Top 10 Creepy & Dark Songs from Animated Kids' Shows
#10: “Stalker Song” “The Amazing World of Gumball” (2011-)
The upbeat melody suggests otherwise, but the lyrics scream, “Fatal Attraction.” This song peels back Sarah’s sick obsession with Gumball and Darwin, partaking in extracurricular activities like sneaking into their room, wearing their clothes, and chronicling their daily lives. The sequence cleverly contains several callbacks to past episodes, suggesting that Sarah was hiding from a distance the whole time. Of course, even longtime viewers might be too disturbed to catch this. Although it’s played for laughs, Sarah’s MO isn’t much different than a real-life stalker’s conduct. It ends on an especially depraved note with Sarah vowing one of the two will eventually be her husband, drawing a heart with her own ice cream. For a sentient ice cream cone, that’s like a blood oath.
#9: “Ghosts Ain’t Real” “The Cuphead Show!” (2022-)
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Even though our cup-headed hero has already crossed paths with the Devil, he has a hard time believing that ghosts are real. Wandering through a graveyard, Cuphead and Mugman are reminded that anything can be real in their surreal world, ghosts included. A ghoulish trio makes the brothers believe with an eerie song set to a paranormal parade. Being “Cuphead,” the song naturally draws inspiration from several classic works, most notably Disney’s “Lonesome Ghosts,” “The Skeleton Dance,” and Snow White’s spooky forest misadventure. It’s also reminiscent of Fleischer shorts like 1930’s “Swing You Sinners!” Yet, the song still maintains a distinct “Cuphead” signature with off-the-wall comedy. If you’re not running for the hills, the song will have you merrily marching along to the happy haunt.
#8: “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” “Adventure Time” (2010-18)
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In the early 1910s, Leo Friedman and Beth Slater Whitson wrote a cheerful tune called “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Since being popularized by the Peerless Quartet, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly, and… Princess Bubblegum? In one of “Adventure Time’s” strangest yet most oddly fitting song choices, a possessed Princess Bubblegum is driven to turn all of Ooo’s residents into candy. She does so while putting a demented spin on what once seemed like a sincere love ballad. Bubblegum’s newfound “sweethearts” are turned into candy zombies, joining in her cavity of a chorus. Much like a stranger who offers candy, the bright colors and sweet taste might draw you in, but there’s something foreboding behind the wrapper.
#7: “What’s the Use of Feeling (Blue)?” “Steven Universe” (2013-19)
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Almost 40 years after Patti LuPone first sang, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” she’d ask Blue Diamond to stop crying over Pink. Where Blue can’t turn off the waterworks, Yellow is constantly composed, unable to see the point of holding onto grief. With two Pearls providing a hypnotic chorus, Yellow delivers a cold and calculating song questioning the very nature of sadness. Behind the lyrics is denial, though, as Yellow hasn’t moved on from Pink either. The song is wrought with emotional torment, worming its way into your soul with a haunting sentiment. All the while, LuPone strikes an unnerving balance as Yellow attempts to keep her feelings bottled up, yet can’t help but let a little blueness shine through.
#6: “You Got Tricked” “The Loud House” (2016-)
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Whether or not you’re on the receiving end of the trick, this song is sure to put you in the Halloween spirit. Getting revenge on Hank and Hawk, the Louds lure the candy-stealing hooligans into their haunted maze. While the decorations and costumes are spooky, it’s Luna’s musical contributions that make this trick such a treat. Luna appropriately sets the mood on a pipe organ as the rest of the Louds get in on the frights and delights. Composed by “Loud House” regulars Doug Rockwell and Michelle Lewis, the song is elevated by a sick rock and roll beat that keeps your heart racing throughout. It all builds to a “Carrie” homage. Granted, it’s not real blood, but that’s the idea. They got tricked!
