You’ve planned your costume, scared up some impressive DIY Halloween decorations, and planned a menu of eerily delicious appetizers, cocktails, and other Halloween treats. Only one thing is left—the music. Not to worry. It’s not too late to queue up the perfect playlist of Halloween songs for your spooky fete.
This list ranges from chart-topping pop songs through the decades (think “Zombie” by The Cranberries) to haunting theme music that sets the mood for some of our favorite Halloween movies and popular scary TV shows (e.g. Stranger Things). Of course, we included all the classics, like "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Witchcraft" by Frank Sinatra, and "I Put a Spell on You" by Bette Midler—and you absolutely must have a "Monster Mash" dance off with the kids.
So crank up those speakers and get ready to sing along. It's going to be a frighteningly good time.
This gritty country tune about a morbid profession has a foot-stomping beat that's sure to get you in the groove. "I asked about ghosts and spirits, I asked him if he ever got spooked/I asked him if he ever got haunted by souls, but he reckons that he buries them, too," sings Corb Lund.
The video for this pop dance hit features a werewolf, and lyrics include, "Off with your head, Dance til you're dead, Heads will roll." Perfectly spooky!
In 2022, singer Michelle Williams teamed up with BRACH’S to profess her unapologetic love for Halloween's most controversial candy in this upbeat anthem for candy corn fans everywhere.
We love this clever jack-o-lantern reference: "I can see the fire burning/Burning right behind your eyes/You must of swallowed a candle/Or some other kind of surprise."
Even if you're unfamiliar with this music, you'll get the lyrics down quickly. The chorus repeats: "The freaks come out at night" several times, so you can sing along.