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)
THE DEVIL’S NIGHTMAREAressandoro Aressandorōni
Alessandro Alessandroni was an Italian musician and composer.
He played multiple instruments, including guitar, mandolin, sitar, and piano, and worked as a film score composer.
This is a piece from the 1971 Belgian horror film “The Devil’s Nightmare,” a composition that depicts a sensual demon.
Scary and Beautiful Masterpieces: Horror Film Music and Theme Songs (51–60)
The OthersArehandoro Amenābaru
Alejandro Amenábar, a film director and composer from Santiago.
This is a piece from his film The Others.
It’s a 2001 American–Spanish–French co-produced thriller, with Tom Cruise serving as executive producer.
The story follows a family living in a sprawling mansion who are joined by three servants, after which inexplicable phenomena begin to occur in the house.
For some reason, a cute little girl’s singing voice always heightens the unease in horror films, doesn’t it?
The Texas Chainsaw MassacreUiin Beru
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a 1974 American film.
Since its 2015 revival screening in Japan, it has been rated R-15 there.
With sound effects that make extensive use of metallic noises and processing, it is a terrifying work that conjures the image of a chainsaw-wielding killer.
Interview with the VampireEriot to Gōrudensāru
Elliot Goldenthal: Born May 2, 1954.
A composer from New York, USA.
The film Interview with the Vampire is a 1994 American movie directed by Neil Jordan, based on Anne Rice’s novel.
There’s an anecdote that the interviewer role, originally intended for River Phoenix, was given to Christian Slater after Phoenix passed away.
The classical, operatic elements really heighten the sense of terror.
Strong FateWagakki Band
Skyrocketing in popularity as the theme song for “Zang-ei: The Room You Must Not Live In.” Yuko Suzuhana handled both lyrics and composition.
This is the first time WagakkiBand has been involved in music for a film.
There’s an anecdote that the movie’s producer immediately became convinced WagakkiBand was the perfect choice to express Japan’s traditional “wa-style” fear through music.
Persecution of the masses
Composed by Shiro Sagisu, this is the main theme used not only in the film Shin Godzilla but also in its trailers.
The title “masses” refers to the Mass, and the theme is characterized by choral elements that evoke a mass setting.
Glory of Love by EstherJon Ottoman
This piece, with its beautiful yet eerie vocals, resonates throughout.
Released in January 2009 as part of the soundtrack for the film Orphan, composed by John Ottman, it is used in the unsettling scene featuring the voice of Esther, the girl adopted from an orphanage, heightening the film’s tension and psychological atmosphere with remarkable effect.
Its distinctive, synthesizer-driven approach leaves a powerful impression on the audience.
While depicting the complexity and beauty of love, it also expresses the challenges in human relationships and the joy of overcoming them.
It’s a recommended track not only for fans of horror films but also for those who enjoy psychological suspense.