“Laurie’s Theme” by John Carpenter, from Halloween
I love the main Halloween theme—who doesn’t?—but in some ways, this lesser-known song is even more haunting.
“Detroit” by Disasterpeace, from It Follows
This is one of the most unsettling movies I’ve ever seen, and this song captures that vibe pretty stealthily. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been going about my day only to freak out when I see some random person walking a little too fast right toward me.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street Main Theme” by Charles Bernstein
Total classic! This song is dreamlike, yet completely warped and twisted. I’ve always been afraid to accidentally fall asleep while listening to it.
“Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield, from The Exorcist
Honestly, the reason why this song works so well is because it doesn’t entirely sound like a horror movie theme. It’s got a childlike, repetitive melody that contrasts sharply with all the demonic projectile vomiting going on in the film. Holy hell.
“Sleep Walk” by Santo & Johnny, from Sleepwalkers
I get chills whenever I hear this song, remembering this cheesy yet haunting early ’90s movie written by Stephen King. Could that mother be any creepier? And those cats! Eeek!
“In Dreams” by Roy Orbison, from Blue Velvet
David Lynch was a total god, and he knew how to create the most terrifying moments on film with the simple placement of a song. Dennis Hopper’s portrayal of a psychotic killer is contrasted so perfectly with this dreamy oldies-turned-creepy tune.
“Season of the Witch” by Lana Del Rey, from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Okay, two things about this movie. One, I’ll never look at a scarecrow the same way ever again. Two, you have to admit the opening sequence is one hundred times better with Lana Del Rey’s soothing, lilting voice singing over it.
“Tales from the Crypt” by Danny Elfman
Come on, you know you’re going through the gates, into the spooky house, through the secret bookcase, down the spiral stone stairs, through the creaky wooden door . . . and yep, you’re opening up that coffin . . .
“Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, from Scream
This song appears in nearly all the Scream movies. Is it because Ghostface always wipes his knife with his right hand after a kill?
“Hello Zepp + Overture” by Charlie Clouser, from Saw
I love how this theme builds in terror and anxiety. It’s composed by a former Nine Inch Nails band member, and the industrial vibes fit perfectly with the claustrophobic feel of Saw.
“Cry Little Sister” by Gerard McMann, from The Lost Boys
Besides being a perfect angsty ’80s song, this tune really mirrors the movie’s themes of yearning, lost youth, and the desire to belong—in this case, to a vampire community. But, hey, when you find your people . . .
“The Killing Moon” by Echo & the Bunnymen, from Donnie Darko
This song is just plain cool. But as the opener for Donnie Darko, it creates a really chilling atmosphere to set up this weirdo cult classic. I’ll never look at bunny costumes the same again.
“Stigmata Martyr” by Bauhaus, from Night of the Demons
Okay, so the lipstick scene in this movie is probably the most . . . um . . . memorable (if you know, you know), but Angela’s dance to this song when she’s possessed is a close second for me. Talk about mesmerizing.