Movies

15 Movies Where the Love Interest is Just Plain Creepy

15 Movies Where the Love Interest is Just Plain Creepy
Image credit: Legion-Media, globallookpress.com, Vitagraph Films, Madman Entertainment, Lionsgate

These love interests make Norman Bates look like Prince Charming.

1. "Fear" (1996)

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First stop, we're visiting Mark Wahlberg's turn as David McCall in "Fear." Now, I know what you're thinking, "Marky Mark as a love interest? Sign me up!" Well, hold your horses, because David is the kind of boyfriend who would make even the most hardened "Bad Boys" fan shudder. He goes from charming and suave to downright terrifying faster than you can say "Good Vibrations." Let's just say, the guy makes a rollercoaster ride seem like a creepy foreplay. Chills, anyone?

2. "Audition" (1999)

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Now, let's take a trip to Japan, where "Audition" gives new meaning to the term "deadly romance." The seemingly sweet and shy Asami Yamazaki, played by Eihi Shiina, is enough to make anyone think twice about using a dating service. Her calm demeanor hides a sinister side, proving that sometimes, it's not the loud ones you have to watch out for. We won't spoil it, but let's just say, it involves needles and piano wire. Remember, it's a fine line between love and... well, this.

3. "Sleeping with the Enemy" (1991)

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If cleanliness is next to godliness, then Martin Burney from "Sleeping with the Enemy" is practically divine. Except, replace "divine" with "abusive and controlling." Patrick Bergin's portrayal of the obsessive husband might make you think twice about dating a neat freak. His obsession with order, and his violent outbursts when things are amiss, turn this seemingly dreamy home into a house of horrors.

4. "The Crush" (1993)

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Long before Alicia Silverstone was "Clueless," she was Adrian Forrester in "The Crush," a 14-year-old with an intense infatuation for an older man. If you thought your teenage years were awkward, imagine having a teenager obsessed with you to the point of making your life a living nightmare. "The Crush" takes the cake for turning innocent teenage love into a chilling thriller that has us all saying, "Thanks, but no thanks, Adrian."

5. "The Boy Next Door" (2015)

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Finally, we end our first set with "The Boy Next Door." Jennifer Lopez plays a high school teacher who falls for her neighbor, Noah Sandborn, played by Ryan Guzman. Sounds like your typical love story, right? Wrong. Noah, the so-called boy-next-door, turns out to be not-so-boy-next-door-ish, becoming a creepy stalker after a one-night stand. The film takes "love thy neighbor" to a whole new – and very uncomfortable – level.

6. "Play Misty for Me" (1971)

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We're taking a detour to 1971 with "Play Misty for Me", where Clint Eastwood, usually seen as the hero, is the one being chased, and not in a cute, rom-com way. Jessica Walter plays Evelyn, a listener so obsessed with Eastwood's radio DJ character that she starts stalking him. Her obsession proves that sometimes, playing someone's favorite song on the radio might not be such a great idea.

7. "The Roommate" (2011)

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Next stop, college! Well, sort of. In "The Roommate," Leighton Meester plays Rebecca, a college student so obsessed with her roommate Sara (Minka Kelly) that she tries to eliminate anyone who comes between them. Let's just say that if Rebecca were your roommate, you'd want to ask for a room transfer – or maybe even switch colleges.

8. "The Loved Ones" (2009)

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Australia is known for its dangerous wildlife, but "The Loved Ones" proves that the humans can be just as terrifying. Robin McLeavy plays Lola, a girl who, when rejected by her crush, resorts to kidnapping him and organizing her own twisted prom at home. The film takes the term "prom-zilla" to a whole new – and entirely horrifying – level.

9. "Fatal Attraction" (1987)

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No list of creepy love interests would be complete without mentioning Glenn Close's iconic role as Alex Forrest in "Fatal Attraction." This movie made men everywhere think twice about having an affair. Alex's obsession with her married lover becomes a terrifying ordeal for his entire family, proving that sometimes, the most passionate affairs can also be the most dangerous. And remember: Beware of bunnies.

10. "Swimfan" (2002)

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In "Swimfan" Madison Bell, played by Erika Christensen, takes the phrase "love is a deep ocean" a bit too literally. As a new student, Madison becomes obsessively infatuated with the school's swimming star, turning his life into a whirlpool of chaos. Let's just say you wouldn't want Madison in your fan club.

11. "May" (2002)

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Who knew that doll-making could be so... unsettling? "May" tells the story of a socially awkward young woman, played by Angela Bettis, who tries to connect with the people around her. May's romantic interest towards a local mechanic, played by Jeremy Sisto, initially seems quirky and endearing, but things quickly take a horrifying turn. It's not a spoiler to say that the doll motif throughout the film should have been our first clue. The film is a brutal reminder that crafting a perfect partner might just take you down a dark, dark path.

12. "One Hour Photo" (2002)

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Next on our list is "One Hour Photo," which might make you reconsider getting your photos developed. Robin Williams delivers an eerie performance as Sy Parrish, a photo lab technician who becomes unnaturally obsessed with a family whose photos he develops. Williams, usually known for his comedic roles, shows his range here as his character's infatuation escalates to stalking and more. While it's not a traditional love interest situation, it's undeniably creepy and disturbing. Just remember, next time you're thinking about getting those holiday snaps printed, maybe go digital.

13. "The Cable Guy" (1996)

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Jim Carrey 's portrayal of Chip Douglas, a clingy and emotionally unstable cable installer, takes 'friendly service' to a creepy new level in "The Cable Guy." After installing cable for Steven (Matthew Broderick), Chip decides they're best friends. As Steven tries to distance himself, Chip's attempts to strengthen their bond range from disturbingly hilarious to downright horrifying. While this is more about platonic love, the creepiness factor is strong enough to earn it a spot on this list. Remember, always read the fine print on your cable package.

14. "The Stepfather" (1987)

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We're shifting gears into the family realm with "The Stepfather." This film proves that sometimes, your mom's new boyfriend might not just be annoying – he could be a psychopath. Terry O'Quinn plays the titular stepfather, who seems perfect on the outside but harbors a deadly secret. His fixation on creating the ideal family takes a terrifying turn that will make anyone grateful for their boring, normal family. So next time your parent brings home a new partner, maybe do a quick background check.

15. "Obsessed" (2009)

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Finally, we arrive at our last stop with "Obsessed." Beyoncé and Idris Elba play a seemingly happy couple whose lives are turned upside down by Lisa, a temp worker played by Ali Larter. Lisa's obsession with Elba's character escalates from professional admiration to full-blown stalking, leading to some intense confrontations. Needed another reminder that office romances should stay in rom-coms? There you go.