At this point, if you are a fan of cult musicals, you probably have already danced to the “Time Warp,” have fond memories of “Rock and Roll High,” or quivered in fear at the “Mean Green Mother from Outer Space.” Undeniably, the musical genre has continued to thrive as cult movies long after the Golden Era of the ’50s, which saw the genre become immensely popular. These films are outliers within an already niche genre. Still, for those looking for new movies to sing along to or indulge in the magic of a world that breaks out in dance and song, there are a lot of great films to be discovered.
These 20 musicals may not have reached the same cult status as Rocky Horror Picture Show, but they are worth your time. So, let’s take a spin around the world and different eras to discover lesser-known cult musicals that deserve your attention.
20 Population:1 (1986)
Population:1 is set in a post-apocalyptic world where most of the population has been wiped out, with only a few remaining survivors in a bunker. The name follows the person deemed the last survivor, the point where the Earth’s population reaches one. Leading up to this moment, the residents retell the story of the fall of mankind through musical numbers.
As Underground as it Gets
The punk rock musical Population:1 remains an obscure gem to this day. The cast consists of a niche within a niche of underground figures in the music scene. It stars Tomata du Plenty, from one of the first electronic punk bands, The Screamers. The band gained some notoriety through live performances, but never even released an album, choosing to build their legacy with live shows. Further adding to the obscurity of the production is the surreal and mind-bending approach of director Rene Daalder, who constructs a musical with a loose narrative flow and plenty of bizarre imagery.
The movie won’t be for everyone, as its abstract approach is hard to describe as enjoyable. Still, for music fans interested in punk music history, it is an intriguing gem with some beautiful moments of visual chaos and a very charismatic and expressive Tomata du Plenty. Given The Screamers‘ underground notoriety, it is a unique look into one of the pioneering figures of the electronic punk movement. Population:1 is not available for streaming or rent.
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19 Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc (2017)
Set in France during the Hundred Years’ War, Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc follows the religious awakening of the titular character as she witnesses the suffering of her people caused by the English. The movie was followed up by Joan of Arc in 2019, with the first movie focusing on the religious figure’s informative years at the age of eight.
Religious Fervor in Song
French director Bruno Dumont’s goal to retell the life of the iconic figure of Joan of Arc proved to be a fascinating project, especially taking the musical route when exploring her childhood. Cinematically, the concept works well despite the limited budget, touching on many aspects of Joan’s life and approached with a unique wit and insight.
However, the film falters slightly as a musical, which is a shame considering electronic madman Igorrr was responsible for the score. It lacks the energy of the DJ’s other work, and the lyrics are all sung in a rather uninspired tone that will grate on those who like the more boisterous and expressive personas in musicals—great film, not as great as a musical, but still worth a watch. Watch Jeanette on Kanopy.
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18 Isle of Lesbos (1997)
Described as “Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Oklahoma,” Isle of Lesbos follows a young bride who, on her wedding day, is having second thoughts about her betrothed. When she decides to escape, she finds herself in a unique, heavenly world known as the Isles of Lesbos, inhabited entirely by lesbians. It is here that she begins a journey of self-discovery, but her past life threatens her ideal existence as her family attempts to bring her back into the fold of a hetero-normative life.
I’m a La La La La Lesbian
Jeff B. Harmon’s Isle of Lesbos feels like it fell just short of infamy, hidden away in obscurity, and only recently given a bit of recognition for its wonderfully crass and campy humor delivered with some solid musical numbers. The movie also boasted its offensiveness and challenging of norms, touting the lesbian lifestyle with such unapologetic glee that it becomes infectious. Fun from beginning to end with a sharp comedic wit that is happy to get trashy, ala John Waters, Isle of Lesbos is a gem. Rent Isle of Lesbos on Prime.
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17 Forbidden Zone (1982)
A family buys a new home, unaware that within the basement lies a portal into an area known as the Forbidden Zone. The youngest Daughter, Frenchy, decides to enter out of curiosity, causing the entire family and friends to head down in search of her. However, Frenchy’s beauty captures the eye of King Fausto, and as a love affair between them grows, the reigning Queen Doris starts a war among the residents of the surreal underground society.
Love and Chaos in Another World
An early musical made by Richard Elfman, the singer of the rock band Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, the movie is undoubtedly embedded with the group’s eccentric approach to music and comedy. In addition, the mixing of cartoons and grand sets makes for a striking visual appearance, showing how one can maximize creativity on a small budget to create something wholly original. The songs are catchy, and the cast is memorable and expressive, including the talents of Susan Tyrell and Hervé Villechaize as the rulers of the Forbidden Zone.
