Although the music on this list is far from high pitched screams, shrilling cats, chains, and creaky doors, the scary music from these movies will surely send chills down your spine - after all, this music was written exclusively for scary movies! Used wisely, original film scores can create a spooky atmosphere without using the overly obnoxious Halloween party CDs. For even more musical ideas, stop by Classical Music for Halloween Vol. 1 and Classical Music for Halloween Vol. 2.
1. Friday the 13th - Fred Molin
Gnp Crescendo
Probably one of the most popular horror movies, you can't get much scarier than Fred Molin's original film score for Friday the 13th.
2. Halloween - John Carpenter
Varese Sarabande
A scary music list for Halloween wouldn't be complete without the frightening music from the movie Halloween! John Carpenter's famous Halloween theme is recognizable around the world - at least to scary movie enthusiasts.
3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Steve Jablonsky
La-La Land Records
I've never seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but listening to the music makes me want to hide under the covers. I'm sure you'll feel the same. Steve Jablonsky does an excellent job creating tension.
4. The Hills Have Eyes - Music by Tomandandy
Lakeshore Records
The Hills Have Eyes is basically a slasher flick, meaning there's lots of gore. Thankfully, the music isn't bloody - but it is bloody scary.
5. When A Stranger Calls - James Dooly
Lakeshore Records
James Dooly created a dramatically tense atmosphere for When a Stranger Calls. Personally, I think the score is better than the movie, but that's neither here nor there.
6. Dark Water - Angelo Badalamenti
Hollywood Records
If you're easily frightened, don't listen to this soundtrack alone, especially at night! Angelo Badalamenti's music gave me goosebumps (and not the warm, fuzzy "This music touches my heart" kind).
7. Bram Stoker's Dracula - Wojciech Kilar
Sony
I was never able to watch Bram Stoker's Dracula all the way through. Maybe it was because the music was too scary!
8. Psycho - Bernard Herrmann
Varese Sarabande
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a definite classic horror film. Its music, by Bernard Herrmann, truly evokes fear and panic, and the famous shower scene music (the screeching violins) is parodied and copied in media all over the world.
9. The Village - James Newton Howard
Hollywood Records
James Newton Howard's work for The Village is as beautiful as it is scary. You won't be disappointed.
10. Lady in the Water - James Newton Howard
Decca
Overall, the least horrifying soundtrack on the list, James Newton Howard's original score is brilliant. You can listen to it in almost any setting, but when you turn off the lights, it takes on a completely different form - spooky!
