As Halloween approaches, music lovers everywhere are looking to create the perfect playlist to set a spooky mood. Whether you’re hosting a costume party, searching for eerie tunes to get through the workday, or simply getting into the spirit of the season, this list has a mix of creepy, thrilling and fun songs to bring out the Halloween vibes.

We’ve selected 25 songs, blending classics with some slightly more obscure tracks. Songs with explicit language or mature themes are marked, but it’s always a good idea to give each track a listen before adding them to your playlist.

“Halloween” – Aqua

Eurodance

Kicking off the list is “Halloween,” a playful track filled with Halloween references that immediately sets a lighthearted tone. Its upbeat energy is perfect for anyone looking to ease into the spooky season without diving straight into the darkness.

“Werewolves of London” – Warren Zevon

Rock

“Werewolves of London” provides a classic rock addition to the list, with its howling refrain and playful lyrics making it a timeless favorite for Halloween celebrations.

“I Put a Spell on You” – Pattycake

Pop

Of course, no witchy playlist is complete without “I Put a Spell on You”. This enchanting cover of the classic tune brings a modern twist to a timeless Halloween anthem, making it a must for setting the perfect haunted house atmosphere.

“Black Magic” – Little Mix

Pop

Pop fans will enjoy “Black Magic,” a fun, empowering song about casting spells and harnessing mystical power. Its infectious beat is great for keeping the energy up during any Halloween party.

“She Wolf” – Shakira

Pop

Pop fans will enjoy “Black Magic,” a fun, empowering song about casting spells and harnessing mystical power. Its infectious beat is perfect for keeping the energy up during any Halloween party.

“Thriller” – Michael Jackson

Pop

No Halloween playlist is complete without “Thriller.” This iconic pop song, with its famous zombie dance and Vincent Price’s eerie narration, is a staple. Its mix of classic '80s pop and spooky fun is perfect for party-goers eager to recreate the legendary dance moves.

“Heads Will Roll” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Indie Rock

“Heads Will Roll” takes things to another level with its danceable, indie rock energy. With a chorus that feels straight out of a haunted ballroom, this track is perfect for any Halloween gathering that demands both spooky vibes and a beat to keep the party going.

“Skeleton” – Set It Off (Mature warning)

Pop Rock

“Skeleton” rattles things up with its energetic pop-rock vibe, making listeners feel like they’re surrounded by dancing skeletons. It’s an upbeat, spooky track that adds a playful twist to the Halloween night.

“Madhouse” – Rihanna

Pop

“Madhouse” takes listeners into a chaotic world where nothing is as it seems. The track’s fast pace and unsettling tone make it feel like you’ve entered a mad scientist’s lair, filled with lurking dangers.

“Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jive” – Men at Work

Rock

If you’re looking for a bit of humor in your Halloween playlist, “Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Jive” offers a quirky rock tune about split personalities. The playful track is a lighthearted take on a spooky tale, perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of fun to the fright.

“Your Ghost” – Marianas Trench

Pop Rock

“Your Ghost” offers a more emotional rock track, giving voice to the unseen spirits that linger just beyond the veil. With its heartfelt lyrics, this song adds a touch of depth to any playlist, reminding listeners that Halloween isn’t just about scares — it’s also about the spirits we can’t let go.

“Cemetery” – AVIVA

Alternative Pop

Next up is “Cemetery,” a moody alternative pop song that captures the feeling of walking through a haunted graveyard. The atmospheric, somber tones set the perfect stage for any eerie Halloween night, whether you’re passing by a spooky cemetery or simply embracing the haunting season.

“Witch” – The Bird and the Bee

Indie Pop

For something whimsical and magical, “Witch” brings a dreamlike quality to the mix. The song’s ethereal sound is like stepping into a forest filled with enchantments and spells, perfect for those who want to evoke a sense of Halloween magic.

“Zombie” – The Cranberries

Alternative Rock

For those craving something darker, “Zombie” brings haunting alternative rock to the mix. The reflective lyrics and haunting vocals create an atmosphere of lingering unrest, making it a fitting tribute to the undead.

“Vampires Will Never Hurt You” – My Chemical Romance

Emo Rock

This brooding emo track dives into the world of immortal creatures of the night. With its intense, emotional energy, it’s a perfect fit for fans of darker themes.

“E.T.” – Katy Perry (Mature warning)

Pop

“E.T.” takes the playlist into the realm of the extraterrestrial, with its spacey, otherworldly beats and hypnotic lyrics. This track is perfect for anyone looking to add a supernatural twist to their Halloween mix.

“Panic Room” – Au/Ra

Electropop

The journey continues with “Panic Room,” an electropop track that builds suspense and tension, as if the walls are closing in. It’s the kind of song that evokes a creeping sense of dread, ideal for the later hours of Halloween night.

“Living Dead Girl” – Rob Zombie (Mature warning)

Industrial Metal

“Living Dead Girl” delivers gritty, menacing energy with heavy beats and horror-inspired lyrics. The track’s heavy beats and horror-inspired lyrics add a dark edge, making it essential for anyone looking to take their playlist into truly terrifying territory.

“The Zombie Song” – Stephanie Mabey

Indie Pop

“The Zombie Song” offers a quirky counterbalance with its sweet, lighthearted take on zombie romance. This indie pop track is great for adding humor to your spooky soundtrack, showing that not all Halloween songs need to be dark and grim.

“Funhouse” – Pink (Mature warning)

Pop Rock

“Funhouse” brings a chaotic, circus-like energy, as if you’ve stepped into a haunted amusement park. Its upbeat tempo and slightly twisted lyrics make it a fun yet eerie choice for any Halloween party.

“Dollhouse” – Melanie Martinez (Mature warning)

Indie Pop

For a more unsettling, dollhouse-themed nightmare, “Dollhouse” fits the bill. The eerie pop track explores dark themes beneath its innocent surface, making it a perfect addition for anyone looking to add a touch of creepiness to their playlist.

“Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell

Pop

“Somebody’s Watching Me” brings a sense of paranoia, making listeners feel like they’re being followed. This classic Halloween favorite blends pop with an eerie edge, perfect for setting the mood of suspicion and unease.

“Tag, You’re It” – Melanie Martinez (Mature warning)

Indie Pop

Martinez returns to the list with “Tag, You’re It,” a haunting, twisted pop song that adds a sense of danger to the playlist. With its creepy narrative and dark beats, this track is perfect for those looking to bring a chilling edge to their Halloween adventure.

“You Make Me Feel Like It's Halloween” – MUSE

Rock

The mood shifts with “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween,” a rock anthem that amps up the intensity. With its dark, pulsating beats and theatrical flair, this song feels like the soundtrack to a supernatural thriller. It’s a perfect choice for those who want their Halloween playlist to echo the suspense of a horror film.

“Secret” – The Pierces

Indie Rock

Closing out our list is “Secret,” with its breathy, haunting melody, leaving listeners with the lingering feeling that not all mysteries have been solved.

This Halloween song list is more than just a collection of songs — it’s an immersive journey through the strange and spooky. Each track opens the door to a world filled with ghosts, witches and supernatural thrills. What’s playing on your Halloween playlist? Let me know at whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com. Happy haunting!