10 Gothic Romance Films to Die For

Have you ever run barefoot from a fog-shrouded mansion in your nightgown?

Probably not. (But if you have, do tell!)

It seems to be a fairly common situation to find yourself in… if you happen to be a heroine in a gothic romance.

Gothic romance books saw a boom in sales during the 1960s and ’70s, an obsession echoed in several films of the period as well as the enduring popularity of the T.V. show Dark Shadows. Sadly, the genre’s popularity has waned nearly to the point of obscurity now.

But if you still count yourself among the gothic romance fans out there, here’s a list of ten films just for you.

10. Dragonwyck (1946)

One of Vincent Price’s earlier films, Dragonwyck sees Price cast as the mysterious love interest to Gene Tierney’s naïve heroine. Based on the novel of the same name, it perfectly follows the formula of a typical gothic romance:

Fish-out-of-water girl moves to a creepy mansion? Check.

… And immediately falls for the obsessive, unavailable rich guy who owns said mansion? Check.

… Even though a totally normal dude likes her, too? Yep, check. (Ignore that dweeb.)

If you already like gothic romances, then you’ll probably love this movie. And if you’ve never heard of gothic romance before, then this is a great place to start.

9. The Uninvited (1944)

In a gothic romance, there’s often the presence of the supernatural… although it’s usually left up to the audience to decide for themselves whether the supernatural elements are real, or simply figments of the characters’ imaginations.

In this film, the supernatural elements are definitely real. And highly dangerous for our hero Ray Milland, who’s fallen in love with a young woman literally haunted by the spirits of her childhood home.

8. A Cure for Wellness (2016)

Although it wasn’t marketed as a gothic romance, A Cure for Wellness is packed with tropes and elements often used in the sub-genre. A young man visits a Swiss spa shrouded in mystery and discovers a young woman being held there against her will. It isn’t long before events quickly spiral out of his control.

Fair warning, though: This film definitely falls on the gothic/horror side of the genre. The romance elements (although present) are handled very lightly. So if you’re here for kisses and not scares, you better skip this one.

7. Voice from the Stone (2017)

If you’re in love with Emilia Clarke (who isn’t?), then you’ve probably already watched this one and left it a terrible review on Rotten Tomatoes.

But I want to play devil’s advocate here. Give this film a chance if you enjoy stories laden with atmosphere, slow burn supernatural suspense and 1950s clothes. Seriously, those are my only requirements.

And get ready for a film that upends some of the tried-and-true tropes to deliver a shocking and creepy finale for our fair Emilia’s tale. It’s a startling blend of gothic and romantic that’s sure to leave an impression long after the end credits roll.

6. My Cousin Rachel (1952)

Typically, a gothic romance begins with the hero or heroine finding themselves moving to a new location, doomed to enter a new home filled with lurking enemies. My Cousin Rachel turns this trope on its head by sending the love interest/villainess to invade the hero’s peaceful home instead.

The snobby film buff in me is going to recommend you watch the original film, starring Richard Burton (a.k.a. that guy that married Elizabeth Taylor twice) and Olivia De Havilland.

But the 2017 remake might be a better choice if you find black-and-white films to be an eyesore… or if you just want to appreciate the combined beauty of Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin.

5. Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Similar to The Uninvited, supernatural elements play a big role in Beautiful Creatures. A normal high schooler falls for his local teenage witch and sparks fly… kinda literally.

Full disclosure: This film is based on a series of YA novels. Love ’em or hate ’em, this film is worth a watch for the set design and atmospheric Southern Gothic locations alone.

If you can stomach the overload of teenage angst, that is.

4. The Tomb of Ligeia (1964)

In discussions of Vincent Price’s prolific filmography, this film is often overlooked. But I think it deserves a watch, especially if you’re a gothic romance fan! Let’s roll out the checklist again, shall we?

Woman falls in love with a rich, mysterious widower? Check.

… And he’s haunted by the spirit of his dead wife? Check.

… Who's inhabiting the body of a black cat? Wait, what?

Like most Vincent Price films, there’s a high degree of camp and melodrama here. But if that’s your cup of tea, then you’re in for a treat.

3. Crimson Peak (2015)

A burgeoning writer marries an impoverished nobleman, moves to the crumbling mansion he inhabits with his possessive sister, and then has to contend with the ghosts haunting the place… who all seem to share a troubling connection with her new husband.

Director Guillermo Del Toro has stated explicitly in interviews that he intended Crimson Peak to be a gothic romance. And it absolutely is.

But, in typical Del Toro fashion (this is the man who directed Hellboy, after all), there’s particular care taken in crafting the monsters of this film that sets it apart from the others on this list. Not to mention the unique details hidden in plain sight in the elaborate costume and set designs.

Watch this one if you’re a sucker for distinctive visuals… or just Tom Hiddleston in general.

2. Rebecca (1940)

Director Guillermo del Toro named this film as one of his chief inspirations for Crimson Peak. And no wonder! Rebecca often tops the list of best gothic romance books, as well as film adaptations.

Joan Fontaine (real-life sister to My Cousin Rachel herself, Olivia De Havilland) plays the nameless second wife to widower Laurence Olivier. He’s a wealthy, handsome dude shrouded in dark secrets surrounding his first wife’s untimely death… secrets that eventually resurface.

Quick, go watch this movie so you understand the pun I just made!

1. Jane Eyre (2011)

The book that started it all!

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is considered to be one of the prime foundations of the gothic romance sub-genre. So of course you should give one of its innumerable film adaptations a watch! (If your high school English teacher didn’t already make you hate it.)

Looking for more movies you can watch with your grandma? Check out my list of ten historical miniseries that aren’t recommended enough.

(This article was originally posted on Medium.)