A soundtrack can make or break a horror movie. Music can do more than help build or break tension in a scene. It can also speak volumes about the setting, the characters, and the world in which the action is taking place. Sometimes, the soundtracks are just good enough to work well with the film. Other times, they’re so great that fans can listen to them on repeat.
Classics like The Thing, The Shining, and Halloween have timeless scores from master composers. However, that’s not what we’re talking about today. Instead, we’ll look at soundtracks featuring major label artists that both work well within horror movies and as standalone compilation albums.
[RELATED: 6 Songs Used in Horror Movies to Great Effect]
1. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
I Know What You Did Last Summer feels like a time capsule from the ‘90s. The cast featured a who’s who from the decade. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Freddie Prinze Jr. starred in the iconic revenge slasher. However, it is the soundtrack that makes this fun horror movie feel like a slice of ‘90s nostalgia.
The soundtrack features Type O Negative, The Offspring, Soul Asylum, and Toad the Wet Sprocket. In short, the movie sounds like a great rock station from the ‘90s. To round things out, there’s a great cover of “Hush” by Shakerhaker that later became a trademark of the franchise. Lead Belly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” also makes an appearance.
2. Resident Evil (2002)
Are you looking for a horror movie with a Nu Metal soundtrack? Resident Evil fits the bill. While the 2002 adaptation of the classic survival horror game got mixed reviews from fans of the franchise, nearly everyone agreed that the soundtrack was top-tier.
The Resident Evil soundtrack caught the ears of young metalheads with appearances from Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Fear Factory, Coal Chamber, Mudvayne, and many more.
3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a remake of the Tobe Hooper-helmed 1974 film. While the movie didn’t measure up to the horror classic upon which it was based, it packed a rock-solid soundtrack. The metal soundtrack almost made up for the disappointment many fans felt upon watching the remake. Almost.
This soundtrack doesn’t just rock it also has some variety. Heavy hitters like Pantera, Lamb of God, and Hatebreed had entries on the tracklist. Then, there were more radio-ready bands like Seether, Static-X, and Finger Eleven. It also featured lesser-known (but still amazing) acts like Sworn Enemy and Shadows fall alongside legends like Morbid Angel.
4. The Strangers (2008)
As we’re all aware horror movie soundtracks and heavy metal go hand-in-hand. However, this disturbing home invasion flick took a different route. The Strangers builds tension with some great country and Americana tunes. While it’s rare to hear roots music in a disturbing horror film, this flick proves that it can be done and done well.
Gillian Welch, Merle Haggard, and Wilco all make appearances on the soundtrack. For some country fans, hearing Haggard sing “Mama Tried” elevated this flick.
Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Lisa Frankenstein is a delightful horror/romance/coming-of-age movie penned by Diablo Cody with Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, in her directorial debut. Set in 1989, the soundtrack carries some serious late ‘80s vibes with plenty of synthesizers and a great cover of REO Speedwagon’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” by JoJo.
This is a fun horror movie with a seriously good soundtrack. It includes cuts from Echo & the Bunnymen, The Chameleons, The Pixies, The Jesus & Mary Chain, and plenty more.
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