The Rock Opera takes the format of musicals and turns it on its ear with hard rock sounds instead of classically composed music. Typically, Rock Operas use the medium of film to tell their story in a unique way and rely on their amazing soundtrack to bring in audiences.
With films from established rock bands like Pink Floyd: The Wall and adaptations of stage musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, the Rock Opera is as exciting as it is various. Despite the similarities between these films, some have garnered higher scores than others on IMDb.
Shock Treatment (1981) - 5.7
Rock Operas are unique in their own right but Shock Treatment stood out by being a sequel to another extremely popular Rock Opera-- The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The film follows Brad and Janet shortly after their ordeal in the first film. They are committed to a mental health facility and unwillingly become contestants on a game show hosted by a mad doctor.
The film failed to move the needle with fans the way that the original did but it certainly continued the tradition of wacky strangeness. Though it isn't as memorable as Rocky Horror, the music is catchy and the set pieces are interesting enough to keep spirits high throughout its relatively short runtime.
Godspell (1973) - 6.5
The cultural revolution of the 1960s had an impact on all forms of art from film all the way to the stage musical and Godspell was a prime example. The film was based on the play of the same name and tells a modernized version of the book of Mathew from the Bible.
Despite its religious basis, the film still has enough to keep all types of audiences engaged. Set in New York City in the modern day, the film's musical sequences feature excellent songs as well as interesting choreography with the city as a backdrop.
Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) - 6.6
Horror and musicals don't usually go hand-in-hand but Repo! The Genetic Opera found a clever way to combine the two disparate genres. The film tells the story of a dark future where organ transplants are treated like loans and when the owner cannot pay, the organs have to be repossessed.
Repo! featured an interesting blend of horror and musicals in their casting, with accomplished stage workers like Sarah Brightman as well as horror icons like Bill Moseley. The film's gritty look and unique costume design helped to sell the dystopian future that the story takes place in. Repo! is a perfect film for both horror fans and musical fans because it manages to serve a perfect blend of both.
Tommy (1975) - 6.6
The concept album came into popular music in the 1960s and by the 1970s, legendary rockers The Who had taken a stab at it with Tommy. Based on the album of the same name, Tommy is the story of a Deaf, Blind, and non-speaking boy who becomes a worldwide sensation, and subsequently a cult figurehead, after he discovers a natural talent for pinball.
Though not necessarily coherent with its story, Tommy features iconic music from The Who and brilliant performances from several other rock stars like Elton John and Tina Turner. It serves as a perfect time capsule for its era and is one of the most memorable rock and roll moments in film history.
Quadrophenia (1979) - 7.3
After the success of Tommy, The Who once again took a stab at the concept-album-based Rock Opera with Quadrophenia. The film follows a young man in the UK who is disgruntled with his life and finds solace within a clique of young people who ride scooters, take drugs and listen to rock music.
Similar to the beat films of the 1950s, Quadrophenia attempted to capture the mood of the youth at the time it was released. Much like its predecessor Tommy, the film features performances from The Who as well as other notable rockers at the time. The story of the film is much more accessible than Tommy and is relatively straight forward compared to other Rock Operas.
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) - 7.4
Before he revolutionized theater with The Phantom of the Opera, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber had another hit with Jesus Christ Superstar. The story follows the last days of Jesus told through flashy rock songs and over-the-top dance sequences.
Starting originally as a concept album before migrating to the stage, Jesus Christ Superstar followed the same path as many other Rock Operas. The well-known story made it very attractive to most audiences, even if the music wasn't the traditional style for a musical. On top of that, the rock music also brought in audiences that may not have necessarily been interested in a biblical based story.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) - 7.4
Generally regarded as one of the greatest cult films of all time, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is also one of the most memorable Rock Operas as well. A newly engaged couple get lost on the road and end up at a spooky old mansion that is inhabited by a strange scientist who creates his own monster for dubious purposes.
Rocky Horror has become a phenomenon all its own and the music has entered into the broader popular consciousness with tunes like "The Time Warp". Though the plot is extremely cheesy, audiences enjoy the film's unique style and catchy tunes. On top of the music, the film is also a celebration of weirdness in the face of conformity and many audience members could relate.
The Phantom Of The Paradise (1974) - 7.4
Similar to the way that Rock Operas are a twist on the classic musical concept, The Phantom of the Paradise was a spin on a classic horror tale. An accomplished composer sells his soul so that the woman he loves may sing his music. However, a greedy record producer betrays him and uses the man's music to open a venue called The Paradise.
Twisting the classic tale The Phantom of the Opera, Paradise uses the story's framework and shoots it full of hard rock. Legendary horror director Brian De Palma stepped out of his comfort zone to direct the film and it is as cinematic as it is musical. Blending elements of horror, musical, and comedy together, Phantom of the Paradise is one of the most unique takes on the age old story.
Hair (1979) - 7.6
The hippy movement had a profound effect on film and television, therefore it was only natural that the same ideals would make their way on stage as well. Hair, based on the stage play of the same name, tells the story of a young man from Oklahoma who moves to New York City and has his mind broadened by the hippy subculture.
The play was a dynamite smash hit that changed the way the audiences saw stage plays. However, the film came nearly a decade after the play's debut and yet it still captured the atmosphere of the time. The music and performances were strong enough to carry the film even if it lacked the same timeliness as its staged predecessor.
Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)
While previous concept album Rock Operas were loose with their story Pink Floyd: The Wall pulled its straightforward narrative directly from the album of the same name. The story is a semi-autobiographical narrative about a troubled rock star who has a complete break from reality.
Though other rock bands had made their own concept films before, few had the same drive as the psychedelic rockers Pink Floyd. Every piece of music from the album serves to further the story and it comes across quite eloquently on screen. On top of the killer score, the film also features brilliant direction and animated sequences that make the entire film an experience.