Friday Favorites for the Win!
Friday Favorites is a segment where I discuss all my favorite (often horror-related) things, and this time I have some horror musicals to chat about.
Ah, yes, I know what you’re thinking … “Surely there can’t be so many horror musicals as to justify an entire post about them?” Well, dear reader, I assure you there are plenty of horror musicals out there, and some of them are really awesome. I mean, yeah, they’re not quite as horrifying as Mama Mia! but they definitely have a soft spot in my little black heart. Of course, I only picked out my favorites, so you’re going to have to do your homework if you want more than those listed below. Still, this is a great place to start…
So, let’s get into this week’s Friday Favorites, shall we?
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
As annoying as the Depp-Burton collaboration was at one point, some great films were produced during this time. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is, in my opinion, one of those films. With rich visuals, wonderful cinematography, and excellent singing, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter brought a classic story to life. Also, you’ve gotta love the creative kills …
Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
Repo! The Genetic Opera is possibly my favorite horror musical of the lot. Something about the grungy, dystopian vibe just speaks to me, and although a lot of people moan about Paris Hilton’s performance, I actually think she did a great job. This film produced some great creative kills, the plot is amazing, and the songs are super catchy (seriously, they’ll pop into your head at random for no reason).
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
How could I not add one of the most iconic horror musicals of all time to this list? The Rocky Horror Picture Show has stood the test of time, and none of its remakes have come close to being as great as the original. Starring Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon, and with an appearance by Meatloaf, everything about this flick is just perfect.
The Dead Inside (2011)
I had the privilege of reviewing this little gem when I was still in the movie reviewing game, and everything about it was wonderful. The music was great, the acting top-notch, and seriously, who wouldn’t want to watch a musical with zombies? Definitely see if you can find The Dead Inside, because it is simply superb.
Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011)
Since the DVD release of the Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall performance, my husband and I have a standing tradition to watch it every New Year’s Eve. Now, yeah, I kinda liked the movie, but it’s nothing in comparison to the quality of this production. There’s so much heart and passion involved that it feels like you’ve been transported through time.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
I know that, in my previous Friday Favorites post, I mentioned preferring the original film to the musical version, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the 1986 musical for what it is. Little Shop of Horrors is funny and catchy and certainly worth re-watching when the Broadway bug bites, which happens often in this household. 🙂
There you have it, some of my favorite horror musicals of all time. In all honesty, I do feel film directors don’t explore this sub-genre very often, and they are missing out on tapping into a broad market. Still, we’re fortunate enough to have these flicks, and theaters aren’t shy in producing horror musicals for audiences that need their fix.
P.S. If you’re a young adult, maybe just get your parents’ permission before you watch some of these movies.
