Posted on Feb 22, 2022

17 Popular Songs Made Terrifying In Horror Movies

These songs will send shivers down your spine.

by Anthony Orlando

BuzzFeed Contributor

Though this might be a tired trope, if done right, a song can be used to terrify the audience to the point that they'll never be able to hear it the same way again. Here are 17 Popular Songs Used in Horror Movies.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

This song by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell is heard many times throughout this Annabelle prequel. It fits with the melancholy Annabelle's parents felt when their daughter died. But when they unknowingly welcome a demon into their home that ends up possessing another innocent girl, the song becomes a haunting theme to how a sweet child has become a vessel for pure evil. — Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

This song by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell is heard many times throughout this Annabelle prequel. It fits with the melancholy Annabelle's parents felt when their daughter died. But when they unknowingly welcome a demon into their home that ends up possessing another innocent girl, the song becomes a haunting theme to how a sweet child has become a vessel for pure evil.

Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

This song by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell is heard many times throughout this Annabelle prequel. It fits with the melancholy Annabelle's parents felt when their daughter died. But when they unknowingly welcome a demon into their home that ends up possessing another innocent girl, the song becomes a haunting theme to how a sweet child has become a vessel for pure evil.

Many of you Millennials might remember this as that song that plays at the end of Finding Nemo. But director John Krasinski found a way to use it in the sequel to his critically acclaimed horror blockbuster. The song serves as a secret message to those listening to it on the radio to find a safe haven on a nearby island. It's also turned into some haunting background music when one of the aliens attacks Evelyn and her family. Once you watch this film, you'll never watch Finding Nemo without thinking about its savage aliens. — Paramount / Via youtube.com

Many of you Millennials might remember this as that song that plays at the end of Finding Nemo. But director John Krasinski found a way to use it in the sequel to his critically acclaimed horror blockbuster. The song serves as a secret message to those listening to it on the radio to find a safe haven on a nearby island. It's also turned into some haunting background music when one of the aliens attacks Evelyn and her family. Once you watch this film, you'll never watch Finding Nemo without thinking about its savage aliens.

Paramount / Via youtube.com

Many of you Millennials might remember this as that song that plays at the end of Finding Nemo. But director John Krasinski found a way to use it in the sequel to his critically acclaimed horror blockbuster. The song serves as a secret message to those listening to it on the radio to find a safe haven on a nearby island. It's also turned into some haunting background music when one of the aliens attacks Evelyn and her family. Once you watch this film, you'll never watch Finding Nemo without thinking about its savage aliens.

This classic song from Willy Wonka plays when we see the studio logos at the beginning of this recent horror reboot. Of course, given the movie's title, it's no surprise that the filmmakers would decide to use it to create an eerie atmosphere to set up the story of Candyman. But it's still effective in heralding the appearance of the mirror-dwelling murderer, especially when we see the logos backward. — Universal / Via youtube.com

This classic song from Willy Wonka plays when we see the studio logos at the beginning of this recent horror reboot. Of course, given the movie's title, it's no surprise that the filmmakers would decide to use it to create an eerie atmosphere to set up the story of Candyman. But it's still effective in heralding the appearance of the mirror-dwelling murderer, especially when we see the logos backward.

Universal / Via youtube.com

This classic song from Willy Wonka plays when we see the studio logos at the beginning of this recent horror reboot. Of course, given the movie's title, it's no surprise that the filmmakers would decide to use it to create an eerie atmosphere to set up the story of Candyman. But it's still effective in heralding the appearance of the mirror-dwelling murderer, especially when we see the logos backward.

I bet you didn't think a Harry Belafonte song would be used in a horror movie before Beetlejuice. In an effort to drive the Deetzes out of their house, the deceased Maitland couple possesses them and their guests into singing and dancing to this Jamaican folk song. It's a hilarious and creative use of calypso music in a haunted house film, which helped make Beetlejuice the beloved horror-comedy it is today. — Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

I bet you didn't think a Harry Belafonte song would be used in a horror movie before Beetlejuice. In an effort to drive the Deetzes out of their house, the deceased Maitland couple possesses them and their guests into singing and dancing to this Jamaican folk song. It's a hilarious and creative use of calypso music in a haunted house film, which helped make Beetlejuice the beloved horror-comedy it is today.

Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

I bet you didn't think a Harry Belafonte song would be used in a horror movie before Beetlejuice. In an effort to drive the Deetzes out of their house, the deceased Maitland couple possesses them and their guests into singing and dancing to this Jamaican folk song. It's a hilarious and creative use of calypso music in a haunted house film, which helped make Beetlejuice the beloved horror-comedy it is today.

