A fearsome and beautiful masterpiece: Themes from terrifying film scores
The role that music plays in horror films and suspense dramas is incredibly significant and important.
There are ways to evoke fear through silence, of course, but iconic theme songs often have the power to make you feel fear from the melody alone, or instantly conjure vivid scenes from the film.
Here, we’re introducing a collection of terrifying yet beautiful masterpieces, centered on classic horror movies.
Many of these tracks transcend the category of “film themes” and are used in all sorts of contexts—you’ve likely heard quite a few of them at least once.
You might even discover, “So this was from that movie?”
By all means, turn off the lights and enjoy with headphones!
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Scary and Beautiful Masterpieces: Horror Film Music and Theme Songs (21–30)
MiseryMaaku Sheiman
The background music from the 1991 film “Misery” in Japan.
The movie is about a popular male author who is imprisoned and restrained by a female fan, and his attempts to escape.
However, the piano melody in this scene is somehow wistful, and it feels as though it expresses her complex emotions.
It’s a piece of background music that evokes something unfathomable in the film’s female lead.
From the film Princess Mononoke: ‘TA-TA-RI-GAMI’Hisaishi Joe
From the 1997 Studio Ghibli masterpiece Princess Mononoke, which grossed 19.3 billion yen, here is the theme of the Tatari-gami (Curse God).
The film’s world, said to have taken 16 years from conception to release, was truly beautiful, wasn’t it? At the same time, this piece is still scary even as an adult.
PolymorphiaKushishutofu Penderetsuki
Music: Krzysztof Penderecki: November 23, 1933.
A Polish composer.
Film: The Shining is a horror film made in 1980, adapted from Stephen King’s novel and directed by Stanley Kubrick.
If you’ve seen the movie, listening to it should bring back the scene where a mentally ill man chases his family.
Self/lessAntonio Pinto
Background music used in the 2016 sci-fi film “Self/less.” It conveys the panic experienced by the protagonist, who is thrown into an incomprehensible sci-fi world.
It’s a three-dimensional BGM that intuitively evokes fear and anxiety; ideally, listen with headphones or in a setup that provides stereo imaging, with the bass emphasized.
Theme song from the movie ‘Creepshow’Jon Harison
There are persistent rumors that “Yonimo Kimyō na Monogatari” ripped off this piece, but the truth is unknown.
Harrison’s music is characterized by an accessible touch that never relies on shock effects and includes just the right amount of melody.
Here, too, rather than aggressive horror writing meant to jolt or startle, he focuses on enhancing the sense of mystery, carefully building the atmosphere to leave a lasting impression—crafting ‘listenable’ horror music.
Terminator 2 theme songBrad Fiedel
This is the iconic theme from that classic film—one that almost inspires a sense of fear.
Many people recognize it within the first three seconds: yes, it’s the main theme from Terminator.
Its rhythm and its simple yet catchy melody make it a track that’s surprisingly deep when you really listen.
Be sure to listen all the way to the end!
Donaggio Bucket Of BloodPino Donajjio
The film Carrie is a 1976 work directed by Brian De Palma.
It’s a movie about a girl with telekinetic powers who takes revenge on her bullies.
The song featured in the film is by Italian singer-songwriter Pino Donaggio.
The strings in the latter half heighten the tension.