Many horror films make the mistake of focusing on jumpscares over soundtrack. While they can be effective, one key component in creating memorable horror is music. Sound plays such a tremendous role in building tension, adding emotion & atmosphere to a scene. Even the most famous horror films are instantly recognisable by their theme music.
With that in mind, & while I am no professional music critic (just an enthusiast 😊) – here are 10 horror soundtracks that I think are well worth listening to.
(Side note: this list is not exhaustive, nor is it ‘ranked’ – each soundtrack is fantastic for different reasons.)
Dead Silence OST (Charlie Clouser)
While the ending could have used some work, you can’t fault Dead Silence on being an aesthetically pleasing film. The makeup, the sets, the props, and then of course – there’s the stunning soundtrack.
Dead Silence’s main title theme has been overused by scare attractions far & wide. For those who aren’t already familiar with the composer Charlie Clouser, he is also responsible for score on the Saw OST.
Songs from this Dead Silence soundtrack I’d particularly recommend are, “Ella”, “Funeral” and “Lips Moving”.
The Babadook OST (Jed Kurzel)
Depression as an underlying theme for a horror film is somewhat overdone (& arguably, stigmatizing) at this point. That being said, the soundtrack truly engulfs you in the chaos of crumbling mental health.
While other horror soundtracks embody sadness, this soundtrack centers more on the feelings of rising dread & emptiness. Examples of this from the OST are “The Book Returns”, “Shopping Mall”, & “Méliés”.
(also look at how absolutely stunning the vinyl is!)
The Grudge OST (2004 Remake) (Christopher Young)
What was noticeable about this? The juxtaposition between terrifying orchestral & lamenting piano songs. This beautifully conveyed the sadness in Kayako’s story.
What else really stuck with me ever since I first watched it, was the use of string instruments & breathing noises in the track “Ju-On VI”. Few soundtracks have embodied something enchantingly sinister like this. We’re drawn into Kayako’s darkness with dissonant glockenspiels and whispery lullabies.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s something to be said for the original Ju-On soundtrack. I’m particularly a fan of The Shadow track, which never fails to make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck!
But, I will always have a soft spot for the soundtrack of the remake. Even though it terrifies me, after all this time I can’t stop listening to it.
Vampire: the Masquerade – Bloodlines (Rik Shaffer)
Part of why this game is such an unforgettable cult classic, is it’s music. A perfect mix of awesome + original game score, & band tracks. Tracks from Collide, Lacuna Coil and Ministry are featured in game to complement the early 2000’s ‘gothy’ vibe that V:TMB has.
Personal favourites of mine from Rik Schaffer’s score, are both the Hollywood & Santa Monica themes. However, there’s not a song from the soundtrack that isn’t enjoyable. If I couldn’t enthuse about the game itself any more, it is worth playing even just to hear the music.
Just, go play Vampire: the Masquerade – Bloodlines already. 😁
Sinister OST (Christopher Young)
It was obvious that Scott Derrickson, who selected the band tracks for this film, did his research about dark ambient. Featured were Aghast, Ulver, Accurst, Boards of Canada etc.
Most of the tracks from these artists were accompanying Bughuul’s ‘home videos’. Essentially, what were the more “sinister” songs of the film (*ba dum tsh*). For that alone, the Sinister soundtrack is well worth a listen.
Then there is the unsurprisingly brilliant score, composed by Christopher Young. The blend with electronic/dance elements in the original tracks made for both some melodic piano pieces, and unnerving instrumentals.
Layers of Fear OST (Arkadiusz Reikowski + Penelopa Willmann-Szynalik)
Not long after I lost someone close to me, I played this game. It felt like someone had cracked open the core of everything I felt, and made it into a soundtrack. For those who have played, you will know the story is fundamentally as sad as it is frightening.
A psychological horror game bordering on psychedelic at times, Layers of Fear has a beautifully disturbed soundtrack to match. Predominantly haunting piano pieces, with music box melodies and chaotic electronic tracks thrown in. What could easily be a generic horror soundtrack (from it’s aforementioned components), instead paints a mesmerising portrait of grief and regret.
