More Than Just Names: How Credit Sequences Shape Horror Films

Credit sequences give credit to the makers of the film, the director, the editor, the producer, the writer, the actors, and much more. Still, they aren't just for listing names, they play a huge role in setting the tone and hinting at the themes of a film. Here are the opening credits in Midsommar, Parasite, and American Psycho. These films show that a well-thought-out credit sequence can be an essential part of the storytelling, drawing you in and setting the stage for what can come. 

Midsommar (2019)

Midsommar opens with a slow, haunting transition from darkness into daylight as the credits appear. The film starts in a harsh winter, reflecting Dani’s emotional state—isolated, grieving, and trapped. The slow fade into the bright, pastel-colored world of Sweden is unsettling, not comforting. The credits don’t ask for attention; instead, they blend really well with the scenery, which shows how horror creeps into the film. This calmness, paired with a tragic family death in the first few minutes, sets up the contrast between beauty and terror that defines the film.

I couldn't find the whole credits in one so here are 2 links to show the beginning of the film.

Midsommar Credit Sequence

Midsommar Credit Sequence

Parasite (2019)

The opening credits of Parasite quietly set up the film’s themes. The camera moves through the Kim family’s cramped semi-basement, showing small details like a drying sock and a low window. The simple font and low angles highlight their position at the bottom of society without saying a word.

The music is soft but uneasy, creating subtle tension. It doesn’t feel scary, but something feels off—just like the false sense of security in the Kim family’s life. This quiet buildup makes the chaos that follows even more impactful.

Parasite Credit Sequence

American Psycho (2000)

American Psycho’s opening credits are sleek and controlled, just like Patrick Bateman. The sequence begins with elegant visuals of what looks like blood dripping—only to reveal that it’s just sauce on a plate. This immediately plays with expectations, mirroring Bateman himself: polished on the outside but monstrous underneath. As the credits roll, Bateman’s morning routine unfolds with precision—his skin-care routine, his apartment, his obsessive attention to detail. The clean, minimalist font of the credits reflects his need for perfection. Everything about this sequence screams control, but the tiny cracks in the illusion hint at the chaos that’s about to unfold.

American Psycho Credit Sequence

Conclusion

These three films helped me notice how important credit sequences are. If they are well done they can really set the stage for what's to come of the film. I never paid attention to credit sequences but now I know how important they are and will definitely be paying more attention.