Bad Karaoke (2026) is an American supernatural comedy–horror film that mixes musical humor with slasher-style scares. The movie is directed by Chris Lightbody and Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. from a screenplay written by Chris Lightbody and Spencer Yaras. The film stars Lexi Underwood, Case Walker, Kat Cunning, Kate Miner, and Jenna Karan.
The story follows a traveling cover band searching for money and connection after performing at a wedding. Their night changes when keyboardist Emily discovers an old karaoke machine hidden inside a quiet dive bar. What begins as a fun late-night performance becomes a deadly supernatural nightmare when the machine curses anyone who grabs the microphone.
The group must uncover the rules behind the haunted device while surviving deadly karaoke challenges. The film combines horror, comedy, and supernatural elements in an original story and is not based on a book or existing franchise.
Bad Karaoke premiered at Tubi FrightFest London and is scheduled for release on August 30, 2026.
Bad Karaoke Age Rating
Bad Karaoke is officially rated R by the MPA for bloody, violent content, gore, language, drug use, and some sexual content/nudity. The rating is mainly due to graphic horror violence, frequent strong language, adult humor, substance use, and brief sexual material. The movie is intended for mature horror audiences rather than younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
The film contains strong horror violence with frequent supernatural attacks and graphic character deaths. The cursed karaoke machine creates deadly challenges where losing a performance can result in brutal consequences.
The violence is exaggerated and presented with a horror-comedy style, but it includes heavy blood effects, gore, injuries, and disturbing visuals. Viewers can expect scenes involving body horror elements, violent deaths, severed body parts, crushing injuries, and intense survival situations.
The movie uses a playful tone, but the amount of gore and violent imagery makes it unsuitable for younger viewers or anyone sensitive to horror content.
Language
Bad Karaoke features frequent strong language throughout the film. Characters use profanity during arguments, jokes, panic situations, and moments of danger.
The dialogue includes repeated uses of strong words, crude humor, and adult jokes. The language fits the film’s R-rated horror-comedy style and may not be appropriate for teenagers without guidance.
Mature Themes
The movie includes several mature elements, including supernatural horror, death, survival situations, and characters facing extreme danger.
There are scenes involving alcohol consumption and recreational drug use, especially around the band’s lifestyle and bar environment. The film also contains sexual humor, suggestive conversations, party scenes, and brief partial nudity.
Is Bad Karaoke Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The movie is not suitable for younger teens because of graphic gore, violent deaths, strong language, drug use, and sexual content. The horror elements may also be too intense for this age group.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens who enjoy horror-comedies may handle the film with parental guidance. However, parents should consider the heavy gore, adult humor, and R-rated content before allowing younger viewers to watch.
Ages 18+: Yes. The film is intended for adult horror audiences who are comfortable with extreme violence, dark comedy, and mature themes.
Final Recommendation: Bad Karaoke is best suited for viewers aged 17 and older due to graphic gore, strong horror violence, frequent profanity, substance use, and sexual content.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain that the movie uses horror-comedy violence with exaggerated gore and supernatural deaths.
- Discuss the difference between fictional horror violence and real-world consequences of dangerous behavior.
- Talk about the film’s themes of teamwork, fear, and decision-making after viewing.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Bad Karaoke (2026)?
A: Bad Karaoke is rated R by the MPA for bloody violent content, gore, language, drug use, and some sexual content/nudity.
Q: Is Bad Karaoke suitable for kids?
A: No. The movie is not suitable for children because it contains graphic gore, horror violence, strong language, drug use, and sexual content.
Q: Is Bad Karaoke suitable for teenagers?
A: It may only be suitable for older teens with parental guidance. Younger teenagers are likely too young due to the film’s intense violence and mature content.
Q: Does Bad Karaoke contain scary scenes or gore?
A: Yes. The film contains frequent horror violence, supernatural deaths, blood, gore effects, and disturbing visual moments.
Q: Does Bad Karaoke contain sexual content or nudity?
A: Yes. The movie includes sexual references, suggestive humor, party-related scenes, and some partial nudity.
Q: Where can I watch Bad Karaoke (2026)?
A: Bad Karaoke is scheduled for release on August 30, 2026.