10 Enchanting Movies Like The Shape of Water | Similar-List

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water introduced us to a unique and captivating love story between a mute woman and a mysterious aquatic creature. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film delighted audiences with its mix of surreal visuals and a storyline that defied conventional notions of romance. Beyond its obvious beauty, The Shape of Water resonated because of its deeper themes of empathy, isolation, and defiance against societal norms. These poignant messages earned it critical acclaim, culminating in several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

However, this tale is far from the only one of its kind. The Shape of Water is part of a rich cinematic tradition of stories about love between humans and creatures. These “monster love stories” have been a staple of literature and film for generations, providing narratives that mix romance, fantasy, and a dash of horror to evoke intense emotional responses. If the magic of The Shape of Water left you yearning for more, you're in luck. Numerous other films explore this fascinating, timeless genre.

The concept of human-monster romance is anything but new. These tales have existed for centuries, deeply rooted in folklore and mythology. From ancient legends about gods falling in love with mortals to darker creatures like demons and monsters who kidnap or seduce human women, the theme taps into primal fears and desires for connection. These stories often highlight the forbidden nature of such relationships, emphasizing the barriers that both characters must overcome.

This "Beauty and the Beast" motif has endured for decades in the cinematic world. Although monsters are often seen as representations of fear or alienation, they frequently reveal an unexpected capacity for love, vulnerability, and connection. The bond between humans and creatures defies societal rules and expectations, offering a form of love that transcends conventional boundaries. The Shape of Water fits this tradition with a modern twist. The film’s exploration of the "other" invites audiences to reconsider their preconceived notions about love, seeing it not just as a physical connection but as an emotional one that transcends appearances and circumstances.

Why do these monster love stories continue to captivate audiences? The allure lies not just in the novelty of the pairing but in the emotional depth these relationships offer. Unlike traditional love stories, these films often contain inherent conflict—whether from societal prejudice, the characters’ inherent differences, or an impossible love that seems doomed from the start. Yet, it's precisely this tension that makes them so compelling.

Monster love stories blend genres—romance, fantasy, and horror—to create a rich emotional landscape. The creatures in these films often serve as metaphors for human vulnerabilities, longings, and desires, highlighting the profound connection between the monsters’ emotional experiences and those of the human protagonists. By navigating the complexities of these relationships, the films explore what it truly means to love and be loved. The emotional stakes are high, as these films combine fantasy with human drama, making them both cathartic and memorable.

If The Shape of Water sparked something in you, here are ten more films that dive into the world of human-monster love. Each one offers a unique spin on the genre, blending romance with different tones—from comedic to tragic, eerie to whimsical. Here’s your must-watch list:

Lisa Frankenstein (2024): A Modern Twist on Monster Love

When Lisa Frankenstein debuted earlier this year, it didn’t light up the box office. However, the film’s impressive 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells a different story—one of a quirky, underappreciated gem with the potential to become a cult classic. Despite its box office struggles, Lisa Frankenstein has captured viewers' hearts thanks to its irreverent humor, offbeat charm, and love story that echoes the iconic Edward Scissorhands.

While the film leans into comedy and a tongue-in-cheek tone, it still offers an engaging love story between a young woman and a reanimated monster—an updated, gender-swapped take on Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein. Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse’s chemistry adds a sweet, endearing layer to the otherwise zany premise, making their unconventional romance feel sincere and fun.

For those who appreciate the nostalgia of ‘80s monster comedies like Beetlejuice or The Monster Squad, Lisa Frankenstein delivers that same lighthearted spirit but with a fresh, modern perspective. The film's unique blend of humor, heart, and the supernatural makes it a delightful watch for anyone who enjoys a good monster romance with a twist.

Warm Bodies (2013): A Zombie Romance with Heart

Warm Bodies brings a fresh, humorous, and surprisingly tender twist to the zombie genre, blending romance, comedy, and supernatural elements to make it a perfect fit for fans of The Shape of Water’s unconventional love story. Directed by Jonathan Levine, the film presents a unique take on the classic Romeo and Juliet narrative, set in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies and humans are at odds—until love begins to bloom between an unlikely pair.

