Get ready to pump some fear into your routine at the gym with these killer workout horror movies! As the Summer Olympics 2024 kick off in France, there’s no better time to celebrate athleticism with a spooky twist. Whether you’re a fan of athletes kicking ass or just love a good scare, these fitness horror films combine the thrill of sports with the terror of horror, perfect for your next movie marathon (or sprint).
From haunted health clubs to deadly competitions, these picks will have you gripping your dumbbells and your popcorn. Let’s dive in!
10. Monster Brawl (2011)
Imagine a wrestling tournament featuring all your favorite monsters. That’s the premise of Monster Brawl, where iconic creatures like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, and the Werewolf battle it out in a no-holds-barred deathmatch. Set in a dilapidated wrestling ring in a graveyard, this horror-comedy combines the thrill of sports entertainment with the gruesome spectacle of horror.
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9. Body Melt (1993)
This Australian horror flick takes body horror to a new level. The residents of Pebbles Court, a suburban community, start experiencing horrific and bizarre body transformations after taking experimental health supplements from a local gym. As their bodies grotesquely melt and mutate, the dark side of the fitness industry is put on full display. Body Melt offers a satirical look at the obsession with physical perfection, making it a must-watch for fans of both horror and fitness.
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8. Death Spa (1989)
Welcome to Starbody Health Spa, where the motto is “A healthier you.” But when a vengeful ghost begins killing off members in bizarre and gruesome ways, the gym becomes a house of horrors. From malfunctioning equipment to steam room slayings, Death Spa combines ‘80s charm with inventive deaths. The film’s high-tech gym setting, complete with neon lights and aerobic classes, adds to the retro fun, making it a cult classic that’s as entertaining as it is terrifying.
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7. Bring It On: Cheer or Die (2022)
The cheerleading franchise takes a dark turn with Bring It On: Cheer or Die. A group of cheerleaders decides to practice their routines in an abandoned school on Halloween night, only to be hunted by a masked killer. With their acrobatic skills and teamwork put to the ultimate test, these athletes must outsmart the murderer to survive. The film blends the peppy energy of cheerleading with slasher horror, offering a fresh and frightening take on a beloved series.
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6. Final Destination 5 (2011)
In this installment of the popular franchise, a group of coworkers survives a horrific bridge collapse thanks to a premonition. However, they soon realize that Death doesn’t like to be cheated. Among the survivors is gymnast Candice (Ellen Wroe), whose athletic skills are put to the test in a particularly memorable and gruesome scene involving a balance beam and a series of unfortunate events. Final Destination 5 ramps up the tension with its creative death sequences and clever twists, making it a standout in the series.
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