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 CD's. 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
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
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
I've never seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but listing 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
The Hills Have Eyes is basically a slasher flick, meaning a lot of gore. Thankfully, the music isn't bloody - but it is bloody scary.5. When A Stranger Calls - James Dooly
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
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
I was never able to watch Bram Stoker's Dracula all the way through. Maybe it was because the music was too scary! Seriously.8. Psycho - Bernard Herrmann
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a definite classic horror film. It's music, by Bernard Herrmann, truly evokes fear and panic. The famous shower scene music (the screeching violins) is parodied and copied in media all over the world.9. The Village - James Newton Howard
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
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!