It should be noted that the inspiration behind the early aesthetic of Richard Elfman’s band relied heavily on outdated forms of entertainment, including “Minstrel shows.” While the newer releases have been corrected to remove blackface, the comedy is still heavily focused on stereotypes, both racial and cultural, a fact that Elfman has expressed regret over. However, as long as one can get over this, The Forbidden Zone is one of the most unique musicals ever made in aesthetic, music, and story. Watch Forbidden Zone on Tubi.
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16 Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains (1982)
A tale of youthful ambition, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains follows teenager Corinne Burns, who forms a punk band with her friends called The Stains. However, as the band begins to gain notoriety and Corinne starts to associate with other acts, there begins to be a rift in the group. Teenage rebellion going up against the music industry, the movie showcased Lou Adler’s eye for good musicals, having previously been executive producer on The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Punk Rock Showcase
Worth it alone for seeing a young Laura Dern in her first feature film as one of the band members, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains lands that perfect mix of coming-of-age drama, punk rock mentality, and counter-culture coolness. However, the movie stretches the musical definition slightly, presenting more as a movie with many musical numbers via showing band performances instead of being used to tell the story. Still, there are a lot of great tracks here, with the movie drawing heavy influence from early pop-punk and including a few sonic gems like “I Slept in an Arcade” and “The Professionals.” Stream Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains on Kanopy.
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15 Krush Groove (1985)
Revolving around the early days of Def Jam records, Krush Groove follows upstart Russell and his brother Run, who are trying to get his small record label off the ground in New York City. However, even having signed many of the biggest bands in the New York underground scene, they still struggle to raise the money for record pressing in the ultra-competitive and exclusionary industry.
A Celebration of Early Hip-Hop and the Legacy of Def Jam Records
Boasting an impressive line-up of musicians, including Run-DMC, Shelia E., The Beastie Boys, Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys, and LL Cool J, Krush Groove captures a very distinct sonic era of hip-hop that emerged from the 80s with style. For those fans of early hip-hop, the performances and score here are undeniably the biggest draw. However, retelling Def Jam Records’ roots presents an exciting piece of history perfectly handled by director Michael Schultz, who is behind other cult hits such as Cooly High and Car Wash. Watch Krush Grove on Tubi.
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14 Underwater Love (2011)
Billed as “The First Pink Musical,” the Japanese comedic indie film Underwater Love featured erotic content, monsters, and a quaint love story all wrapped into one. The movie follows Asuka, a woman working in a lakeside fish factory who is set to marry her boss. However, when an old friend turns up as a Kappa, Asuku begins to rethink her relationship as she becomes more involved with the bizarre ways of the Japanese yokai.
Mature Musical with Plenty of Heart
Underwater Love is an odd mix-match of elements that should be opposed to each other but manage to work thanks to its indie charm and upbeat soundtrack. The movie’s comedic charms balance the erotic elements in exploring the weird Kappa’s habits, and the characters are utterly charming and sincere.
The music is slightly repetitious, with one track used several times. Still, the score from German/French band Stereo Total, who have defined cool with songs like “Relax Baby Be Cool” and “Musique Automatique,” makes the musical numbers pop. This is a great option for those looking for more mature films with a crass sense of humor. At worst, you will learn more about the mystical orb in the anus that Kappas love to eat. Underwater Love is currently not available for streaming or rent.
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13 8 Women (2002)
Eight women isolated in a snow-bound cottage become entwined in a murder mystery when one of them is murdered. Based on a play of the same name, the musical blends farce, melodrama, and mystery while focusing on the eight women’s love lives, personal struggles, and greed. Primarily taking place in a single hall to mimic the play it is based on, 8 Women stars standouts from French cinema, including Fanny Ardant, Danielle Darrieux, and Catherine Deneuve.
Murder Mystery Musical
Despite featuring some more prominent names of French cinema, François Ozon’s 8 Women is a rather strip-backed and minimalistic musical that feels like the embodiment of twee. At the same time, behind its cute veneer and soft-sung upbeat musical numbers, the film explores the relationships of the eight women with an endearing sincerity that makes their struggles fascinating to watch.
As many of the cult musicals on this list are defined by being more confrontational, 8 Women is an ideal alternative for those looking for something more visually and thematically getting too dark. At the same time, the musical does carry dark undertones with the murder and greed hanging over the household, but it is just enough to keep the viewer engaged and carry them from one upbeat music number to the next. 8 Women is currently not available for rent or streaming.