This song plays on the radio multiple times when two coroners are examining a woman's haunted corpse. Using this joyful song to such frightening effect, Jane Doe practically tells her unfortunate victims to submit to her dark power. And when you hear the cop singing it at the end of the film, you know that there's no escape from her. — IM Global / Via youtube.com

This song plays on the radio multiple times when two coroners are examining a woman's haunted corpse. Using this joyful song to such frightening effect, Jane Doe practically tells her unfortunate victims to submit to her dark power. And when you hear the cop singing it at the end of the film, you know that there's no escape from her.

IM Global / Via youtube.com

This song plays on the radio multiple times when two coroners are examining a woman's haunted corpse. Using this joyful song to such frightening effect, Jane Doe practically tells her unfortunate victims to submit to her dark power. And when you hear the cop singing it at the end of the film, you know that there's no escape from her.

Though this Jordan Peele film hasn't premiered yet, it already displayed enough dread in its trailer with its use of Stevie Wonder's song, "Fingertips." Its repeated use of the phrase, "Say Yeah," encapsulates how an isolated town seems to welcome its alien visitors. — Universal / Via youtube.com

Though this Jordan Peele film hasn't premiered yet, it already displayed enough dread in its trailer with its use of Stevie Wonder's song, "Fingertips." Its repeated use of the phrase, "Say Yeah," encapsulates how an isolated town seems to welcome its alien visitors.

Universal / Via youtube.com

Though this Jordan Peele film hasn't premiered yet, it already displayed enough dread in its trailer with its use of Stevie Wonder's song, "Fingertips." Its repeated use of the phrase, "Say Yeah," encapsulates how an isolated town seems to welcome its alien visitors.

Many of you probably haven't heard of this one before, but James Wan made effective use of this English nursery rhyme in his second Conjuring film. It is repeatedly heard playing from the kids' zoetrope, which depicts an animation of the eponymous chap. But later in the movie, we see the demon Valak takes the form of the Crooked Man himself, uttering a twisted version of the song that will stick in your mind forever. — Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

Many of you probably haven't heard of this one before, but James Wan made effective use of this English nursery rhyme in his second Conjuring film. It is repeatedly heard playing from the kids' zoetrope, which depicts an animation of the eponymous chap. But later in the movie, we see the demon Valak takes the form of the Crooked Man himself, uttering a twisted version of the song that will stick in your mind forever.

Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

Many of you probably haven't heard of this one before, but James Wan made effective use of this English nursery rhyme in his second Conjuring film. It is repeatedly heard playing from the kids' zoetrope, which depicts an animation of the eponymous chap. But later in the movie, we see the demon Valak takes the form of the Crooked Man himself, uttering a twisted version of the song that will stick in your mind forever.

While Brody, Hooper, and Quint are out at sea, hunting for the villainous shark, they all get drunk and sing songs to pass the time. After Quint sings his sea chantey, "Spanish Ladies," Hooper begins to sing this song by Jimmy Campbell and Reg Connelly. His shipmates join in his jaunty tune in a moment of male bonding, but their drunken good time is ruined when the shark returns and shakes the boat. — Universal / Via youtube.com

While Brody, Hooper, and Quint are out at sea, hunting for the villainous shark, they all get drunk and sing songs to pass the time. After Quint sings his sea chantey, "Spanish Ladies," Hooper begins to sing this song by Jimmy Campbell and Reg Connelly. His shipmates join in his jaunty tune in a moment of male bonding, but their drunken good time is ruined when the shark returns and shakes the boat.

Universal / Via youtube.com

While Brody, Hooper, and Quint are out at sea, hunting for the villainous shark, they all get drunk and sing songs to pass the time. After Quint sings his sea chantey, "Spanish Ladies," Hooper begins to sing this song by Jimmy Campbell and Reg Connelly. His shipmates join in his jaunty tune in a moment of male bonding, but their drunken good time is ruined when the shark returns and shakes the boat.

After Kitty suspects someone is outside her house, her foolish husband, Josh, brushes it off and plays this Beach Boys song to lighten the mood. But the levity this song creates dies instantly when their family's doppelgangers come in and murder them and their two daughters. After that, there are no good vibrations. — Universal / Via youtube.com

After Kitty suspects someone is outside her house, her foolish husband, Josh, brushes it off and plays this Beach Boys song to lighten the mood. But the levity this song creates dies instantly when their family's doppelgangers come in and murder them and their two daughters. After that, there are no good vibrations.

Universal / Via youtube.com

After Kitty suspects someone is outside her house, her foolish husband, Josh, brushes it off and plays this Beach Boys song to lighten the mood. But the levity this song creates dies instantly when their family's doppelgangers come in and murder them and their two daughters. After that, there are no good vibrations.

This Johnny Cash song was used in the opening credits for Zack Snyder's first zombie flick. As we see the infected rampaging across the globe and governments struggling to contain them, the background music acts as the perfect tune to kick off the apocalypse. And with Cash reciting the Biblical verse of Death once it's done, you really get the sense that the world is coming to an end. — Universal / Via YouTube

This Johnny Cash song was used in the opening credits for Zack Snyder's first zombie flick. As we see the infected rampaging across the globe and governments struggling to contain them, the background music acts as the perfect tune to kick off the apocalypse. And with Cash reciting the Biblical verse of Death once it's done, you really get the sense that the world is coming to an end.

Universal / Via YouTube

This Johnny Cash song was used in the opening credits for Zack Snyder's first zombie flick. As we see the infected rampaging across the globe and governments struggling to contain them, the background music acts as the perfect tune to kick off the apocalypse. And with Cash reciting the Biblical verse of Death once it's done, you really get the sense that the world is coming to an end.

Long before Chris Walken asked for more cowbell, everyone thought this song was legitimately chilling. So naturally, John Carpenter included it in his slasher classic, Halloween. It's heard on the radio when Laurie and her friend, Annie, drive down the road with Michael Myers's car following them. Given that Myers is hunting them down so he could murder them, to associate him with the Reaper in this song is quite fitting. — Compass International Pictures / Via youtube.com

Long before Chris Walken asked for more cowbell, everyone thought this song was legitimately chilling. So naturally, John Carpenter included it in his slasher classic, Halloween. It's heard on the radio when Laurie and her friend, Annie, drive down the road with Michael Myers's car following them. Given that Myers is hunting them down so he could murder them, to associate him with the Reaper in this song is quite fitting.

Compass International Pictures / Via youtube.com

Long before Chris Walken asked for more cowbell, everyone thought this song was legitimately chilling. So naturally, John Carpenter included it in his slasher classic, Halloween. It's heard on the radio when Laurie and her friend, Annie, drive down the road with Michael Myers's car following them. Given that Myers is hunting them down so he could murder them, to associate him with the Reaper in this song is quite fitting.

This Flanagan and Allen oldie is heard playing in Jeremy's car when he kidnaps Andre Hayworth in the film's first scene. The fact that it is about a farmer hunting a rabbit alone fits this scene, as the Armitage boy hunts down this innocent man for his family's nefarious purposes. But the way the singer repeatedly says "run" conveys what everyone in the audience is shouting to Andre in their heads. — Universal / Via youtube.com

This Flanagan and Allen oldie is heard playing in Jeremy's car when he kidnaps Andre Hayworth in the film's first scene. The fact that it is about a farmer hunting a rabbit alone fits this scene, as the Armitage boy hunts down this innocent man for his family's nefarious purposes. But the way the singer repeatedly says "run" conveys what everyone in the audience is shouting to Andre in their heads.

Universal / Via youtube.com

This Flanagan and Allen oldie is heard playing in Jeremy's car when he kidnaps Andre Hayworth in the film's first scene. The fact that it is about a farmer hunting a rabbit alone fits this scene, as the Armitage boy hunts down this innocent man for his family's nefarious purposes. But the way the singer repeatedly says "run" conveys what everyone in the audience is shouting to Andre in their heads.

This Tom Petty song has long been associated with Jonathan Demme's horror classic since the latter premiered. An unsuspecting Catherine Martin sings along to it while driving down the road, just before being kidnapped by Buffalo Bill. This song about a girl with her whole life ahead of her heightens the scene's fright factor in how a promising young woman's life is put on the line when she falls into a serial killer's trap. And the line, "she was an American Girl," makes it feel like any girl in the country could've been Catherine. — Bron / Via youtube.com

This Tom Petty song has long been associated with Jonathan Demme's horror classic since the latter premiered. An unsuspecting Catherine Martin sings along to it while driving down the road, just before being kidnapped by Buffalo Bill. This song about a girl with her whole life ahead of her heightens the scene's fright factor in how a promising young woman's life is put on the line when she falls into a serial killer's trap. And the line, "she was an American Girl," makes it feel like any girl in the country could've been Catherine.

Bron / Via youtube.com

This Tom Petty song has long been associated with Jonathan Demme's horror classic since the latter premiered. An unsuspecting Catherine Martin sings along to it while driving down the road, just before being kidnapped by Buffalo Bill. This song about a girl with her whole life ahead of her heightens the scene's fright factor in how a promising young woman's life is put on the line when she falls into a serial killer's trap. And the line, "she was an American Girl," makes it feel like any girl in the country could've been Catherine.

