Halloween is all about setting the right mood, and nothing does that better than a killer soundtrack. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party, prepping for trick-or-treaters, or simply getting into the eerie atmosphere, music is the secret ingredient. Below are the best Halloween songs that will satisfy every ghoul, ghost, and goblin at your gathering — and keep the party going well into the witching hour.
The 50 Best Halloween Songs
Iconic Halloween Anthems
These are the timeless essentials. No Halloween playlist is complete without them
Thriller – Michael Jackson
An absolute must for Halloween. The eerie beat, Vincent Price’s legendary narration, and the iconic zombie dance make this track the undisputed king of Halloween anthems.
Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
This funky, feel-good anthem about busting ghosts is both nostalgic and fun, making it the perfect sing-along for any Halloween party.
Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
A quirky 1962 novelty hit that’s stood the test of time. With its goofy lyrics and catchy melody, it’s guaranteed to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.
Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell
With its paranoid lyrics and eerie synths, this 80s classic has Michael Jackson on the chorus, bringing a spooky edge to any playlist.
This Is Halloween – The Citizens of Halloween (from The Nightmare Before Christmas)
Tim Burton’s cult classic delivers this spooky, carnival-like anthem that brings Halloween to life with creepy lyrics and a festive, eerie sound.
Disturbia – Rihanna
Rihanna’s hit single brings an eerie, edgy vibe with its haunting melodies and dark, unsettling lyrics about paranoia and mental unrest.
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
A funky groove wrapped in eerie lyrics about omens and bad luck, this song blends Halloween spookiness with danceable rhythms.
Spooky, Scary Skeletons – Andrew Gold
Originally released in 1996, this playful tune about skeletons has gained new life as a viral TikTok hit, making it a fun addition for Halloween celebrations.
I Put a Spell on You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
With haunting, growling vocals, this bluesy track drips with dark, magical energy, making it an ideal Halloween slow burner.
A Nightmare on My Street – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
This humorous yet spooky rap tribute to A Nightmare on Elm Street tells the story of an encounter with Freddy Krueger over a catchy beat.
The Best Iconic Halloween Anthems
- Thriller – Michael Jackson
- Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
- Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
- Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell
- This Is Halloween – The Citizens of Halloween (from The Nightmare Before Christmas)
- Disturbia – Rihanna
- Superstition – Stevie Wonder
- Spooky, Scary Skeletons – Andrew Gold
- I Put a Spell on You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
- A Nightmare on My Street – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Pop Horror Hits
These modern and classic pop songs are perfect for bringing a spooky vibe to your dance floor
She Wolf – Shakira
With its seductive beat and howling chorus, Shakira’s hit transforms into a wild, eerie anthem perfect for a spooky party setting.
Heads Will Roll – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This electro-pop hit mixes guillotine imagery with dance beats, creating a hauntingly catchy track that gets everyone on their feet.
Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo
A powerful, heart-wrenching ballad with vampiric metaphors. Rodrigo’s emotional intensity and cutting lyrics make this a new favourite for the spooky season.
bury a friend – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s unsettling whispers and minimalist production make this track feel like a haunting lullaby, setting a dark, eerie atmosphere.
Devil Woman – Cliff Richard
This classic pop-rock track tells the story of a seductive woman with a dark side, using magical imagery to create a perfect Halloween soundtrack.
Evil Woman – Electric Light Orchestra
With a catchy melody and lyrics about a devious lover, this classic rock tune adds just the right amount of wickedness to your Halloween playlist.
Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger takes on the persona of the devil himself, narrating centuries of human misdeeds over a catchy, groovy rhythm.
Haunted – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s ethereal vocals glide over a moody, atmospheric beat in this haunting track about ghosts and unseen forces.
Ghost Town – The Specials
This eerie ska tune blends ghostly melodies with lyrics about urban decay, creating a chilling, apocalyptic atmosphere that fits perfectly into any Halloween mix.
Witchy Woman – The Eagles
With its slow, hypnotic rhythm and lyrics about a mystical, dangerous woman, this song conjures up the perfect Halloween vibe.
The Best Pop Horror Hits
- She Wolf – Shakira
- Heads Will Roll – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo
- bury a friend – Billie Eilish
- Devil Woman – Cliff Richard
- Evil Woman – Electric Light Orchestra
- Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones
- Haunted – Beyoncé
- Ghost Town – The Specials
- Witchy Woman – The Eagles
Rock & Roll Horror Classics
Crank up the volume with these spooky rock and punk anthems
Pet Sematary – The Ramones
Inspired by Stephen King’s horror novel, this track captures the dark energy of the undead while delivering a catchy, punk rock beat.
Red Right Hand – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
A brooding, ominous tune with cryptic lyrics about a mysterious figure, this goth anthem creates an unsettling, cinematic vibe.
Highway to Hell – AC/DC
This rock classic is a wild ride into the underworld, with relentless guitar riffs and rebellious lyrics that set the stage for a Halloween rock-out.
Hell’s Bells – AC/DC
Opening with the sound of tolling bells, this hard rock anthem builds into a powerful, eerie track that perfectly suits Halloween’s dark side.
Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
Zevon’s playful lyrics about werewolves causing chaos in London are paired with catchy piano riffs, making this track a fun, upbeat Halloween favourite.
Don’t Fear the Reaper – Blue Öyster Cult
This hypnotic rock song explores themes of death and the afterlife with its haunting melodies and iconic cowbell, creating a perfect Halloween atmosphere.
Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
David Byrne’s eerie, disjointed vocals paired with unsettling lyrics about a deranged mind make this track a spooky new wave classic.
