Article written by Roger Casadejús Pérez
Iconic Music Videos Inspired by Horror Films
1. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Inspired by: An American Werewolf in London
Perhaps the most iconic music video of all time, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, directed by John Landis, draws heavily from the werewolf transformation scenes in “An American Werewolf in London.” With its groundbreaking special effects and zombie dance sequence, “Thriller” set a new standard for music videos and remains a cultural touchstone for both music and horror fans.
2. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
Inspired by: Nightmare on Elm Street
Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” taps into the unsettling world of nightmares, reminiscent of Wes Craven’s “Nightmare on Elm Street.” The video features haunting imagery of a child experiencing night terrors, blending reality with the surreal to create a sense of impending doom.
3. “Dragula” by Rob Zombie
Inspired by: Dracula
Rob Zombie, known for his love of horror, channels classic monster movies like “Dracula” in the music video for “Dragula.” With its gritty visuals and nods to vintage horror films, the video encapsulates Zombie’s signature style, blending rock music with horror aesthetics.
4. “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
Inspired by: Psycho
Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” captures the paranoia and suspense found in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” The video uses voyeuristic imagery and eerie setups to evoke a sense of unease, echoing the film’s psychological tension.
5. “Bark at the Moon” by Ozzy Osbourne
Inspired by: The Wolf Man
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark at the Moon” pays homage to the classic werewolf narrative seen in “The Wolf Man.” The video showcases Osbourne’s transformation into a lycanthropic creature, complete with elaborate makeup and special effects that mirror the horror film’s themes.
6. “Scream” by Misfits
Inspired by: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Misfits’ “Scream” is heavily influenced by the gritty horror of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” The video features chaotic and violent imagery, capturing the raw fear and brutality that made the film a cult classic.
7. “Living Dead Girl” by Rob Zombie
Inspired by: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
Another Rob Zombie entry, “Living Dead Girl,” draws inspiration from the silent horror film “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” The video employs expressionist visuals and a macabre narrative, reflecting the film’s eerie and avant-garde style.
8. “A Little Piece of Heaven” by Avenged Sevenfold
Inspired by: Bride of Frankenstein
Avenged Sevenfold’s “A Little Piece of Heaven” offers a twisted love story reminiscent of “Bride of Frankenstein.” The animated video features dark humor and grotesque imagery, aligning with the film’s themes of resurrection and forbidden love.
9. “The Kill” by Thirty Seconds to Mars
Inspired by: The Shining
Thirty Seconds to Mars’ “The Kill” pays tribute to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” The video is set in a haunting, isolated hotel and features visual references to the film’s iconic scenes, capturing its psychological horror and atmospheric tension.
10. “Mein Teil” by Rammstein
Inspired by: Silence of the Lambs
Rammstein’s “Mein Teil” takes cues from “Silence of the Lambs,” exploring themes of cannibalism and psychological horror. The video features disturbing imagery and theatrical performances, echoing the film’s chilling narrative.
11. “Sober” by Tool
Inspired by: Eraserhead
Tool’s “Sober” is influenced by David Lynch’s “Eraserhead,” with its surreal and unnerving atmosphere. The stop-motion animation and abstract visuals in the video mirror Lynch’s experimental style, creating a sense of existential dread.
12. “Am I Evil?” by Diamond Head
Inspired by: The Omen
Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” draws from the themes of evil and destiny found in “The Omen.” The video’s dark visuals and ominous tone reflect the film’s exploration of malevolent forces and predestined evil.
13. “Spit It Out” by Slipknot
Inspired by: The Shining
Slipknot’s “Spit It Out” incorporates elements from “The Shining,” including references to the Overlook Hotel and Jack Torrance’s descent into madness. The video captures the chaotic energy and psychological horror that defines the film.
14. “The Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson
Inspired by: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People” draws from the expressionist style of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” featuring distorted visuals and unsettling imagery. The video critiques societal norms, much like the film’s commentary on authority and control.
15. “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana
Inspired by: The Wizard of Oz
While not a traditional horror film, “The Wizard of Oz” has its share of eerie moments, which Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” taps into. The video features surreal and dreamlike imagery, reflecting the film’s journey through a fantastical and sometimes dark landscape.
16. “Helena” by My Chemical Romance
Inspired by: The Crow
My Chemical Romance’s “Helena” pays homage to the gothic aesthetic of “The Crow.” The video features themes of love and loss, with visual nods to the film’s somber and atmospheric style.
17. “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Inspired by: Nightmare on Elm Street
This track by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince is a playful yet chilling homage to “Nightmare on Elm Street.” The music video captures the essence of Freddy Krueger’s terrifying presence in a more lighthearted narrative.
18. “Rats” by Ghost
Inspired by: Nosferatu
Ghost’s “Rats” draws inspiration from the silent horror classic “Nosferatu,” featuring themes of plague and fear. The video’s theatrical and ominous presentation pays tribute to the film’s vampire lore.
19. “Sweet Dreams” by Marilyn Manson
Inspired by: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Marilyn Manson’s cover of “Sweet Dreams” is accompanied by a music video that draws from the gritty horror of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” The disturbing visuals and chaotic energy reflect the film’s raw and unsettling atmosphere.
20. “Pet Sematary” by Ramones
Inspired by: Pet Sematary
The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary” directly references the Stephen King novel and its film adaptation. The video features eerie visuals and themes of resurrection, capturing the haunting essence of the story.
21. “Re-Animator” by Ice Nine Kills
Inspired by: Re-Animator
Ice Nine Kills’ “Re-Animator” is a direct nod to the cult horror film “Re-Animator.” The video embraces the film’s campy gore and mad scientist themes, delivering a visually captivating homage.
22. “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden
Inspired by: The Omen
Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” resonates with the supernatural horror found in “The Omen.” The song and video explore themes of prophecy and evil, mirroring the film’s chilling narrative.
23. “Stigmata” by Ministry
Inspired by: Hellraiser
Ministry’s “Stigmata” draws from the grotesque and visceral horror of “Hellraiser.” The video’s intense and chaotic visuals reflect the film’s exploration of pain and pleasure, creating a haunting atmosphere.
Conclusion
These 23 rock and metal music videos demonstrate the powerful influence of horror films on the music world. By drawing from the visual and thematic elements of iconic horror movies, these artists have created unforgettable music videos that captivate audiences and pay tribute to the chilling allure of the genre. Whether through direct references or subtle nods, the intersection of horror and music continues to inspire and thrill fans across the globe.