The 3 Spookiest Halloween Movie Theme Songs

Even though today might be Halloween and this is the time when Mariah Carey becomes dethawed from her icy hibernation, it’s not time to move on yet. Matter of fact, why would you want to? Halloween is a special day because it is the one day a year when you can dress like a complete lunatic and act like a kid again without facing any social repercussions. Does that not sound like a dream?

However, if you’re too cool to dress up there is another way to indulge in the Halloween festivities by watching some of the holiday’s infamous films. In addition to the films’ horror, ghosts, and other spooky elements, one thing that makes a Halloween movie phenomenal is the theme song. So, if you want to watch a Halloween movie, watch one of these as their theme songs are one of the film’s best parts.

“Halloween: Theme Song” by John Carpenter

Surely when you read the title of this article you knew the theme song from Halloween would be on the top of the list. Frankly, it’s a no-brainer, as the song has been an essential part of the holiday since the film’s release in 1978. When one hears the song they can’t help but imagine Michael Myers and Jamie Lee Curtis playing their horrifying game of cat and mouse.

Written by the film’s director, John Carpenter, the song helps amplify the morbid horridness of the film and instills its most graphic scenes in the viewer’s head. Needless to say, it’s the most memorable theme song not only thanks to its catchiness, but also because of the film’s overall quality.

“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.

Doubling as both a Halloween holiday song and general pop song, the Ghostbuster’s theme song has become a staple of the ’80s. Written by Ray Parker Jr, the song is one of the most decorated film theme songs of all time, as it won a BAFTA and a Grammy.

Is the song cheesy? Certainly, but it is also loads of fun. Parker completely leans into the ’80s music fads and creates a song deeply rooted in the era’s music techniques given its use of synthesizers and the saxophone. So, if you want to have a blast to the past both musically and cinematically, give the film a watch and look out for Parker’s theme song.

“This is Halloween” by Danny Elfman

Both dark yet celebratory, Danny Elfman’s theme song from The Nightmare Before Christmas is the film’s cherry on top. Elfamn could not have been more spot on with the song as it perfectly matches Tim Burton’s unique and childishly creepy film style. Thanks to the song’s sheer quality, it garnered Elfman and the film a spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

The fact that it is placed on the charts is not only proof that Elfman did an incredible job, but it is also evidence that the song transcends the film and can stand alone as its own piece of art. That being so, if you want to listen to this song in your car in the middle of July, it is totally warranted.

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