer low enough to not be distracting but strong enough to bring out those foreboding footsteps and rumbling growls. Ditch the subtitles so you can fully immerse!
- Phone in the other room. Nothing kills suspense like a bright screen and doomscroll glow. Save the mid-film research for another day. You need to be present for hand squeezing and cuddling!
- Snack strategy. Here's where the Valentine's crossover really hits. Pair some salty classics with some complementary heart-shaped chocolates! (We're partial to 's collection!)
- Make a signature drink. Horror films pair remarkably well with deep red wines. Or go the extra mile with a themed cocktail that shows this isn't just a random movie night on the couch.
- Blankets and pillows. A fortress of pillows and blankets will make the night all the cozier and prepare you for even the most terrifying of horror scenes.
- Intermission. There's nothing wrong with an extended pause to give the nervous system a break, refill those drinks, and engage in a little "how's it going to end" speculation.
- Nerd out. Make sure to leave room for some post credit debate about whether the characters had meaningful choices or were they trapped by systems or fate? Is the viewer made to feel implicated in the character's suffering? Were those splattered brains CGI or practical effects?
