World TraditionsNo. 5621 · The 2026 edition
Halloween music
Get Your Spooky Groove On: The Best Halloween Music for Your Party
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at en.wikipedia.org.
Curate the perfect Halloween playlist with a mix of eerie classics, creepy sound effects, and upbeat monster anthems. From 'Thriller' to 'Ghostbusters,' set the mood for tricks, treats, and dancing.
About this
A Wikipedia overview of Halloween music as a music genre, covering how it is defined, its historical roots in blues and doo-wop, common musical techniques and instruments, and its seasonal popularity. It names representative songs, film scores, and the demographic and geographic listening patterns associated with the holiday.
The list
-
01
Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Described as 'the perfect piece of Halloween music'
-
02
I Put a Spell on You
Halloween song influenced by blues music
-
03
Monster Mash
Novelty doo-wop Halloween-themed song from the 1950s–60s
-
04
Highway to Hell
Often considered Halloween music; features blues notes and progressions
-
05
Sympathy for the Devil
Often considered Halloween music; features blues notes and progressions
-
06
The Exorcist (soundtrack)
Horror film score considered Halloween music
-
07
The Shining (soundtrack)
Horror film score considered Halloween music
-
08
Halloween (soundtrack)
Horror film score considered Halloween music
-
09
Jaws (theme)
Famous example of ostinato used to create suspense through repeated notes
-
10
Thriller 1983
Most popular Halloween song in the United States; by Michael Jackson
