For this Valentine’s Day season, the new slasher movie Heart Eyes hit theaters a week before the holiday. This film focuses on a masked killer who emerges on the day of love to stalk and murder happy couples. While the premise might seem cheesy, it fits the romantic holiday that traditionally lacks horror movies—most of which are typically rom-coms or dramas. Although there are a few horror movies with romantic subplots, Heart Eyes stands out as one of the few dedicated entirely to the holiday of love.
Yet, this 2025 release isn’t the only slasher film tied to Valentine’s Day. A highly underrated 2000s slasher, My Bloody Valentine 3D, also takes center stage during this time. While some viewers felt the 2009 remake didn’t quite live up to the 1981 original, others see it as a must-watch during the romantic season. Part of the film’s renewed attention in pop culture is due to Jensen Ackles, still widely recognized for his iconic role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural. Beyond Ackles’ performance, My Bloody Valentine remains relevant because it embodies key elements of 2000s horror while standing out among the otherwise lackluster titles of the era.
My Bloody Valentine Reinvented the Original
In My Bloody Valentine 3D, a group of teenagers throws a party in an old mine. A year earlier, a tragic accident left several miners trapped inside, and Harry Warden, the lone survivor, resorted to murder and cannibalism to stay alive. Upon waking from his coma, Warden embarks on a killing spree in the same mine where the teens are celebrating, almost killing Tom Hanniger, the son of the mine’s owner. Fast forward to 2009, and a masked killer wearing mining gear begins slaughtering townspeople, leading some to believe Warden has returned—despite his assumed death after being shot by the police. Simultaneously, Tom Hanniger, who disappeared after the mine incident, returns to town. Although he’s met with suspicion, Tom’s main focus is rekindling his romance with Sarah, his high school love who is now married to Axel, their old friend and the current sheriff.
While the 1981 My Bloody Valentine shared a similar premise, focusing on a group of teenagers and typical slasher tropes of its time, the 2009 remake shifted its focus to adults, a common theme in 2000s horror films. By embracing modern trends, this film reinvented the original’s premise. Though some fans of the original 1981 film didn’t appreciate the change, the remake captured the eerie concept in a compelling way.
The Good Performances Made Up For Bad Writing
Unfortunately, My Bloody Valentine 3D faced criticism for the same reasons that many 2000s horror films faltered—the writing was underwhelming and clichéd, often overshadowing the intense slasher action. However, the film benefited from a few standout performances that elevated it despite the thin dialogue. Jaime King, who portrayed Sarah, shone in her role as a small-town woman grappling with her romantic ideals. Known for supporting roles in films like White Chicks and the TV series Hart of Dixie, King brought depth to her character in a way that enriched the film. Another notable performance was Kerr Smith’s portrayal of Axel, the morally ambiguous sheriff with a deep-seated grudge. Smith, also recognized for TV roles in Dawson’s Creek and The Fosters, added a layer of complexity to the film’s melodrama.
Perhaps most importantly, My Bloody Valentine continues to resonate with fans due to Jensen Ackles’ performance as Tom Hanniger. Ackles, already famous for his role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural, brings a combination of guilt, mystery, and emotional turmoil to the character of Tom. His performance stands out in a film that, otherwise, might have fallen flat due to its predictable script.
It’s One of the Best Cheesy Slashers of the ’00s
The 2000s were a divisive time for horror fans, especially when it came to slashers. Many films from this decade lacked originality, relying on familiar formulas—groups of teens or young adults trying to survive against an anonymous killer. These films often included twist endings or shocking finales, but more often than not, they failed to impress with weak plotlines or underdeveloped characters. Even cult classics of the era, which are now regarded as underrated, were met with poor reviews upon release.
My Bloody Valentine 3D may not be the pinnacle of the genre, but it holds its own among these films. With a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.4/10 on IMDb, it didn’t receive universal praise. Still, many believe it stands as one of the better slasher films to emerge from the 2000s. While some consider it an insult to the original, others find it a solid remake that balances the nostalgic slasher themes with modern conventions. The film focuses more on atmosphere and mystery than on complex dialogue, which many fans of the genre find endearing. Its blend of cheesy entertainment and a compelling “whodunit” plot makes it a memorable film, with subtle nods to psychological horror.
The Film Still Holds Up as a Ridiculous Holiday Watch
Some holidays, like Halloween and Christmas, are filled with a wide range of horror films. Even St. Patrick’s Day has the Leprechaun franchise. However, few horror movies are associated with Valentine’s Day. While films like Warm Bodies and Let the Right One In are often suggested for the romantic holiday, My Bloody Valentine (both versions) remains one of the few mainstream horror films tied directly to the day of love.
Even if it weren’t the only horror movie dedicated to Valentine’s Day, My Bloody Valentine still deserves a watch for any horror fan seeking something spooky during the romantic season. Despite its gory, violent slasher scenes, the film includes surprising elements of love. The story revolves around Valentine’s Day and includes heart-shaped boxes filled with literal hearts—representing the twisted theme of love gone wrong, and even trauma often linked to darker, more complicated aspects of relationships. The central love triangle between Tom, Axel, and Sarah culminates in a tense finale marked by themes of heartbreak, forgiveness, and lost love.
While My Bloody Valentine 3D may never be heralded as a groundbreaking film in the slasher genre, it remains a fun, cheesy addition to the lineup of horror films. Fans of Supernatural or those nostalgic for the 2000s horror scene will appreciate its balance of gore, mystery, and memorable performances. It might not define the genre, but it certainly entertains with its blend of familiar slasher tropes and twisted romance.