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 Movie Music and Theme Songs (41–50)
MantraPopol Vuh
This is a piece used in the German film Nosferatu, a 1922 release that pioneered vampire horror and was remade in 1978.
While it has no big developments or showy expressions, the arrangement, which makes full use of the resonance and timbre of the strings, evokes a European sense of grandeur.
It’s so beautiful that it amply expands the image of the vampire—and it’s horror.
Saturday Wide Theater ‘Diabolic Sequence’Katakura Mikiya
I get chills remembering the opening visuals with the flashing spotlights.
The main theme that evokes a sense of madness is striking.
The way it converges into the serene second theme shows true brilliance.
In one section, they even reduce the number of strings to change the sound pressure, showcasing a playful touch befitting a maverick.
Sleepy HollowDanny Elfman
The tense, brooding orchestra, the eerie chorus, and the desperately beautiful melodies layered together are always incredibly cool, beautiful—and terrifying! This is the soundtrack to Tim Burton’s 1999 film Sleepy Hollow, composed by Danny Elfman.
While Elfman is, of course, famous for Batman, it may actually have been Sleepy Hollow that truly put his name on the map.
This work, depicting the legend of the Headless Horseman, is a masterpiece that fully showcases Elfman’s talents, brilliantly capturing its dark, fantastical world.
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.
A Truly Scary Story Main ThemeMizutani Hiromi
This is also the theme song of the Japanese TV show “Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi” (True Scary Stories).
Since it’s a program dedicated to horror, the theme song is, of course, all about fear as well.
The whistling-like melody and the creepy background sounds are scary, too.
As you listen, the lights in your room might start flickering…
maybe.
EraserheadDeviddo Rinchi
David Lynch: January 20, 1946.
An American film director, screenwriter, producer, musician, and actor.
Eraserhead: A 1977 American film.
A black-and-white movie for which David Lynch single-handedly handled production, direction, screenplay, editing, art direction, and special effects.
A work characteristic of David Lynch, who loves surrealism.
feels l ike HEAVENHIIH
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.