Without gospel music, going to church wouldn’t be the same for some people. Likewise, without the selection of chilling tracks that have helped to elevate certain productions over the years, the horror genre wouldn’t be the same for fans either. For horror movies to be considered a success, the music has to pair perfectly with the spine-chilling content people are viewing with one eye shut.
Thankfully, over the years, we have been filled with a selection of horror movie masterpieces that are well-rounded overall thanks to elements such as a stellar cast, an engaging storyline, and a selection of soundtracks that created the tension and suspense that so many horror movies possess. Even away from the movie sphere, people adore horror-related content in general. For example, popular shows like Z Nation are massive on Netflix, YouTube is filled with people exploring abandoned and supposedly haunted buildings, and gamers are sampling options like the Haunted House slot, a spooky 8-payline slot game that features a huge range of bonus features as players aim to navigate their way through the game’s horror theme. Music plays a key role in many of these products, too.
Thankfully, over the years, we have been filled with a selection of horror movie masterpieces that are well-rounded overall thanks to elements such as a stellar cast, an engaging storyline, and a selection of soundtracks that created the tension and suspense that so many horror movies possess. Even away from the movie sphere, people adore horror-related content in general. For example, popular shows like Z Nation are massive on Netflix, YouTube is filled with people exploring abandoned and supposedly haunted buildings, and gamers are sampling options like the Haunted House slot, a spooky 8-payline slot game that features a huge range of bonus features as players aim to navigate their way through the game’s horror theme. Music plays a key role in many of these products, too.
Overall, though, it’s in the movies where a number of iconic horror-themed soundtracks have come to the fore. So, with that in mind, let’s assess some of the most memorable horror movie soundtracks ever, without giving away any spoilers!
Candyman (1992)
Despite being given a modern-day makeover, the original Candyman movie is widely considered to be the better of the two. Directed by Bernard Rose, the 1992 production was packed full of eery scenes as people took their chances and said the unmentionable phrase into the mirror. The focus on the blood-chilling urban legend was enhanced further thanks to the movie’s music, in particular, with Philip Glass, one of the most famous modern composers, adding a selection of tracks that elevated the movie’s feel throughout. Most of the soundtracks in the film heavily featured pianos and organs, both of which captured the spine-tingling nature of the movie perfectly.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Yeah, A Clockwork Orange is not a horror movie, although it is horrific. But we wanted to include it due to its unique soundtrack. A favourite movie for many people around the world, A Clockwork Orange is the work of Stanley Kubrick, the legendary American film director, producer and screenwriter. This well-liked classic movie caused quite a stir when it was released to audiences in 1971, with the violent nature of it hitting the headlines. What helped add to the brutal scenes in the movie, though, was the rather unique sprinkling of music that you wouldn’t normally associate with such savageness. For instance, the likes of Elgar and Beethoven would accompany scenes of intense violence to create a uniquely terrifying end result. When assessing the impact music can have on the horror genre, A Clockwork Orange is the perfect example.
Dracula (1979)
Directed by John Williams in 1979, Dracula is one of the most iconic horror movies to have ever been made. Big things were expected from the much-loved production due to Williams’ rising reputation, and it delivered. It’s perfect in every way, from the acting to the sets involved, while the music perfectly highlighted the dark romanticism that is on show throughout the movie. For many people, Dracula was their first taste of the horror genre.
Halloween (1979)
Perhaps the most famous horror movie of the lot, Halloween was released in 1979 and its music has gone on to become synonymous with the production. Thanks to John Carpenter, who wrote, directed and composed music for the film, Halloween will never die, especially when assessing its music, with the eery piano-based track that is played regularly nailing the feel of the film.
