You're probably looking for Heart Eyes movie times because you're tired of the same old "dinner and a movie" routine where the movie is a predictable rom-com. We've all been there. It’s February. The theaters are packed with people crying over Nicholas Sparks adaptations or generic animated features. But this year, Sony Pictures and Screen Gems decided to do something a little bit weirder. They dropped Heart Eyes, a slasher that actually uses the most romantic night of the year as a backdrop for a bloodbath. It’s directed by Josh Ruben, the guy who gave us Werewolves Within and Scare Me, so you know it’s got that specific blend of "I’m laughing" and "Wait, should I be terrified?"
Finding a screening isn't always as simple as hitting up the local megaplex.
Horror movies released in the February window often have a shorter theatrical fuse than the big summer blockbusters. If you wait until the weekend after Valentine’s Day, you might find that the showtimes have been slashed—pun intended—to make room for the next wave of spring releases. Honestly, the best way to catch this is to look for late-night slots. There is something fundamentally different about watching a movie titled Heart Eyes at 10:45 PM on a Tuesday when the lobby is mostly empty and the popcorn is slightly stale.
Why the Heart Eyes Movie Times Are Selling Out
It's about the counter-programming. Most people are searching for Heart Eyes movie times because they want an "anti-Valentine's" experience. The plot follows two coworkers who get mistaken for a couple by a serial killer known as the Heart Eyes Killer. Since the killer only targets couples, our protagonists have to fake a romance to survive. It’s a meta-commentary on the pressure of the holiday itself.
The box office numbers for mid-budget horror have been surprisingly resilient lately. While big superhero epics are struggling to find their footing, "concept horror" like this tends to draw a very specific, very loyal crowd. Because of that, theater chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are giving it more screens than they usually would for a February horror flick. You’ll find the most frequent showtimes in urban centers where the "date night" crowd is looking for something edgy.
If you are in a smaller town, you might only see one or two screenings a day. Usually, these are tucked away in the smaller auditoriums. Don't expect the IMAX experience here. This is a gritty, neon-soaked slasher that thrives in the intimacy of a standard 2D theater.
👉 See also: Ted Nugent State of Shock: Why This 1979 Album Divides Fans Today
The Josh Ruben Factor and What to Expect
Josh Ruben has a very specific style. If you’ve seen his previous work, you know he loves physical comedy mixed with genuine tension. In Heart Eyes, he’s working with a script from Christopher Landon—the mastermind behind Happy Death Day. That pedigree is why people are actually checking their local listings instead of waiting for it to hit Netflix or Hulu. It’s a theatrical experience.
The film stars Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding. They have this chemistry that feels real, which is necessary when the premise involves pretending to be in love to avoid being murdered. Gooding, especially after his run in the Scream franchise, has become a bit of a staple in modern horror. He brings a "guy-next-door" energy that makes the stakes feel higher. When you look at the Heart Eyes movie times, you're seeing a push for a new kind of "Scream King."
Where to Book Your Tickets
Don't just walk up to the box office. Seriously.
- Fandango and Atom Tickets: These are your best bets for seeing the full layout. They usually update their API every Tuesday night or Wednesday morning for the upcoming weekend.
- AMC Stubs and Regal Unlimited: If you have a subscription, this movie is a no-brainer. It’s exactly the kind of mid-tier film that makes those monthly fees worth it.
- Local Indie Houses: Some independent theaters are doing double features. I’ve seen a few local spots pairing Heart Eyes with older slashers like My Bloody Valentine. That’s the peak way to see it.
The runtime is tight. We're looking at something around the 90-minute mark. This is a blessing. In an era where every movie feels the need to be a three-hour epic, a fast-paced slasher is a breath of fresh air. You can catch an 8:00 PM show and be out by 9:40 PM, leaving plenty of time for a late dinner or just processing the gore you just witnessed.
Is It Too Scary for a First Date?
This is the question that pops up in every Reddit thread about Heart Eyes movie times. The answer is: it depends on your date. If they like Freaky or Ready or Not, they’ll love this. If they’re the type who hides behind their popcorn during a PG-13 ghost movie, maybe skip it. Heart Eyes is rated R for a reason. There’s creative stabbings, plenty of blood, and a killer whose mask is literally a giant heart-eyed emoji. It’s absurd, but it’s brutal.
✨ Don't miss: Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus Explained (Simply)
There’s a nuance to the horror here. It’s not just jump scares. It’s a commentary on how we perform relationships in the digital age. The "Heart Eyes" killer isn't just a random slasher; he's a manifestation of the toxic expectations we place on romance.
Practical Tips for Your Theater Visit
Theaters are weirdly cold in February. I don't know why, but they always blast the AC even when it's snowing outside. Wear layers. Also, because this movie relies heavily on a vibrant, neon color palette, try to sit in the middle of the theater. If you’re too far to the side, the color distortion on some older digital projectors can really mess with the aesthetic Ruben was going for.
If you’re looking for Heart Eyes movie times during the actual week of Valentine's, book at least three days in advance. The "Irony Crowd" (people who go to horror movies on romantic holidays just to be different) is larger than you think.
Watching for Easter Eggs
While you’re watching, keep an eye out for references to other Christopher Landon movies. There are subtle nods to the Paranormal Activity series and Happy Death Day hidden in the background of some scenes. It’s a movie made by horror fans, for horror fans.
The sound design is also worth noting. The contrast between the bubbly, pop-synth soundtrack and the visceral sounds of a slasher movie is jarring in the best way possible. This is why the theatrical experience matters. Your home speakers probably won't catch the low-end frequencies used during the stalking sequences.
🔗 Read more: Big Brother 27 Morgan: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
What People Get Wrong About the Release
Some folks think this is a streaming-only release because of the "emoji" title. It sounds like something that would pop up on a TikTok ad and then disappear into the depths of a streaming library. But Sony gave this a genuine theatrical window. They’re betting on the "communal scream." Watching a slasher alone on your couch is fine, but watching it with fifty strangers who are all gasping at the same time is why we still go to the movies.
Also, don't confuse this with the 2025 rom-coms. The marketing has been a bit cheeky, sometimes leaning into the "romance" side to trick unsuspecting couples. If you see a couple walking out ten minutes into the movie looking horrified, you’ll know the marketing worked.
Moving Forward: How to Secure the Best Experience
To get the most out of your search for Heart Eyes movie times, follow these specific steps to ensure you aren't stuck in the front row or at a lackluster theater:
- Check the "Premium" Listings: While it's not in IMAX, some theaters are running it in Dolby Cinema or "Prime" locations. The enhanced sound is worth the extra five bucks.
- Verify the Rating: Ensure everyone in your party is 17+ or accompanied by an adult. Some theaters are being surprisingly strict with this one because of the "cutesy" marketing attracting younger teens.
- Look for "Early Access" Screenings: Sometimes theater chains do a Wednesday night sneak peek. These are usually less crowded and have a more hardcore fan vibe.
- Check the End Credits: Without giving anything away, there is usually a little something extra for those who stay until the very end of modern horror flicks.
The best time to see Heart Eyes is honestly the late-night slot on a Thursday. You get the "opening night" energy without the chaos of a Friday night crowd. It’s the sweet spot for horror enthusiasts who want to actually hear the dialogue over the sound of people rustling their candy wrappers.
Go find your showtime, grab the largest popcorn they have, and enjoy the carnage. It's a much better Valentine's tradition than a box of chocolates that all taste like toothpaste.