4 Non-Scary Songs That Became Terrifying After Being Included in a Horror Film

When it comes to horror, context is everything, and these four non-scary songs that became terrifying after being included in a horror film are certainly no exception. In the right scene with the right characters, a ukulele song about prancing through flowers turns into a song that chills you to the bone.

An upbeat 1980s rock jam bordering on cheesy can turn into a frightening backdrop for senseless violence when the perpetrator in question just happens to be a big Huey Lewis and the News fan. And the Chordettes likely never could have imagined what their dreamy pop tune could turn into when placed over the bone-white, unmoving face of Halloween’s Michael Myers.

Let’s explore…if you dare. (Spoiler alert: while the videos we share below won’t contain spoilers, the links in the text might. So, open with caution.)

“Don’t Fear the Reaper” in ‘X’

Ti West’s horror trilogy provides the perfect vehicle for Mia Goth to prove just how much she deserves her “scream queen” title, and it also serves as a stunning example of how a non-scary song can turn terrifying when placed in the right horror film. The first film in the series (which is actually the second in the overarching story’s timeline) uses Blue Öyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” to great, maximally creepy effect.

Every scary movie has its pivot scene that transitions the plot from the preemptive setup to full-fledged horror and chaos, and West’s decision to use “Don’t Fear the Reaper” to usher this moment into X was highly effective. Indeed, the reaper pales compared to something else lurking on that desolate farm.

“Tiptoe Through the Tulips” in ‘Insidious’

Even those who don’t know who Tiny Tim is likely to know the melody of his iconic hit, “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” Whether you were introduced to Tiny Tim through his 1968 record, God Bless Tiny Tim, or through the Spongebob Squarepants series decades later, his signature song sounds anything but ominous. In fact, one could argue the saccharine whimsy of Tiny Tim’s hit is the exact opposite of scary. 

All that changed in 2010 when James Wan’s Insidious used “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” as the musical backdrop for a father’s harrowing journey into an astral plane to save his son from a demon. Suddenly, the playfulness of the song becomes the exact thing that makes it so terrifying.

“Mr. Sandman” in ‘Halloween 2’

The Chordettes’ bouncing 1954 hit “Mr. Sandman” is hardly a scary song on its own, but put it in the right horror film, and it becomes downright terrifying. Say what you will about the spin-offs of the Halloween franchise (this writer humbly suggests that nothing beats the original, but I digress), the decision to include “Mr. Sandman” in the sequel was downright spooky.

Part of the mystery (and terror) of the mask-wearing, knife-wielding Michael Myers is that you never know if he’s actually dead and gone for good. The coyness of “Mr. Sandman” plays on this fear, almost teasing the listener for not knowing whether whatever recent fatal blow Jamie Lee Curtis dealt him was enough to end his reign of terror. Of course, there wouldn’t be a franchise if it was, right?

“Hip To Be Square” in ‘American Psycho’

American Psycho is one of those rare horror films that blends satire and fright effortlessly, and Mary Harron’s decision to make Patrick Bateman an annoyingly avid fan of Huey Lewis and the News was a perfect addition to the plot. Of course someone as completely out of touch with reality and his own identity would try to convince his victims that a wildly popular, borderline cheesy rock band was good. Mansplaining 1980s pop rock. Beautiful.

Huey Lewis and the News’ “Hip to Be Square” gets the benefit of turning into a downright terrifying song despite its original attitude and vibe. If Bateman’s favorite band were anything darker, it would have been too obvious. If it were anything softer, it wouldn’t have made sense. Harron hit the nail on the head with Huey so that Bateman could hit the head with the ax.

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