[2026] Eerie BGM That Stokes Fear | Compilation

Carnival of Souls – Main TitleGene Moore

Carnival of Souls – Main Title

One of the fun aspects of getting into horror films is discovering that truly great music often lies not in world-famous, globally celebrated works, but rather in those with a cult following and passionate niche acclaim.

Made in 1962, Carnival of Souls is a quintessential classic of cult horror and is even said to have inspired The Sixth Sense.

Beyond the film itself, its soundtrack—composed entirely for pipe organ in light of the protagonist being an organist—has earned high praise.

Even if you don’t know the film, you can likely sense from the melodies the unsettling, ominous atmosphere, and yet a certain mystical aura, all expressed with exquisite balance.

It’s the kind of appeal you can savor precisely because it’s the music of a film so different from Hollywood blockbusters—lacking in lavishness or polish, steeped instead in that low-budget cult vibe.

If this has piqued your curiosity, by all means check out the feature itself!

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Profondo RossoGoblin

GOBLIN “PROFONDO ROSSO” (DEEP RED) on Italian tv

The tense, suspenseful intro, the melodious bass line, and that utterly iconic main melody phrase layering together and then suddenly shifting into a full band sound—no matter how many times I hear it, it’s breathtakingly cool, beautiful, and terrifying! It’s the super-famous theme from the 1975 Italian horror masterpiece Deep Red, whose soundtrack was created by Goblin, one of the most popular bands in Italian progressive rock.

When you think of Goblin, of course Dario Argento’s Suspiria is also famous, but it was Deep Red that truly put their name on the map.

Looking at the original title, those unfamiliar with the background might wonder why there’s no trace of the word “Suspiria” at all, but Deep Red’s original title is Profondo Rosso.

After Suspiria became a hit in Japan in 1977, the earlier Profondo Rosso was released under the title Suspiria Part 2—a very era-specific marketing move.

It’s kind of scary in its own way how the Japanese distributor of the time boldly sold it as a sequel despite the works having no connection whatsoever!

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feels l ike HEAVENHIIH

Ring Trilogy MV FEELS LIKE HEAVEN HIIH Ring Spiral

A song from the film “Ring,” whose opening line is incredibly famous in Japan.

The impact of that opening and Sadako’s iconic entrance scene are so well known that I feel it’s not widely recognized how groovy and danceable this track actually is.

That said, listening to it immediately brings back the terror of Ring, making it arguably one of Japan’s quintessential horror songs.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Carol Anne’s ThemeJerry Goldsmith

Carol Anne’s Theme (End Title)

A masterpiece by Jerry Goldsmith where a fantastical melody and eerie atmosphere intertwine exquisitely.

It was released as a track on the soundtrack for the film Poltergeist, which premiered in June 1982.

In the movie, it serves as the theme for the young heroine, Carol Anne, brilliantly contrasting her innocence with the supernatural.

The piece begins with gentle piano tones and gradually swells as the orchestra joins, evolving into a grand, breathtaking arrangement.

It’s perfect as background music for a Halloween party, and also highly recommended for quietly listening on a calm night.

Chariots of PumpkinsJohn Carpenter

John Carpenter – Halloween 1978 (main Theme)

Halloween, the American splatter film series.

The theme song of this popular franchise is an intensely immersive track.

With its mysterious clattering sounds and dynamic swells, the arrangement creates the illusion of spiraling into panic—part of its appeal.

I definitely recommend listening with headphones.

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Murakami Shinpei

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