13 Best Halloween Songs 2024
When October rolls around, you know it’s time to dig up the skeletons and get the party started!
Halloween isn’t just about dressing up in your favorite costumes and munching on candy. It’s about setting the mood with the perfect tunes.
Here are some iconic Halloween jams that you can add to your playlist this year.
1. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
No Halloween playlist is complete without this iconic track. Released in 1982 as the title track from his sixth studio album, “Thriller” remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The song was accompanied by a legendary 14-minute video, directed by John Landis, where Jackson turns into a werewolf (a nod to Landis’ film An American Werewolf in London). It features incredible choreography with MJ leading a group of dancing zombies, which has since become a Halloween staple.
2. “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers
Released in 1962, “Monster Mash” was a playful take on the dance crazes popular at the time but with a spooky twist.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: Bobby Pickett capitalized on his ability to mimic horror actor Boris Karloff’s voice (known for his roles as Frankenstein’s monster and The Mummy).
Fun fact: This track topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart just before Halloween in 1962.
3. “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
This one’s for all the 80s kids and fans of retro bops. “Ghostbusters” is the theme song for the 1984 film of the same name.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: Ray Parker Jr. had a challenge on his hands. He needed to write a song that included the name of the movie. But he made it work, giving us this catchy track which also sparked a lawsuit.
Fun fact: Huey Lewis claimed the song was eerily similar to his “I Want a New Drug.” They settled out of court, but the song’s spooky fame lived on.
4. “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Originating from the 1950s, “I Put a Spell on You” is a classic, and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ rendition is arguably the most famous, turning this love song into something dark and mysterious.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The story goes that during a recording session, Hawkins and the musicians got so drunk that they recorded this wild, raw version of the song. Hawkins would later embrace the dark vibe by emerging from a coffin during performances, adding theatrical horror elements that made the song a Halloween favorite.
5. “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
From Tim Burton’s iconic 1993 film, this song introduces us to the creepy, quirky residents of Halloween Town. Composed by Danny Elfman, the song’s eerie chorus and playful lyrics make it a staple for any Halloween party.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: Danny Elfman not only composed the song but also lent his voice to the main character, Jack Skellington. The song beautifully captures the spirit of Halloween – a mix of the spooky and the celebratory.
6. “Disturbia” by Rihanna
While not originally intended as a Halloween song, the dark undertones of “Disturbia” make it perfect for the spooky season. Released in 2008, it’s an edgy track that delves into feelings of anxiety, confusion, and being trapped.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The song’s music video adds to its eerie appeal, featuring Rihanna in various haunting scenarios, including being tied up, surrounded by spider webs, and caged. Its repetitive chorus, “Bum bum be-dum bum bum be-dum bum”, will definitely stick in your head.
7. “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon
Whether you’re out prowling the streets of London or just jamming at your Halloween house party, this song is a must-have. Released in 1978, it has a bluesy rock vibe that’s as infectious as, well, a werewolf’s bite!
Behind the Spooky Vibes: Zevon’s playful lyrics and upbeat piano riff juxtapose humor with horror. You’ve got a dapper werewolf drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic’s and, in the next beat, someone’s hair getting perfect. Classic, cheeky Zevon.
8. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
This rock anthem from 1979 isn’t about the devil or the underworld in the literal sense, but the energy, the iconic guitar riffs, and the imagery of the “Highway to Hell” make it a Halloween classic.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The song is actually about the hardships of touring, as described by the band. But with lyrics like “No stop signs, speed limit, nobody’s gonna slow me down”, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a night of devil-may-care revelry.
9. “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
Released in 1984, this catchy tune is best known for its chorus sung by none other than Michael Jackson. It perfectly captures that eerie feeling that someone — or something — is lurking in the shadows.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The music video added layers of spookiness with scenes of graveyards, showers à la “Psycho”, and floating heads. Plus, having MJ’s voice hauntingly ask “Who’s watching?” is enough to make anyone look over their shoulder!
10. “Witchy Woman” by the Eagles
This classic rock tune from 1972 is less about Halloween and more about a femme fatale that the songwriter Don Henley met. However, with its sultry and mysterious vibe, it has since become associated with the witchy season.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The haunting guitar rift, combined with lyrics like “She got the moon in her eye” and “She held me spellbound in the night”, gives the song a magical aura perfect for a night of enchantment and mischief.
11. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
A list of Halloween songs wouldn’t be complete without this 1969 classic. The song isn’t inherently about Halloween, but its ominous lyrics about a looming disaster make it fit right into the spooky season’s vibe.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: The lyrics hint at the turbulence and changes of the late ‘60s. But as the song warns, “Don’t go around tonight, Well, it’s bound to take your life.” It’s catchy, but with an edge of impending doom.
12. “The Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The cult classic film from 1975 gave us this dance anthem that’s become a must-play at every Halloween bash.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: What makes this song iconic is not just its catchy tune but the dance that goes along with it. The pelvic thrusts, the steps to the right – it’s all a recipe for Halloween fun. And let’s not forget, the movie’s whole aesthetic is a glam-goth dream, with Dr. Frank N. Furter leading the shenanigans.
13 “Season of the Witch” by Donovan
Mystical and Enchanting
This 1966 classic has an eerie, hypnotic rhythm that captures the essence of a mysterious witching season. Its psychedelic vibes and haunting lyrics make it a must-have for any Halloween playlist.
Behind the Spooky Vibes: Donovan’s song isn’t just about witches or Halloween. It encapsulates the social unrest and changes of the 1960s. The line “You’ve got to pick up every stitch” alludes to the need for careful decision-making amidst the chaos. However, the song’s ambiguous lyrics and dreamy tune have since become emblematic of the mystical and the unknown, fitting seamlessly into the Halloween spirit.