Bela Lugosi’s Dead – Bauhaus
A gothic rock anthem that pays tribute to the original Dracula, this song’s dark, atmospheric sound is perfect for fans of the macabre.
Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie
With industrial beats and horror-inspired lyrics, this track is an energetic ode to the undead, perfect for a high-octane Halloween party. Honourable mention to Rob Zombie’s “Dragula” as well.
Goo Goo Muck – The Cramps
This rockabilly horror song, with its quirky lyrics about a nighttime creature, became a Halloween favourite thanks to Wednesday on Netflix.
The Best Rock & Roll Horror Classics
- Pet Sematary – The Ramones
- Red Right Hand – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
- Highway to Hell – AC/DC
- Hell’s Bells – AC/DC
- Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
- Don’t Fear the Reaper – Blue Öyster Cult
- Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
- Bela Lugosi’s Dead – Bauhaus
- Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie
- Goo Goo Muck – The Cramps
Dark, Alternative Halloween Tracks
For those who want eerie, atmospheric tunes that stray from the mainstream
Dracula – Gorillaz
A deep dub groove gives this song a spooky, vampiric feel, perfect for a haunting Halloween atmosphere.
Fresh Blood – Eels
With its werewolf-inspired lyrics and sludgy beats, this track is a dark anthem for supernatural creatures of the night.
Vampires – DJ Touche
A haunting electronic track with throbbing beats and eerie vibes, ideal for setting the tone at a spooky Halloween party.
Country Death Song – Violent Femmes
This Southern gothic track tells the grim story of a farmer’s descent into madness, perfect for a creepy Halloween playlist.
Season of the Witch – Donovan
A psychedelic anthem that conjures images of transformation and witchcraft, making it a haunting, trippy addition to any playlist.
Suspiria – Goblin
This chilling instrumental from the horror movie Suspiria is a nightmarish mix of eerie whispers and unsettling sounds.
Cry Little Sister – Gerard McMann
The dark, brooding theme from The Lost Boys, this song is perfect for setting a vampiric, gothic mood.
Into the Unknown – Over the Garden Wall
A hauntingly beautiful folk tune that captures the eerie, dreamlike feeling of a mysterious autumn night.
The Ghost Who Walks – Karen Elson
With ghostly vocals and a chilling melody, this song tells the tale of a wandering spirit, perfect for a haunting Halloween mood.
Friends on the Other Side – Keith David (The Princess and the Frog)
This dark, jazzy track about voodoo and spirits is both kid-friendly and spooky enough to fit into any Halloween playlist. We still wish this song was included in Magic Kingdom’s ride, Tiana’s Bayou.
The Best Dark, Alternative Halloween Tracks
- Dracula – Gorillaz
- Fresh Blood – Eels
- Vampires – DJ Touche
- Country Death Song – Violent Femmes
- Season of the Witch – Donovan
- Suspiria – Goblin
- Cry Little Sister – Gerard McMann
- Into the Unknown – Over the Garden Wall
- The Ghost Who Walks – Karen Elson
- Friends on the Other Side – Keith David (The Princess and the Frog)
Haunting Instrumentals & Movie Themes
These tracks will give your Halloween a cinematic, atmospheric edge
Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield (The Exorcist theme)
An unsettling instrumental piece made famous by The Exorcist, this track’s eerie, minimalist sound is sure to give listeners chills.
Theme from Halloween – John Carpenter
A simple, chilling piano melody that’s instantly recognisable as the theme to one of the scariest horror movies of all time.
Hedwig’s Theme – John Williams (Harry Potter)
A magical yet eerie tune that brings the spooky world of Harry Potter to life, perfect for Halloween.
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna – London Philharmonic Orchestra
This operatic masterpiece is a powerful, intense piece that adds drama to any spooky setting.
Duel of the Fates – John Williams (Star Wars)
Epic, dramatic, and intense, this orchestral track sets the stage for a high-stakes Halloween adventure.
The Blob – The Five Blobs
A kitschy 50s song about a creeping alien menace, this track brings retro charm to your Halloween playlist.
Toccata & Fugue in D Minor – Johann Sebastian Bach
This iconic piece of classical music, often associated with gothic horror, adds a sense of grandeur and menace to any Halloween celebration.
Midnight, The Stars and You – Al Bowlly (The Shining)
A vintage 1930s song that brings a haunting, nostalgic feeling to the spooky season, thanks to its association with The Shining’s chilling final scenes.
Myer’s House – John Carpenter (Halloween)
A sinister, brooding piece from Halloween, this track creates an unnerving atmosphere, perfect for setting the mood on a dark, haunted night.
Grim Grinning Ghosts – The Melomen (The Haunted Mansion)
This playful tune from Disney’s The Haunted Mansion attraction brings a touch of spooky fun and lightheartedness to your Halloween playlist.
The Best Haunting Instrumentals & Movie Themes
- Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield (The Exorcist theme)
- Theme from Halloween – John Carpenter
- Hedwig’s Theme – John Williams (Harry Potter)
- Carmina Burana: O Fortuna – London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Duel of the Fates – John Williams (Star Wars)
- The Blob – The Five Blobs
- Toccata & Fugue in D Minor – Johann Sebastian Bach
- Midnight, The Stars and You – Al Bowlly (The Shining)
- Myer’s House – John Carpenter (Halloween)
- Grim Grinning Ghosts – The Melomen (The Haunted Mansion)
Honourable Mention – The Ballad of the Witches’ Road
This haunting ballad from Agatha All Along blends eerie, mystical lyrics with a melancholic melody, creating a chilling atmosphere that feels like a journey through a dark, enchanted forest. With its haunting vocals and subtle instrumentation, it’s a perfect fit for any Halloween playlist, adding a touch of folk-inspired spookiness.
