The summer season is slowly sizzling down, and Fall will soon begin to peek its head out. We’re getting closer to the season of witches, goblins, and all kinds of spooky creatures of Halloween. With the “Season of the Dead” starting soon, the iconic movies that have added to the chills and frights of the season will start to be streamed across the airwaves of the modern age. With this, I have compiled my take on the 10 most iconic horror movie soundtracks. Let’s go!
Halloween (1978)
Composed by: John Carpenter
Probably the greatest and most classic score of any horror film in the last 50 years would have to be John Carpenter’s composition for his own film, Halloween (1978). You hear it in the chilling opening with the frantic and eerie piano notes that lead to the first death of Michael Myers’ older sister, Judith. Who can forget the stalking, menacing, and utterly dreadful sounds of piano and synth as Michael stalks the final girl, babysitter Laurie Strode? And of course, it’s all leading to the “Halloween Theme” coming back as we search for the missing body of Michael after being shot by Dr. Loomis.
The Thing (1982)
Composed by: Ennio Morricone and John Carpenter
Ennio Morricone had a successful career working with Sergio Leone and other spaghetti western directors in the 1960s and 70s. Then he decided to collaborate with Mr. Carpenter on what would become one of the scariest monster films of 1982. The soundtrack in the background allows the scares to be amplified while not detracting from them. I guarantee you will never think of spiders and dogs the same after watching The Thing alone in the dark. Don’t do it!
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Composed by: Charles Bernstein
Another classic film! I couldn’t resist putting this one on the list. Charles Bernstein perfectly blended the eerie chills of 1980s synth pop sounds with classical film scores. While predominantly using the prior genre’s sounds, there are definite nods made to Mr. Bernstein’s classical roots. These work to enhance and brighten the nightmares in this movie about the infamous dream demon.
Suspiria (1977)
Composed by: Goblin
Suspiria isn’t just a visually stunning masterpiece. It also offers an auditory experience that so perfectly pulls you into the story. Dario Argento decided to use an Italian progressive rock band called Goblin to provide the soundscape. He couldn’t have chosen a better group of musicians to provide the eerie and spectacular auditory journey that the band takes you on for 95 intense minutes.
Psycho (1960)
Composed by: Bernard Herrmann
An iconic horror film must, of course, have an iconic soundtrack. Bernard Hermann provides just that to Alfred Hitchcock’s film of an embezzling secretary who decides to hole up in the wrong motel. The opening theme is so popular that it has been used and sampled many times by artists like Busta Rhymes and Dave East. And of course, we all know how Mr. Hermann highlights the violent strings in the infamous shower scene. Norman’s “mother” erupts through the curtain to strike fear and panic into each of us, the bystander who happens to be watching.
The Exorcist (1973)
Composed by: Mike Oldfield and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
“Tubular Bells”, what else do I need to say? The sound of the bells being played for Chris MacNeil as she walks the streets of Georgetown still brings a chill up my spine whenever I watch the film. I grew up in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and have visited The Exorcist steps numerous times in my lifetime. I can say that whenever I’m in that part of town, I can almost hear the sound of ringing, melodic, almost high-spirited bells. It gives me a sense that I need to pick up my step and get to wherever I am going as fast as my legs will allow.
Hellraiser (1987)
Composed by: Christopher Young
Watching this film, it almost seems that the score and soundtrack are non-existent or barely there. This is done to enhance the scenery that occurs in the movie. For example, we see this when Christopher Young uses the score “The Lament Configuration”. We slink through the mazed labyrinth of chains, hooks, and other instruments of torture, dismemberment, and punishment. Clive Barker uses Christopher Young’s soundscapes to journey to hell and see what pleasures truly do await us.
The Shining (1980)
Composed by: Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind
When I think of the winding roads that we are on as we begin the film, I am instantly put in a mood. One of dread and anticipation of what awaits us. It is clearly outlined in the tone and music of the opening sequences of the movie. The sounds throughout, much like Hellraiser, are there more to accentuate the scenery rather than lead us through it. Listen to the sounds of the film with your eyes closed, and I’m sure you will imagine exactly what you saw in the winding and meandering roads of the fictitious Colorado.
Carrie (1976)
Composed by: Pino Donaggio
Pino Donaggio created a thoughtful and delicate score for 1976’s Carrie. It is what I would classify as the perfect mixture of sweet and scary, wholesome and broken. This is precisely what I think of when I see Carrie White. A girl born into circumstances beyond her control, learning to be in control. And yes, every time that school administrator called her ‘Cassie’, I, too, wanted to punch him in his face for her.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Composed by: Wojciech Kilar
Chilling, intense, powerful, and sensual. These are the emotions and thoughts that the score to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula recalls. The acting, both good and bad (sorry, Keanu), is intensified. Wojciech Kilar does not fail to provide with his score and cinematic soundscapes. And of course, there is even a small cameo appearance by Annie Lennox, which is a fantastic listen.
Perhaps you have your own favorite horror movie soundtracks you can add to this list. Ready your playlist in time for our favorite season. I will be listening to mine through Fall.
