Music is often an underrated element in horror films and TV shows. Besides providing ambiance, it serves as a source of tension and forewarns the audience of danger. Horror themes are usually meant to invoke a sense of fear and evoke the motif of a project. Themes such as Halloween's theme and Rosemary's Baby's lullaby are iconic due to their distinctive and haunting qualities.
The 80s, in particular, were filled with memorable themes that are still revered and chilling today. While some were traditionally spooky, others tended to be jazzy and evoked a light-hearted feel. Below are themes audiences almost immediately think of when they think of 80s horror.
Friday The 13th
Friday the 13th is the quintessential 80s horror slasher flick, from its mysterious killer, oblivious and promiscuous teenagers, and gregarious kills. One of the film's penchants was its theme composed by Harry Manfredini. The theme played whenever the murderer was near. This was intentional as Manfredini did not want to jerk the audience around. He also chose the music to be cut off to give the audience a break and so the following scare would be more impactful.
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters centered on a group of scientists who turned their attention to capturing meddlesome and or sinister spirits. The score was composed by the great Elmer Burnstein. Yet, the anthem of the movie "Ghostbusters" was written and performed by Ray Parker Jr. Parker, who based the song on a cheap commercial he saw one night that resembled the Ghostbuster's ad in the movie. This upbeat tune went on to rank #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.
Tales From The Darkside
Tales from the Darkside was an anthology series created by George Romero. The opening/closing themes were performed by Donald Rubinstein and co-written by Erica Lindsay. The opening, ominous tune plays as the narrator alludes to the "dark side."
The same narrator closes out the episode bidding the audience farewell and reminding them to enjoy the daylight. Despite being less than two minutes long, the theme was poignantly eerie and left a haunting impression on viewers.
The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys was a medley of horror, romance, comedy, and action. The song "Cry Little Sister" was co-written by Gerard McMahon and Michael Mainieri and performed by McMahon. "Cry Little Sister" was heard a few times throughout the film including when Michael transformed and was intimate with Star.
McMahon had not seen a single frame of the movie when the song was conceived. He based the song on his past experience of desiring a family as a spurned youth and deliberately did not allude to vampires.
The Thing
The Thing followed a group of American researchers who came across a parasitic entity in Antarctica that could shapeshift into any living organism. The music was composed by Ennio Morricone. Morricone was chosen by director John Carpenter, as he wanted the music to have a European nuance.
Before meeting Carpenter, Morricone produced a slew of synthesizer music, and, out of all the compositions, Carpenter chose one that would become the theme of the film.
Child's Play
Child's Play featured the first appearance of iconic killer doll Chucky. The theme was composed by Joe Renzetti and played during the credits. Originally "The Chucky Song" was intended to be used for the closing credits, and its writer/performer, Simon Stokes, worked alongside Renzetti.
The theme is simple but effective. Bear McCreary redid the theme for the reboot of Child's Play, and, when compared with Renzetti's, most prefer the original.
Gremlins
Gremlins was one of the most popular creature movies in the 80s. The music was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, and its theme, "The Gremlin Rag," has become one of the film's legendary hallmarks. The theme was intended to evoke the suspenseful and mischievous nature of the gremlins. Goldsmith later won a Saturn Award for his score. The theme would be heard once again for the promotion of Gremlins 2: The New Batch, and Goldsmith returned to compose for the sequel.
Tales from the Crypt
Tales from the Crypt was another 80s horror anthology series and was based on the EC horror comics. The main/opening theme was composed by Danny Elfman. Meanwhile, the series had a litany of various composers. Elfman is known for his work in Tim Burton movies and has established himself as being one of the busiest composers in the industry.
The music was synchronized to the various sounds in the intro, leading the viewer on a suspenseful trip before coming face to face with the Crypt-Keeper.
A Nightmare On Elm Street
A Nightmare on Elm Street centered on Nancy Thompson and her friends being pursued by Freddy Krueger, a supernatural entity that kills his victims in their sleep. The score was done by Charles Bernstein. The music was motivated by Bernstein's wacky nonchalance, as he felt the movie would end up on home video due to its weird concept.
Having rarely watched horror movies, he had to figure out how to scare the audience. His efforts would prove to be worthwhile, as the film became a hit, and his score has been recognized as one of the best horror soundtracks. The theme does an exquisite job of evoking dread and whimsy, almost in a dreamlike sense.
The Shining
The Shining was based on Stephen King's book of the same name. The main theme was written and performed by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind. They based the theme on "Dream of Witches' Sabbath" and "Dies Irae" by Hector Berlioz.
The theme can be heard throughout the film, but it is most prominently played at the beginning where the Torrence family can be seen traveling to the hotel. The distorted sounds and voices make the most spine-tingling composition on the list.