From surviving apocalyptic nightmares to confronting the unknown, these horror couples prove love can thrive even in the darkest corners of horror and bone-chilling scenarios.
Many of these pairings are picks from some of our favorite franchises at Rely. Read on to find our picks, in no particular order, for the top ten couples in horror games, including married couples, non-romantic pairings, and more.
1. Leon Kennedy and Ada Wong (Resident Evil Series)
A tale as old as time brings the idealistic cop and the enigmatic spy together straight out of an adage to old film noir plotlines. Leon and Ada’s relationship is defined by unspoken truths and fleeting moments of connection. Ada’s double-crosses and Leon’s unyielding trust create a bittersweet dynamic that keeps fans rooting for them, even as they remain worlds apart. Their chemistry is electric, set against the backdrop of zombie outbreaks and bioterrorism, with Capcom having confirmed that at some point, Ada and Leon had gotten together only to break apart. It remains to be seen whether they will unite in the end as.
2. Ellie and Dina (The Last of Us Part II)
Ellie and Dina represent a tender, realistic depiction of love amidst chaos. Their bond evolves through moments of levity and heartbreak, from sharing jokes in Jackson to grappling with loss on their harrowing journey. Dina’s unwavering support and Ellie’s fierce devotion highlight a love tested by the horrors of a post-pandemic world. With the loss of Joel in the second entry to the series, Ellie and Dina’s bond strengthens, allowing Ellie to cope with the loss of a father figure.
3. James and Mary Sunderland (Silent Hill 2)
Arguably one of the most tragic couples in horror gaming, James and Mary’s story delves deep into grief, guilt, and redemption. Mary’s illness and James’ descent into Silent Hill’s foggy nightmare reveal layers of their fractured relationship. The haunting question of what love endures — and what it cannot — lingers long after the credits roll. This couple is one of my personal favorites, as it isn’t your typical love story given the twist many of now know and the multiple endings affecting James’ psyche at the end of the game in direct correlation to Mary.
4. Isaac Clarke and Nicole Brennan (Dead Space Series)
Isaac’s desperate search for Nicole aboard the USG Ishimura is one of gaming’s most heartbreaking narratives. The couple’s love is overshadowed by the grim reality of Necromorph horrors, culminating in devastating revelations. Isaac’s hallucinations of Nicole underscore the lengths one will go for love — even when it’s a ghost of what it once was. This is one pairing which I felt was better portrayed during the original series as compared to the recent Dead Space Remake.
5. Heather Mason and Harry Mason (Silent Hill 3)
While not a romantic couple, the bond between Heather and her adoptive father, Harry, is a cornerstone of Silent Hill 3. Harry’s love drives him to protect Heather from the cult’s clutches, and his absence is deeply felt throughout her journey. Their relationship is a poignant reminder of familial love’s enduring strength against unimaginable terror. Theirs is a selfless love, one that drives a father to sacrifice for his child, as compared to the almost obsessive love between couples in other entries of the Silent Hill series. You know what I mean.
6. Sebastian Castellanos and Myra Hanson (The Evil Within Series)
Sebastian and Myra’s story is a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption. Their marriage falters under the weight of their daughter’s disappearance, but their shared determination to uncover the truth ultimately reunites them. Myra’s role in the STEM system adds a layer of complexity, as the couple battles both external horrors and their fractured history. This is a couple I would have loved to have seen more of as I felt TEW2 was a bit anti-climactic, but to each their own. Now that Shinji Mikami has moved on from the series, I suppose we’ll forever be hoping.
7. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine (Resident Evil Series)
Partners in survival, Chris and Jill’s camaraderie and mutual respect have fueled countless Resident Evil missions. While their relationship is more implied than explicit, their unwavering loyalty to each other — from the Spencer Mansion to global bioterrorism crises — cements them as one of horror gaming’s most iconic duos. This was well exemplified in Resident Evil 5, where Chris makes numerous sacrifices to find the location of Jill, his lost partner, only to save her from the dastardly clutches of a textbook comic book villain Albert Wesker.
8. Alan and Alice Wake (Alan Wake)
Alan’s quest to rescue his wife Alice from the darkness enveloping Bright Falls is a deeply personal journey. Their relationship, strained by Alan’s career struggles, becomes the emotional anchor of the game. Alice’s faith in Alan and his determination to save her highlight the power of love to illuminate even the darkest paths. Out of all the couples on this page, these two have to be my absolute favorite. Alan’s journey is built on his love for Alice, and though Alan Wake’s American Nightmare was effectively retconned by the recent Alan Wake 2, the ending to that game is still memorable to me today. Goodbye, Mr. Scratch…
9. Ethan and Mia Winters (Resident Evil 7: Biohazard & Resident Evil Village)
The Winters’ relationship is a rollercoaster of love and betrayal. Ethan’s search for Mia in RE7 unveils her dark secrets, but their reunion and shared fight for survival showcase the resilience of their bond. In RE Village, their love — and its ultimate sacrifice — drives Ethan’s journey, making their story one of tragedy and heroism. That being said, these two definitely aren’t up there for me personally. I have several questions, and felt Ethan’s death could have been avoided. Mia’s involvement with the antagonists is also questionable, but once again, these questions were likely meant to go unanswered. They’re definitely one of the more subversive horror couples on this list.
10. Travis Grady and Alessa Gillespie (Silent Hill: Origins)
A unique connection forms between truck driver Travis and Alessa, the tortured girl at Silent Hill’s heart. While not a conventional couple, their bond — rooted in compassion and shared pain — drives the narrative. Travis’s willingness to face his own demons to help Alessa highlights the transformative power of empathy. You’ll notice they’re not the first nor the last pair to grace the Silent Hill series, as much of the themes of the series are deeply-rooted in the dynamics between different duos.
Love in horror games often transcends traditional romantic constructs, delving into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and redemption. The characters and relationships in this genre serve as reminders that even in the darkest of times, connection and compassion can shine through. Whether romantic or platonic, these stories show us that love can be the ultimate survivor in the end.
Please share your thoughts on our picks and your own in the comments section!
