Five Must-See Horror Movie Musicals to Stream This Week
When you think of musicals, images of colorful characters singing catchy tunes usually come to mind. However, combine that with horror, a genre defined by blood-curdling suspense and visceral thrills, and you find yourself in an intriguing, surreal universe. These horror movie musicals intertwine the macabre with melodious, proving that there’s no limit to the creativity in cinema. This week, we’ve curated a list of five must-watch horror musicals that will keep you on the edge of your seat—and maybe even get your toes tapping!
1. The Lure – Criterion Channel, Max
Before The Ugly Stepsister made waves, The Lure enchanted audiences with its unique twist on The Little Mermaid. Set in a vibrant Polish cabaret during the ‘80s, this tale follows the carnivorous mermaid sisters, Golden and Silver, who emerge from the depths to explore humanity—albeit with a taste for flesh. Directed by Agnieszka Smoczynska, this film masterfully combines captivating musical numbers with horrific elements, showcasing how the quest for identity can lead to both beauty and tragedy.
2. Rockula – MGM+, Pluto TV, Prime Video
Craving a slice of ’80s nostalgia? Look no further than Rockula. This outrageous tale centers on Ralph, a 400-year-old vampire, who assembles a rock band to woo his true love and break a decades-old curse. It’s a whirlwind of excessive cheese and delightful absurdity, featuring infectious pop tunes. With Toni Basil as Ralph’s vampire mom and a cameo from Bo Diddley, this film revels in its outlandish humor and whimsical charm.
3. Stage Fright – Hoople, Peacock, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Tubi
Dive into the world of summer camps and slasher thrills with Stage Fright. Writer-director Jerome Sable merges the bright, lively essence of musical theater with the terror of a horror-comedy. Set in a camp struggling to maintain its financial footing, the film follows Camilla, desperate to land the lead role in a kabuki adaptation of The Haunting of the Opera. Expect vicious kills and sharp musical satire as ethics clash with the demands of performing arts.
4. Suck – Starz
In the absurdly entertaining Suck, a struggling rock band stumbles into fame after their bassist, Jennifer, falls victim to a vampire bite. With her new bloodlust, she transforms from a starving artist to a rock star sensation, albeit with a few complications. This film is a quirky exploration of fame at a dire cost, featuring original songs and a slew of celebrity cameos, including Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop.
5. The Wicker Man – Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto TV
As May Day approaches, don’t miss the opportunity to revisit The Wicker Man, a seminal folk horror classic that doubles as one of horror’s most underrated musicals. Directed by Robin Hardy, this film immerses you in the eerie community of Summerisle, where every song and dance propels the suspense further. As Police Sergeant Neil Howie investigates a missing girl, he is drawn into the enchanting—and unsettling—traditions of the townsfolk. The juxtaposition of vibrant musicality and chilling ritual brings a unique depth that resonates long after the credits roll.
Why Horror Musicals Work
The juxtaposition of laughter and fear offers an engaging experience that keeps audiences on their toes. As these films show, horror and musicals can coalesce into something refreshingly bizarre. From the rich storytelling of The Lure to the campy charm of Rockula, indulge your senses in these films that celebrate the bizarre blend of song and screams.
Whether you want to be delighted or terrified, these five horror movie musicals offer a little something for everyone—so grab your popcorn and enjoy the show! For more horror movie recommendations and insights, check out Bloody Disgusting’s Stay Home, Watch Horror.
