Have you ever been in a haunted house that played pop music? What about a horror movie that played an iPhone jingle in the highest peak of tension of the film? Mariah Carey at a Halloween party? I don’t think so! The sounds of Halloween are what allow it to be identified and established as the iconic holiday it is today. Horror theme music, Halloween parade tunes and spooky melodies set the tone for the season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, carving pumpkins with friends, going for a drive to browse decorations or handing out candy, you need a quintessential playlist to set the spooky vibe and jam out! Here is the ultimate Halloween playlist to binge wherever the night takes you:
“Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers
Obviously you need to put this iconic hit on your playlist. Monster Mash has been that Halloween song since 1962. This graveyard smash puts everyone in the spooky mood and sets the vibe for a thrilling Halloween bash. Put this song on and I can guarantee everyone will be singing or at least humming along.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
Not only is this spooky ‘80s hit trending on TikTok, but it’s also been stuck in my head all month long. Its electro-punk vibe is perfect for this 2025 Halloween season. Whether you need a sound for a lip syncing Tiktok in your scandalous Halloween costume, or vibing while you’re putting on your costume makeup, this earworm will stick in your head all through the night. Be careful, it might make you feel like you’re in the twilight zone!
“Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
If you’re into the New Wave and punk rock like me, this song is a Halloween horror classic. Interestingly written inside the mind of a psycho killer, the lyrics take the perspective of the villain rather than the final girl or gen-pop on Halloween. The song represents the mind of an individual spiraling out of control and falling into a cycle of violence. The killer urges the listener to, “run-run, run-run-run away” before it is too late. This is a perfect song for a Halloween party that all cultured Gen Z’ers will sing along and rock out to.
“Vampire” by Dominic Fike
I recently discovered this song right in time for building my Halloween playlist. A more indie approach to spooky music, this fun vibey song warns partygoers that everyone at the party is actually a vampire. This song is a perfect pre-party getting ready song, or a tune to play while you’re taking pictures with your girls. Put your friends onto this track, it’s the perfect subtle hint of Halloween in an alternative bop.
“In the Room Where You Sleep” by Dead Man’s Bones
Did you know that award winning and ever-gorgeous actor Ryan Gosling was once a part of a Halloween rock band? Time to get in the know. This band, taking inspiration from ghoststories, graveyards and a childhood obsession with Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride, created a harrowing cinematic concept alongside a children’s choir for a gothic, haunting feel. The band only released an album, self identifying as a goth rock ghost story, that truly brings the feel of spooky season to life. This is my personal favorite song on the album with its eerie vibe and Ryan Gosling’s groaning vocals. Give it a listen, it might be your new Halloween hit.
“Season of the Witch” by Donovan
This 1966 eerie and psychedelic folk rock banger completely captivates the witchy vibe of the season. Whether you’re on a fall drive with friends, carving pumpkins or baking some spooky treats, this song will definitely fit the whimsical vibe. Grab your witchy friends and the free spirits and dance the night away to this otherworldly classic.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Obviously you knew this would make the list. Nobody did Halloween like Michael. This classic hit changed the game for generations to come. I remember growing up obsessed with this song, even though the music video absolutely terrified me. This song is the Halloween bop every single year with its iconic zombie shuffle everyone knows and its legendary flash mob status. If this song doesn’t play at least once during a Halloween party, is it even Halloween?
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
If this song doesn’t play this Halloween, who are you going to call? The police because you can’t have Halloween without the “Ghostbusters” theme song. This song is just so nostalgic and brings you back to the good old days of elementary school Halloween parades. You gotta have this playing during the Uber to a party as your hype-up anthem. You’ll keep repeating, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts” all night long. I’m sure your Uber driver home will love that!
“I Put a Spell on You” by PattyCake
Calling all “Hocus Pocus” fans! We all know this song as the iconic scene where Bette Midler entrances the Halloween party with her lip syncing performance. Time to take over your playlist with this upbeat spellbinding hit. This song is perfect for the singers and dancers at the Halloween party, or for a Halloween car jam session. You’re in for some witchy fun with this one!
“Time Warp” by Little Nell, Patricia Quinn and Richard O’Brien
If you’re a “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” fan like me, you are aware of this campy Halloween hit that pumps up the energy every single time. This quirky and fantastical glam rock song is perfect for hyping up a Halloween party. The lyrics provide dance steps of “a jump to the left” or “a step to the right”, so grab your friends and get warped to a time zone where everyone has to participate and dance!
I love Halloween and nothing puts me more in the mood than my favorite sounds of the season. As Halloweekend approaches, make sure to fully embrace the spooky season! Check these tunes out and see if they’ll make it on your playlist! Whatever you’re Halloweekend consists of, I wish you a happy haunting and a horrifyingly fun time!
