The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 comedy-horror musical. The movie was based on a 1973 stage show created by Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien, who played Riff Raff. The movie centers around newlyweds Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), who become lost one night. They seek shelter in a castle, where they meet Columbia (Nell Campbell), Magenta (Particia Quinn), and Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a mad scientist who has created a man in his lab.
The film’s initial release was met with negative receptions, both critically and financially. However, according to Village Preservation, it found success when New York City’s Waverly Theater began showing it as a midnight movie in 1976, prompting fans to dress up and interact. This evolved into showings where people lip sync and perform the roles in front of the screen, along with screenings where the audience participates with dialogue and props. It has since built an enormous cult following, and has become one of the best movie musicals ever, with memorable songs in a variety of genres. Here are the movie’s songs, ranked.
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14 There’s a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place)
20th Century Fox
Brad and Janet sing this after becoming lost on a rainy night. They spot a nearby castle and walk to it for safety. It’s a short, simple song that establishes the setting and builds the story while hinting at what’s to come. It’s good, but doesn’t have that extra bit of excitement or flair that other songs do.
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13 The Sword of Damocles
This song is Rocky’s (Peter Hinwood) solo, as he questions who he is. The lyrics are edgy as Rocky sings about misery, while Riff Raff, Columbia, and Magenta add pop notes. It goes a long way in establishing Rocky as a full character, while also giving him the chance to show off his looks. It may not stand out as much against the movie’s other songs, but it’s a solid one.
12 Planet Hot Dog
This is a great example of the movie embracing its campy and bizarre side. For how short and simple it is, it has great absurd humor with lyrics referencing hot dogs, and ends with the memorable scene of Frank turning almost everyone into nude statues. It may sound ridiculous, but it fits perfectly into the movie, and it’s hilarious.
11 Planet, Schmanet, Janet (Wise Up Janet Weiss)
In a jealous rage, Frank chases Janet around the castle to this song, warning her to wise up. The song is elevated by Curry’s performance; he’s truly menacing the entire time, and makes the song’s lyrics – which contain more hot dog references – still feel serious.
10 Eddie
This group song tells the story of Eddie, the delivery boy played by Meat Loaf. His uncle, Dr. Scott, comes to the castle in search of him. He and the other characters then sing about Eddie, including his eventual disappearance. It’s a strong storytelling song that gives the audience more information on the characters, and ends with the reveal that Eddie is inside the table everyone ate dinner on.
9 Dammit Janet
This song tells the story of Brad and Janet, as they go from a friend’s wedding to their own engagement. Both characters shine and the audience gets to see more about them, setting up their storylines. It’s sweet and innocent, and shows the building of a typical young romance. It also makes a great musical contrast between the characters’ lives before and after entering the castle.
8 I Can Make You a Man
“I Can Make You a Man” parodies fitness magazine covers and weight-loss programs, as Frank sings about making a perfect man, and literally does so. It’s a fun number to watch, as Frank explains Rocky’s diet and helps him to train and build his physique. Frank is charismatic in the song, and even gets in a great moment riding Rocky’s pommel horse.
7 Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul
Eddie, who was frozen and later killed by Frank, doesn’t have much screen time, but his introduction is one of the movie’s most memorable scenes. He bursts in on Frank’s party on a motorcycle, and sings this upbeat rock number with catchy lyrics. From his denim outfit to his saxophone playing, Meat Loaf gives this song life and excitement that comes to an all-too-soon end.
6 I’m Going Home
This is Frank’s goodbye song, as he realizes that he needs to return to his home planet. It’s a rock song with David Bowie vibes, and it captures Frank and his realization of home being where he needs to be. It’s a deeply emotional song that addresses the need for a place of belonging after not being accepted anywhere, which is part of why the movie has connected with audiences for so long.
5 Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me
Janet’s solo speaks about her sexual awakening in an upbeat song. With her and Brad in separate rooms, she is seduced by Frank, who exposes her to sexual freedom. After the encounter, she then pursues Rocky, embracing her new-found sexual nature. Sarandon is great as she matures quickly from an innocent woman to someone more experienced, and really sells the song.
4 Science Fiction/Double Feature
This song is the movie’s opener, sung by O’Brien and using Patricia Quinn’s lips – lips that have become synonymous with the movie. It immediately draws you into the movie and leaves you eager for what’s next. It’s not only a hint of what’s to come, but also a tribute to the many science fiction and horror movies that influenced Rocky Horror. It’s a love letter to the movie and the genre as a whole.
3 Rose Tint My World/Don’t Dream It, Be It/Wild and Untamed Thing
Performed as the floor show, this trio of songs is great together or separately, and embody what makes Rocky Horror so special. “Rose Tint My World” focuses on embracing the positive, while “Don’t Dream It, Be It,” showcases giving in to the pleasure of it all. It closes with “Wild and Untamed Thing,” which pays tribute to joy and freedom. All three serve as a great representation of the movie, both musically and thematically, and it’s fun to see everyone perform in their corsets and boas.
2 The Time Warp
This is the movie’s best-known song, one that even people who haven’t seen it might know. Interestingly, according to Looper, the song was a late addition to the movie; O’Brien included it to add length and because “every good musical needs a dance number.” It’s performed by the Transylvanians at Frank’s party, and signals the change of Brad and Janet’s journey. It’s an infectious, energetic number that really gets things going.
1 Sweet Transvestite
Frank sings this song about himself in one of the greatest entrances in movie history. It’s a campy, glam rock number that lures Brad and Janet into Frank’s world, but also lures the audience in. Curry gives a show-stopping performance of all the strange beauty that is Rocky Horror. It’s a perfect introduction to the character and the movie’s world, while still being a thrilling song in its own right.
