The Best Halloween Songs

Get ready to haunt your playlist with 50 spine-tingling tracks that capture the spirit of Halloween.

Music list · 20 titles Mild scares

Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at thepioneerwoman.com.

About this

A roundup from The Pioneer Woman of the best Halloween songs for a spooky-season playlist, published October 14, 2025 by Erin Cavoto. Each entry pairs a song and artist with a short blurb explaining why it fits the holiday. The list spans pop, rock, and movie soundtrack classics, from dance-pop hits to eerie rock anthems.

The list

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson

Creepy Vincent Price monologue and iconic music video make it a spooky spectacle.

"This Is Halloween" from 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Skeletons, vampires, and witches share the chaos; sets an eerie October tone.

"Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.

Bouncy beat, campy lyrics; crowd shouts the chorus at full volume.

"Zombie" by The Cranberries

Grunge, soul, and a haunting chorus that lingers; mood is undeniable.

"Monster Mash" by Bobby "Borris" Pickett

Silly, spooky, timeless novelty song that has charmed October for over 60 years.

"Pet Sematary" by Ramones

Written for the horror film; one of the band's biggest radio hits.

"Disturbia" by Rihanna

Hypnotic hit whose lyrics feel like a haunted house.

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

Funky favorite tapping black cats, broken mirrors, and eerie energy.

"Spooky Scary Skeletons" by Andrew Gold

Started as a '90s kids' song, became an internet sensation.

"Dark Horse" by Katy Perry

Pulsing beat and lyrics about spells and danger; pop witchcraft.

"Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads

Featured in many scary movies and shows; cool and creepy.

"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd

Dark '80s synth vibe ideal for Halloween parties; haunted-city night drive.

"Season Of The Witch" by Lana Del Rey

Cover made for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark; floats like fog.

"She Wolf" by Shakira

Wild beat and howl suited to a full moon; unleashes its wild side.

"Calling All the Monsters" by China Anne McClain

Disney dance number that is a siren song for monsters and partiers.

"The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen

Haunting sound from the '80s English rock band with ominous lyrics.

"Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran

Song about a hungry werewolf; fitting for Halloween without harm.

"Maneater" by Nelly Furtado

Early 2000s mega hit about maneaters who come out at night.

"Black Magic" by Little Mix

Playful take on a little black magic for the season.

"Sally's Song" by Catherine O'Hara

Sleeper song from A Nightmare Before Christmas; voice inviting yet eerie.