THERE IS something inextricably sonic about the idea of horror. In films, take away the scream from a jump scare, the piercing crescendo of a creaking door, or the deafening buzz of silence and you lose half the magic. Oftentimes, music has the power to convey those skin-crawling moments on the big screen.
Songs, despite lacking the visual gore, are also able to produce their own forms of fright and spectrality. Their dark undertones are executed through lyricism and sound production, even if the song itself isn’t even about anything inherently horrific. If you’re looking to fill up your horror watchlist, Halloween DJ setlist, or 3 AM playlist, here are five song recommendations inspired by some classic spooky films you’ll love (or hate out of fear).
- Carrie (1976) - Little Dark Age by MGMT
Late 70s vibes? MGMT’s Little Dark Age will definitely take you back to Carrie’s iconic prom scene.
The synth bass creeps up on you like a subtle invitation to get up and dance—but little do you know the chaos that’s about to unfold. Like Carrie quietly building up her powers for destruction, the rhythm remains steady and unyielding. All hell breaks loose when the chorus rings out, “I know that if you hide, it doesn't go away.” Best believe her bullies never got to hide from the consequences of their actions.
- Get Out (2017) - Masseduction by St. Vincent
“Masseduction… Mass destruction,” also known as the Armitage family’s modus operandi.
Just like Rose and Chris’ relationship in Get Out, the song opens with a stable beat, repeating the charm of its titular word. Masseduction’s layers are complex and urge you to look beyond the surface. As the percussion and electric guitar advance entropically, St. Vincent’s voice further sustains its behind-the-wall sound—like she’s singing from the “Sunken Place.” Whether the singer is there by chance or choice is unclear, we’re just glad that Chris got out.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Creep by Radiohead
“But I’m a creep / I’m a weirdo.” Yeah, that’s Hannibal Lecter.
From the somber bassline to the crackling electric guitar, you can almost hear the song playing in the background of the cannibal’s most unhinged scenes. Envision it as Lecter’s internal monologue in The Silence of the Lambs—he cries out, “She's running out the door,” as he hunts down his next victim. As the emotions and angst grows, you can only make sure not to feel any pity for Lecter after his heinous crimes.
- Split (2016) - Halloween by Phoebe Bridgers
“Baby, it’s Halloween / And we can be anything.” Well, Kevin can’t really be anything, just twenty-three different personalities.
In Halloween, Phoebe Bridgers caresses October 31st’s melancholic alter ego like a song for Kevin and the personalities within him in Split. The song is quiet and incandescent—strings plucking, piano keys pulsing, drums receding. Far back in its production, a deep groan-like string haunts the track as if waiting to be unleashed. “Let go of the twenty-fourth one,” Phoebe appears to tell Kevin, and she will too. Why? It’s Halloween.
- Midsommar (2019) - you should see me in a crown by Billie Eilish
She wore a literal crown! (Of flowers, but you get it.)In Midsommar, wha Dani thought was going to be a peaceful Swedish getaway ended up being a collection of traumatic experiences. In light of that, she absolutely deserves to be wearing that May Queen crown. Billie Eilish’s vindictive song feels like Dani’s revenge theme, screaming out the desire for power and control. “Watch me make 'em bow / One by one by one,” is commanded, and best believe Dani did make them bow in the very end.