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12 The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001)
A family opens a remote inn in a sleepy Japanese seaside town, only to find that no one is making the trek, and their financial concerns start to grow. When they receive their first guests, the family becomes ecstatic, but when the guest dies, the family decides to hide the body. Misfortune grows as each visitor to the remote spot ends up dead. At the same time, the family dynamic is challenged by a con man vying for the hand of their oldest daughter.
Keeping Murder in the Family
Inspired by the cult Korean movieThe Silent Family, Takashi Miike was given the reign to adapt the film and decided to take it in a unique direction. The Happiness of the Katakuris turned the Korean drama/comedy into an over-the-top absurdist musical, using elements like claymation to help tell the story of the unfortunate family.
The musical numbers also pop up during wonderfully grim moments, such as the Katakuris stumbling upon a ‘self-deleted’ individual in their guest room. The multitude of the dead also returns later for a lovely little zombie-driven music number addressing the injustices of an early death and unceremonious burial. Despite its grim subject matter, the musical is pretty uplifting and acts as a celebration of family. Watch Happiness of the Katakuris on Tubi.
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11 Sound of Noise (2010)
A tone-deaf cop who lives with the weight of being the only one in a musically gifted family without any artistic skill is tasked with taking down a group responsible for a series of crimes. The group, led by the innovative Sanna, consists of percussionists who turn every crime into a chance to make music with whatever items they find nearby.
Destroy the System and Make Some Noise!
Sound of Noise was made after the viral success of the German short film Music for One Apartment and Six Drummers, in which six percussionists invade a home and, in a rebellion against mundanity, turn each room into a mini-concert. The subsequent feature carried on this concept and amped it up to its most enjoyably absurd. From the opening intro, with two members driving on the highway with one drumming and the other shifting gears to create a frenetic percussion piece, the movie sinks its hooks instantly.
The lack of lyrics may not appeal to musical fans. Still, from a creative and sonic standpoint, Sound of Noise is a wonderful celebration of turning sounds that would be considered a cacophony in abundance into catchy industrial/pop pieces of music. Imagine if Stomp were anarchists, and you should be able to get an idea of what to expect with Sound of Noise. Watch Sound of Noise on Tubi.
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10 Cannibal! The Musical (1993)
Cannibal! The Musical is based on the true story of a doomed expedition led by Alfred Packer that resulted in the first trial and execution for Cannibalism in the United States. The story presents Packer as a young hopeful in Colorado who finds himself trapped in the winter landscape after deciding to take on a party to help them navigate the wilds. However, the public sees the tale of the necessity for survival differently, and the movie starts at the trial, where Packer presents his story of the events.
It’s a Shpadoinkle Type of Day for a Musical
The first feature film by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the duo that would go on to make the globally recognized South Park, Cannibal! The Musical shows the early rumblings of the comedy that would define the two. Mainly, there is a crass edge to the comedy, a love of over-the-top characters, and a willingness to indulge in silly visuals and ideas. The music, while simplistic, is overly catchy, with the opening track, “Shpadoinkle Day,” standing out as a particularly strong earworm. Still, there are plenty of great tracks that balance comedy with catchiness in an ideal way for musical fans.
The ranking of this one will depend a lot on how much the fan base likes Trey Parker and Matt Stone, as the comedic styling of South Park can be divisive. Those of the opinion that South Park is a ‘bad’ will find, Cannibal! The Musical a more crude and less refined version of the style of comedy in the animated show.
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9 Cry-Baby (1990)
Cry-Baby
- Release Date
- April 5, 1990
- Runtime
- 85
Taking place in 1950s Baltimore, Cry-Baby follows the star-crossed lovers in ‘square’ Allison and bad-boy Cry-Baby Walker, one a socialite and the other a delinquent living in poverty. Their courting becomes all the more tenuous when the two families begin to clash, and Allison pushes away her current suitor in favor of the more hardened and rock-and-roll-loving Cry-Baby.
He Only Sheds a Single Tear
Cult director John Waters has impacted the musical genre, with his movie Hairspray seeing a hit theatrical adaptation and a remake. However, Cry-Baby is just as deserving of the spotlight, with the same comedic charm and upbeat music themes that are utterly infectious. The movie also stars a younger Johnny Depp alongside Ricki Lake (Tracy Turnbald in Hairspray) and features cult actors/personas like Traci Lords, Susan Tyrell, Patty Hearst, and Iggy Pop.
The musical numbers, though few, are very catchy and delivered with the bad-boy charm Johnny Depp exudes in his role as Cry-Baby, and the comedy is wonderfully demented, as one would expect from a John Waters film. Despite everything going for it, Cry-Baby just never caught on with the public in the same way as Hairspray did. Still, fans of Hairspray would be amiss not to give this one a shot. Rent Cry-Baby on Apple TV+.
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8 The American Astronaut (2001)
Interplanetary trader Samuel Curtis finds his most recent delivery tying him to a series of bizarre events that see him traveling to a little sleepy bar on the moon, a planet of miners, and an Amazonian paradise. However, staying focused on the job at hand, these deviations prove troublesome, particularly his arch-nemesis, Professor Hess, who is leaving a wake of dead bodies behind him in his pursuit to get Curtis to acknowledge his birthday.
Rocking Across the Galaxy
Director, writer, and star of The American Astronaut, Cory McAbbe is also a musician and motivational speaker with an abstract approach to the profession. His ‘Small Star Seminars’ discuss the practical and philosophical use of deep astronomy and transdimentionality in understanding our own lives. That said, you don’t need to know more about McAbbe to enjoy the experience of TheAmerican Astronaut, as the result is a unique take on the sci-fi genre and a catchy rock-inspired score.
American Astronaut benefits from the singular vision of the eccentric and personable McAbee; it is unlike any other sci-fi movie or musical that came before it while still staying grounded in an obvious love of both genres backed by a sharp comedic wit and self-awareness. At least stick around for the dance competition on the little bar on the moon. The American Astronaut is currently not available for streaming or rent.
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7 The Legend of The Stardust Brothers (1985)
Two rival musicians, Kan and Shingo, are scouted and put under contract by a dystopian record label that holds complete control of their clients. Now deemed the “Stardust Brothers,” the two’s rise to stardom is marred by an ongoing competition for the spotlight that only grows as they become more revered.
J-Pop Stardom
A long-buried gem from director Macoto Tezuka (son of the beloved godfather of manga, Osamu Tezuka), the film’s recent unearthing has rocketed the Stardust Brothers to acclaim from fans of cult Japanese cinema. It is the ideal mix of comedy, surrealism, drama, and music, presented in an utterly unique and engaging way. The movie shows that there are still cult gems to be discovered, and those who love musicals and the comedic absurd that Japanese filmmakers seem to have a mastery over will love this one. Arrow Video also released a pristine version of the film and a vinyl of the soundtrack for those who like to collect physical media. Stream Legend of The Stardust Brothers on Tubi.
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6 The Wayward Cloud (2005)
In a drab apartment in Tapei, Hsiao-Kang and Shiang-chyi cross paths and develop a gloomy relationship, with a drought adding to the dreariness of their dwelling and attempts to find love. Described as an “unfocused musical drama,” The Wayward Cloud explores themes of love and desperation in an abstract way, including moments of eroticism, with a Watermelon being a key symbol in exploring the lust between the two main characters.
Love in Desperate Times
Tsai Ming-liang’s The Wayward Cloud is a critically divisive film. Its abstract, free-flowing approach offers more of an experience than a narrative feature, including scant dialogue throughout. Add in the oddly confrontational erotic content, including a bizarre scene with a watermelon that opens up the film, and The Wayward Cloud will only be appreciated by those who like films that push boundaries in how we define cinema.
As far as the musical elements go, the movie has some wonderfully upbeat numbers that contrast with the rest of the film in a way that will appease those who can enjoy such a juxtaposition of style and theme. This is one of those movies that fans of cult cinema, specifically cult musicals, will either walk away with a profound appreciation for what Tsai Ming-Liang crafted or regret the time spent watching it— a gamble worth taking, nonetheless. The Wayward Cloud is not available for streaming or rent.
5 Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Anna and the Apocalypse
- Release Date
- November 30, 2018
- Director
- John McPhail
- Cast
- Ella Hunt , Malcolm Cumming , Sarah Swire , Christopher Leveaux , Marli Siu , Mark Benton , Paul Kaye , Ben Wiggins
- Runtime
- 98 min
Following Anna and her musically inclined friends, Anna and the Apocalypse follows a group of high school students as they navigate a zombie apocalypse with a song in their hearts and blood on their faces. Taking place during Christmas, the movie lands in that beloved area of holiday-themed horror and embraces both the upbeat and magical world of musicals with the grit and gore of a horror production.
Singing through the Apocalypse
The moment the first track of “Turning My Life Around” kicks in, and we see Anna gleefully singing her way to school while the world falls apart behind her, Anna and the Apocalypse becomes an instant, charming, cult classic. Out of all the horror musicals that have come out, it is hard not to put John McPhail’s film in discussion as the best in the genre. The balance of horror, comedy, and catchy musical numbers handled with skill makes it memorable in all three genres. Watch Anna and The Apocalypse on AMC+.
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4 The First Nudie Musical (1976)
Inheriting a studio about to collapse, Harry decides to take a chance and create something wholly original, a ‘nudie’ musical. With a limited budget to turn things around, the production attracts a mix of hopefuls in theater kids, adult stars, and other eccentrics from the fringe, resulting in a chaotic production. At the same time, Harry must struggle with a clueless director hired as a favor, a diva starlet who is the only name drawn to the movie, and his feelings for his longtime friend/secretary, Rosie.
Gather the Misfits, We Are Making a Movie!
While deemed a ‘pornographic’ musical in marketing, this may have been one of the reasons why the movie fell into relative obscurity, especially when the adult Alice in Wonderland musical was released the same year, emphasizing its graphic material. Despite its set-up, The First Nudie Musical has more to do with classical musicals, retaining that wholesome charm but adding ‘inappropriate songs’ and nudity.
Once one puts the sensational premise aside, the cast is an adorable group of eccentrics with unique personalities that give the movie a charming comedic edge. Moreover, the music is incredibly catchy, with the movie containing plenty of ‘earworms’ that will have you singing along with subsequent views or getting caught in your head while doing chores; it is precisely what you want in a musical. Rent The First Nudie Musical on Apple TV+.
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3 The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)
Following the romantic inspirations of twin sisters Delphine and Solange, The Young Girls of Rochefort shows the duo’s quest for love and a means to escape their hometown for something grander in Paris. When a fair comes to town, the two think they may have found a means to land that romantic relationship that will lift them out of Rochefort and start a new path in life.
Picture-Perfect French Chic
While sitting a bit outside the Golden era of the musical genre, The Young Girls of Rochefort still embodies the energy and vibe of the classical musical. The movie even got global recognition with an Academy Award nomination for Best Music, and the film was also given a Criterion Collection release. However, the most striking thing about The Young Girls of Rochefort is its influence on 2016’s La La Land, with the two bound by the same charm, aesthetic, and romantic focus.
Those who love mainstream musicals will find Jacques Demy’s musical utterly infectious. The set designs, costumes, musical numbers, and dances are all impeccable and so filled with romantic beauty. The movie also showcases the talents of a young Catherine Deneuve, who would make a name as one of the most beloved French actors of all time. Watch The Young Girls of Rochefort on The Criterion Channel.
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2 Dance With Me (2019)
After being hypnotized into singing and dancing, office worker Shizuka Suzuki struggles with work and romance as the condition proves disastrous (no one talks about the potential cost of clean-up after a musical number). To save herself, she travels across Japan to track down the touring hypnotist who gave her the bizarre condition, meeting friends and finding new romance as she heads from the metropolis of Tokyo to a sleepy seaside town.
A Musical Journey Across Japan
Dance With Me stands out among other musicals on this list for a few reasons, one of which being how it perfectly fits into that date night slot that can appeal to both partners. The movie blends the absurd comedy with a heartwarming drama/romance and a charming comedic style. This is all backed by great performances that resonate such utter joy during the musical pieces. The production is well-rounded, and the musical scenes are great in how they juxtapose how Shizuka sees them in her hypnotized state versus the actual chaos and confusion she causes in her wake. Dance With Me is currently not available for rent or streaming.
1 Starstruck (1982)
Starstruck follows two aspiring teenagers, Jackie and her cousin Angus, who are trying to break into the music industry, utilizing Jackie’s natural vocal talent. Working at a small café, the duo finally sees an opportunity when a local TV station holds a talent contest. This marks the start of an explosive career for Jackie, who soon begins to feel the pressures of nationwide notoriety.
Teenage Dreams and Screams
Having recently seen its 40-year anniversary and getting a restored release, the Australian cult-musical Starstruck is a gem just waiting to be discovered. The movie oozes that shiny ’80s aesthetic, from fashion down to music, offering all sorts of real and pseudo-nostalgia for one of the more beloved eras of pop culture. The music is exceptional, with the song “Body and Soul” (which you can watch here in HD), which Tim Finn of Split Enz wrote, making it to #5 in the Australian charts.
The film succeeded in its native Australia but remained largely unheard of outside the country. Considering how utterly well-rounded the movie is, this is a shame, offering all the great elements one would want in a musical. Actor Jo Kennedy is also sensational in her role as Jackie, with a killer voice, a resonating personality, and a rebellious and crass edge that makes her endearing and relatable. If you love 80s music, this one is a must-watch. Watch Starstruck on Tubi.
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