Music has the power to evoke emotions, but what happens when it becomes a conduit for terror? This curated list of horror films delves into the lives of musicians, where their craft leads them into the realm of the supernatural, the psychological, and the downright terrifying. From cursed instruments to haunted melodies, these films offer a unique blend of horror and music that will resonate with fans of both genres.

The Black Cat (1934)
Description: This classic horror film involves a satanic cult and a cursed violinist. The film uses music as a tool for both seduction and terror, making it an early example of horror involving musicians.
Fact: The film was one of the first to pair horror icons Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, and it was Universal's biggest box office hit of


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: While not directly about musicians, the film features a teacher who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities, including predicting a musician's death. The horror comes from the visions and the implications of knowing the future.
Fact: Directed by David Cronenberg, the film is based on Stephen King's novel of the same name.


The Cell (2000)
Description: While not exclusively about musicians, this film features a psychologist who enters the mind of a comatose serial killer, where she encounters a surreal world filled with music and horror. The killer's obsession with music is central to the plot.
Fact: The film's visual effects were groundbreaking at the time, earning it an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.


The Piano Teacher (2001)
Description: A psychological horror film about a piano teacher with a dark, repressed sexuality, whose life spirals into chaos when she becomes involved with a student. The film explores the horror of emotional and psychological torment through music.
Fact: Directed by Michael Haneke, the film won three awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including Best Actress for Isabelle Huppert.


The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Description: A disfigured musical genius, known as the Phantom, haunts the Paris Opera House, becoming obsessed with a young soprano. His love for music and Christine Daaé leads to a series of chilling events.
Fact: This adaptation of Gaston Leroux's novel was directed by Joel Schumacher, and it features Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic music. The film's sets were constructed in Pinewood Studios, England.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A college student takes a babysitting job that leads her into a night of terror involving satanic rituals and a cursed house. The film uses music to build an eerie atmosphere, making it a unique entry in this list.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel, and it features a minimalistic score that enhances the tension.


The Devil's Violinist (2013)
Description: This film tells the story of Niccolò Paganini, the legendary violinist, whose virtuosity was rumored to be the result of a pact with the devil. The movie explores the dark side of fame and the supernatural elements surrounding his music.
Fact: The film features David Garrett, a real-life violin virtuoso, playing Paganini. It was also shot in the actual locations where Paganini performed.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family who encounters witchcraft and the supernatural. Music plays a crucial role in the film, with the witch's song being a haunting element.
Fact: The film was praised for its historical accuracy, including the use of period-appropriate language and music.


The Music Box (2018)
Description: A young girl inherits a mysterious music box from her grandmother, which plays a haunting melody that awakens dark forces. The film explores the horror of cursed objects and the power of music.
Fact: The music box used in the film was a custom-made prop, designed to look antique and eerie.


The Violinist (2018)
Description: A horror-thriller about a violinist who discovers a cursed violin that grants her extraordinary talent but at a terrifying cost. The film intertwines the beauty of music with the horror of possession.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life legends of cursed instruments. The violin used in the movie was crafted specifically for the film to look ancient and eerie.
