If you're a fan of both music and horror, this curated list of films will strike a chord with you. These movies blend the spine-chilling atmosphere of horror with the creative and often isolated environment of recording studios, offering a unique blend of suspense, terror, and the haunting beauty of music. From ghostly apparitions to demonic possessions, these films explore the darker side of the music industry, making for a thrilling watch.

The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: Though not exclusively set in a recording studio, this Stephen King adaptation includes scenes where the protagonist, Johnny Smith, experiences visions while working in a radio studio, adding a chilling element to the narrative.
Fact: The film was directed by David Cronenberg, known for his work in body horror, which adds a unique twist to the story.


The Last Broadcast (1998)
Description: This found footage horror film centers around a group of filmmakers investigating the Jersey Devil, with much of the action taking place in a recording studio where they edit their footage.
Fact: It's considered one of the first found footage horror films, predating "The Blair Witch Project" by a year.


Session 9 (2001)
Description: In this psychological horror, a group of asbestos cleaners working in an abandoned mental hospital stumble upon old audio tapes that unleash a terrifying presence. The film's setting in the hospital's recording studio adds an extra layer of dread.
Fact: The film was shot in the real-life Danvers State Hospital, known for its eerie atmosphere. The director, Brad Anderson, used actual audio tapes from the hospital to create an authentic feel.


The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Description: While primarily a musical, this adaptation of Gaston Leroux's novel features elements of horror with the Phantom's haunting presence in the opera house, which includes scenes in the recording studio.
Fact: The film features Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler, with Andrew Lloyd Webber's score adding to the eerie ambiance.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: This film, set in the 1980s, involves a babysitter who takes a job at a secluded house, only to find herself in a satanic ritual. The recording studio in the house plays a crucial role in the unfolding horror.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 80s feel, enhancing its retro horror vibe.


The Devil's Violinist (2013)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, this biographical drama about Niccolò Paganini has elements of the supernatural, with the violinist's music rumored to be inspired by the devil himself. The recording studio scenes are pivotal in showcasing his eerie talent.
Fact: The film features David Garrett, a real-life violin virtuoso, playing Paganini, adding authenticity to the musical performances.


The Sound of Silence (2019)
Description: This film explores the psychological horror of a sound engineer who starts hearing voices in his recordings, leading to a descent into madness. The recording studio becomes a place of isolation and terror.
Fact: The film uses binaural recording techniques to create an immersive sound experience, enhancing the horror elements.


The Music Box (2018)
Description: A young musician discovers an old music box in a recording studio that seems to have a life of its own, leading to supernatural occurrences. The studio setting amplifies the eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of haunted musical instruments.


The Recordist (2015)
Description: A sound recordist working on a remote island starts capturing strange sounds that lead him to uncover a dark secret. The film's use of sound design in the studio setting is both innovative and terrifying.
Fact: The film was shot in a real recording studio, which was converted into a makeshift set to capture the authentic atmosphere.


The Record (2017)
Description: A group of friends record a podcast in an old recording studio, only to unleash a malevolent force through their recordings. The studio becomes a trap for both the characters and the audience.
Fact: The film uses real-life urban legends about haunted recordings to craft its chilling narrative.
