Mike Flanagan's reimagining of Stephen King's Carrie hit Amazon Prime on October 7, 2026, and it's already become a cultural phenomenon. The eight-part series transplants the horror classic into a world of social media and cyberbullying, offering a fresh take on young womanhood and the pain of being different in an increasingly conformist society. While the show's writing and performances have earned widespread acclaim, one of its most striking elements is the meticulously curated soundtrack. Music isn't just background here—it's the emotional backbone of the entire series. Below, we rank the five best songs used in Flanagan's Carrie, and explain why they resonate so deeply. (Spoilers ahead!)
5. "Femme Hysteria" by Haute & Freddy
Kicking off our list is the electrifying, '80s-inspired dance track "Femme Hysteria" by Haute & Freddy. It's an unexpected choice for a horror series, but it fits perfectly. The LA-based alternative pop duo, formed in 2024, released their debut album Big Disgrace in March 2026, and their unique blend of electropop and medieval flair has left an indelible mark on the show. In an interview, Flanagan revealed, "I think Haute & Freddy, more than anything else, defined the series for us. To me, they are the genetic identity of the sound of our show."
The song's lyrics delve into themes of female rage, persecution, and defiance, with a witchy, mystical quality that harkens back to a time when women were burned at the stake for reading the wrong books. The line "Adam couldn't take the heat / So he pointed to his wife and screamed!" perfectly encapsulates the song's message: society fears women and anything it can't understand. "Femme Hysteria" blasts from the car of villain Chris Hargensen in the first episode, "First Period," and returns in the third episode, "Social Studies," as narrator Adelaide offers a history of telekinesis.
4. "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Wolf Alice
This track has a long history—it began as a poem by Christina Rossetti in 1872, was set to music in the early 1900s, and became a beloved Christmas carol. In 2021, London rock band Wolf Alice transformed it into a sprawling shoegaze cover. Lead singer Ellie Roswell's ethereal soprano preserves the original's softness and spirituality, while the extended instrumental sections create a dreamy, slightly disorienting atmosphere.
The song plays during Carrie White's first day at public high school after a lifetime of homeschooling. It's a moment of rebirth—Carrie is thrust into a world she's never known, and the music captures her mix of hope, naivety, and underlying dread. It's haunting, beautiful, and bleak all at once, perfectly setting the tone for the series.
3. "The Scythe" by The Last Dinner Party
At the end of the fourth episode, "Dramatic Arts," Carrie returns home covered in mud, traumatized by her classmates' cruelty. It's a pivotal scene—Carrie finally succumbs to her mother's worldview that the world is evil. As she hits rock bottom, "The Scythe" by The Last Dinner Party begins softly, swelling until the chorus erupts as the credits roll.
The London-based band, known for their baroque-pop and art-rock style, delivers a track that explores grief, loss, and the process of falling apart and rebuilding. The song's intensity builds with each verse, mirroring Carrie's emotional collapse and foreshadowing her eventual transformation. It's a powerful choice for a moment of despair and rebirth.
2. "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd" by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey's titular track from her 2023 album is a haunting, introspective piece that fits seamlessly into the series. The song's themes of longing, memory, and hidden places resonate with Carrie's own journey. It plays during a crucial moment, adding a layer of melancholy and introspection to the narrative. Del Rey's dreamy vocals and poetic lyrics create an atmosphere of vulnerability and isolation, mirroring Carrie's internal state. It's a masterful use of music to deepen the emotional impact of a scene.
1. "Femme Hysteria" (Reprise) by Haute & Freddy
While we already featured "Femme Hysteria" at number five, its reprise in the series' climactic moments elevates it to the top spot. The reprise, which appears during the prom sequence, is a reimagined, more orchestral version of the original. It underscores the chaos and catharsis of Carrie's revenge, transforming the song from a dance anthem into a powerful anthem of liberation. The lyrics about female rage and defiance take on new meaning as Carrie unleashes her telekinetic fury. It's a perfect marriage of music and narrative, making it the most impactful song in the series.
Flanagan's Carrie is a masterclass in storytelling, and the soundtrack is a key part of its success. From indie rock to art pop, each song is carefully chosen to enhance the emotional resonance of the story. If you haven't yet experienced this reimagining, it's a must-watch for horror fans and music lovers alike. And if you're hungry for more horror, check out our list of classic horror novels that still terrify.
