It’s that time of year again – the air gets cooler, the nights grow longer, the veil grows thin… and Halloween-lovers get an entire month to celebrate the spookiest season of all. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party, preparing your costume (see our latest TikTok viral article for ideas), or carving pumpkins with friends, you need a killer Halloween playlist.
From old-school classics to modern anthems, we’ve curated 10 twisted tracks that span the decades to get you in the spirit this October. No need to wait till the 31st, these songs slap all spooky season long!
1. Bobby “Boris” Pickett – “Monster Mash” (1962)
No Halloween playlist is complete without the original campy banger “Monster Mash”. Released in 1962, the not-so-scary song by Bobby “Boris” Pickett tells the story of a mad scientist’s monster coming to life and throwing a ghoulish dance party. Its catchy chorus and quirky lyrics playfully celebrate the silly side of the season. Who can resist the “graveyard smash”?
2. Rocky Horror Picture Show Cast – “Time Warp” (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp” is a must for any Halloween gathering with a quirky flair. This theatrical sing-along has become a spooky staple with its lively beat and iconic choreography. It’s also part of the long-standing tradition of watching the 1975 musical on October 31st, where fans dress up and take part in interactive screenings held in theatres all over the world.
3. Blue Öyster Cult – “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (1976)
Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” has been captivating listeners for nearly 50 years. The haunting guitar riffs and eerie themes of mortality create a hypnotic vibe that lingers long after the song ends. While it’s not explicitly a Halloween track, its exploration of death and the unknown has made it a fall favourite. Its haunting melody paired with dark lyrics about eternal love and the inevitability of death make it a perfect addition to any spooky playlist.
4. Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1982)
It could be argued that “Thriller” isn’t just a Halloween song, it’s the Halloween song. Michael Jackson’s 1982 hit is synonymous with the eerie holiday, thanks to its legendary music video featuring zombies, werewolves, and those unforgettable dance moves. Add Vincent Price’s macabre voiceover, and you’ve got the ultimate spooky season soundtrack. Blast this and see who’s got the choreo down!
5. Ray Parker Jr. – “Ghostbusters” (1984)
“Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” Ray Parker Jr.’s 1984 theme from the original Ghostbusters movie is an upbeat earworm with an infectious call and response chorus. Its funky bassline and cheeky lyrics create a perfect blend of humour and paranormal vibes for your spooky shindig.
6. Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me” (1984)
Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” captures the unsettling sensation of being constantly watched – but make it danceable. With backing vocals from Michael Jackson, spooky synths, and references to the famous shower scene in horror film Psycho, the track became an instant hit in 1984. Its themes of paranoia fit perfectly with Halloween, making it a party favorite.
7. The Citizens of Halloween – “This Is Halloween” (1993)
From Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, “This Is Halloween” leans into the “whimsigoth” side of the holiday (see TikTok for more on this trending aesthetic). Though it’s not the scariest tune, no Halloween playlist would be complete without this Danny Elfman original – which continues to trend every year on social media, and is fun for the whole family.
8. Backstreet Boys – “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” (1997)
If there’s one pop anthem that unexpectedly found its place in Halloween playlists, it’s the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).” Released in 1997, the music video features the band members as iconic monsters – werewolves, mummies, vampires, and more. The track’s infectious beat and twisted visuals are a perfect combo for unleashing your Halloween spirit on the dance floor (especially for 90s nostalgic millennials).
9. Rihanna – “Disturbia” (2008)
Rihanna’s “Disturbia” is a dark, edgy pop bop that has cemented itself in every Halloween mix since the late aughts. The song’s pulsating beat and unsettling lyrics delve into the nightmarish feeling of being trapped in your own mind’s distorted reality. What truly sets “Disturbia” apart, though, is its chilling music video, where Rihanna navigates a claustrophobic world of gothic imagery and shadowy figures that blur the line between fear and fantasy.
10. Kim Petras – “There Will Be Blood” (2020)
Kim Petras has undeniably earned her title as the music industry’s Halloween queen with her Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 albums. “There Will Be Blood,” released in 2020, is a standout high-energy track that channels classic slasher vibes. Its tension-building beats and Petras’ horror-inspired lyrics paint vivid bloody imagery. Pro tip: if you’re too lazy to build your own creepy playlist, pop on either (or both) of Kim Petras’s Halloween-themed records for a perfectly-crafted – and deliciously macabre – party soundtrack.
Honourable Mention
Although it may not exactly be a party banger, Lana Del Rey’s 2019 cover of Donovan’s 1966 hit “Season of the Witch” has solidified itself as a modern Halloween classic (and TikTok trending sound every time fall rolls around). Play this one on a dark and stormy night over a warm cup of tea (or bubbling cauldron) and ease yourself into the spooky season. Happy haunting!
Check out more of our spooky playlist articles, like Top 10 Horror Movie Scores Through the Decades and Top 10 Spooky TV Show Theme Songs.
Written by Maryse Bernard
Illustration by Holly Li
