Alternative Valentines Movies

Valentine’s Day is a time for romance and love stories, but what if you’re not in the mood for the traditional flowers and chocolates kind of thing? Fear not, because Snacks Not Included has got you covered with our top picks for alternative Valentines movies. These films are perfect for those who want a little more edge to their romance, with just the right amount of blood, darkness and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Audition

A widower takes an offer to screen girls at a special audition, arranged for him by a friend to find him a new wife.

The film’s slow and deliberate pacing lulls the audience into a false sense of security, only to shock them with sudden bursts of violence and horror. Miike’s expert direction creates an atmosphere of dread and unease that builds to a chilling and unforgettable climax. Audition is a true horror classic that continues to haunt and terrify viewers with its disturbing tale of love and madness.

Bleeder

In Bleeder, Nicolas Winding Refn takes us on an intense journey of love, jealousy, and violence. The film revolves around Leo and Louise, who seem to have a perfect life as they are expecting a baby. However, things take a dark and disturbing turn as Leo’s jealousy begins to consume him, and he becomes increasingly violent. Refn’s powerful storytelling and cinematography make this a must-watch for fans of dark and gritty cinema. Bleeder is a haunting portrayal of how love can turn toxic, and how our darkest fears and insecurities can lead us down a path of destruction.

Blue Velvet

David Lynch’s Blue Velvet is a mesmerizing exploration of the seedy underbelly of a seemingly idyllic suburban town. At its core, it’s a love story between two individuals caught in the midst of a twisted mystery. When college student Jeffrey Beaumont discovers a severed ear in a field, he becomes entangled with the alluring lounge singer Dorothy Vallens and the violent and unhinged Frank Booth, played masterfully by Dennis Hopper.

Drive

Behind the thrilling car chases, violent shootouts, and minimalistic dialogue, lies a turbulent and unconventional love story between Driver and Irene.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Joel and Clementine’s once passionate relationship takes a dark turn. In a desperate attempt to move on, they undergo an experimental procedure to erase each other from their memories. However, as the memories fade, they begin to realize the depth of their love and struggle to hold on to the fragments of their shared past. This mind-bending, visually stunning film explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and memory, leaving viewers questioning the nature of human connection.

Ex Machina

Ex Machina takes you on a thrilling ride into the world of artificial intelligence, where the lines between human and machine become blurred. Caleb, a young programmer, is invited by his reclusive and enigmatic boss to participate in a groundbreaking experiment: to evaluate the consciousness of a beautiful, seductive humanoid robot named Ava.

As Caleb becomes more involved in the experiment, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Ava, and a turbulent love story begins to unfold.

Falling for the first true artificial intelligence, housed in the body of a beautiful robot girl will always go sideways.

First Love

The second movie from Takashi Miike in this list. First Love tells the story of an escort and boxer whose lives cross over one night with a whole lot of violence, drugs, corrupt cops, and the Yakuza a long the way.

With stunning cinematography, compelling performances, and a heart-pumping soundtrack, this film is a must-see for anyone who loves fast-paced crime dramas with a unique twist. Get ready for an unforgettable ride as you witness the chaotic journey of two strangers whose lives collide in the most unexpected ways.

Her

A love story of the Apple age and the 2nd Spike Jonze movie in the list. A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased operating system that’s designed to meet his every need.

Guilty of Romance

Step into the fiery abyss of love with Guilty of Romance, a captivating film by the visionary director Sion Sono. Three women are drawn together in a world of mystery, intrigue, and unbridled passion. As they unravel the secrets that bind them, they find themselves on a dangerous journey that leads them to the depths of their desires and the darkest corners of their souls.

Just Another Love Story

This Danish crime thriller is slick. Just think of a retelling of that old Sandra Bullock rom-com Whilst You Were Sleeping, without the laughs and splatters of blood.

As the story unfolds, you’ll follow the tale of a man whose life takes a dark and dangerous turn after he is mistaken for someone else. What follows is a heart-pounding game of deception, danger, and deceit as he tries to unravel the truth and protect the ones he loves.

The Killer

At the core of this John Woo bullet ballet is the love story between the hit man and the singer he accidentally blinded, its a great buddy movie as well. This movie is classic John Woo and a must see.

The Lobster

What says love more than being turned into a lobster if you don’t find a romantic partner in 45 days?

Love Exposure

A 4 hour long extreme love story based around perversion, Christianity and religious cults this equally shocking and funny movie needs to be seen to be believed. Its also the second film from Sion Sono to hit this list. This movie is a trip!!!!

Natural Born Killers

There’s nothing like going on a tour de force of violence to profess you dying love for your partner.

Only Lovers Left Alive

Love sucks. Especially when you’re vampires and you getting back with your ex is disrupted by the arrival of her uncontrollable younger sister. This atmospheric film explores themes of love, art, and the complexities of immortality, as the characters navigate through their endless existence and try to find meaning in a world that seems to have lost its magic.

Out of Sight

Part romance, part manhunt, this action comedy romance is full of cool. Follow the story of a suave bank robber and a tough US Marshal who share an unlikely attraction, all while on the run from the law. But there’s more to this movie than just a simple love story – it’s full of slick humor, stylish cinematography, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end.

Queen And Slim

Whoever thought a first Tinder date could go this sideways!!!. We caught this just the other week at the BFI. Full review coming soon.

Revenge: A Love Story

Revenge: A Love Story is a chilling thriller that explores the dark side of love. When a young woman is brutally raped and murdered, her lover sets out to seek revenge against those responsible. But as he descends into a violent and twisted world of vengeance, he realises that his quest for justice may come at a terrible cost. This gripping and atmospheric film will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, as the line between love and obsession becomes increasingly blurred.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World

What would you do for love? Would you go to battle with your girlfriend’s 7 evil exes to win her heart?

Shaun of the Dead

There is nothing like a zombie apocalypse to try and win back you ex girlfriend.

Switchblade Romance

Rivers of blood pour in this horror that if you look deep enough is a romance. Way more than its romance are scenes of pure horror. This movie scared me shitless. This is the movie that put Alexandre Aja on the map.

True Romance

Love can conquer all, but what happens when it’s caught up in a web of drugs, violence, and the Sicilian mob? True Romance follows the story of Clarence and Alabama, two lovers whose passion for each other is matched only by their love for a bag of stolen drugs. As they navigate their way through the criminal underworld, with the FBI hot on their tail, they discover that their love may be the only thing that can save them.

Upstream Color

Shane Carruth’s science fiction love story, full of the weird and wonderful. Although it may be challenging to understand on the first viewing, Upstream Color is a film that will linger with you long after the credits have rolled.

Warm Bodies

After a highly unusual zombie saves a still-living girl from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion events that might transform the entire lifeless world.

That was the alternative valentines movies for one year. The Snacks Not Included crew will be back for future editions in the years to come no doubt. Look out for the podcast episodes dropping soon.

Happy valentines day y’all!!!