The story centers on R, a zombie with a deep yearning for connection, who falls for Julie (played by Teresa Palmer), a human survivor. As their bond grows, R’s humanity is slowly restored, offering an emotional and engaging journey about rediscovering what it means to feel. Their relationship, which starts as an impossible love between a living human and a decaying zombie, ultimately reflects themes of transformation and redemption—core motifs that resonate with The Shape of Water’s exploration of empathy and defying societal boundaries.

What sets Warm Bodies apart is its perfect balance of humor, horror, and heart. It takes the often grim zombie narrative and turns it into a heartfelt exploration of second chances while still maintaining the quirky charm of its undead protagonist. For fans who enjoyed The Shape of Water’s sweetly unusual romance and the depth beneath the fantastical elements, Warm Bodies offers an engaging, emotionally rich experience that proves love can bloom in even the most unexpected places.

City of Angels (1998): A Heartfelt Love Story Beyond Life and Death

City of Angels is a romantic fantasy film that explores the poignant connection between a mortal woman and an immortal being, much like The Shape of Water, which navigates the complexities of love between a human and a non-human creature. Directed by Brad Silberling, this 1998 classic stars Nicolas Cage as Seth, an angel who watches over the residents of Los Angeles, and Meg Ryan as Maggie, a dedicated doctor. Unlike any other, their love story transcends the boundaries between life and death, offering a captivating exploration of what it means to love across impossible divides.

The film weaves a narrative in which Seth, who has never experienced human emotions, falls in love with Maggie while observing her from afar. After an emotional tragedy, Seth chooses to give up his ethereal existence to become human and experience love with Maggie. The transformation—from a detached, all-seeing angel to a vulnerable human—echoes the central themes of The Shape of Water, where love acts as a force of transformation and connection.

The delicate balance of romance and the supernatural sets City of Angels apart, framed by stunning cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, including the iconic song Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. The film’s themes of longing, loss, and the desire to connect with another soul on a deep, emotional level will resonate strongly with viewers who found The Shape of Water’s exploration of outsider love to be both touching and profound. Just like del Toro’s masterpiece, City of Angels reminds us that love is a powerful force that defies logic and transcends the physical world, offering a moving and memorable cinematic experience.

Spring (2014): A Love Story with a Dark, Supernatural Twist

Spring is a unique and thought-provoking film that blends elements of romance, horror, and fantasy to echo the emotional depth found in The Shape of Water. Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, this 2014 film explores the complexities of love, identity, and transformation through a captivating, eerie and deeply romantic narrative.

The story follows Evan, a troubled young man who travels to Italy to escape his past. There, he meets the enigmatic Louise, a beautiful woman with a dark secret. As their relationship develops, Evan uncovers the truth about Louise—she is not entirely human but a creature with the ability to shape-shift and age differently. Their bond grows as they navigate the tension between love and fear, with the growing revelation of Louise’s monstrous nature adding a layer of unease to their otherwise tender relationship.

Spring is a deeply emotional film that echoes The Shape of Water’s exploration of love between a human and a non-human entity. Both films focus on loving someone fundamentally different and facing societal rejection or fear. The filmmakers use the beauty of Italy's landscapes as a backdrop, adding to the sense of otherworldliness and romance while exploring the unsettling nature of the supernatural. The tension between these two opposing elements—love and horror—adds complexity to the film’s narrative, making it a hauntingly beautiful exploration of what it means to love someone who defies the boundaries of humanity.

With its strong character development, atmospheric storytelling, and the ever-present question of whether love can overcome our deepest fears, Spring offers a gripping and unconventional take on the genre. Fans of The Shape of Water will appreciate the emotional and philosophical layers that Spring brings to the table, especially in its exploration of how far one is willing to go for love, even when faced with the unimaginable.

Ondine (2009): A Captivating Tale of Love and Mythology

Directed by Neil Jordan, Ondine is a film that effortlessly combines romance, fantasy, and mystery—elements that resonate with fans of The Shape of Water. This 2009 drama tells the enchanting story of a fisherman, Syracuse, who discovers a mysterious woman named Ondine washed up in his nets. As Syracuse's life intertwines with hers, he begins to suspect that she might be more than just an ordinary woman—she could be a water nymph, a creature of myth with the power to heal and bring life to those around her.