#5: “You Will Remember” “Danny Phantom” (2004-07)
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Ember McLain is a fan favorite of this Nicktoon and that can be partially attributed to this unforgettable banger. “You Will Remember” is designed to get stuck in the listener’s head with Ember plotting to hypnotize unsuspecting souls. Everything about the song, from the ominous lyrics to the moody melody, shines a direct spotlight on Ember’s nefarious nature. And yet, her clear motivations are in the back of our minds because the tune is just that intoxicating. Composed by Guy Moon with lyrics from creator Butch Hartman, the song burns its way into our subconscious, making us surrender to singer Robbyn Kirmssé’s fiery vocals. It’s an arresting power ballad that leaves us powerless to its charms, which is both unsettling and irresistible.
#4: “Come Wayward Souls” “Over the Garden Wall” (2014)
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This chilling tune is like the bizarro version of “O Holy Night.” Both share almost identical melodies, but where one is about a birth, the other is about someone’s soul being stripped away. “Come Wayward Souls” serves as a ghastly theme for the mystery Beast, who lurks through the woods on the prowl for wandering souls. Samuel Ramey brings his operatic bass to the menacing song, which makes the listener feel as if they’re sinking into a river of despair. As baleful as the Beast’s voice is, we’re perhaps even more distraught by the children’s choir that chimes in as the song continues. Although nothing is spelled out, we wouldn’t be surprised if the choir is composed of souls that the Beast has already collected.
#3: “Nothing Left to Lose” “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure” (2017-20)
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Cassandra and Varian started on the side of good before traversing down a devious path. The difference is that even during his darkest hour, Varian understood that he had descended into villainy. In Cassandra’s eyes, she’s the hero of this story and everyone has wronged her. Having lost her friends, family, and ability to see clearly, Cassandra sees no going back as she executes her master plan. This daunting duet, written by the great Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, showcases two sides at odds - one driven by reason and the other by revenge. The reformed Varian attempts to help Cassandra see the light, but it’s no use. Cassandra is ready to take what she believes is rightfully hers, ironically losing everything else in the process.
#2: “This Day Aria” “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” (2010-19)
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For anyone who thinks that voice acting isn’t “real acting,” we implore you to listen to “This Day Aria.” Here’s the setup: changeling Queen Chrysalis has stolen Princess Cadence’s identity, plotting to walk down the aisle with her beloved. Britt McKillip voices both characters for this showstopping duet. While she doesn’t change her voice, her delivery paints a portrait of two polar opposites. One is a kindly soul hanging onto hope as she races against the clock. The other is overflowing with cackling evil, savoring every moment leading up to the “I do’s.” Cadence provides but a small glimmer of light in an otherwise hair-raising number that leaves us invested with every step. Shifting between sincere and sinister, McKillip demonstrates impeccable range in one song. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “One Good Scare,” “Phineas and Ferb” (2007-) All That’s Missing is Frankenstein’s Brain “Grinch Is Gonna Get You,” “Halloween Is Grinch Night” (1977) And You Thought He Was a Mean One at Christmas “Crossing the Line,” “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure” (2017-20) Cass Takes a Wicked Turn “I’m the Bad Guy,” “Wander Over Yonder” (2013-16) Lord Dominator Shows Her True Colors “Da Pixie Rap,” “The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17) Who Knew Method Man & Redman Could Be So Cunning?
#1: “Kill the Wabbit” “What’s Opera, Doc?”
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Premiering theatrically before making it to the small screen, Chuck Jones’ magnum opus sneaks up on the audience with its dark nature. When we first hear Elmer Fudd sing the lyrics, “Kill the wabbit,” it’s hard not to giggle. By the short’s climax, though, the song takes on a genuinely operatic tone with Fudd summoning the forces of nature to finally do in his long-time rival. Bugs Bunny can survive virtually anything, but even he can’t challenge the notion that operas must end in tragedy. Fudd immediately regrets his actions, carrying the fallen wabbit into a heavenly light. Phillip DeGuard’s striking backgrounds, Maurice Noble’s imposing layouts, and the timeless music culminate in a finale that’s light on the looniness, but heavy with tension and drama.
