Amid the pumpkin patches, eerie decorations, and creative costumes of the Halloween season, music can also help to set the haunting mood. With songs for all kinds of spooky occasions, from dress-up parties to trick-or-treating, this collection of tracks is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.

Throwbacks

Throwing it back to some eerie and nostalgic vibes, the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s gifted us with many recognizable classics. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is a timeless anthem with equally iconic dance moves. Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me,” Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” and The Doors’ “People Are Strange” capture the paranoia and darker side of the season. October Country’s “My Girlfriend Is a Witch” and The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck” bring a touch of horror to the mix. Finally, Elvis Presley’s “(You’re The) Devil in Disguise” and Bow Wow Wow’s “I Want Candy” offer a sweeter and more upbeat contrast to the spooky classics, making for a well-rounded list of throwback Halloween hits.

Classics

Classic Halloween bops bring childhood wonder and memories to this special time of year. Two unforgettable tracks that have become staples to the season are “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers, and “Spooky, Scary, Skeletons” by Andrew Gold. “Monster Mash” is a graveyard smash that’s synonymous with Halloween fun, with playful lyrics and infectious beats that have delighted people for generations. “Spooky, Scary, Skeletons” offers a catchy and lighthearted favorite for all ages. These classic tunes are essential additions to any Halloween playlist.

Indie Songs

Indie Halloween songs infuse a unique, haunting charm into the holiday, and these tracks stand out in the genre. Wallows’ “Drunk on Halloween” captures the carefree spirit of this spooky night. Lana Del Rey’s rendition of “Season of the Witch” is hauntingly beautiful and enchanting. Phoebe Bridgers’ “Halloween” is full of melancholy, longing, and nostalgia. These indie Halloween songs offer a refreshing take on the holiday and elevate the emotions and atmosphere that come with it.

TV/Movie Soundtracks

Halloween songs from TV shows and movies set the scene with a familiar soundtrack. “Ghostbusters” from the iconic film of the same name is a catchy and lighthearted anthem with an air of supernatural excitement. “This Is Halloween” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Addams Family Theme” from “The Addams Family” bring back nostalgic memories from movies that many of us fondly remember from our childhoods. “I Put a Spell on You” from Hocus Pocus, “999 Happy Haunts” from the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland, “Calling All the Monsters” from A.N.T. Farm, and “Friends on the Other Side” from “The Princess and the Frog” all infuse the Disney magic and spirit into the holiday. On the other hand, “Halloween Theme – Main Title” creates a chilling soundscape that still sends shivers down the spine. Finally, “Stranger Things”, the theme from the hit series, adds a dose of relevant pop culture and supernatural intrigue to the Halloween playlist. These songs from TV shows and movies collectively set the stage for a hauntingly good time.

Pop Songs

Pop Halloween songs bring a contemporary and catchy twist to the spooky season, and these tracks are no exception. Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Heads Will Roll” and Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” incite the desire to let loose on the dance floor, perfectly capturing the spirited energy of Halloween night. Rihanna’s “Disturbia” unleashes an edgy and mysterious vibe. Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend” delves into a darker and more unsettling soundscape. And Olivia Rodrigo’s “vampire” is a brand new track themed around the supernatural that is also an instant classic. These pop songs infuse the Halloween season with contemporary beats and exciting energy.