The 10 Most Iconic Horror Movie Soundtracks
The summer season is slowly sizzling down, and Fall will soon begin to peek its head out. We’re getting closer to the season of witches, goblins, and all kinds of spooky creatures of Halloween. With the “Season of the Dead” starting soon, the iconic movies that have added to the chills and frights of the season will start to be streamed across the airwaves of the modern age. With this, I have compiled my take on the 10 most iconic horror movie soundtracks. Let’s go!
Halloween (1978)
Composed by: John Carpenter
Probably the greatest and most classic score of any horror film in the last 50 years would have to be John Carpenter’s composition for his own film, Halloween (1978). You hear it in the chilling opening with the frantic and eerie piano notes that lead to the first death of Michael Myers’ older sister, Judith. Who can forget the stalking, menacing, and utterly dreadful sounds of piano and synth as Michael stalks the final girl, babysitter Laurie Strode? And of course, it’s all leading to the “Halloween Theme” coming back as we search for the missing body of Michael after being shot by Dr. Loomis.
The Thing (1982)
Composed by: Ennio Morricone and John Carpenter
Ennio Morricone had a successful career working with Sergio Leone and other spaghetti western directors in the 1960s and 70s. Then he decided to collaborate with Mr. Carpenter on what would become one of the scariest monster films of 1982. The soundtrack in the background allows the scares to be amplified while not detracting from them. I guarantee you will never think of spiders and dogs the same after watching The Thing alone in the dark. Don’t do it!
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Composed by: Charles Bernstein
Another classic film! I couldn’t resist putting this one on the list. Charles Bernstein perfectly blended the eerie chills of 1980s synth pop sounds with classical film scores. While predominantly using the prior genre’s sounds, there are definite nods made to Mr. Bernstein’s classical roots. These work to enhance and brighten the nightmares in this movie about the infamous dream demon.
Suspiria (1977)
Composed by: Goblin
Suspiria isn’t just a visually stunning masterpiece. It also offers an auditory experience that so perfectly pulls you into the story. Dario Argento decided to use an Italian progressive rock band called Goblin to provide the soundscape. He couldn’t have chosen a better group of musicians to provide the eerie and spectacular auditory journey that the band takes you on for 95 intense minutes.
Psycho (1960)
Composed by: Bernard Herrmann
An iconic horror film must, of course, have an iconic soundtrack. Bernard Hermann provides just that to Alfred Hitchcock’s film of an embezzling secretary who decides to hole up in the wrong motel. The opening theme is so popular that it has been used and sampled many times by artists like Busta Rhymes and Dave East. And of course, we all know how Mr. Hermann highlights the violent strings in the infamous shower scene. Norman’s “mother” erupts through the curtain to strike fear and panic into each of us, the bystander who happens to be watching.
The Exorcist (1973)
Composed by: Mike Oldfield and the National Philharmonic Orchestra
“Tubular Bells”, what else do I need to say? The sound of the bells being played for Chris MacNeil as she walks the streets of Georgetown still brings a chill up my spine whenever I watch the film. I grew up in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and have visited The Exorcist steps numerous times in my lifetime. I can say that whenever I’m in that part of town, I can almost hear the sound of ringing, melodic, almost high-spirited bells. It gives me a sense that I need to pick up my step and get to wherever I am going as fast as my legs will allow.
Hellraiser (1987)
Composed by: Christopher Young
Watching this film, it almost seems that the score and soundtrack are non-existent or barely there. This is done to enhance the scenery that occurs in the movie. For example, we see this when Christopher Young uses the score “The Lament Configuration”. We slink through the mazed labyrinth of chains, hooks, and other instruments of torture, dismemberment, and punishment. Clive Barker uses Christopher Young’s soundscapes to journey to hell and see what pleasures truly do await us.
The Shining (1980)
Composed by: Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind
When I think of the winding roads that we are on as we begin the film, I am instantly put in a mood. One of dread and anticipation of what awaits us. It is clearly outlined in the tone and music of the opening sequences of the movie. The sounds throughout, much like Hellraiser, are there more to accentuate the scenery rather than lead us through it. Listen to the sounds of the film with your eyes closed, and I’m sure you will imagine exactly what you saw in the winding and meandering roads of the fictitious Colorado.
Carrie (1976)
Composed by: Pino Donaggio
Pino Donaggio created a thoughtful and delicate score for 1976’s Carrie. It is what I would classify as the perfect mixture of sweet and scary, wholesome and broken. This is precisely what I think of when I see Carrie White. A girl born into circumstances beyond her control, learning to be in control. And yes, every time that school administrator called her ‘Cassie’, I, too, wanted to punch him in his face for her.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Composed by: Wojciech Kilar
Chilling, intense, powerful, and sensual. These are the emotions and thoughts that the score to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula recalls. The acting, both good and bad (sorry, Keanu), is intensified. Wojciech Kilar does not fail to provide with his score and cinematic soundscapes. And of course, there is even a small cameo appearance by Annie Lennox, which is a fantastic listen.
Perhaps you have your own favorite horror movie soundtracks you can add to this list. Ready your playlist in time for our favorite season. I will be listening to mine through Fall.
John Franklin
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