### The 10 Best Horror Movie Soundtracks
Horror movies are not just about the scares; they also rely heavily on their soundtracks to create an eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Here are ten of the most iconic and terrifying horror movie soundtracks that have become synonymous with the genre.
1. **Halloween by John Carpenter**
– John Carpenter’s score for “Halloween” is one of the most recognizable in horror history. The theme, which features a tense piano riff in 5/4 time, sets the tone for suspense and fear. Even without the film, the music is enough to make your skin crawl.
2. **Suspiria by Goblin**
– The Italian progressive rock band Goblin created a groundbreaking score for Dario Argento’s “Suspiria.” The main theme sounds like a demented music box, and the use of unorthodox instruments like the Moog synthesizer and tabla adds to the film’s creepy atmosphere.
3. **The Thing by Ennio Morricone**
– Ennio Morricone, known for his spaghetti westerns, composed the score for John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” The main theme, titled “Humanity – Pt. 1,” features sweeping orchestral swells and creates tension with painfully slow movements and jarring chord voicings.
4. **Candyman by Philip Glass**
– Philip Glass is famous for his repetitive motifs, which he used to great effect in “Candyman.” The score traps listeners in hypnotic stasis while pushing them along with unrelenting rhythms and gripping sequences. It’s perfect for the horror genre, especially when you dare to repeat the title character’s name in front of a bathroom mirror.
5. **Psycho by Bernard Herrmann**
– Bernard Herrmann’s score for “Psycho” laid the template for soaring strings in horror films. The use of muted strings adds to the tension, while the shrieking sounds during the infamous shower scene make it one of the most impactful uses of music in cinema.
6. **Alien by Jerry Goldsmith**
– Jerry Goldsmith’s score for “Alien” is an archetypal horror soundtrack. It features esoteric sounds and a constant beating bass drum that keeps the heart rate up. This score laid the foundation for many other horror soundtracks.
7. **Eraserhead by David Lynch & Alan R. Splet**
– While not strictly a horror film, “Eraserhead” is a surrealist psychological creeper that guarantees to give you the chills. The soundtrack, created by David Lynch and Alan R. Splet, is raw and obscure, making it a must-listen for those interested in mind-altering electronic music.
8. **The Shining by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind**
– Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind’s haunting themes from “The Shining” are iconic. The score features eerie and disorienting tracks that perfectly complement the film’s dark atmosphere.
9. **It Follows by Disasterpiece**
– The score for “It Follows” features climactic layering, terrifying melodies, low and slow rhythms, and a bass that slithers in and pulses before disappearing. It’s a horror soundtrack debut for composer Rich Vreeland (under the Disasterpiece moniker) and a great one at that.
10. **Hereditary by Colin Stetson**
– Colin Stetson’s score for “Hereditary” is disorienting and unsettling. The use of saxophone and other instruments creates a sense of unease that perfectly complements the film’s dark themes.
These soundtracks have not only enhanced the horror experience but have also become an integral part of the genre’s legacy. Whether it’s the eerie piano riffs of “
