Musicals are not for everyone.  Add a horror theme and even fewer people will enjoy them.  Most people think of musicals as Disney fairy tales or operatic torture devices.  Personally, I kind of like musicals.  My opinion on the matter may be biased due to an ill conceived love of most things Disney related.  I like to think that I remain unbiased. I want to believe that I can view horror themed musicals with an open eye and a song in my heart. Right…horror website…sorry. Back to the idea at hand. I like musicals and I like horror movies. A mixture of the two is right up my alley.

I’ve seen quite a few musicals with horror themes.  If my memory serves me, I enjoyed each and every one of them.  I’m probably going to get a lot of shit for admitting to that.  However, before you make comments calling me girly and not a true horror fan, remember that I’m not talking about Annie or Mary Poppins here.  I’m talking psycho-sexual, cheesy, heinous and gore filled hours of entertainment.  I’m certain I’m not alone in my love of horror themed musicals, but I’m definitely in the minority.  I’ve decided to do a list of five musicals with a horror theme that I think every fan of horror movies should give a shot.

5. Dead and Breakfast. A fun zombie flick with a hint of country life. This movie may take a few viewings to really appreciate. The country style music is slightly annoying at first but it does settle in and flows nicely towards the end. This movie is silly so don’t go in expecting Night of the Living Dead quality. The low budget shows at every turn but I suspect you’ll find yourselves thoroughly entertained by the time the credits roll. Pay close attention to the lyrics, they are half the fun of the movie.

4. Little Shop of Horrors. Whether you prefer Rick Moranis and Steve Martin or Jonathan Haze and Jack Nicholson, this movie is a win. This comedic musical might leave you with a slight fear of dentists and flower shops for a little while. Everything about this flick is nostalgic and fun. From the lyrics to the idea of a giant human noshing Venus fly trap hybrid thing, you should find something interesting in this movie. Whimsy,  comedy and horrific themes are prevalent. This one is a must see, even if you hate musicals you’re sure to at least chuckle with this one. The only reason it isn’t higher on the list is because it’s only slightly horror themed.

3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Technically this is the only one on this list that started life as a musical. The film adaptation is just as beautiful as it is bloody. Tim Burton works his magic with his wife, Helena Bonham Carter, and Johnny Depp, pairing the two up in a tasteful and deadly way. This movie will probably come across as sappy to most horror fans, but I still feel that it’s worth a viewing.

2. REPO! The Genetic Opera. Please, ignore the fact that Paris Hilton is in it. This is probably the bloodiest and most macabre of all of the flicks on this list. The songs are outstanding and the dialogue plays so beautifully with the lyrics. The imagery is dark and haunting, the songs are just as macabre as the theme and all of it blends into this twisted fucked up view of what capitalism could bring to the medical profession. This flick is quickly becoming a personal favorite of mine so my opinion of it may be biased, but it really is a good horror/musical.

1. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry and…Meatloaf… Well, it kind of takes top spot by default. This movie has captivated audiences for over 25 years. I assure you, you will never see Susan Sarandon the same way after you watch her rendition of “Touch Me”. From singing along to full costume midnight showings, this movie has given a whole new meaning to the term cult following. Even though I think most people will hate this movie, I think it is one that every single film lover should see at least once, if only to see Tim Curry in lingerie.