Romance and horror might seem like strange bedfellows at first glance, but these two genres have been entwined in fiction for centuries. From Gothic novels to modern slasher films, romance has frequently made an appearance in the world of horror—sometimes to chilling effect, other times to cringe-worthy disaster. For fans of horror fiction, a well-crafted romantic subplot can add layers of emotional depth to a story, making the horror even more powerful.
However, when done poorly, it can feel forced and detract from the tension. So, what are the best and worst romantic subplots in horror fiction? Let’s explore.
Why Romance Works in Horror
Before diving into the best and worst examples, it’s important to understand why romance is such an effective tool in horror fiction. Horror stories often explore the darker aspects of the human experience—fear, death, and the unknown. These are heightened emotions, and when paired with the vulnerability and intensity of romance, they create an emotional rollercoaster that can deepen both the terror and the connection to the characters.
Romantic subplots also give characters something to lose. In horror, where danger is ever-present, the stakes are raised when two characters fall in love. Will they survive together? Will one of them die a tragic death, leaving the other to face the horrors alone? These questions add suspense and emotional complexity, especially when we’re invested in the characters’ relationships.
On the flip side, romance in horror can also go spectacularly wrong. If the romantic subplot feels shoehorned in or if the characters lack chemistry, it can break the tension, turning what could have been a terrifying narrative into something unintentionally silly. Balancing love and fear is an art form, and not every horror writer can pull it off.
The Best Romantic Subplots in Horror Fiction
Let’s start by looking at some of the most effective romantic subplots that have elevated horror fiction to new heights.
1. Stephen King’s Lisey’s Story
Stephen King is a master of blending deep, human emotion with terrifying horror, and Lisey’s Story is a prime example. The novel centers on Lisey Landon, a widow who is struggling with the loss of her famous novelist husband, Scott. Through a combination of supernatural horror and psychological tension, Lisey uncovers hidden aspects of Scott’s life while confronting her own trauma.
The romance between Lisey and Scott is portrayed as deeply passionate and transcendent. Their love serves as the emotional anchor of the story, giving readers a reason to invest in Lisey’s journey. Their relationship is intense, filled with quirks, private languages, and shared memories that make it feel real and grounded, even in the face of supernatural horror. This is a case where romance strengthens the horror, adding emotional weight to the unfolding terror.
2. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Though Frankenstein is primarily a story about creation, revenge, and the boundaries of science, its romantic elements are crucial to the narrative. Victor Frankenstein’s love for Elizabeth Lavenza is both his anchor to humanity and his greatest vulnerability.
In Shelley’s Gothic world, the romance doesn’t dominate the plot, but it lingers in the background as a tragic subplot that reflects Victor’s own descent into madness. The creature’s murder of Elizabeth is one of the most shocking and heartbreaking moments of the novel, emphasizing the monstrous consequences of Victor’s actions. The romance works here because it underscores the themes of loss and consequence without detracting from the novel’s core horrors.
3. Joe Hill’s Heart-Shaped Box
Joe Hill’s Heart-Shaped Box tells the story of aging rock star Judas Coyne, who collects macabre objects. He purchases a haunted suit, not expecting it to come with the ghost of a vengeful spirit. Judas’ relationship with his girlfriend, Georgia, evolves into a central element of the novel as they battle the ghost together.
, the romance is dysfunctional—Judas treats Georgia with a mix of apathy and condescension. But as the horrors escalate, their bond deepens, and they grow to depend on one another for survival. The romantic subplot here feels organic, developing naturally alongside the horror elements. By the end, the romance adds layers to Judas’ character and makes his emotional journey more impactful.
The Worst Romantic Subplots in Horror Fiction
For every successful romance in horror, there’s a cringeworthy counterpart that misses the mark. These romantic subplots often feel tacked on, unnecessary, or even detrimental to the horror at hand.
1. Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight
Okay, Twilight is technically a paranormal romance, but it’s worth mentioning as an example of a romantic subplot that overshadows the horror. Though Meyer includes horror elements like vampires and werewolves, the focus is so overwhelmingly on the romance between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen that the horror becomes secondary, if not entirely irrelevant.
The relationship itself has also been criticized for its problematic dynamics—Edward’s possessiveness, Bella’s passivity, and their overall lack of chemistry. While the Twilight series has a massive fanbase, the romantic subplot undermines the horror by diluting the stakes and reducing potentially terrifying creatures to brooding love interests.
2. Clive Barker’s Hellbound Heart
Clive Barker’s Hellbound Heart is the novella that inspired the Hellraiser films. While it’s a dark, terrifying story of sadomasochism and supernatural horror, the romantic subplot between Rory and Julia is lackluster at best. Julia’s affair with Rory’s brother, Frank, drives much of the plot, but the relationship between Julia and Rory feels hollow.
Julia’s obsession with Frank, which leads her to commit murder, is meant to be erotic and twisted, but the romance never quite feels believable. Instead, it becomes a convenient plot device that lacks emotional depth. While the novel excels in body horror and visceral fear, the romantic subplot feels thin, detracting from the psychological complexity that could have made Julia’s character more compelling.
3. Dean Koontz’s Phantoms
Dean Koontz is known for blending romance with horror, but in Phantoms, the romantic subplot falls flat. The novel centers on two sisters, Jennifer and Lisa, who discover that the residents of a small town have mysteriously disappeared. Amidst the supernatural terror, Jennifer finds herself attracted to the town’s sheriff, Bryce Hammond.
The romance feels forced, as though Koontz felt the need to include it out of obligation rather than necessity. The chemistry between Jennifer and Bryce is lukewarm, and their relationship adds little to the story. Worse, it detracts from the atmosphere of dread and mystery that Koontz sets up in the first half of the novel. In this case, the romance could have been left out entirely, and the story wouldn’t have suffered for it.
Striking the Balance
In horror fiction, the key to a successful romantic subplot is balance. Romance should enhance the emotional stakes of a story without detracting from the tension or horror. When done well, romance can make the horrors more visceral, as characters become more relatable and their fates more harrowing. When done poorly, it can undermine the entire narrative, turning a potentially terrifying tale into a cheesy melodrama.
For horror fans, the mix of romance and terror can be a thrilling combination. It adds an extra dimension to the stories we love, offering moments of tenderness amidst the carnage and heartbreak among the horror. When romance in horror fiction is at its best, it leaves us with characters we truly care about—and that’s when the fear really hits home.
Final Thoughts
Love and horror may seem like an odd couple, but their union can be surprisingly effective. The best romantic subplots in horror fiction create an emotional depth that amplifies the terror, making both the love and the fear feel more real. On the other hand, poorly executed romances can dilute the tension, dragging down the horror with cheesy dialogue or awkward chemistry. If you’re a fan of horror fiction, keep an eye out for how writers handle love in the midst of chaos—it may just make the scares hit that much harder.
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