Planning the perfect Halloween party? It all starts with the right playlist. A mix of frightening classics and modern hits can set the tone, keep the energy high and add a touch of spooky charm to any party. Whether it’s nostalgic tunes that take you back to your childhood, or fresh beats that bring a modern twist to your fright night, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to the best Halloween songs for every occasion, and make sure your festivities are filled with haunting melodies, spine-chilling rhythms and lots of fun. Let the music play and the spirits dance!
Classic and modern Halloween hits
Halloween tunes make the October season unforgettable, bringing the chills, thrills, and fun to life. From eerie classics to fresh beats, Halloween music spans generations. Let’s take a look at how to create the perfect playlist for every spooky occasion.
Classics that never die
Some songs define Halloween. They’re the backbone of any playlist, bringing a touch of nostalgia and ghostly charm.
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
A Halloween anthem. This iconic track, with its unforgettable Vincent Price monologue, reigns supreme. Its music video set the bar for spooky visuals, turning every party into a dance floor of the undead. Even though it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, “Thriller” remains a staple of the October season. - “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett
Released in 1962, this track is pure fun. With its goofy lyrics and campy vibes, “Monster Mash” captures the spirit of a Halloween bash. It topped the charts and continues to charm listeners of all ages. No 31st of October is complete without this classic, bringing the ghouls out to groove. - “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
Who you gonna call? This 1984 hit became a pop culture phenomenon. Its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm make it the go-to track for Halloween parties. It brings a lighthearted vibe while keeping things spooky. Plus, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its legendary status.
Modern hits haunting the charts
Newer songs have joined the Halloween scene, offering a fresh take on scary themes.
- “Disturbia” by Rihanna
Released in 2008, “Disturbia” blends eerie beats with Rihanna’s powerful voice. It captures the unsettling feeling of a haunted house. This track quickly became a Halloween favorite, with lyrics like “It’s a thief in the night” setting the perfect tone for frightening nights. - “Demons” by Doja Cat
Doja Cat’s 2023 release “Demons” adds a dark, edgy touch to any playlist. With its deep bass and sharp vocals, this track embodies the modern, haunted vibe. It’s a must-play for fans of hip-hop looking to add some bite to their Halloween soundtrack. - “The Monster” by Eminem ft. Rihanna
A collaboration that blends haunting themes with a catchy beat. “The Monster” tells a story of battling inner demons, making it a perfect addition to any scary party playlist. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its popularity with Halloween lovers.
Spooky playlist essentials
No Halloween playlist feels complete without those tracks that send shivers down your spine. Below is a selection of must-have songs that promise to keep things delightfully creepy.
Haunting tracks to set the mood
- “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
This 1984 classic delivers a sense of paranoia perfect for Halloween. With its strange synths and Rockwell’s haunting vocals, it captures the unsettling feeling of being watched. Featuring Michael Jackson’s iconic chorus, this track stays a top pick for your 31st October night playlists. - “Season of the Witch” by Donovan
Donovan’s 1966 hit brings a dreamy, psychedelic vibe to any Halloween gathering. Its mysterious lyrics and groovy rhythm make it a perfect soundtrack for a night filled with magic and mysticism. - “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
The original spooky love song, “I Put a Spell on You,” oozes with dark, moody energy. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ deep voice and theatrical style make this track an unforgettable addition. It adds a vintage flair to your night soundtrack.
More eerie essentials
- “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This brooding track sets a shadowy mood with its deep vocals and slow-burning rhythm. It’s featured in countless horror films and TV shows, adding to its dark allure. - “Bury a Friend” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s whispery vocals and unsettling beats create a chilling atmosphere. “Bury a Friend” explores themes of nightmares and shadows, making it a modern must-have for your Halloween mix.
- “Heads Will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This track delivers a high-energy beat, perfect for getting everyone on their feet. With its pounding rhythm and sinister lyrics, “Heads Will Roll” sets a dark, electrifying tone. The chorus invites all to lose themselves in the moment, making it a must-play for any Halloween dance party. - “She Wolf” by Shakira
Shakira’s “She Wolf” combines a catchy beat with a wild, untamed vibe. Its pulsing bass and Shakira’s howling vocals make this track a dance floor favorite. The song’s fierce energy transforms any Halloween gathering into a night of primal fun.
Haunted house soundtracks
Transform your space into a spine-chilling haunted house with the perfect eerie soundtrack. These tracks create a sense of dread and suspense that keeps your guests on edge.
