Heartthrobs of Horror Who Get Your Blood Pumping

Are you afraid of the dark? No, of course not, or else you wouldn’t be here. The fandoms that get you excited all dwell in the dark. And your favorite characters lurk, loom, and love from those very same shadows.

Below, let’s look at a few examples of these horror heartthrobs — heroes, villains, and everyone in between — who never cease to get our blood pumping.

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Elvira

Mistress of the Dark

Cassandra Peterson cultivated her own breathtaking alter ego. Elvira – Mistress of the Dark is a sultry seductress. She confidently owns every bit of her sexuality, drawing us in with both her body and her charisma. If this horror hostess were to invite us into her home, she’d get an enthusiastic and immediate yes!

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Eric Draven

The Crow

Look, who wouldn’t fall instantly in love with the rock star who loves his fiancé and violently avenges her murder? Thus Eric Draven from The Crow is a tragic antihero we can’t help but sigh dreamily over. He plays guitar, kills bad guys, and owns that makeup. Also, he looks really nice in those tight leather clothes.

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Anthony McCoy

Candyman

A buff artist? Yes please. Anthony McCoy from Candyman (2021) is a tragic, romantic figure obsessed with justice. He creates stirring art pieces, sending himself to the brink of insanity as his obsession goes overboard. But like, 10/10 would still help him investigate and spend late nights in his studio.

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Tiffany Valentine

Child’s Play

Jennifer Tilly is a household name in horror. Child’s Play established her as a scream queen. Those screams are due both to the horror element and the humor — because Jennifer, and thus Tiffany Valentine, is absolutely hilarious. Since she’s blessed with beauty and brains, it’s no wonder Chucky wanted her as his bride.

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Jennifer Check

Jennifer’s Body

Get your lighters ready — Jennifer Check is a demon girl on fire. She has a paranormal appeal that nobody can resist, from unsuspecting boys to her BFF Needy. But don’t get too close (unless you’re into that). Beneath her pretty facade, there lies a rotting hunger that can only be satisfied in blood and gore. Does bubblegum come in internal organ flavors?

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Yoon Song-hwa

Train to Busan

If you’re trapped in a commuter train and going up against hordes of zombies, you want plenty of strength to back you up. Enter Song-hwa from Train to Busan, played by Ma Dong-seok, and his big beefy muscles. Song-hwa’s storyline, and his impact on Seok-woo and Soo-an’s survival, is unforgettable. Along with all those rippling muscles comes a valiant, beating heart that will have you swooning amid all the tears (and guts).

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Ash Williams

Evil Dead

He’s funny, he knows how to handle weapons, and he’s fit. And oh, did we mention he’s always covered in blood and sweat? We love a man you can really smell coming. Ash Williams from Evil Dead is giving college crush with a terrifying twist. To be honest, we’d vacation at a haunted cabin with him any day.

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Interview with the Vampire

Louis de Pointe du Lac & Lestat de Lioncourt

Louis and Lestat have had a chokehold on the goth community since the late ’70s. Interview With the Vampire later inspired a film full of sweeping, dark romance. And now there’s a television series from AMC that simply nails these characters. Both vampires are beautiful, complicated, and captivating. We definitely wouldn’t mind meeting them on the streets of New Orleans once the lamps are turned down.

Armand & Daniel Molloy

Devil’s Minion

In the Immortal Universe books, Armand refuses to make a fledgling until his devotion to Daniel forces his fangs. Meanwhile, the television series shows these lanky lovers across the eras. Their stubborn and off-putting personalities complement each other so well. Can we get an extra helping of whatever’s going on between these two?

Akasha

Queen of the Damned

Akasha is also from Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. She will debut in IWTV season 3, entitled The Vampire Lestat. In both the books and the previous movie, Akasha’s sexuality is spellbinding. Her dominant attitude, bloodthirst, and blatant apathy for anyone’s emotions is evil, sure. But it’s evil in an intriguing, inviting way. She evokes all-consuming devotion, and lives only to fulfill her own desires. Her victims both want and fear to catch her eyes.

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Smoke / Stack

Sinners

Prepare to swoon double-time. You all know the meme: “I want two boyfriends so I can dress them up as twins.” Well, you can fulfill that fantasy with Michael B. Jordan’s Smokestack twins. They have insane chemistry with their love interests and really showcase their skills — and impressive physiques — throughout Sinners.

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Nosferatu

Nosferatu (2024)

Hear us out… ! Raspy, sensual voice. Big comfy fur-lined coat for snuggling. Utterly dedicated to the object of his desire. There’s something a little, y’know, about Nosferatu. Especially if you don’t look too closely and just hang out in his castle for the vibes. Underneath extraordinary makeup, Bill Skarsgård’s acting abilities and stunning cheekbones can make any monster worth a second look. Hold on, Pennywise is calling.

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Who are your favorite horror heartthrobs? Don’t be shy! Share the thirst with other horror fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!

Stir up the spirits and face the monsters within … Spooktacular has been unleashed once again!

Put the EEK! in geek during Sideshow’s Spooktacular 2025, a celebration with ghastly giveaways, deathly deals, eerie exclusive perks, and more. Join us from October 23 – October 31 by visiting side.show/spooktacular and don’t forget — sleep is for the weak!