Top Indie Songs with Horror Movie Vibes

10th October 2023 Elena

It’s undeniable that music plays a crucial role in horror films. It builds up the right tension and then hits with that sudden, loud, and sharp sting that’ll make you jump from your seat. Or scream. And, though it’s embarrassing, we know we’ll go back.

There’s nothing like indie music to subvert listeners’/viewers’ expectations. Here are our top indie songs that’ll get you in horror movie mode in no time!

Top Indie Songs with Horror Movie Vibes

These top indie songs include the siren-like spookiness of Lana del Rey, the melancholic eeriness of Stars, and the surreal nature of Sufjan Stevens.

And, let’s be honest, if there’s anything that can win over a dark heart, it’s indie music.

“Season Of The Witch” by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey‘s cover is our first pick from top indie songs that feature in the horror film Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019). Her unique voice and style contribute to the overall spookiness of the story.

Originally, Donovan wrote the “Season Of The Witch” and released it in 1966 but Lana Del Rey’s terrifying (in the best sense!) rendition of this classic song adds that eerie and haunting stroke to the film soundtrack.

When I look out my window

Many sights to see

And when I look in my window

So many different people to be

They’re strange, so strange

It’s very strange to me

It’s no wonder that Del Rey’s voice is a favorite among movie soundtracks. Let’s not forget about her “Young and Beautiful” from The Great Gatsby (2013) and “Once Upon a Dream” from Maleficent (2014).

“I Died So I Could Haunt You” by Stars

The Canadian indie pop band Stars is next with a horror-vibe track. Although it hasn’t been featured in a horror film yet, its title, lyrics, and music manage to create that melancholic and haunting vibe: a sense of longing, loss, or a ghostly presence.

This top indie song is included in their The Five Ghosts (2010), album where you can find themes surrounding love, death, and the afterlife:

Thousands of ghosts in the daylight

Walking through my hometown square

Thousands of faces you touched once

Thousands you lost in the fright

Knock knock on the door of the house that he knew

The air grows cold around me and you, and it’s cold

You know that he’s there

He’s there

If the supernatural and ghostly elements don’t scare you, well at least we guarantee and a good listen.

“They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh!” by Sufjan Stevens

‘Cause who doesn’t like a short song title? We recently mentioned this American indie folk musician, Sufjan Stevens, in our blog post, Top 5 New Indie Alternative Songs from October Playlist. Although we focused on another song, this unique and surreal track is also part of the album Illinois (2005).

Just reading the title, you get elements of horror like zombies and the undead. As for the rest, haunting melodies and provocative lyrics would be a perfect fit for a horror film:

We are awakened with the axe

Night of the living dead at last

They have begun to shake the dirt

Wiping their shoulders from the earth

So, if you’re looking for a song to include in a horror soundtrack, indie music is the best choice to create an atmosphere and mood that adds a unique and offbeat touch to the screen.

“Evil Eye” by Franz Ferdinand

Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand included this horror song in their 2013 album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action.

The lyrics of the song reference an “evil eye” and superstition, which can be linked with folklore and the supernatural.

Well, I have the evil eye

Well, I, I, I see your soul

You wear it on your face

It’s worn and what you’re doing?

This track has a lively and energetic sound that can add a sense of humor or irony to a horror movie. Among our list of top indie songs, it’s the most fun.

“Zombie Prom” by Kaiser Chiefs

British indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs chose a prom to build this playful and light-hearted take on horror. Well, zombies.

Although it doesn’t have the same sinister or eerie tone as the rest, it definitely makes the cut for top indie songs with horror movie vibes:

We were moaning and groaning for brains

Dripping with their human remains

I see their eyeballs were dead in their eyes

At nightfall the dead will arise

We’re at the zombie prom

Everybody dead but they be singing along, yeah

Like “Evil Eye”, horror doesn’t have to make you pee your pants. Well, at least from fear. A comedic and entertaining element can also make it an engaging choice for a horror movie.