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!
- A spine-chilling, terrifying song. Japanese music that evokes madness and horror.
- [2026] Eerie BGM That Stokes Fear | Compilation
- A spine-chilling scary song: masterful tracks that evoke fear and eerie recommended songs
- BGM for a haunted house. Scary music.
- [Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Collection [Monsters & Zombies]
- [Film Music] Theme songs from Western movies: those unforgettable classics and popular tunes
- Recommendation of Scary Music: That Song That’s Actually Frightening
- [Showa × Halloween] A roundup of chilling songs with scary lyrics and an unsettling atmosphere!
- Songs that amp up Halloween: a roundup of perfect tracks for party BGM!
- [Classical] Recommended classical music perfect for Halloween
- Which songs are often used on Instagram? A recommended music collection to make your Stories pop
- [Game Battle Music Compilation] Burning Fighting Spirit! Recommended Battle BGMs
- Chills down your spine. A collection of Vocaloid songs that are scary but irresistibly listenable.
Scary and Beautiful Masterpieces: Horror Film Music and Theme Songs (21–30)
Emily RoseKurisutofā Yangu
The horror film Emily Rose is based on a real incident that actually happened in the United States.
This is its theme song, and since the story is drawn from real events rather than fiction, it’s all the more frightening.
Centered around the piano, this track builds the film’s atmosphere, and as you listen, you’re gradually pulled deeper into its world.
Theme song of Rosemary’s BabyKrzysztof Komeda
Based on the novel, the horror film Rosemary’s Baby portrays devil worship, and unlike many horror songs that are instrumental, it actually features vocals.
It’s a truly terrifying track—an undeniable masterpiece that can instill fear even if you don’t know the film.
It’s a strange piece that carries a somewhat sorrowful mood, with an almost beautiful quality.
Masterpieces That Are Both Frightening and Beautiful: Horror Film Music and Theme Songs (31–40)
The Elephant Manjon morisu
John Morris: October 18, 1926.
American composer.
The Elephant Man: A 1980 British-American co-produced film directed by David Lynch.
The quiet music in the scene where the surgeon Frederick Treves sees a disfigured adult at a freak show is deeply moving.
Bride of FrankensteinFurantsu Wakkusuman
Music: Franz Waxman.
Film: Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
Although it’s quite an old movie, classic sound effects like thunderbolts and wind were also recorded, playing an important role in heightening the terror alongside the classical orchestra.
Suspect X: The Alibi of a Genius MathematicianShin Yi-kyeong
The film Suspect X: The Genius Mathematician’s Alibi is a 2012 South Korean movie directed by Pang Eun-jin.
A math teacher notices something unusual in the apartment next door.
The familiar theme of neighbors makes the fear feel closer to home.
The dynamic operatic music heightens the drama.
TRICK Main Theme “Mystic Antique”Tsuji Akira
Speaking of the supernatural, you can’t leave out this drama.
Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s masterpiece series TRICK blended comedy with uniquely striking lines and plot twists that made you stop and think.
The main theme of that classic show had an especially memorable phrase.
Just hearing it makes you want to watch the drama again!
VideodromeHaward Shore
Howard Shore: A Canadian musician who composes for American films.
Videodrome is a 1982 Canadian film directed by David Cronenberg.
Although the content is extremely cryptic, it is popular as a cult movie.
The mechanical sounds are intensely unsettling, and as you listen, there’s a kind of fear that makes you increasingly anxious.