When you think of The Exorcist, the haunting notes of "Tubular Bells" immediately come to mind. It's a soundtrack that's become inseparable from the film's terrifying atmosphere. But what if the demonic possession were set to a different kind of score? What if classic rock's darkest, most ominous tracks took center stage? We've ranked the 10 rock songs that would feel right at home in this horror masterpiece.
10. "N.I.B." by Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath, led by the Prince of Darkness himself, could have scored the entire movie. But "N.I.B." from their 1970 debut is the perfect fit. The song explores Lucifer falling in love with a mortal, a twisted connection between the supernatural and the human that mirrors the film's central conflict. The devil's seductive plea, "My name is Lucifer, please take my hand," is pure evil charm.
9. "The Ripper" by Judas Priest
This track from Sad Wings of Destiny is based on the true story of Jack the Ripper, making it even more chilling. Told from the killer's perspective, the unreliable narrator adds a layer of psychological horror. The warning, "Never turn your back on the ripper," is exactly the kind of menace that would amplify the film's dread.
8. "Child of Babylon" by Whitesnake
Whitesnake's 1981 track is steeped in religious imagery and ambiguity. It begins with a child in distress, his parents seeking salvation. David Coverdale's lyrics, "I am a child of Babylon, Lord have mercy on a wayward son," evoke a plea for forgiveness that could easily be Regan's cry for help.
7. "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones
The Stones have always dabbled in the macabre, but this 1966 classic is introspective and haunting. Mick Jagger's trembling voice and the somber melody create a sense of despair and impending doom. "I look inside myself and see my heart is black" perfectly captures the film's themes of inner darkness.
6. "Gold Dust Woman" by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks, with her witchy aura, delivers an ominous anthem on Rumours. The song personifies cocaine as a seductive, destructive force, but its eerie vibe fits a demonic presence. The line "Shatter your illusions of love" could be the demon taunting its victims.
5. "Communication Breakdown" by Led Zeppelin
This short, fast track from Led Zeppelin's debut is a burst of frantic energy. The obsession and frustration in the lyrics, "Communication breakdown, it's always the same," mirror the escalating chaos in the film. The guitar-heavy sound would add a raw, urgent edge to the horror.
4. "Welcome to My Nightmare" by Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper's theatrical horror rock is tailor-made for The Exorcist. The title track from his 1975 album is a descent into a twisted dreamscape, with lyrics like "Welcome to my nightmare, I think you're gonna like it" perfectly capturing the demon's malevolent invitation.
3. "Black Magic Woman" by Santana
While not originally by Santana (it's a Fleetwood Mac cover), this version's sultry, hypnotic groove is pure voodoo. The lyrics, "Got a black magic woman, got me so blind I can't see," speak to a supernatural seduction that mirrors the demon's hold on Regan.
2. "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones
The Stones again, but this time with a track that literally has the devil narrating. The samba-infused rock song is a chilling confession from Lucifer himself, detailing his influence throughout history. It's the perfect soundtrack for a film about demonic possession.
1. "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin
This blues-rock behemoth from Led Zeppelin IV is all about raw, primal energy. The driving riff and Robert Plant's wailing vocals create a sense of unbridled power that could easily represent the demon's rage. The song's unpredictable structure mirrors the film's sudden shocks, making it the ultimate rock accompaniment to The Exorcist.
These tracks, with their dark themes and haunting melodies, would elevate the terror of The Exorcist to new heights. Whether it's the devil's seduction or the chaos of possession, these rock anthems capture the film's essence. For more spine-tingling recommendations, check out our list of timeless thrillers or explore Netflix thrillers that keep you on edge.
