Horror movies often twist cheerful and un-intimidating music into dark and disturbing scenes. Music has the power to make or ruin a scene. This is especially true in horror films, when the suspense of a scene is typically determined by sound design. Though it’s a worn trope, a track can be utilized to frighten viewers to the point where they’ll never be willing to listen to it in the same manner again, if done correctly. Incorporating a hit rock or rap song into the scene can make it feel cheap and clichéd. A bizarre song selection, on the other hand, can elevate a moment.

Not every horror movie does it correctly, but when the production team gets it right, it helps ramp up the intensity of the sequence and the film overall. It also adds that the songs are excellent pieces that hold their own, even independent of the backdrop of the film. So, let’s have a look at a few songs in horror movies that left an indelible impression on the audience, making both the track and movie iconic.

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8 There Was a Crooked Man - The Conjuring 2 (2016)

     Warner Bros. Pictures

While it’s probable that many people have never heard of this children’s rhyme, James Wan used it effectively in his sequel, The Conjuring 2. It can be heard streaming from the kids’ stereoscope, which shows an illustration of the titular character. However, later in the film, audiences see the demon Valak transform into the Crooked Man, singing a warped rendition of the track that will stay with viewers for the rest of their lives. It’s a terrific instance of how a seemingly innocent tune can be horrifying when played correctly.

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7 The Candyman - Candyman (2021)

     Universal Pictures

While the phrase “Candyman” conjures up images of innocence, both the film, and the song have altered the perception in the minds of viewers. When the audience sees the production logos at the start of this recent horror revival, they hear this famous Willy Wonka tune. Considering the title of the film, it’s no wonder that the directors would be using it to generate an ominous atmosphere in which to build up Candyman’s story. Even when we view the logos reversed, it’s still powerful in signaling the arrival of the mirror-dwelling killer.

6 You Are My Sunshine - Annabelle: Creation (2017)

“You Are My Sunshine” is among the most-sung children’s tracks, which is possibly why it was used for this movie. All through the Annabelle prequel, Annabelle: Creation, this track by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell is played several times. It reflects Annabelle’s parents’ grief after their daughter’s death. However, when they unwittingly invite a demon into their house, who ultimately ends up haunting another young girl, the song takes on a chilling new meaning, depicting how a loving kid has become a channel for evil incarnate.

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5 Run Rabbit Run - Get Out (2017)

When Jeremy abducts Andre Hayworth during the first moments of Get Out, this Allen and Flanagan classic is heard running in his automobile. The concept that it’s about a farmer seeking a rabbit matches this situation perfectly, as the Armitage child seeks out this innocent person for his family’s evil intentions. The track’s flawless synchronicity with the scene adds to the audience’s fear. However, the singer’s continuous use of the word run transmits what everyone else in the audience is reasoning to Andre.

4 Show Me The Way To Go Home - Jaws (1975)

“Show Me The Way To Go Home” is a truly memorable part of Jaws, which is one of the best horror movies of the ’70s. Quint, Hooper, and Brody get wasted and start singing songs to kill time while out at sea looking for the wicked shark. Hooper starts singing this track by Reg Connelly and Jimmy Campbell after Quint performs his sea shanty, “Spanish Ladies.” In a scene of male bonding, his crew mates join in on his cheerful tune, but their inebriated good time is interrupted when the shark reappears and smashes into the boat.

3 Don’t Fear the Reaper - Halloween 1978

     Compass International Pictures/ Aquarius Releasing

Everyone felt this music was actually frightening even before Christopher Walken requested more cowbell. The song was a part of John Carpenter’s horror blockbuster, Halloween. While Laurie, along with her friend Annie, is driving down the street with Michael Myers’ automobile behind them, they hear it on the stereo. It’s set to low intensity, almost as if it’s background noise. Given that Myers is on the lookout for them in hopes of murdering them, associating Michael with the Reaper from this track is very appropriate.

2 Hip To Be Square - American Psycho (2000)

     Lionsgate Films 

The song “Hip To Be Square” by the Huey Lewis and the News goes quite well in the movie American Psycho, since the protagonist loves it so much. Patrick Bateman listens to “Hip to Be Square” before going all Jack Torrance on Paul. It’s both startling and wickedly hilarious that he plays the track loudly while murdering Paul. This catchy tune resonates not just with Paul’s horrible murder, but also with Bateman’s personality, who is defying society’s notions of what is positive and constructive, while listening to the song promoting conformance. This easily adds to why American Psycho is one of the best horror movies directed by women.

1 Midnight, The Stars, and You - The Shining (1980)

     Warner Bros. Pictures (United States) /Columbia-EMI-Warner Distributors (United Kingdom)

This song, performed by Al Bowlly, can be heard streaming in the Overlook Hotel’s Gold Room when Jack Torrance witnesses scores of spirits celebrating as though it’s 1921. When played in The Shining, it creates a fascinating and disturbing atmosphere. However, it’s really unsettling when it plays during the final scene of Jack being in one of the resort’s old pictures. The lyrics describe how the hotel enslaved Jack and how, in the end, he succumbed to its demands. The music has become synonymous with this horror classic by Stanley Kubrick, and it’s difficult to picture the movie without it. The music adds to why this is one of the best ’80s Stephen King adaptations.