What sets Ondine apart from other "monster romance" films is its delicate blend of romance with folklore. The film subtly plays with the concept of the fantastical, building on the idea that the boundary between myth and reality is porous and often hard to distinguish. As Syracuse falls in love with Ondine, the two must navigate the complex dynamics of their growing affection—one hindered by the inevitable truths of her mythical nature. This, of course, echoes the core themes of The Shape of Water, where love blossoms between a human and an otherworldly being despite societal constraints and prejudices.

In addition to the romantic relationship, Ondine weaves in elements of mystery and tragedy. The emotional stakes are raised as Syracuse's daughter becomes ill and Ondine's mysterious past slowly unravels. While the movie is more grounded and intimate than The Shape of Water, it shares a similar sense of otherness, with the central romance driven by a deep longing and the tension between the human and the supernatural.

The visual storytelling in Ondine is stunning. Set against the rugged beauty of Ireland’s coastline, the film enhances its dreamlike atmosphere. The ocean is not just a setting but a powerful symbol of the mystical world that Ondine inhabits. As Syracuse discovers more about her past, the ocean’s unpredictable nature mirrors the complexity of their relationship—one that is both tender and filled with an underlying sense of danger.

For fans of The Shape of Water, Ondine offers a similarly captivating exploration of love that crosses the boundary between humans and monsters. The emotional depth of the romance, combined with the atmosphere of myth and mystery, ensures that Ondine remains a compelling choice for anyone looking to experience another beautifully crafted love story that transcends the ordinary.

Edward Scissorhands (1990): A Tender Tale of Isolation and Love

Directed by Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands is a timeless film that blends romance, fantasy, and a deep exploration of human emotion. Much like The Shape of Water, this beloved classic delves into the complexities of love between a human and an unconventional being—albeit with a more whimsical, yet equally poignant, approach. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Edward, a kind-hearted, artificial man with scissor blades for hands, perfectly encapsulates the theme of love between a human and an otherworldly figure.

Edward’s unique predicament—unable to truly touch others without causing harm—mirrors the emotional isolation often felt by those who are different. He is a creation, both literally and metaphorically, left abandoned and misunderstood by society, much like the amphibian creature in The Shape of Water. However, despite his fears of rejection and inability to physically interact with the world as others do, Edward forms a deep emotional connection with Kim (Winona Ryder), a human girl who sees past his surface to the kind soul beneath. Their relationship, which grows from friendship into something more profound, resonates deeply with the universal theme of acceptance and finding beauty in unexpected places.

Burton’s gothic, fairy-tale aesthetic contributes significantly to the film’s mood. Much like The Shape of Water, it uses a stylized, almost dreamlike environment to enhance the emotional stakes of the story. The suburban neighborhood where Edward’s tragic love story unfolds starkly contrasts the fantastical elements of his existence. The colorful, quirky world that Burton creates for Edward highlights his role as an outsider, and it serves as a powerful metaphor for the way society often marginalizes those who are different.

Where The Shape of Water presents a tale of forbidden love that overcomes societal divides, Edward Scissorhands explores the loneliness and heartache of being unable to touch or truly connect with the ones you love. The impossibility of their relationship adds an emotional weight that is heartbreaking and beautiful, forcing viewers to reflect on the limitations of love and the ways we struggle to belong in a world that often does not understand us.

While Edward Scissorhands may lean more toward fantasy than The Shape of Water’s more grounded exploration of monster love, both films evoke similar themes of longing, acceptance, and connection. Burton’s film also touches on the transformative power of love—the way it has the potential to heal, change, and transcend even the deepest of obstacles. In both films, love becomes a bridge that connects individuals across seemingly impossible divides, offering hope in the face of adversity.

For anyone who appreciates The Shape of Water's tender, emotional complexity, Edward Scissorhands offers a similarly compelling and heart-wrenching exploration of a love story between an ordinary human and an extraordinary being. Its message—that love, despite its complexities and barriers, can break through the most impenetrable walls—continues to resonate with audiences today.

Stardust (2007): A Magical Love Story Between Worlds

Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Stardust is an enchanting fairy tale that offers a fresh and whimsical take on love between a human and a magical being. Much like The Shape of Water, this film explores the idea of discovering love in the most unexpected places, with a storyline that crosses the boundaries of reality, fantasy, and romance.

