Nothing completes a Halloween celebration better than a steady stream of scary tunes playing in the background. Whether you’re searching for the perfect party mix, or just music to captivate trick or treaters, this list has everything you need. From top 40 hits to indie deep tracks, these Halloween songs will keep you grooving long past the witching hour!
All songs are kid-friendly, ensuring all ages will enjoy this year’s haunting celebration.
20. “Monsters” – All Time Low ft. Demi Lovato and blackbear
With its catchy chorus, this song will definitely get the part kicked off right. It’s also the band’s first number one song to hit the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. As of October 2022, the song holds the record for the longest continuous run on the respective chart with 88 weeks.
19. “Heads will Roll” – Yeah Yeah Yeah’s
Enjoy this sinister dance hit by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The song is sung from the viewpoint of the Queen of Hearts in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Also, for a bonus track, consider the low-key macabre track, “Skeletons,” from the same album.
18. “Boogie Monster” – Gnarls Barkley
This groovy song from soul duo Gnarls Barkley is a Halloween must-have. It is also featured on the Grammy winning debut album from the group entitled St. Elsewhere.
17. “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.
Written as the theme song for the 1984 ghost-busting movie, this track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. It’s definitely one of the best Halloween songs out there.
16. “Werewolves in London” – Warren Zevon
The song began as a joke between Phil Everly (of The Everly Brothers) and Zevon in 1975. It went on to become Zevon’s only Top 40 song. The track also featured Fleetwood Mac‘s Mick Fleetwood and John McVie on drums and bass respectively.
15. “Time Warp” – Rocky Horror Picture Show
When “madness takes its toll” on October 31, it’s time to do the Time Warp. Even if you’ve never done the dance before, the song lays the steps out clearly so any beginner will catch on quick.
14. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder was only 22 when he released this timeless classic. “Superstition” reached number one in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1973 and on the soul singles chart. It’s the perfect Halloween party track with its hint of mystery.
13. “Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
The music video for this haunting song is like a mini horror movie, filled with ghoulish apparitions and zombies. It features guest vocals by brothers Michael Jackson (in the chorus) and Jermaine Jackson (additional backing vocals).
12. “Walking with a Ghost” – Tegan and Sara
This song by Tegan and Sara appears on their 2004 album So Jealous. It is one one of those indie songs that makes any Halloween playlist complete.
11. “Demons” – Hayley Kiyoko
A song for the spooky creatures within and without, this Hayley Kiyoko tune will either have you dancing or calling your therapist—maybe both.
10. “This Is Halloween” – The Nightmare Before Christmas
It’s not Halloween until you’ve watched The Nightmare Before Christmas. “This Is Halloween” was also covered by the band Marilyn Manson in 2006 for the special edition release of the film’s soundtrack. It doesn’t get much more terrifying than that!
9. “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” – David Bowie
This song was released as the title track of his 1980 album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). It was also issued as the third single from that album in January 1981. It’s an all around great selection for a Halloween songs playlist.
8. “I Put a Spell On You” – Screamin Jay Hawkins
If you only recognize this song from the Hocus Pocus soundtrack, then you should listen to the original track. It’s got a bluesy, rock-and-roll sound.
7. “Psycho Killer” – Talking Heads
This hit song features lyrics which seem to represent the thoughts of a serial killer. “Psycho Killer” was the only song from the album to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 92. It’s a fun track to jam to and deserves to be on the list of top Halloween songs.
6. “Pet Sematary” – Ramones
While this song was written for the horror film Pet Sematary, it ended up becoming one of the Ramones’ biggest radio hits. Get an extra dose of Halloween by watching the music video that was filmed at the Sleepy Hollow cemetery in New York.
5. “Halloween” Theme – James Carpenter
This song is the iconic score from 1978’s blockbuster Halloween. Composed by John Carpenter himself, the director was inspired by both ‘Tubular Bells’ and the theme music to The Exorcist. It took Carpenter 3-days to compose this song, and it stands as one of the creepiest Halloween songs ever.
4. “Spooky Scary Skeletons” – Andrew Gold
This children’s song from 1996 is a great Halloween hit for youngsters and adults alike.
3. “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
For a tune that is pure Halloween, this hip hop track from Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff is just what you need. It tells the story of Freddy Krueger, referred to as “Fred” in the song.
2. “Eyes with No Face” – Billy Idol
Inspired by the French horror film of the same name, this Billy Idol song is an obvious Halloween choice for your playlist. It also reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it came out, becoming Idol’s first Top 10 hit in the US.
1. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
No Halloween playlist is complete without this classic. The legendary video references numerous horror films and features Jackson’s iconic zombie dance. In 2009, it became the first music video inducted into the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”.
