Horror is a unique movie genre in that it can wear many hats and still be equally as fun and effective. It can be comedic, slasher, home invasion, creature feature, or any number of other subgenres that give fans the creepy-crawlies and make them eager for that next big scare. No matter if it's a slow burn or teeming with jump scares, horror has a world of opportunities that lets creators think very much outside of the box.
One niche subgenre that seems to be explored more and more in recent film history is horror revolving around a band ready to make it big - specifically any edgier genre like punk, metal, or rock 'n roll. What better prey for a dark and evil entity, than young people desperate to achieve their dreams? Often involving musical performance, or actually being a musical feature, these spooky flicks expertly combine incredible music with scare-factor and acting talent.
Jennifer’s Body (2009) 45%
Jennifer Check has it all - the looks, the popularity, and a best friend that hangs on her every word. The popular cheerleader's high school life seems perfect until it is turned upside down when a local rock band attempts to sacrifice her for a shot at fame, and instead, she finds herself possessed by a succubus with a hell of an appetite for her fellow high school boys.
Written and directed by Juno creator Diablo Cody, this campy horror-comedy flick stars an amazing cast including Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, and J.K. Simmons. Despite initially receiving lackluster critical reviews and less than stellar box office sales, over the years, Jennifer's Body has gone from a flop to a beloved cult classic among horror fans.
American Satan (2017) 75%
A young group of rockers take the chance of a lifetime and move to Los Angeles to chase their dreams of stardom in this unique musical horror film co-written and directed by Ash Avildsen. Spurred on by their desire for success, and coerced into making a deal with a sinister stranger, the band finds themselves trapped in a sick cycle of both everything they wanted and their worst nightmares.
Starring Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides, and horror great Malcolm McDowell, American Satan perfectly melds the music world with horror in a rocking ride of twists, turns, and nefarious deals with the Devil himself.
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974) 86%
A wannabe rock god sells his soul for a chance to get his music out into the world, but ends up disfigured and haunting the nightclub that he dreamed of playing after a series of mishaps with a corrupt music producer sends his life into a tailspin.
Released in 1974, Brian de Palma's Phantom of the Paradise is another cult classic with surprisingly good reviews from critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes. An amalgamation of horror, comedy, and rock opera, Phantom of the Paradise is a campy play on the book and mega Broadway hit, Phantom of the Opera.
Deathgasm (2015) 88%
Two Metalhead teenagers summon a mysterious being known as "The Blind One" while dabbling in black magic in this comedic take on demonic horror...but who hasn't accidentally summoned evil entities from dark worlds because they were bored?
Written and directed by Jason Lei Howden (Guns Akimbo), Deathgasm sends teenage boys, Brodie and Zakk, on an apocalyptic adventure that may result in the very literal end of the world. If it does end, at least there is some pretty great music involved in the meantime.
Green Room (2015) 90%
A punk band finds themselves hopelessly trapped at the whims of a murderous group of Nazis after they witness a death at the skinhead bar where they are booked to perform in Green Room. Patrick Stewart is chilling like rarely seen before in this fantastically unsettling horror-thriller.
Directed by Jeremy Saulnier (True Detective), and starring the late and great acting powerhouse, Anton Yelchin, as well as Alia Shawkat and Imogen Poots, Green Room may not be a typical horror flick, but the dread it dredges up is hard to shake once watched.
Uncle Peckerhead (2020) 100%
An up and coming punk band gets their big chance to go on their very first tour, but when their roadie turns out to be a man-eating "thing," their band dreams become more complicated than they ever imagined. Forced to give up or adapt, the determined "DUH" bandmates must make the best of their situation and hope to survive their tour with their sweet yet erratically inclined driver.
Written and directed by the hellishly imaginative Matthew John Lawrence, Uncle Peckerhead is a sleeper hit and a definite must-see if it's 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is anything to judge it by. Not only is it hilarious and heartfelt, but actor David Littleton steals the show as the delightfully charming "Peck," proving that a man can both have a hunger for human flesh, and be a real sweetheart all at the same time.