Set in a magical kingdom beyond a wall that separates the mundane from the fantastical, Stardust follows the journey of Tristan (Charlie Cox), a young man who ventures into the enchanted land to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. However, he discovers not a simple stone but a living, breathing woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes), who has fallen from the sky. The two begin an adventure filled with danger, humor, and intrigue, but what starts as a quest for a material possession soon transforms into a deeper exploration of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

Much like the creature in The Shape of Water, Yvaine is a supernatural being who does not conform to the human world. Yet, her relationship with Tristan evolves into mutual respect and affection. Stardust takes the familiar "Beauty and the Beast" motif and gives it a fresh spin by pairing a mortal with a celestial entity, bringing a sense of wonder and excitement that aligns well with the enchanting atmosphere of The Shape of Water. Both films emphasize the transformative power of love—how it can change the lives of the individuals involved and the world around them.

The film’s strength is balancing humor and adventure with deeper emotional themes. Tristan’s journey into the magical realm parallels his own internal growth as he learns what it truly means to love and be loved, shedding his naive, idealized notions of romance for a more grounded understanding of connection and commitment. Similarly, Yvaine’s character also evolves, and her bond with Tristan reveals a shared vulnerability and understanding. Their relationship deepens as they face challenges together, revealing the true nature of both their personalities.

Stardust also shares similarities with The Shape of Water in its ability to celebrate differences. While Yvaine’s ethereal nature sets her apart from Tristan’s world, it is precisely her otherworldliness that makes her so captivating, just as the amphibian creature in The Shape of Water becomes an object of fascination and love despite being vastly different from the human world. Both films present relationships where the boundary between the "other" and the "human" blurs, challenging societal conventions about love, beauty, and acceptance.

With its lush cinematography, sweeping landscapes, and engaging storyline, Stardust offers a delightful blend of adventure and romance, making it a perfect companion for fans of The Shape of Water. Whether you’re drawn to its magical setting, its compelling characters, or its heartfelt exploration of love in all its forms, Stardust invites you to believe in the possibility of love that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary world, much like the fantastical romance at the heart of The Shape of Water.

For those who appreciate the themes of love and acceptance found in The Shape of Water, Stardust provides a charming, magical experience that reaffirms the idea that love, in all its forms, can bridge the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary.

The Phantom of the Opera (1925): A Timeless Tale of Love and Tragedy

Directed by Rupert Julian, the 1925 silent classic The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the most iconic films in the monster love genre. Much like The Shape of Water, this haunting romance explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the transformative power of love. However, it is set in a vastly different context—a grand Parisian opera house.

The story centers on a disfigured man, known only as the Phantom (Lon Chaney), who lives in the catacombs beneath the opera house. He becomes infatuated with Christine Daaé (Mary Philbin), a beautiful and talented opera singer. Despite his deep love for her, the Phantom's appearance and obsessive behavior drive him to manipulate and control Christine from the shadows. Though passionate and intense, his love becomes a force of destruction as he struggles to reconcile his feelings of rejection with his desire for acceptance.

Much like the creature in The Shape of Water, the Phantom represents the "other" in society—a being feared, misunderstood, and ultimately pushed to the fringes because of his physical deformities. His love for Christine is not just romantic but also rooted in a desperate need for human connection and recognition. This intense longing mirrors the themes explored in The Shape of Water, where the amphibious creature and Elisa (the human protagonist) seek acceptance and companionship in a world that deems them outcasts.

At its core, The Phantom of the Opera explores the destructive nature of unrequited love. The Phantom’s obsession with Christine and his belief that she could love him in return if only she were freed from the constraints of society leads him to acts of violence and manipulation. Though born from a deep sense of loneliness and desire for acceptance, his love ultimately becomes a force of tragedy for all involved, like Elisa’s relationship with the creature in The Shape of Water, the Phantom’s love transcends the boundaries of conventional romance, challenging societal norms and expectations about love, beauty, and humanity.

The emotional complexity of The Phantom of the Opera is heightened by its visual and musical elements. Lon Chaney’s portrayal of the Phantom is legendary, with his haunting mask and physicality adding a sense of mystery and terror to the character. His performance has cemented the film as a cornerstone of the horror-romance genre. The film’s use of music, particularly the iconic operatic score, adds depth to the Phantom’s inner torment and the emotional struggle between Christine and her two suitors—the Phantom and Raoul, a young nobleman who also loves her.

