Which interactive musical is the longest running theatrical release in history and is especially popular around Halloween?

Which interactive musical is the longest-running theatrical release in history and is especially popular around Halloween? The Rocky Horror Picture Show holds that record.

The 1975 film was directed by Jim Sharman from a screenplay by Sharman and Richard O’Brien, who also created the original stage musical, The Rocky Horror Show. It stars Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, alongside Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. The story deliberately mixes science fiction, horror, camp comedy, and rock musical conventions.

The film initially struggled in regular theatrical release, but midnight screenings transformed it into a cult phenomenon. Audiences began shouting scripted responses, dressing as characters, throwing props, and performing alongside the screen. These live “shadow casts” are the interactive element referenced in the question.

Its continuous theatrical availability since 1975 makes it the longest-running theatrical film release. Halloween screenings became a natural tradition because of the movie’s horror imagery, costumes, and midnight-show atmosphere. It is a film adaptation of a stage musical, rather than a live musical itself—a distinction sometimes overlooked.