Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

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Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

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1h 29m

Documentary

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From humble origins as a London fringe theater play to its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show. With intimate access to its creator Richard O'Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Lou Adler, the documentary explores what makes the play and film so singular: Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances and epic songs that took over popular culture. The cult phenomenon that sprung around it is unparalleled, and created not only the midnight screenings which continue to this day, but also a safe haven for those who ever felt different or marginalized.

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

On the surface, it’s a straightforward history of the show’s growth spurts on the way to becoming a cultural juggernaut. "Strange Journey" charmingly recounts how it emerged.

Oct 3, 2025

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Daniel Fienberg

The Hollywood Reporter

The opportunity here is so unique and perhaps Linus O’Brien could have done a little bit more with it... But this is a tidy and sincerely admiring overview.

Oct 3, 2025

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Wilson Chapman

IndieWire

Anyone who lives, breathes, and bleeds “Rocky Horror” will find comfort in “Strange Journey” and its celebration of the musical’s enduring legacy. Anybody else won’t find much to grab onto.

Rated: B-

Oct 3, 2025

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Ray Pride

Newcity

Involving... Affectionate documentary, warmth radiates as the trajectory of the 1972 stage production to its latter-day legend is charted... rich with remembrances from the past half-century [from the] still-lucid subjects.

Rated: 9/10

Oct 4, 2025

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Ethan Padgett

Film Threat

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is an excellent love letter to one of the longest-running films in cinema history. Linus O’Brien honors his father’s work, and it is felt throughout the entire film.

Rated: 10/10

Oct 4, 2025

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Jessica Baxter

Hammer to Nail

Linus' mission was to imbue his film with the emotions and sentiments that people shared on youtube and in every other space where fans gather. I would say, he accomplished his mission.

Oct 2, 2025

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Stephen

Even if one is not particularly familiar with the film and its history, this a great introduction and a very funny, even quite touching heartfelt love letter to the film by its creator(s), fans and performers in the original show and film. For the long-time fans, it's beyond incredible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

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Gregory

A fantastic documentary. If you are a theater kid, cinephile, or a cultural historian of any kind, this movie will phenomenal insight into the creation of this life changing and affirming film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/30/25

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Brenda B

Released in time for the 50th anniversary of the movie. New and older fans will enjoy the history of this play, then film, with interviews, photos, and videos not seen before. Quite a journey.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/26/25

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DodonaWind

Absolutely amazing! It was fantastic to see all of the people involved in the show and the movie talking about it, reminiscing about it and sharing what made the project so special to each of them. It was also amazing to see just how far of a reach the film really has had across humanity over the last 50 years.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/26/25

Full Review

Dave R

The biggest cult film of all time gets a very revealing, informative, humorous documentary that could dive even deeper. As is, the story of how The Rocky Horror Show originated is fascinating and strange indeed. The music is addictive and timeless!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/04/25

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Elaine K

Another excellent production from Margot Station, this time partnering with director, Linus OBrien, son of Rocky Horror Picture Show’s creator Richard OBrien. The doc tells the origin story of RHPS through interviews with OBrien and other cast members remembering how the play and movie came to be with loving insight and humor. After all, Richard OBrien is Linus’ father. I especially enjoyed the reminiscing of writing the music when Richard would play songs on an acoustic guitar. I joined the audience laughing throughout the movie and applauding when it ended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

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Linus O'Brien

Director

Richard O'Brien

Self

Tim Curry

Self

Lou Adler

Self

Susan Sarandon

Self

Barry Bostwick

Self

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Synopsis

From humble origins as a London fringe theater play to its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show. With intimate access to its creator Richard O'Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Lou Adler, the documentary explores what makes the play and film so singular: Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances and epic songs that took over popular culture. The cult phenomenon that sprung around it is unparalleled, and created not only the midnight screenings which continue to this day, but also a safe haven for those who ever felt different or marginalized.

Director: Linus O'Brien
Producer: Adam Gibbs, Linus O'Brien, Garret Price, Avner Shiloah
Screenwriter: Avner Shiloah, Avner Shiloah
Production Co: Margot Station
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 26, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 29m