A perfectly timed score can transform an ordinary scene into a heart-pounding, sweat-inducing moment of pure terror. We’ve curated a list of 13 iconic film scores that will haunt you long after the credits roll.

1. 28 Days Later (John Murphy)

Nothing screams post-apocalyptic dread quite like the atmospheric tension of 28 Days Later. Murphy's brooding, minimalist score matches the desolation and chaos of the film, and when "In the House - In a Heartbeat" kicks in, you know you’re in for something bone-chilling.

2. Jaws (John Williams)

Arguably one of the most iconic film scores of all time, John Williams’ Jaws theme needs only two notes to strike fear into your heart. Hear that "duh-duh" and instantly, you're thrown into the open water, nervously scanning for an unseen predator. It’s simple yet relentlessly suspenseful.

3. Halloween (John Carpenter)

John Carpenter’s Halloween theme is the perfect companion to Michael Myers’ slow, unstoppable pursuit. The repetitive piano keys put you into a trance, locking you into the tension of the moment just like Kobe Bryant, who famously used it to get into game mode.‍‍‍

‍4. A Quiet Place (Silence)

Sometimes, the absence of sound can be the most terrifying thing of all. In films like A Quiet Place, silence is used as a weapon, drawing out tension and putting the audience on edge, making every faint noise feel like a bomb about to go off.

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5. No Country for Old Men (Carter Burwell)

Speaking of silence, Carter Burwell’s almost invisible score in No Country for Old Men only heightens the tension. The lack of a traditional musical score leaves you raw, exposed, and anticipating the unknown—a genius move for one of the tensest films ever made.

6. The Shining (Wendy Carlos & Rachel Elkind)

From the very first note, The Shining score unsettles you. The opening credits, accompanied by a foreboding synth, set the tone for one of the most disturbing psychological horrors in cinema. Each eerie cue pulls you deeper into the Overlook Hotel's twisted atmosphere.

Check out BTS of Wendy Carlos herself

7. Psycho (Bernard Herrmann)

Hitchcock’s Psycho is a masterclass in terror, and Bernard Herrmann’s sharp, screeching violins in the infamous shower scene are synonymous with sheer horror. It’s the sound of madness itself, leaving an indelible mark on horror soundtracks forever.

8. It Follows (Disasterpeace)

The synth-heavy score of It Follows manages to be both nostalgic and utterly terrifying. The retro vibe makes you feel safe for a second, but it quickly turns menacing, amplifying the paranoia as the relentless "It" continues its pursuit.

9. The Exorcist (Mike Oldfield)

The Exorcist may be best known for its terrifying imagery, but Mike Oldfield’s use of "Tubular Bells" turns an innocent melody into something deeply unsettling. The moment you hear it, you’re drawn back into the world of possessed children and otherworldly evil.

10. Hereditary (Colin Stetson)

The score for Hereditary is as disorienting as the film itself. Colin Stetson uses heavy, distorted sounds and abrupt crescendos to drag you into the chaos of the family’s terrifying descent. By the end, you’re left as haunted as the characters on screen.

11. A Nightmare on Elm Street (Charles Bernstein)

This chilling score pairs perfectly with Freddy Krueger's dream-stalking horrors. The eerie, lilting melody feels like it’s straight out of a nightmare, designed to make you afraid of falling asleep—and it works.

12. Suspiria (Goblin)

Dario Argento’s Suspiria wouldn’t be the masterpiece it is without Goblin’s prog-rock-infused score. The soundtrack is chaotic, bizarre, and nerve-wracking, much like the visuals of the film itself. It’s a sound you can’t escape, even after the credits roll.

13. Get Out (Michael Abels)

Michael Abels' score for Get Out masterfully blends African rhythms with suspenseful undertones, creating a soundscape that reflects the film’s themes of fear and entrapment. From the sinister "Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga" to the unnerving, rising tension, it’s a score that adds to the psychological horror.

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