Music has always been a key part of films, from Bernard Herrmann's memorable Citizen Kane score to John Williams' epic music from the Star Wars saga, music has always played a large role in the film industry. Horror films are no different, in fact music is an extremely important ingredient in a horror film for setting the tone or building suspense throughout. Over the years there have been a number of haunting horror themes that have sent chills down our spines whenever we hear them, aiding the films scare factor. In my opinion, the following ten pieces of music are the pinnacle of horror movie scores as they help to set the films tone, make for many suspenseful moments and are just generally chilling so sit back and have a listen to my top 10 horror film theme songs.
10. April Fools Day- Slaughter High (1986)
In the wide menagerie of 80's slasher flicks, Slaughter High would probably be among the obscure and has remained a cult classic since its initial release. This nasty slasher follows a group of people attending their high school reunion only to be stalked by a maniacal former classmate who they accidentally left disfigured back in high school. The films score was composed by Harry Manfredini and its main theme is one of the most memorable in 80's slasher history. This hard rock number which plays throughout really suits Slaughter High as it is a fun film and I feel the theme song helps to set the films playful tone. Also it's a really cool song and you can listen to it here.
9. Rocky Mountains- The Shining (1980)
Although it strays pretty far from Stephen King's book, Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation of The Shining is a horror masterpiece in its own right. Like many of Kubrick's films, the soundtrack is a memorable one which in this case is mainly due to its opening theme. The opening theme of the shining was composed by Wendy Carlos (who also composed the electronic tracks in Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange) and my god it makes for one of the most memorable opening credits there is. The sinister, synth-heavy tune sets the dark tone of the film while the haunting, moan-like sounds are truly and utterly chilling, check out the iconic theme here.
8. Profondo Rosso- Profondo Rosso (1975)
When it comes to scoring horror films, Goblin are experts. The Italian prog rock band made made their claim to fame from their frequent collaborations with director Dario Argento, the first of which was his 1975 giallo classic Profondo Rosso. The main title is a prime example of Goblins talent, its incorporation of a church organ is very reminiscent of old horror films such as The Phantom of the Opera while maintaining that signature Goblin style. It is a brilliant piece of music that sets up the very music-centric film (its lead protagonist is a jazz pianist), in fact the entire soundtrack is worth a listen, incorporating genres such as prog rock, jazz and metal so if you have the time I highly recommend it. You can listen to the main theme here.
7. Friday the 13th Part III theme- Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
I already spoke about Harry Manfredini and his work on the Slaughter High soundtrack however he is most well known for his work on the music of the Friday the 13th franchise. Now there have been many renditions of the theme for Friday the 13th but the third installments takes the cake, it is the most 80's horror theme song out there. It is more catchy than haunting but that's what makes it so memorable, keyboard heavy and boasting a bongo solo halfway through, it is definitely one of the most memorable horror themes of the 80's. You can listen to it in all its glory here.
6. Tubular Bells- The Excorcist (1973)
The only entry on my list that was not composed originally for the film, what many of us have come to know as the theme from The Exorcist is in fact the opening to Mike Oldfield's prog rock record Tubular Bells. After its brief appearance in William Friedkin's acclaimed horror film the song became extremely popular and has been associated with the film ever since. This is understandable as the haunting piano solo from the beginning of Oldfield's record suits the films tone perfectly and really sets the eerie atmosphere that The Exorcist is so well known for. Although it has been said that Oldfield was not happy with how it was used in the film, Tubular Bells gained immense success due to its inclusion and is now referred to by many as The Exorcist theme song. You can listen to the portion of Tubular Bells used in the film here.
5. Psycho Theme- Psycho (1960)
One of horror cinema's most iconic films to date, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a suspenseful masterpiece that was way ahead of its time. To achieve such levels of suspense, a score was composed by maestro Bernard Herrmann and my god is it one of the most memorable scores in cinematic history. The tense opening theme sets the films suspenseful tone and gives the impression that something sinister is about to happen, never have violins sounded so terrifying. There is also the iconic shower scene number with the high-pitched violins but I feel that the films opening theme is what helps to create the suspenseful atmosphere in the first place and without it we may have an entirely different film altogether. You can listen to the brilliant theme here.
4. Phantasm Theme- Phantasm (1979)
Another synth-heavy theme on my list, this one from Don Coscarelli's cult horror film Phantasm which starred the late Angus Scrimm (R.I.P.). The score was composed by Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave and takes elements from the previously mentioned Mike Oldfield and Goblin while establishing itself as an original piece. It is a truly haunting theme that sets up the films eerie atmosphere, there is one particular scene in which the films antagonist known only as the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) walks down main street while the creepy number plays and it sends shivers down my spine every time I see it. If you wish to listen to the chilling theme from Phantasm it is right here.
3. Halloween Theme- Halloween (1978)
One of the things that makes John Carpenter such an admirable filmmaker is the fact that many of his film scores are self composed and there is no better example of his genius than in Halloween. The main theme composed and performed by John Carpenter is at heart a simple piano melody but it has since become one of the most well known horror themes of all time. It sets the suspenseful mood of Carpenters tense slasher film right from the beginning and is just one of the many chilling tracks from the mind of John Carpenter. The Halloween theme song is right up there among some of the most memorable film themes of all time and if you haven't heard it already well then get on that scene by clicking here.
2. Rosemary's Lullaby- Rosemary's Baby (1968)
I'll have to admit I never really found Rosemary's Baby scary, its acting and its direction by Roman Polanski are fantastic don't get me wrong and while it is a tense flick I was never really scared by it. However, one thing about it that does creep me out big time is its theme song, this haunting lullaby performed by the lead actress Mia Farrow and composed by Krysztof Komeda always manages to make my spine tingle. It is a fitting theme song for a film about to give birth to the antichrist and although it is a lullaby it will only keep you awake at night. If there's one thing about Rosemary's Baby that freaks me out it is Rosemary's Lullaby so if you want to experience the same spine chilling sensation you can listen to it here.
1. Suspiria- Suspiria (1977)
We're back with Goblin again who take the top spot in what is undoubtedly their finest work, the Suspiria score. This beautifully haunting theme song (which was composed before production on the film was completed) really sets the eerie and dreamlike atmosphere that Suspiria is so famous for. Used in many scenes throughout the number always leaves a lasting effect and will give you goosebumps when you actually watch the film. With a combination of the score along with the beautiful cinematography, production design and his own skills as a director, Argento manages to create a haunting air of suspense from start to finish, without Goblin's score it would not have been the same. It is one of my favourite film scores and by far my favourite theme song from any horror film and if you want to experience the wonders of Goblin, you can do so here.
So those are my favourite horror themes but I'm sure there are plenty more that a lot of you enjoy too so let me know in the comments what yours are. Also keeping in spirit of the musical theme of this post I would like to congratulate my friends' band The Tailor Made for making the semi-finals of Bloodstock's metal to the masses campaign, you guys rock and you can check them out here if you enjoy a blend of grunge/indie/metal/punk music.
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