Halloween isn’t just for horror films and haunted houses; it’s also the perfect time to dive into musicals that blend melody with mischief. From gothic barbers to talking plants, these productions hit all the right eerie notes. Whether you’re in the mood for something dark and chilling or cheeky and campy, here are five musicals guaranteed to give your Halloween playlist a theatrical twist.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A cult phenomenon that refuses to die, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a chaotic cocktail of rock music, B-movie horror, and unapologetic camp. When a sweet, innocent couple stumbles into Dr Frank-N-Furter’s mansion, they find themselves trapped in a world of glitter, leather, and moral confusion. Between “Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite,” it’s impossible not to sing along.
Few films celebrate the weird and wonderful quite like this one. Watch it with friends in costume, shout back at the screen, and make it a night of interactive madness.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Tim Burton’s adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is equal parts operatic tragedy and gothic horror. Johnny Depp stars as the vengeful barber Sweeney Todd, who returns to London to exact revenge and ends up collaborating with Mrs Lovett, whose meat pies gain a horrifying secret ingredient.
Dark, brooding, and beautifully orchestrated, this is musical theatre at its bloodiest. It’s perfect for those who prefer their October nights moody and macabre.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas one? The answer: both. This Tim Burton–produced stop-motion masterpiece follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he tries to take over Christmas with predictably disastrous results.
It captures the season’s dual spirit: spooky yet heartwarming. The soundtrack, featuring “This Is Halloween” and “What’s This?”, remains an essential seasonal playlist for all ages.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Meet Seymour, a meek florist who discovers a mysterious plant that craves human blood. What starts as a sci-fi curiosity turns into a darkly comedic nightmare as fame and temptation consume him.
A blend of B-movie horror, Motown flair, and satire, Little Shop of Horrors is campy perfection. “Feed Me (Git It)” alone deserves a spot on your Halloween playlist. It’s spooky without being gory, perfect for those who like their scares with a smile.
The Addams Family (Musical or Film Versions)
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky…” and they’ve also been a Broadway hit. The Addams Family Musical turns the beloved spooky family into a full-blown stage production, complete with romance, misunderstandings, and classic Addams wit.
The macabre humour and charming weirdness make this the ultimate family-friendly choice. It’s a reminder that being different can be delightfully entertaining.
