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What’s your favorite scary movie–”Halloween,” “Friday the 13th,” or is it “Nightmare Before Christmas?” The options are endless, and there is nothing like a good Halloween movie to put you in the spooky mood.
We are all familiar with the iconic slashers and frightening plots, but it is truly the titillating soundtracks and terrifying themes that send shivers down our spine. So, are you struggling to get into the Halloween mood? Don’t worry, I got you covered. Here are some Halloween movie soundtracks to put you in a bewitching mood.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (Tim Burton)
Let’s start with an easy one. Sure, this movie can technically count as a Christmas movie, but it is easily recognizable as a Halloween movie as well. The movie opens up with “This is Halloween,” easily one of the best songs in the film. By combining elements of whimsey and creepiness, this song sets the tone for the entire soundtrack. It is upbeat, catchy, and great for people of all ages.
While “This is Halloween'' is just one great song from an entire soundtrack of songs, an underrated song in my opinion is “Oogie Boogie’s Song.” Unlike “This is Halloween,” “Oogie Boogie’s Song” incorporates elements of jazz and swing to create an uptempo, spooky song. The Nightmare Before Christmas is definitely one of the tamer soundtracks on this list, but still remains a great option for those seeking a family-friendly Halloween movie.
“Friday the 13th” (Sean S. Cunningham)
From Disney to pure horror, the next movie soundtrack on this list is one of the most well-known slasher series. The movie itself is rather cheesy, but we are focusing on the soundtrack, not the film itself.
The main theme starts slowly, quietly building up to an eerie and frightening base. As if the ominous tune wasn’t scary enough, we hear Voorhees whisper as his voice echoes eerily in the distance. Then, without warning, we hear a gut wrenching slash. The tempo picks up, and the ominous base becomes syncopated.
In the background, we hear doors slamming, phones ringing, and records screeching. That is more than enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine! If you are looking for a bit of a kick to your Halloween night, make sure you listen to the Main Theme in “Friday the 13th.”.
“Coraline” (Henry Selick)
OK, here is one you may not have had on your list.. The movie is easily one of the scarier children’s movies out there thanks to characters like The Other Mother. The soundtrack, however, does not get as much recognition as I think it should. Sure, it might not scream Halloween, but its melancholy score perfectly encapsulates the mood of a rainy, fall day.
While some songs like “Coraline–The Other Father Song” are more upbeat and whimsical, most are solemn and somber. Other songs, like “Exploration,” are very childlike. Many of the songs featured on the soundtrack sound as if a child is singing them, which brings an elegance and subtle ghostliness to the soundtrack. If you prefer a peaceful night in this Halloween, “Coraline” is the soundtrack for you!
“Halloween” (John Carpenter)
We can’t talk about Halloween soundtracks without talking about the Halloween anthem– “Halloween!” This soundtrack has it all: creepy piano chords, intense baselines, and gut wrenching, spring tingling undertones.
Even if you have never seen “Halloween,” you most definitely know this tune. The theme song is easily replicable on any piano, and the syncopated beats make you feel like someone is constantly following you.
The soundtrack is simple. There is nothing too innovative about it, but that is all it needs. It doesn’t take a lot for something to be scary, and sometimes the most simple scores can be the scariest of them all. Before this Halloween is over, make sure you listen to the “Halloween” soundtrack.
Honorable Mentions
The list goes on and on. There are so many great Halloween movie soundtracks to indulge in this season, it is impossible to name them all. However, we cannot conclude this list without mentioning “The Addams Family” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Both of these movies embody an eccentric side of Halloween for those looking for an unorthodox Halloween experience.
Rocky Horror is raunchier than The Addams Family, but both give audiences a fun and comedic twist to the typical Halloween movie. Not to mention, the soundtracks are both toe-tapping songs that you can’t help but snap along too.
Whether you take the spooky or kooky route this Halloween, there are plenty of great soundtracks to put you in the mood. On behalf of Movin’ On wish, we hope you have a spooktacular Halloween!