For fans of The Shape of Water, The Phantom of the Opera offers a similarly tragic yet beautiful love story where the line between love and obsession is blurred. Both films explore how love can be all-consuming, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. They challenge the viewer to question what makes someone deserving of love—beauty, kindness, or the ability to connect on a deeper emotional level.

While The Phantom of the Opera is steeped in gothic drama and suspense, it shares a deep empathy for its misunderstood protagonist with The Shape of Water. Both films remind us that love is not always easy; sometimes, it is messy, complicated, and ultimately redemptive. This timeless tale of love, loss, and longing continues to resonate with audiences, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

If you’re captivated by the transformative love story in The Shape of Water, The Phantom of the Opera provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the darker, more tragic side of love. Through its atmosphere, music, and unforgettable performances, it remains a cornerstone of romantic cinema and an essential film for anyone who appreciates stories that delve deep into the human heart.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954): A Classic Tale of Forbidden Love and Mystery

Directed by Jack Arnold, Creature from the Black Lagoon is a quintessential film in the monster romance genre that shares thematic and emotional parallels with The Shape of Water. This iconic 1950s horror film is set in the murky depths of the Amazon River, where a mysterious amphibious creature, dubbed the "Gill-man," becomes the object of obsession and longing. Much like Guillermo del Toro's 2017 masterpiece, this film explores the boundaries of love and humanity, taking the audience through love, fear, and the confrontation of the unknown.

At the heart of Creature from the Black Lagoon is a tragic and misunderstood monster—a creature who exists in a world that does not understand or accept him. The Gill-man is neither fully human nor fully beast, and his interactions with the human characters reflect this in-between status. The creature's fascination with the beautiful Kay Lawrence (played by Julie Adams) mirrors the dynamic between Elisa and the amphibian man in The Shape of Water. Both creatures are drawn to the women they encounter, who embody qualities that transcend the surface level of appearance, offering empathy and understanding in a way that others cannot.

Unlike the romantic tenderness of The Shape of Water, the relationship in Creature from the Black Lagoon is fraught with fear and conflict. The Gill-man's desire for Kay leads him to abduct her, but rather than being a simple villain, his actions come from a place of longing, albeit misunderstood and misguided. Kay, like Elisa, is drawn to the creature's vulnerability, recognizing that beneath the terrifying exterior lies a creature with feelings. However, the clash of worlds—human versus monster, love versus fear—fuels the central conflict, creating a tension that builds throughout the film.

What Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Shape of Water share is the theme of alienation and difficulty bridging the gap between two very different worlds. Much like the amphibious creature in The Shape of Water, the Gill-man is relegated to the status of "other" in a society that cannot comprehend or accept him. His love for Kay is not just a romantic desire; it represents a yearning for connection and acceptance in a world that sees him as a threat, an outsider. The dynamic between the human characters and the creature is similarly strained, as they fear what they don’t understand, and ultimately, violence ensues.

Despite its darker, more action-driven elements, Creature from the Black Lagoon still offers a profound commentary on the nature of love, desire, and acceptance. It reminds us that the monsters we fear are often reflections of our own fears and vulnerabilities. The Gill-man's love for Kay challenges traditional notions of beauty and attraction, much like The Shape of Water questions society's standards of love and what it means to truly connect with another being.

Visually, Creature from the Black Lagoon remains a landmark in cinematic history, not just for its monster design but also for its atmosphere and suspense. The underwater sequences, where the Gill-man stalks Kay through the lagoon's depths, are iconic and remain a source of intrigue and tension. The film's focus on the creature's eyes—human and animalistic at once—mirrors the central motifs of empathy and connection explored in The Shape of Water, highlighting that, even in the most alien of creatures, there may be an emotional depth waiting to be discovered.

For fans of The Shape of Water, Creature from the Black Lagoon offers a timeless look at a love story that transcends species, highlighting the complexity of love in all its forms. It shows how love can be both a source of transformation and tragedy, where the fear of the unknown shadows the beauty of connection. The film’s lasting impact on popular culture, its exploration of humanity through the lens of the other, and its iconic creature design make it a must-see for anyone interested in the enduring appeal of monster love stories.

