POLL: Pick the Most “Killer” Song for a Halloween Playlist

A good playlist makes any mundane task better — folding the laundry, checking the mail, committing a mur- … um, anyways here are some songs that have been featured in well-known creepy movies.

Some are right there in the thick of it during a kill scene while others are used for a chilling, sinister effect in the background. Which song is the most noteworthy to you?

Take our poll then keep reading so we can settle the score on our choices.

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The Best Music in Horror Movies

Horror films are all about sound — eerie chanting, discordant notes, and even a well-placed pop song. Of course slasher movie fans might first think of Jason Voorhees’ theme in Friday the 13th or perhaps Bernard Herrmann’s iconic Psycho composition. But when seemingly “normal” music is placed in an otherwise chilling movie, the results are often unforgettable.

The Silence of the Lambs

It’s hard to deny the ethereal beauty of Q Lazzarus’ song “Goodbye Horses.” On the other hand, it’s also hard to not picture Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs. Lotion and pulley systems aside, this song helped cement the film’s immense success. A documentary about singer Q Lazzarus’ life is in the works, though no official release date has been set.

American Psycho

Hey Paul! In this legendary musical horror scene, Patrick Bateman serves unhinged with a side of Paul Allen’s brains. From Patrick’s stiff little dance moves to his slick little raincoat, this is perhaps one of the most carefully planned murders in horror history. But we wouldn’t expect anything less from Mr. Bateman, the #1 fan of Huey Lewis and the News’ undisputed masterpiece, “Hip to Be Square.”

Get Out

We love an opening scene that perfectly sets the tone for a film. As we see Chris getting ready in the mirror, his girlfriend Rose stares longingly at a case of pastries. There’s a sense of unease while Childish Gambino’s “Redbone” plays in the background. What’s in store for Chris and why does Rose have such a strange look of hunger in her eyes? Put the kettle on and settle in for a tense rollercoaster.

Us

One of the most important parts of a road trip (besides the snacks) is music. And nothing hits better than a classic like “I Got 5 On It.” Look, nobody said road trip music needed to be family friendly. Besides, Adelaide’s family in Jordan Peele’s brilliant film Us has much bigger things to worry about than inappropriate lyrics. Bonus creepy points if you play the soundtrack’s “Tethered Mix.”

Jeepers Creepers

This is one scene you really must see to believe. Without giving anything away, using the old-fashioned, cheerful jazz tune “Jeepers Creepers” in a very specific spot is absolute genius. It would almost be funny if it weren’t so devastating.

Donnie Darko

You know, sanity is a fragile thing. And who’s to say whether anybody really has a firm grasp on reality? In a film like Donnie Darko, sanity and reality are difficult to keep track of, and by the cult classic film’s end, viewers are left sitting in silence as a haunting rendition of “Mad World” plays. Originally a Tears for Fears song, Michael Andrews and Gary Jules created this version that accompanies viewers as they’re left reeling in the aftermath of Frank the rabbit.

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The proper music can send a shiver up your spine, draw a tear from your eye, and even make you laugh at the appalling absurdity on your screen.

Is there another killer song that gets you every time? What’s your Halloween playlist look like? Join the conversation with other horror fans over at Sideshow Social Network or at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!

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There’s a chill in the air. The leaves tremble in a skeleton dance and shadows seem just a little darker. Channel the spirits and revel in Sideshow’s Spooktacular 2023 — a celebration of all things sinister, scary, and downright spoopy. 

Join us from October 26-31 by visiting side.show/spooktacular and don’t forget — Sleep is for the weak!