- “Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield
Known as the theme from The Exorcist, “Tubular Bells” sends shivers down the spine. Its haunting melody and slow build-up create an unsettling atmosphere. This instrumental masterpiece sets the tone for a truly creepy experience, making it ideal for haunted houses. - “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dark, moody, and ominous, “Red Right Hand” drips with suspense. Nick Cave’s deep voice and the slow, brooding beat make this song perfect for creeping up on unsuspecting guests. Its use in numerous horror films only adds to its chilling reputation. - “Cry Little Sister” by Gerard McMann
Featured in The Lost Boys, this track combines gothic choir elements with curious lyrics. It creates a sense of disturbing nostalgia, perfect for adding a vintage horror vibe to your haunted house. The haunting echoes linger long after the song ends.
Tunes for a Halloween party at home
Sometimes, the best experience happens right at home. For those nights curled up with a horror movie or enjoying the flicker of jack-o’-lanterns, these tracks create the perfect atmosphere.
- “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
This classic rock track blends upbeat rhythms with ominous lyrics. It’s perfect for a cozy yet eerie night in. As the song warns of trouble on the way, it complements the feeling of anticipation that makes Halloween nights so special. - “Dark Lady” by Cher
Cher’s haunting tale of love and betrayal sets a mysterious mood. Its strange storytelling and catchy melody make it great for adding a creepy twist to a relaxed evening. - “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush
Ghostly vocals and haunting lyrics make this song a must for any moody Halloween night. Its blend of melancholy and drama fits perfectly with a quiet evening under the moonlight.
Family gathering favorites
Bring the whole family together with Halloween tunes that delight kids and adults alike.
- “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley
This fun and quirky song captures the playful side of Halloween. Its silly lyrics and catchy melody make it a hit with kids. Plus, adults enjoy the nostalgia it brings, creating it perfect for family gatherings. - “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” by Andrew Gold
A viral sensation, this track has become a modern Halloween classic. Its upbeat rhythm and playful tone appeal to all ages. The animated lyrics add a sense of fun, turning any gathering into a mini dance party.
Trick-or-treating jams
Make trick-or-treating even more fun with a playlist that captures the playful side of Halloween.
- “Witch Doctor” by David Seville
This classic tune delivers a bouncy beat and catchy “ooh eeh ooh ah ah” lyrics that kids love to sing along with. It’s light-hearted and silly, making it the perfect soundtrack for a night of trick-or-treat fun. - “Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte
With its infectious rhythm, this song encourages kids (and parents) to move to the beat while filling their candy bags. Harry Belafonte’s lively style adds a tropical twist to Halloween night, keeping spirits high and feet tapping. - “I Want Candy” by Bow Wow Wow
It’s all about the sweet stuff, making it an ideal choice for trick-or-treating. Its upbeat tempo matches the excitement of kids rushing from door to door.
Genre-specific Halloween songs
No two Halloween playlists are alike. Some crave hard-hitting beats, while others prefer eerie whispers. Here’s a breakdown of tracks by genre to suit every mood.
Rock, pop, and hip-hop vibes
Looking for songs that bring energy and modern style? These tracks mix terrifying themes with irresistible beats:
- “Monster” by Kanye West
With verses from Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, and Rick Ross, “Monster” offers a dark, gritty sound perfect for Halloween. The track’s menacing lyrics and heavy beats create a sense of power and mystery, making it ideal for a late-night party. - “Demons” by Imagine Dragons
This anthem captures the struggle between light and dark. Its moody atmosphere and soaring chorus make it a great addition to any Halloween playlist. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a song that feels both intense and introspective.
Creepy vibes
For those who want to keep things truly weird, these tracks deliver a darker sound:
- “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
David Byrne’s unsettling vocals and the song’s off-kilter rhythm create a feeling of paranoia. It’s a must for anyone looking to add an edge of suspense to their Halloween playlist. - “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” by Bauhaus
This gothic classic sets a haunting mood with its echoing vocals and slow, atmospheric pace. It’s ideal for creating a vampire-inspired vibe.
Halloween songs from movies and tv shows
The 31st of October wouldn’t feel the same without the songs that bring our favorite movies and TV shows to life. These tracks capture the magic and mystery of the season:
- “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
This song has become a classic, thanks to Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It transports listeners straight to Halloween Town, where ghouls and ghosts celebrate year-round. Its playful lyrics and dark charm make it a must-have for any scary tracklist. - “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
A cult favorite, “Time Warp” invites everyone to join in on the fun. Its quirky dance moves and infectious energy turn any Halloween party into a full-blown celebration. This track’s theatrical flair has kept it popular with fans of all ages.
Deezer offers a rich selection of Halloween playlists that cater to every spooky mood. Whether you want timeless hits, haunting instrumentals, or party-ready anthems, Deezer has you covered. Dive into expertly curated collections that feature everything from chilling classics to modern tunes. It’s the easiest way to set the perfect atmosphere for your Halloween festivities.
Find out more:
