Top 10 Horror Films About Performances

Description: The silent film version of the classic tale, where the Phantom's love for opera and performance leads to terror in the Paris Opera House.

Fact: Lon Chaney, who played the Phantom, created his own makeup for the role, keeping it a secret until the film's premiere.

Description: This film, while more of a drama, has elements of psychological horror as the protagonist's obsession with ballet leads to her downfall, making the performance itself a haunting experience.

Fact: The ballet sequence was filmed in one continuous take, lasting 17 minutes.

Description: Though not a traditional horror film, this tale of rival magicians includes elements of psychological horror and the dark side of performance art.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life magicians and their obsession with the perfect trick.

Description: While not strictly about a performance, the film features a babysitter who takes a job at a secluded house, only to find herself part of a satanic ritual. The ritual can be seen as a dark performance with dire consequences.

Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel.

Description: A dark musical where souls are judged in a carnival setting, blending horror with theatrical performances.

Fact: It's a follow-up to the short film "Repo! The Genetic Opera" by the same creators.

Description: While primarily known for its gothic horror elements, this film features a scene where the villain, a satanist, performs a ritual that can be viewed as a twisted performance.

Fact: It was the first film to pair Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, two horror icons.

Description: A writer takes up a bet to spend a night in a haunted mansion, where he encounters a group of actors performing a play that turns deadly.

Fact: The film stars four horror legends: Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and John Carradine.

Description: This film adaptation of the famous musical tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the Paris Opera House. The performances are central to the plot, with the Phantom's obsession with Christine Daaé driving the narrative into dark territory.

Fact: The film was shot at Pinewood Studios in England, and the chandelier used in the film weighed over 2 tons.

Description: A slasher film set in a theatre school, where students are preparing for a performance of "The Haunting of the Opera." The killer dons a mask from the play, making the performance itself a deadly game.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life murder of a theatre director in Canada.

Description: A silent film about a magician who becomes obsessed with a young woman, leading to a series of tragic events. The film's focus on magic tricks and stage performances adds to its eerie atmosphere.

Fact: This was one of the last silent films made by Universal Pictures before the transition to talkies.