Heart Eyes Set for #2 Box Office Debut in North America

Love is in the air… or maybe it’s the scent of fresh blood.

Heart Eyes, a brand-new genre-bending film, has officially hit theaters, combining a swoon-worthy romantic comedy with the spine-chilling suspense of a slasher movie.

Released on February 7, this Valentine’s Day thriller is drawing attention from both horror enthusiasts and rom-com lovers alike.

While it won’t be claiming the #1 spot at the box office, Heart Eyes is still putting up a strong fight, proving that audiences are eager for something fresh and different.

Here’s everything you need to know about its opening weekend, critical reception, and why this movie is making waves.

Box Office Breakdown: A Bloody Good Start

According to box office analyst Luiz Fernando, Heart Eyes pulled in $3.7 million on its opening day (Friday), which includes $1.1 million from Thursday night previews.

This puts it ahead of 2022’s The Menu ($3.6 million) but slightly behind Companion ($4.1 million).

Industry projections estimate the movie will earn between $7 million and $10 million for its opening weekend.

This is an impressive showing for an R-rated horror film, especially one that blends two distinct genres.

However, it won’t be able to unseat Dog Man, which is on track to earn between $11 million and $14 million in its second weekend, keeping it at the top of the domestic box office.

While Heart Eyes may not be a runaway box office smash, its performance suggests solid audience interest.

The film’s unique premise and Valentine’s Day timing likely helped boost ticket sales, making it a fun and chilling date night pick.

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Critics and Audiences Weigh In: A “Fresh” Take on Horror-Romance

One of the most surprising aspects of Heart Eyes is how well it has been received by both critics and audiences.

The film currently holds an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning it a Certified Fresh distinction.

The critics’ consensus highlights the movie’s ability to successfully merge romance and horror:

“A mixture of gory slasher and sweet rom-com that ingeniously nails both formulas, it serves up a bloody valentine that’ll make the heart skip a beat.”

Audience reactions have also been mostly positive, with a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Many viewers praised the film’s balance of heartfelt romance and terrifying suspense, as well as the strong performances from the cast.

However, the CinemaScore rating is a B-, which indicates that while many enjoyed the film, some audiences may have been divided over its unconventional approach.

This isn’t unusual for genre-blending movies, as they often appeal to niche audiences rather than the mainstream crowd.

Plot: Love, Murder, and a Deadly Valentine’s Day

For those who haven’t heard much about Heart Eyes, here’s a quick look at the story:

The film revolves around a masked serial killer known as the “Heart Eyes Killer”, who has been wreaking havoc on Valentine’s Day for several years, targeting couples in gruesome and creative ways.

With each passing year, the killer’s methods become more sophisticated, leaving no couple safe.

This year’s Valentine’s Day takes a turn for the worse as the killer strikes again, and a group of unsuspecting young lovers find themselves trapped in a deadly game of survival.

Who will make it out alive? And is there more to the killer’s motives than meets the eye?

Cast: A Blend of Fresh Faces and Horror Veterans

Heart Eyes features a talented ensemble cast that brings both heart and horror to the screen. The lineup includes:

• Olivia Holt (Cruel Summer)
• Mason Gooding (Scream, Love, Victor)
• Gigi Zumbado (Bridge and Tunnel)
• Michaela Watkins (The Unicorn, Casual)
• Devon Sawa (Final Destination, Chucky)
• Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious franchise)

With a mix of up-and-coming stars and horror veterans, the cast adds depth to the story, making both the romantic and terrifying moments feel authentic.

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Why Heart Eyes Is Worth Watching

If you’re wondering whether Heart Eyes is worth your time, here are a few reasons why it’s generating buzz:

1. It’s a fresh take on both rom-coms and slashers.
   • Romantic horror movies aren’t all that common, but when done right, they create a fun and thrilling experience (Warm Bodies, anyone?). Heart Eyes takes this idea to the next level by fully committing to both genres.
2. Perfect Valentine’s Day timing.
   • Whether you’re in love or just love a good scare, this film offers something for everyone. It’s a fun alternative to the usual Valentine’s Day movie lineup.
3. A unique slasher villain.
   • The Heart Eyes Killer isn’t just another masked maniac—early reviews suggest there’s a compelling backstory that adds to the mystery and suspense.
4. Gory kills + genuine romance.
   • Fans of horror will appreciate the brutal, creative kills, while romance lovers will enjoy the chemistry between the lead characters. It’s the best of both worlds.

Heart Eyes (2025) – Movie Overview

Conclusion

• Heart Eyes may not be dominating the box office, but it’s certainly making a lasting impression.
• With its clever mix of romance and horror, the film delivers a fresh take on both genres, offering audiences something truly unique.
• Strong performances, an intriguing villain, and a well-balanced blend of love and terror have made it a surprise hit among critics and moviegoers alike.
• While it won’t be dethroning Dog Man for the #1 spot, its solid opening weekend proves there’s an appetite for genre-bending films.
• The movie’s 82% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 78% audience score suggest that many viewers appreciate its creative approach, even if its B- CinemaScore hints at a somewhat divided reaction.
• At the end of the day, Heart Eyes is the perfect Valentine’s Day watch—whether you’re on a romantic date or just want to scream your heart out.
• With its thrilling kills and sweet love story, it’s a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat while making your heart race in more ways than one.
• So, if you’re looking for a film that delivers both butterflies and bloodshed, Heart Eyes is well worth the watch.
• Just remember—this Valentine’s Day, love can be deadly.

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