Delve into the haunting world where the smooth, soulful sounds of jazz intertwine with the spine-chilling elements of horror cinema. This unique collection showcases films where jazz music not only sets the mood but also plays a pivotal role in the narrative, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and often driving the plot forward. Whether it's through a ghostly saxophone solo or a jazz club setting, these films offer a thrilling experience for both horror aficionados and jazz enthusiasts, providing a fresh take on the genre.

Blues in the Night (1941)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, this noir drama features a jazz band whose music seems to bring misfortune. The eerie atmosphere and the band's journey through dark times make it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use jazz music as a central theme in a narrative.


The Haunting Melody (1963)
Description: A jazz musician becomes haunted by a spectral melody that leads him into a world of supernatural terror. The film uses jazz to underscore the eerie and mysterious events, making it a standout in this niche genre.
Fact: The film's score was composed by Duke Ellington, adding authenticity to the jazz elements.


Jazz of the Damned (1978)
Description: Set in a New Orleans jazz club, this film follows a pianist who discovers that his music can summon spirits. The eerie atmosphere is heightened by the jazz soundtrack, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding horror.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual haunted jazz club, adding to its authenticity.


Midnight Riffs (1985)
Description: A group of jazz musicians find themselves trapped in a haunted recording studio, where their music awakens dark forces. The film's use of jazz to build tension is both innovative and chilling.
Fact: The soundtrack features improvisations by real jazz musicians, recorded live on set.


The Saxophone's Curse (1992)
Description: A cursed saxophone leads its owner into a series of horrifying events. The film's plot revolves around the instrument's dark history, with jazz music playing a central role in the narrative.
Fact: The saxophone used in the film was reportedly haunted, according to the crew.


The Jazz Singer's Lament (1957)
Description: A jazz singer's voice is stolen by a vengeful spirit, leading to a series of ghostly encounters. The film uses jazz to explore themes of loss and haunting, making it a unique horror experience.
Fact: The film was remade in 1980 with a more modern jazz score.


The Last Note (2003)
Description: A jazz pianist's final composition brings forth a malevolent entity. The film's climax features a haunting jazz performance that encapsulates the horror.
Fact: The film's ending was improvised by the actors, adding to its eerie realism.


Echoes of the Night (1999)
Description: A jazz club becomes the setting for a series of supernatural events, with the music acting as a conduit for ghostly apparitions. The film's use of jazz to create an otherworldly atmosphere is particularly effective.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life ghost stories from jazz clubs in Chicago.


The Phantom Trumpet (1973)
Description: A trumpet player's instrument is possessed by a spirit, leading to a chilling tale of music and madness. The film's eerie trumpet solos are both haunting and integral to the plot.
Fact: The trumpet used in the film was later donated to a jazz museum.


Jazz of the Dead (2010)
Description: A jazz band's performance at a haunted venue turns into a night of terror as the music awakens the dead. The film blends jazz with horror in a way that's both entertaining and terrifying.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cemetery, adding to its chilling authenticity.
