10 WTF Ideas Turned Into Horror Movies

In 1968, Hanna-Barbera released a variety show involving a whimsical rock band called The Banana Splits. Though the programme didn't last long, it went into syndication for over a decade, allowing its fanbase to grow. Due to its consistent popularity, it was no surprise when The Banana Splits spawned a movie.

However, it was a surprise how the first fully live-action film adaptation based on the loveable musicians was released half a century after the show ended. Stranger still, The film in question, simply called The Banana Splits Movie, was a slasher. 

The story centres around a modern Banana Splits TV show, where the titular characters are portrayed by advanced animatronics. When the robots discover their series is being terminated, they kidnap guests and make them perform in horrifying skits, hoping to stay on the air indefinitely. 

It goes without saying that watching Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky murdering their guests with lollipops and buzzsaws is pretty surreal. At the same time, it kind of works, since there's something oddly creepy about the kooky quartet (especially Bingo, with his permanently leering grin). 

The Banana Splits Movie is so delightfully eerie, it's worth a look, even for people unfamiliar with the property.