Do you think horror movies would not have the same impact or scares if it was not for the music?, people know it is a drivign point in the film. But i think without music & GOOD music to back it up it would not have been seen as scary.

A great example is the original Halloween, without the eerie piano music going on it wouldn't be seen a sscary, even John Carpenter said when he did some screening for people without music they where kind of ''eh'' But once he added the infamous theme & the rest of the music it became a classic.

So how important do you think music is to a horror movie specific? And also post some great music from horror movies

[Edited 10/6/12 13:36pm]

Some more!

I think horror movies could obviously be made without scary music, but clearly the music adds another sensual dimension. It definitely raises the goosebump ratio.

Horror movies are so effective because they appeal to to so many senses.

I remember an episode of the Simpsons when Homer noted that music telegraphs to the viewer that something is sinister: "You hear that music? He's evil!"

SynthiaRose said:

I think horror movies could obviously be made without scary music, but clearly the music adds another sensual dimension. It definitely raises the goosebump ratio.

Horror movies are so effective because they appeal to to so many senses.

I remember an episode of the Simpsons when Homer noted that music telegraphs to the viewer that something is sinister: "You hear that music? He's evil!"

It doesn't always have to be scary music, i think Candyman has a beautiful soundtrack. And it makes the movie even better

But without effective music i feel a lot of horror movies would not be as exciting... i can imagine Halloween being rather dull actually with the piano themes.

Now there is also the other side... i also get taken out if a horror movie uses shitty cliche violin & piano sample cues when a ''jump'' happens

Definetly! I'm a huge fan of Halloween but even I'll admit the music was it's strongest point

aardvark15 said:

Definetly! I'm a huge fan of Halloween but even I'll admit the music was it's strongest point

I actually think the reason i go back for osme of the sequels is the music as well

The organ theme in halloween 2 mixed with the stalk scenes is 80's slasher amazingness

The music in "Halloween" definitely adds to the terror. Hell, I still get chills to this day when I'm in the grocery store this time of year and hear the theme song. And I love that long lingering synth when she's running and stumbling and he's just slowly walking behind her.