Get in the Halloween Spirit with These 16 Spooky Songs

16 Spooky Songs You Need on Your Halloween Playlist

The countdown to Halloween is on, and you know what that means: time to set the perfect eerie vibe. Whether you're throwing a haunted house party or just want to spook yourself out while carving pumpkins, you need the right soundtrack to get into the Halloween spirit. From classic creepy tunes to modern bangers with dark vibes, we’ve compiled 16 spooky songs guaranteed to give you chills.

Get ready to turn the lights down low, light some candles, and blast these Halloween jams.

1. "Thriller" – Michael Jackson

You knew this was coming! No Halloween playlist is complete without “Thriller.” From its iconic music video featuring zombies and werewolves to that unforgettable Vincent Price voiceover, this song is the ultimate spooky anthem. It’s fun, funky, and frightening all at once. If you don’t hit that “Thriller” dance by the end, did you even do Halloween right?

Fun Fact: The “Thriller” video was the first music video inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

2. "Somebody's Watching Me" – Rockwell

This 80s hit oozes paranoia and suspicion. With eerie lyrics and Michael Jackson on the chorus, "Somebody's Watching Me" makes you feel like eyes are following you wherever you go. Perfect for creeping yourself out on a moonlit walk—or when you're in the mood to imagine you're being stalked by ghosts.

Fun Fact: Rockwell is the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, and Michael Jackson agreed to sing on the track as a favor to a family friend.

3. "Disturbia" – Rihanna

Rihanna brings spooky vibes with this darker pop hit that’ll make your Halloween feel like a twisted dream. With its heavy bass, creepy vocals, and lyrics about mental anguish and feeling trapped, “Disturbia” hits just right when you’re dancing under flashing lights at a Halloween party.

Fun Fact: “Disturbia” was originally written for Chris Brown, but Rihanna decided to record it instead.

4. "This Is Halloween" – Danny Elfman (from The Nightmare Before Christmas)

There’s no better way to kick off Halloween night than with this darkly magical song from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Danny Elfman’s creepy-carnival vibe is spooky, yet playful. It’s perfect for setting the tone if you’re going for more of a whimsical (yet eerie) Halloween vibe. Plus, it’s a must for Nightmare Before Christmas fans.

Fun Fact: Danny Elfman, the composer behind this track, also provided the singing voice for Jack Skellington in the movie.

5. "Ghostbusters" – Ray Parker Jr.

If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, you already know who to call. "Ghostbusters" is fun, upbeat, and a little campy—the ideal song for some not-so-scary Halloween fun. Whether you're busting ghosts or just dressing like them, this song will get you in the Halloween spirit in the most lighthearted way possible.

Fun Fact: Ray Parker Jr. wrote the entire song in just a couple of days after seeing an early cut of the movie.

6. "Spooky, Scary Skeletons" – Andrew Gold

Thanks to TikTok, this once-overlooked Halloween tune is now a viral sensation. “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” with its playful beat and skeleton-themed lyrics will make you want to do a goofy skeleton dance with friends. It’s silly, but still eerie enough to give you that Halloween feeling.

Fun Fact: The song became a meme sensation on TikTok, but it was originally recorded in 1996.

7. "Highway to Hell" – AC/DC

Turn up the classic rock with this fiery track. The song’s title says it all—“Highway to Hell” will make you feel like you’re speeding down a haunted highway in a muscle car, flames in the rearview mirror. It’s a little more rock-and-roll than traditional Halloween tunes, but that dark energy fits perfectly.

Fun Fact: The song’s title was inspired by the actual Canning Highway in Australia, which leads to a bar notorious for its wild parties.

8. "Season of the Witch" – Donovan

This psychedelic 60s classic will cast a spell on you. "Season of the Witch" has a haunting melody and slow, trippy beat that feels like wandering through a foggy forest full of secrets. Whether you’re into witchy aesthetics or just love a slow burn, this song will give your Halloween playlist a mystical, eerie vibe.

Fun Fact: “Season of the Witch” has been featured in over 30 films and TV shows, making it a go-to song for all things spooky.

9. "Bury a Friend" – Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish's dark, whispery vocals and eerie production make “Bury a Friend” the ultimate modern spooky song. The creepy beat, unsettling lyrics, and ominous whispers make it perfect for Halloween night. It’ll leave you feeling like you’re in a haunted house, tiptoeing down dark hallways. Creepy in the best way.

Fun Fact: Billie Eilish has said that “Bury a Friend” was written from the perspective of the monster under her bed.

10. "I Put a Spell on You" – Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Few songs scream Halloween more than “I Put a Spell on You.” Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ chilling voice and dramatic delivery make this the ultimate spellbinding track. Whether you're channeling your inner witch or just want to feel powerful, this song’s haunting energy will do the trick.

Fun Fact: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was originally supposed to record this song as a ballad, but a night of heavy drinking turned it into the wild version we know today.

11. "The Monster" – Eminem feat. Rihanna

With Eminem’s rapid-fire verses and Rihanna’s haunting chorus, “The Monster” brings a modern twist to classic Halloween themes of battling inner demons. It’s a spooky bop that works perfectly for Halloween and gives your playlist a little edge.

Fun Fact: “The Monster” was the fourth collaboration between Eminem and Rihanna and became one of the top songs of 2013.

12. "Werewolves of London" – Warren Zevon

This 1978 hit is a must-have for any Halloween gathering. With its howling chorus and quirky lyrics, “Werewolves of London” perfectly mixes humor and horror. It's more fun than frightening, but it’ll have everyone howling along like a pack of wolves in no time.

Fun Fact: Despite being about werewolves, Warren Zevon wrote this song as a joke, poking fun at Hollywood horror cliches.

13. "Time Warp" – The Rocky Horror Picture Show Cast

Nothing brings a Halloween party to life like the "Time Warp." The iconic song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show is all about having fun with its infectious beat, wild energy, and funky dance moves. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, “Time Warp” is guaranteed to get the party going.

Fun Fact: "Time Warp" is not just a song; it's also a dance! The steps are easy to learn, and it’s a Halloween party favorite.

14. "Psycho Killer" – Talking Heads

If you want something that’s more quirky but still unsettling, Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” is your go-to. The song has a funky, odd vibe, but its lyrics and eerie melody give off serious slasher movie energy. It’s perfect for adding a unique edge to your Halloween playlist.

Fun Fact: David Byrne, the lead singer of Talking Heads, wrote the song from the perspective of a deranged person, inspired by French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan.

15. "Dead Man’s Party" – Oingo Boingo

This 80s jam is a Halloween must for anyone who loves a bit of funk with their spooky. “Dead Man’s Party” is upbeat but eerie, with lyrics that imagine a celebration for the dead. It’s playful, funky, and just creepy enough to feel Halloween-appropriate.

Fun Fact: Oingo Boingo’s lead singer Danny Elfman went on to compose scores for films like Beetlejuice, Batman, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

16. "Toxic" – Britney Spears

While “Toxic” might not have been created with Halloween in mind, its sultry, sinister vibes make it a great addition to any spooky playlist. With its sharp strings and hypnotic beat, this song creates the perfect atmosphere for a night of mystery and mischief.

Fun Fact: The iconic high-pitched strings in “Toxic” are sampled from an Indian Bollywood song called “Tere Mere Beech Mein.”

These 16 songs will get you into the spooky spirit whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, handing out candy, or just chilling with a horror movie. From eerie classics to dark pop hits, these tracks cover all the haunted vibes you need for a perfect Halloween soundtrack.

Crank up the volume and let the spooky vibes flow!

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