Ranking Josh Ruben’s Horror Films from Worst to Best: Heart Eyes Edition

Josh Ruben has established himself as a distinctive voice in the realm of horror comedies, particularly highlighted by his work on films such as Heart Eyes. With a rich background in comedy from College Humor (now known as Dropout), Ruben has successfully transitioned to feature-length directing. His debut, Scare Me, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, garnering positive attention from both critics and audiences in the horror genre. Following this, his films like Werewolves Within and Heart Eyes continued to blend his comedic style with classic horror tropes, affirming his unique contribution to the genre.

Ruben’s characters consistently provide a mix of humor and depth, making his films engaging even in moments devoid of explicit comedy or thrills. All three feature films—Scare Me, Werewolves Within, and Heart Eyes—have received critical acclaim, earning high scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Nonetheless, a particular film stands out as a favorite among viewers and critics alike.

3 Scare Me

Starring Josh Ruben, Aya Cash, and Chris Redd

While Scare Me may be considered the least of Ruben’s trio of horror comedies, it remains a captivating film that showcases his directorial prowess. The narrative follows Fred Banks, an aspiring actor and writer isolated in a cabin with renowned horror author Fanny Addie. Their discussions weave humor and tension, effectively offering a clever deconstruction of traditional horror narratives and the notion of individual authorship.

Films Directed By Josh Ruben	Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer	Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter
Scare Me (2020)	84%	58%
Werewolves Within (2021)	86%	80%
Heart Eyes (2025)	87%	N/A

As Ruben’s directorial debut, Scare Me is commendably tight, supported by an impressive screenplay. The film’s limited scope means it lacks the broader comedic interactions and ambitious thematic shifts seen in his later works. Nevertheless, the film’s strong technical execution enhances the striking performances from its cast, including Cash, Ruben, and Chris Redd, who portrays the eager pizza delivery character, Carlo. Despite its modest nature, Scare Me excels as a debut that shines in comparison to Ruben’s later, more ambitious projects.

2 Heart Eyes

Starring Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, and Jordana Brewster

Heart Eyes cleverly merges elements of romantic comedies and slasher films, presenting a narrative that effectively parodies familiar love story conventions. The plot revolves around the characters Ally, played by Olivia Holt, and Jay, portrayed by Mason Gooding, who are advertising writers caught working late on Valentine’s Day, leading them to become targets of a masked killer known as Heart Eyes, who has a penchant for targeting couples.

The comedic essence of Heart Eyes is amplified by Holt and Gooding’s authentic performances, allowing the film to explore both scary and romantic moments seamlessly. Ruben’s adept direction manifests in the film’s ability to navigate various genres, resulting in a heartfelt yet humorous experience. Despite some moments falling short of their full comedic potential, the film undoubtedly serves up plenty of laughs.

1 Werewolves Within

Starring Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, and Harvey Guillén

Werewolves Within stands out as Ruben’s most ambitious and engrossing horror-comedy. Based on the popular video game and co-written by Mishna Wolff, the narrative centers around forest ranger Finn Wheeler as he navigates chaos and a potential werewolf threat in the snowbound town of Beaverfield. The film masterfully balances humor with a sense of impending dread, illustrating the horrors that can arise from human nature.

The ensemble cast is perfectly suited to the story’s exploration of moral ambiguity and unexpected dangers, with standout performances from Milana Vayntrub as the seemingly affable Cecily and Harvey Guillén as the affluent Joaquim.Werewolves Within epitomizes the horror/comedy fusion, delivering consistent laughs while maintaining a delicate balance with suspense, showcasing Ruben’s remarkable ability to manipulate tone—one of the hallmarks of his cinematic achievements, also evident in Heart Eyes.

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