Before Patrick Bateman decides to go all Jack Torrance on Paul, he plays "Hip to Be Square" on his CD player. This catchy song not only acts as the perfect contrast to Paul's gruesome murder, but it also contrasts with Bateman's character, as he's going against society's ideas of what is good and acceptable while listening to a song about conformity. But in doing so, he pretty much ruined Huey Lewis and the News's song for the rest of us. — Lionsgate Films / Via youtube.com

Before Patrick Bateman decides to go all Jack Torrance on Paul, he plays "Hip to Be Square" on his CD player. This catchy song not only acts as the perfect contrast to Paul's gruesome murder, but it also contrasts with Bateman's character, as he's going against society's ideas of what is good and acceptable while listening to a song about conformity. But in doing so, he pretty much ruined Huey Lewis and the News's song for the rest of us.

Lionsgate Films / Via youtube.com

Before Patrick Bateman decides to go all Jack Torrance on Paul, he plays "Hip to Be Square" on his CD player. This catchy song not only acts as the perfect contrast to Paul's gruesome murder, but it also contrasts with Bateman's character, as he's going against society's ideas of what is good and acceptable while listening to a song about conformity. But in doing so, he pretty much ruined Huey Lewis and the News's song for the rest of us.

Who would've thought a song about smoking weed could become the theme song for a horror movie? Jordan Peele, apparently. This fun rap song by Luniz is first heard when the Wilsons are driving to the beach, but it later becomes a frightening theme for the Tethered as they emerge from underground to slaughter their doppelgängers. While popular songs are usually left unchanged when used in a horror movie, Us twists the sound of this tune to make it more chilling and foreboding, making it one of the more unique entries on this list. — Universal / Via youtube.com

Who would've thought a song about smoking weed could become the theme song for a horror movie? Jordan Peele, apparently. This fun rap song by Luniz is first heard when the Wilsons are driving to the beach, but it later becomes a frightening theme for the Tethered as they emerge from underground to slaughter their doppelgängers. While popular songs are usually left unchanged when used in a horror movie, Us twists the sound of this tune to make it more chilling and foreboding, making it one of the more unique entries on this list.

Universal / Via youtube.com

Who would've thought a song about smoking weed could become the theme song for a horror movie? Jordan Peele, apparently. This fun rap song by Luniz is first heard when the Wilsons are driving to the beach, but it later becomes a frightening theme for the Tethered as they emerge from underground to slaughter their doppelgängers. While popular songs are usually left unchanged when used in a horror movie, Us twists the sound of this tune to make it more chilling and foreboding, making it one of the more unique entries on this list.

This eerie song by Mike Oldfield is widely known as the theme of William Friedkin's The Exorcist, effectively creating a haunting atmosphere perfect for such a dark film. However, you may be surprised to hear it was released before it was used in the movie. Though the song was relatively unknown upon release, it had been chosen by the filmmakers to replace their previous theme song. Once the film premiered, the song's popularity skyrocketed, and the rest was history. — Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

This eerie song by Mike Oldfield is widely known as the theme of William Friedkin's The Exorcist, effectively creating a haunting atmosphere perfect for such a dark film. However, you may be surprised to hear it was released before it was used in the movie. Though the song was relatively unknown upon release, it had been chosen by the filmmakers to replace their previous theme song. Once the film premiered, the song's popularity skyrocketed, and the rest was history.

Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

This eerie song by Mike Oldfield is widely known as the theme of William Friedkin's The Exorcist, effectively creating a haunting atmosphere perfect for such a dark film. However, you may be surprised to hear it was released before it was used in the movie. Though the song was relatively unknown upon release, it had been chosen by the filmmakers to replace their previous theme song. Once the film premiered, the song's popularity skyrocketed, and the rest was history.

Sung by Al Bowlly, this number is heard playing in the Gold Room of the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Torrance sees dozens of ghosts partying like it's 1921. It's a hypnotic and unsettling tune when used in the film. But it's incredibly haunting when it plays during the final shot of Jack in one of the hotel's old photographs. The lyrics express how the hotel put Jack under its spell and how he surrendered himself to its will in the end. This song is now mainly associated with Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece, and it's impossible to imagine the film without it. — Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

Sung by Al Bowlly, this number is heard playing in the Gold Room of the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Torrance sees dozens of ghosts partying like it's 1921. It's a hypnotic and unsettling tune when used in the film. But it's incredibly haunting when it plays during the final shot of Jack in one of the hotel's old photographs. The lyrics express how the hotel put Jack under its spell and how he surrendered himself to its will in the end. This song is now mainly associated with Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece, and it's impossible to imagine the film without it.

Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

Sung by Al Bowlly, this number is heard playing in the Gold Room of the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Torrance sees dozens of ghosts partying like it's 1921. It's a hypnotic and unsettling tune when used in the film. But it's incredibly haunting when it plays during the final shot of Jack in one of the hotel's old photographs. The lyrics express how the hotel put Jack under its spell and how he surrendered himself to its will in the end. This song is now mainly associated with Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece, and it's impossible to imagine the film without it.

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