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)
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.
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.
Masterpieces That Are Both Frightening and Beautiful: Horror Film Music and Theme Songs (31–40)
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.
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.
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!
Please let me pass.warabe uta
This is a children’s song whose lyrics are thought to have taken shape in the Edo period.
The lyricist is unknown.
A leading theory holds that “Tōryanse” originated at Sugawara Shrine (Yamazumi Tenjin Shrine) in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, or at Miyoshino Shrine in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture.
These lyrics are often associated with legends of spirit abductions (kamikakushi), human pillars, and buried treasure.
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.