The visuals in horror movies are always important, from creepy killers in masks to abandoned homes. However, the score is perhaps the most important aspect of any movie. It goes far beyond background music; it’s an important element of the story that creates tension, evokes emotion, and enhances the overall impact. A good music score can create an immediate sense of unease before anything scary happens on screen. It’s a masterful tool for filmmakers to immerse the audience in a world of fear, suspense, and dread, making horror movies an unforgettable experience for those who dare to watch. This list features a few of the top horror movie soundtracks that will leave you on edge this Halloween season.
5 Horror Movie Soundtracks for Halloween
Nope – Michael Abels (2022)
Created by Jordan Peele, Nope tells the story of the Haywood siblings who attempt to capture an alien craft on camera that is hovering above their horse ranch. The movie was filled with unsettling and intense horror scenes but also had a touch of Western film elements, and the movie score reflects that.
Composed by Michael Abels, the score for the film contributes significantly to the movie’s unique atmosphere. The inclusion of strings and hints of old classic Western adventure music adds depth and intensity to the stakes the group soon finds themselves. Abels’ score excels at creating an unsettling atmosphere that is central to the horror genre.
Annihilation – Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow (2018)
Annihilation is based on Jeff Vandermeer’s first book in the Southern Reach trilogy. Lena, a biologist, embarks on an expedition to Area X, a government-protected area of land where the laws of nature are abnormal. Annihilations score, composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, effectively establishes an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that aligns with the mysterious and changing nature of Area X.
The occasional use of acoustic guitar in the score provides a brief break from the eerie world of Area X, allowing the audience to breathe and take in the strange beauty of the land around Lena. These moments offer a sense of contrast, almost like a sense of hope in the otherwise intense and unsettling landscape. It’s a clever choice to switch things up and keep the audience just as unexpecting as the expedition team feels on their deadly journey.
The Crow- Graeme Revell (1994)
The Crow is a cult classic film that beautifully blends elements of comic book, goth culture, and neo-noir films. A year after Eric Draven and his fiancé Shelly are brutally murdered, Eric returns ready to seek revenge on the gang responsible. This dark and atmospheric world is perfectly portrayed by Graeme Revell’s score. It masterfully captures the emotional depths and gothic aesthetics that define the film. The music also utilizes goth rock instrumentals with a mix of the classic noir sounds made popular in black and white films. The film’s gothic and rock and roll aesthetic are integral to its cultural impact.
Raw – Jim Williams (2016)
Going off to college and discovering that you’re a cannibal go hand in hand in this French coming-of-age horror. Raw explores dark, disturbing themes. The film’s score, composed by Jim Williams, plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere and emotions experienced by the protagonist, Justine, who starts having unnatural cravings for flesh after starting her first year of vet school.
The film has this dull atmosphere and gives off feelings of depression. Embodying the somber tone of the story, the soundtrack serves as an auditory backdrop to Justine’s disturbing transformation. Some tracks utilize string instruments like guitars and violins to emulate feelings of loneliness and anxiety displayed throughout the film. The score is particularly effective in messing with audience expectations. At times, it might start with a more melodic or conventional theme, only to morph into something unsettling and dissonant.
Trick ‘r Treat – Douglas Pipes (2007)
Each hometown has its own creepy legends and horror stories. Trick ‘r Treat intertwines a few of them during Halloween night in Warren Valley, Ohio. In this cult classic, the music immediately immerses the audience in the Halloween spirit. The score by Douglas Pipes captures the playful and festive essence of the holiday with its whimsical, almost carnival-like melodies. It transports you to a world where Halloween is a time of both fun and fright. While the score maintains a whimsical and playful tone, it also builds suspense in each of the intertwined stories. This creates a sense of anticipation, keeping the audience on edge, waiting for the next creepy twist or scare.
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