Creature from the Black Lagoon remains a cornerstone of monster cinema and serves as an essential companion to The Shape of Water. Through its nuanced portrayal of a creature yearning for connection and the human characters’ struggle to understand it, this 1954 film proves that monster love is a theme with deep emotional resonance and universal appeal. If The Shape of Water spoke to you, Creature from the Black Lagoon will offer an equally compelling, albeit more classic, exploration of the same poignant themes.

Meet Joe Black (1998): A Poignant Exploration of Love, Life, and Mortality

Directed by Martin Brest, Meet Joe Black offers a unique and thought-provoking spin on the theme of love between humans and supernatural beings, making it a must-watch for fans of The Shape of Water. While The Shape of Water portrays an unbelievable love story between a mute woman and an amphibian creature, Meet Joe Black centers around the romantic and emotional connection between a mortal woman and Death. The film delves deep into themes of mortality, existentialism, and the transformative power of love, much like del Toro’s exploration of the bond between the human and the otherworldly.

The plot revolves around William Parrish (played by Anthony Hopkins), a wealthy media mogul confronted by a mysterious man named Joe Black (Brad Pitt), who is, in fact, the personification of Death. When Death takes on human form to better understand the world of the living, he becomes entangled in the life of Parrish and, unexpectedly, falls in love with his daughter, Susan (played by Claire Forlani). As Susan navigates this unusual relationship, she becomes unknowingly swept into the complex emotions of love, loss, and the human condition.

While Meet Joe Black doesn’t feature the monstrous or fantastical creatures seen in The Shape of Water, its exploration of an otherworldly force falling in love with a human being makes it a fitting choice for those interested in similar themes of transcendent love and connection. Both films explore love's powerful and transformative nature, demonstrating how it transcends boundaries and forces individuals to confront their deepest fears and desires.

A standout aspect of Meet Joe Black is its poignant meditation on life and death. Joe, as Death, is initially detached and impassive to human emotions, but his interactions with Susan and the Parrish family gradually reveal his growing capacity for empathy and understanding. His experience with love humanizes him, challenging his previous indifference to the human condition. This shift parallels Elisa’s relationship with the amphibian man in The Shape of Water deepens her sense of empathy, connection, and what it means to truly see another person.

In many ways, Meet Joe Black shares a thematic kinship with The Shape of Water in exploring the intersection between the human world and the supernatural. Both films delve into the profound impact of love on individuals, pushing them to expand their understanding of the world and themselves. While The Shape of Water offers a more fantastical lens, Meet Joe Black mediates life’s fleeting nature and how love can, in the most unexpected ways, make that impermanence meaningful.

The film’s visual style and pacing contribute to its emotional depth. The performances, particularly from Brad Pitt, who brings both mystery and vulnerability to his portrayal of Death, help ground the film’s more metaphysical ideas in a tangible, emotional reality. Similarly, the delicate romance between Joe and Susan is both tender and tragic, adding layers to the film’s exploration of love as a life-affirming and inevitably bittersweet experience.

In addition to the central love story, Meet Joe Black explores the relationships between life and death and the profound impact our choices have on our existence. The film, much like The Shape of Water, doesn’t shy away from the complexities of human emotions and interactions. Both films are layered with depth, exploring what it means to truly connect with someone beyond societal expectations and boundaries, whether they are human or otherwise.

For those who appreciate the emotional complexity and philosophical undercurrents of The Shape of Water, Meet Joe Black offers a similarly reflective experience, combining romance with an exploration of life’s impermanence. It is a hauntingly beautiful tale of love, mortality, and the connections that define our time on earth. The thought-provoking nature of Meet Joe Black and its unexpected love story between a woman and Death makes it an ideal choice for viewers looking for films that explore the complexities of love and the supernatural in a deeply emotional and meaningful way.

Monster love stories endure because they delve into something universal: the human desire for connection, even in fear, difference, and societal rejection. Like The Shape of Water, these films speak to how love transcends superficial appearances and defies the limits of reality. Whether it's a fantastical romance, a supernatural encounter, or a bittersweet connection between two unlikely souls, the underlying message is clear: love, in all its forms, is a force that cannot be contained.

If The Shape of Water left a mark on you, dive deeper into this genre, where the impossible is made possible, and true love knows no bounds. These films invite you to explore love in the most unexpected of places, where the lines between the human and the monstrous blur and where romance becomes as wild, transformative, and extraordinary as the creatures at the heart of these stories.