When it comes to making a truly scary horror movie, every element counts—including a killer (no pun intended) soundtrack.
Sometimes, a well-placed song in a horror movie can change the way you hear it forever. Here’s 11 songs that we can’t help but associate with films that give you the heebie-jeebies.
2. Luniz, “I Got 5 on It” (Us)
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Universal / YouTube
Jordan Peele’s 2019 fright-fest flipped Oakland duo Luniz’s 1995 hit on its head—drawing out the beat to a creep and perfectly soundtracking the film’s terrifying trailer (as well as its thrilling climax).
5. John Denver, “Rocky Mountain High” (Final Destination)
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New Line Cinema / YouTube
Once you hear John Denver’s breezy, easygoing song soundtrack several deaths in the Final Destination franchise’s inaugural 2000 installment, you’ll never feel relaxed by the late singer-songwriter’s voice again.
7. Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Freebird” (The Devil’s Rejects)
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Lionsgate
“Freebird” is the kind of song that’s been overused in popular culture to the point where even touching it is a risk. And yet: Rob Zombie’s 2005 blood-soaked cult favorite managed to give the tune a new twist, soundtracking its road-weary and unbelievably gory finale.
9. Donovan, “Hurdy Gurdy Man” (Zodiac)
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Paramount
David Fincher’s 2007 masterpiece isn’t exactly horror, but its chronicle of the Zodiac Killer’s persistence is terrifying in its own right—and psych-pop icon Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” provides the soundtrack for one of the film’s most chillingly murderous moments.
11. Alice Cooper, “School’s Out” (Scream)
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Miramax
It only makes sense that one of the best horror films of the last several decades appears twice on this list and closes it out. Shock-rock icon Alice Cooper’s booming tune comes in right at the end of this typically gory scene.
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