While it’s difficult to pick a favourite song, “Shapeless Dreams”, “Paintings On the Wall Part 2” and “Music Box” are particularly emotive.
Ghost Master OST (PC game) (Paul Weir)
Not every horror soundtrack has to be terrifying to make the top 10. 😃
Ghost Master is a strategy game released back in 2003, where you control numerous ghouls and ghosts to scare people from their homes. While playing, Ghost Master delivers both fun & stunningly atmospheric tracks.
Since they’re all so catchy, it’s honestly hard to say what to listen to first. Try out songs “Ghoul Room”, “Map of Gravenville”, and “Hi-Scare Table”.
Alice: Madness Returns OST (Jason Tai, Marshall Crutcher, Chris Vrenna)
This game is in every way, an underrated masterpiece. Alice: Madness Returns is a psychological horror hack & slash game developed by Spicy Horse studio & released by EA games. This game is the sequel to American McGee’s Alice which is also well worth a playthrough.
In equal parts tragic, angry, serene and unnerving – the Madness Returns soundtrack is versatile as it is darkly beautiful. The tracks reflect the level that Alice travels through, i.e. “Vale of Tears” , “Tundraful” (frozen tundra themed level), “Dollhouse” (yes, a dollhouse themed level) etc.
Some of the best ambient tracks (“Tundraful”, “Duchess”) weren’t officially released as part of the OST album, but I thoroughly recommend finding them on Youtube and listening to the entire soundtrack.
Donnie Darko OST (Michael Andrews)
Technically speaking, Donnie Darko is not a horror film – but it’s close enough (being a psychological thriller) to justify the beautiful soundtrack.
Michael Andrews’ score is moody ambient with an unnerving edge, rather than outright hair-raising. That being said, several of the tracks are dreamy piano melodies (“The Artifact and Living”, “Gretchen Ross”, “Liquid Spear Waltz”).
A lot of this soundtrack could double up as chilled out ambient songs for walking. At least, it certainly often ends up on my playlists for going on walks.
Nancy Drew Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake OST (PC game) (Kevin Manthei + Kevin Riepl)
While the Nancy Drew games are of the click & point adventure genre, the spooky atmosphere present in many of them is not to be underestimated!
Kevin Manthei is responsible for having composed many of the fantastic Nancy Drew PC game soundtracks. In fact, there’s 26 of his soundtracks for you to be getting on with 😁 (& yes, I have listened to most of them).
But firstly, listen to the Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake OST. So you don’t get too scared, there are several upbeat songs to offset the tense atmosphere of tracks such as “Forest”, “Spooky”, and “Tunnel”.
Almost unsurprisingly, Manthei was also the composer for Vampire: the Masquerade – Redemption soundtrack. All good things come back to Vampire: the Masquerade, right?
Bonus round!
- Evil Dead (2013 remake) trailer music (Randy Jist). Unfortunately Randroid/Randy Jist removed the trailer tracks he produced for the Evil Dead film from his Soundcloud. At the time the Evil Dead remake was released, the trailer was so impactful thanks to this track. The film’s orchestral score is nice, yes. But the trailer music was pretty much iconic & this style of track should have been featured in the film itself.
- Resident Evil: Afterlife OST (Tomandandy). Ok, so I have a soft spot for soundtracks with some electronic/metal fusion involved. When implemented effectively though, it’s just awesome! Go listen to tracks “Flying” or “Axeman”.
- Tomie (1999 movie). This soundtrack features some unusual experimental songs (such as World Famous – Funhouse 2), so it definitely deserves a mention for memorability.
- Queen of the Damned (Richard Gibbs). While I can appreciate that the film does not do the book justice, Queen of the Damned the film serves up both a fantastic score & playlist of well selected nu metal/alternative goodness. Maybe for some people, the cringe overrides any ability to enjoy the OST. However, the violin tracks from Richard Gibb’s score are superb.
- Underworld OST – Paul Haslinger did an excellent job of matching the OST with the gothic & gritty atmosphere of the film. “Deathdealer’s Deploy”, and “Eternity and a Day” are standout tracks from this soundtrack.
