Every October the same songs come back out of the crypt. This list has the costume-party staples, the spooky novelties and a few genuinely creepy rock songs to fill the playlist from dusk to the last doorbell.
Updated 2026
Thriller by Michael Jackson 1982
The one song that owns the holiday, zombie dance and all.
Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett 1962
A graveyard smash that has never once gone out of style.
Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr. 1984
Who you gonna call? The most quotable hook in spook history.
This Is Halloween by Danny Elfman 1993
The whole town of Halloween introducing itself, ghoul by ghoul.
Time Warp by Rocky Horror cast 1975
A dance instruction and a cult ritual rolled into one.
I Put a Spell on You by Screamin' Jay Hawkins 1956
A wild, howling original that basically invented shock rock.
(Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult 1976
Death set to one of the most hypnotic riffs ever recorded.
Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969
A sunny melody hiding a forecast of doom.
Highway to Hell by AC/DC 1979
A grinning anthem made for a haunted-house soundtrack.
Witchy Woman by Eagles 1972
A bewitching, smoky portrait of a dangerous woman.
Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell 1984
Pure paranoia with a chorus from Michael Jackson.