If there's a sound you need, any sound, chances are you'll find it online. Heck, there are sound effects available for the obscurest of the obscure, from Olympic curling to yogurt curdling.
But what are some of the most popular sound effects online? What sounds do filmmakers and game developers want most of all? We've outlined the 20 most popular types below.
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Without further ado, The 20 Most Popular Types of Sound Effects:
20. Crowd Sound Effects
Unless you're able to get a room full of people to chatter under a microphone for you, you'll need some walla. Don't try and decipher the murmurs- they're usually gibberish anyway.
Listen to crowd sound effects here.
19. War Sound Effects
Considering how many productions (film, game or otherwise) are war-based, it's no surprise war sound effects are on our list. The ambient noises of war (machine gun fire, background explosions) add an essential layer to any war scene.
Listen to war sound effects here.
18. Foley Sound Effects
If your project has humans (or anthropomorphic creatures), you're going to need movement sounds. Check out Foley Essentials, our collection of clothing rustles, footsteps, props, body grabs & more – recorded by Academy Award®-winning sound artists.
17. Train Sound Effects
The distinct rattle of rails and the toot of a steam engine is integral in any Western. Train sounds can not only add to platform scenes but also provide a perfect transition from one setting to another. Check out Sonomar Collection: Trains for a wide variety of train sounds, including a 1907 steam train, modern electric commuter trains, diesel freight trains and more.
Listen to train sound effects here.
16. Scary Sound Effects
When trying to create an eerie atmosphere, it's all in the sound. Doorknob rattles, floorboard creaks and wind sounds create a mood that no picture could possibly manage on its own.
Listen to horror sound effects here.
15. Background Sounds
A good ambience or background sound should blend right in and fit naturally in your scene – finding the right language/dialect, crowd size, room size, activity, etc. are all crucial to creating the perfect atmosphere.
Listen to ambience sound effects here.
14. Door Sound Effects
It's probably pretty difficult to find a piece of media that doesn't feature a door in some capacity – whether it's a simple front door to a house, a metal portal on a spaceship, or a creaky wooden door to a creepy basement. Check out Doors by Richard King to set the tone for your scenes with colorful and clean recordings for a wide variety of door types, sizes, speeds and perspectives.
Listen to door sound effects here.
13. Sci-Fi Sound Effects
With more sci-fi games, movies and TV shows that ever, every media creator needs high quality sound effects of aliens, spaceships, robots, outer space, and all things futuristic.
Listen to science fiction sound effects here.
12. Animal Sound Effects
This one wasn't surprising, but did you know that we have sounds from hundreds of animals, not just the typical dog bark or cow moo? We've got capuchin monkey calls, pig squeals, tiger growls and more.
Listen to animal sound effects here.
11. User Interface Sound Effects
Make all of your apps, video games, websites, and interactive media sleek, modern and intuitive with high quality UI/UX sounds.
Listen to user interface sound effects here.
10. Static Sound Effects
Ever wonder what sonic fuzz sounds like? Static sound effects are often made from white, pink, or even brown noise that's then chopped up and subjected to ASDR envelopes. Google that one if you're new to sound synthesis. Check out Interference to add intensity to your sci-fi, fantasy, and horror projects with unmatched gritty and dark sound effects of robotic radio static, scans, morphs, risers and more.
Listen to static sound effects here.
9. Cartoon Sound Effects
Cartoon tends to be synonymous with funny when it comes to the sound effects world. If you need ingredients for a laughter cake, look no farther. Mmmm. Cake.
Listen to cartoon sound effects here.
8. Movie Sound Effects
All the people searching for sounds from famous movies will be thrilled to know that they not only can find and use sounds from Oscar®-winning films, there are thousands to choose from. Check out the Odyssey Collection by Mark Mangini & Richard L. Anderson.
Listen to movie sound effects here.
7. Weather Sound Effects
Brave the elements with sound effects from all weather patterns including wind, rain, thunder, storms, snow & beyond.
Listen to weather sound effects here.
6. Trailer Sound Effects
Video game and movie trailers need big, epic, Hollywood quality sounds to create an impactful impression on the audience. Check out Colossal: Trailer Sound Effects designed by feature film sound editors from Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, Joseph Fraioli and Randy Torres for a collection of high-energy impacts, whooshes, rumbles, and transitions.
Listen to trailer sound effects here.
5. Explosion Sound Effect
One of the most fun sound effects to work with: explosions. You can build your own with individual elements (wood snap, glass debris, low frequency boom) or use pre-made effects that already contain multiple sound layers. Boooooom.
Listen to explosion sound effects here.
4. Vehicle Sound Effects
Whether it's a high-speed chase or a casual Sunday cruise, chances are you'll work on a project where someone is driving, flying, or sailing somewhere. Check out The Odyssey Collection: Vehicles for the most thorough collection of car sound effects available – plus trucks, buses, and motorcycles – curated from the private library of Academy Award®-winners.
Listen to vehicle sound effects here.
3. Siren & Alarm Sound Effects
Build your soundscape and be ready for any chase scene with emergency alarm and siren sounds.
Listen to siren and alarm sound effects here.
2. Fire Sound Effects
DJs often cross from traditional musical borders into the more abstract sound art territory. Often spicing mixes up with sound effects, these libraries offer many sounds to choose from. Check out Ember by Richard King for crackling, roaring, and smoldering sound effects.
Listen to fire sound effects here.
1. Gun Sound Effects
Like explosions, gun sound effects are made from multiple elements, and each type of gun sounds drastically different from the next. Pro Sound Effects customers are often searching for gun sounds. We've got thousands to offer – Check out King Collection: Guns for the most comprehensive collection of gun sounds available.
Listen to gun sound effects here.
Want high quality sounds for any project?
Download 500+ free sound effects with our CORE Free Sampler:
