Last year's Halloween playlist was such a hit, we're bringing it back — and this time, we're adding 25 new songs to keep your spooky soundtrack fresh. These tracks run the gamut from playful …
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Last year's Halloween playlist was such a hit, we're bringing it back — and this time, we're adding 25 new songs to keep your spooky soundtrack fresh.
You can listen to the new 25 songs as well as the 25 from last year in the player above.
These tracks run the gamut from playful and danceable to scary, dramatic, and downright haunting, so there's something for every kind of Halloween vibe.
A quick heads-up — some songs feature explicit lyrics and darker themes, so they may not be suitable for little trick-or-treaters.
Whether you're throwing a costume party, setting the mood for a haunted night in, or just looking to get in the spirit, these new additions are sure to make your Halloween playlist bigger, bolder and more unforgettable.
A Halloween staple since its debut, "Monster Mash" is the ultimate novelty hit that brought a graveyard party to life. With its playful lyrics and spooky sound effects, it has been featured in countless films, TV specials and October playlists for generations. I accidentally left it off last year's list, and several readers let me know — so if that was you, consider this your long-overdue addition!
The Pierces return to our list after last year's "Secret." Haunting and hypnotic, "Sticks and Stones" blends dark pop with witchy harmonies and sharp lyrics. It's a moody track that walks the line between beauty and menace.
A reflective pop-rock ballad, "Demons" explores the darkness within us all. Its soaring chorus and emotional lyrics give it a haunting edge, making it a modern anthem for facing inner fears on a ghostly night.
Driven by a jazzy, syncopated groove, this classic hit captures the spirit of funk and the fear of bad luck. "Superstition" has become both a chart-topping classic and a Halloween-season favorite thanks to its eerie rhythm and timeless message.
Rihanna trades pop gloss for gothic allure in "Haunted," a pulsing, seductive track that feels like a midnight séance. Exploring what it feels like to come second to a past lover, the song is emotional and ghostly. With dark electronic production and her hypnotic vocals, it's perfect for a stylishly eerie playlist.
Blending metalcore, rap and electronic elements, "Popular Monster" is a modern anthem of inner turmoil, mental illness and rebellion. Its raw lyrics and dark tone make it a fitting addition to any contemporary Halloween mix, exploring the monsters we battle within.
Originally written by Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, Santana's version turned the bluesy spell into a Latin rock masterpiece. The sultry guitar and mystic lyrics cast an irresistible aura perfect for moody, late-night listening.
R.I.P. to a legend. An Ozzy track that strips back the theatrics for something raw and reflective. "Under the Graveyard" is both a confession and a resurrection, as the Prince of Darkness stares down mortality with heavy riffs and haunting honesty.
This classic from Talking Heads blends post-punk cool with unsettling lyrics that channel the mind of a deranged murderer. Its jittery bassline and David Byrne's eerie delivery make it a Halloween essential for anyone who likes their scares with a side of art-rock wit.
A cult classic and dance floor staple, "Time Warp" is pure camp and chaos from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Its infectious choreography and wild energy make it the ultimate party anthem for spooky season.
A jazzy Halloween gem from the 1930s, Louis Armstrong's "The Skeleton in the Closet" swings with macabre humor and a touch of big-band mischief. Its playful horns and spooky storytelling make it a timeless classic for any vintage-inspired Halloween soundtrack.
From Disney's "The Princess and the Frog," this sinister show tune showcases Dr. Facilier's smooth, menacing charm. Keith David's velvety vocals and jazzy New Orleans rhythm make it one of Disney's most memorable villain songs.
Featured in Jim Henson's 1986 film "Labyrinth," "Magic Dance" captures Bowie's playful charisma as the Goblin King. Its whimsical rhythm and theatrical energy make it an enduring fantasy favorite with just enough mischief for Halloween.
Released in 1958, this quirky rock 'n' roll tune about a one-eyed, one-horned flying creature became an instant classic. Its mix of humor and horror helped define early novelty songs and remains a lighthearted Halloween favorite.
An ethereal indie pop piece, "Smoke and Mirrors" explores illusion, identity and the cost of pretending. Its haunting vocals and cinematic production lend the song an elegant descent into madness, perfect for modern, atmospheric playlists. I like to add a relatively unknown song to these playlist articles to shake things up, and I think you'll find this one thrilling in a sinister way.
Olivia Rodrigo's "Vampire" channels emotional betrayal into a dramatic, piano-driven anthem. It's less about monsters and more about emotional bloodsuckers, but its sharp bite earns it a spot in any modern Halloween mix.
Since Amy Noonan rebranded from her Karmin days, she embraces dark, witchy vibes and hip-hop energy as Qveen Herby. "Frankenstein" is a slick, modern banger that reimagines the Frankenstein myth with swagger and sharp lyricism. Qveen Herby and Tech N9ne bring monster energy to a track that's equal parts hip-hop confidence and dark Halloween fantasy.
John Fogerty's 1969 hit masks apocalyptic omens beneath its upbeat, roots-rock melody. Featured in countless films, it's a deceptively cheerful forecast of doom. Plus, who doesn't love a little CCR in their playlist?
A moody and atmospheric nu-metal classic from 2000, Deftones' "Change (In the House of Flies)" is slow-burning and haunting, blending heavy guitars with Chino Moreno's ethereal vocals. Featured on the "Queen of the Damned" soundtrack, its dark, cinematic vibe has made it a staple for horror-themed playlists and a defining track for fans of brooding alternative rock.
This emotional rock ballad captures grief, loss and love that lingers beyond the grave. Featured on MCR's "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge," it's a haunting reminder that sometimes heartbreak is the scariest thing of all.
Dark, eerie and minimalist, Billie Eilish's "Bury a Friend" feels like a nightmare whispered over a pulsing beat. Featured on her debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?," it helped cement Eilish's reputation for blending horror imagery with haunting pop innovation.
A brooding, modern alt-rock track, Johnnie Guilbert's "Zombie" channels emotional pain and gothic energy through raw vocals and distorted guitars. It's a fitting choice for a darker Halloween vibe, capturing the loneliness of the undead with punk-inspired flair.
This 1982 new wave hit mixes primal desire with sleek synth-pop polish. With its jungle-inspired video and infectious chorus, "Hungry Like the Wolf" remains an '80s staple — equal parts seductive and spooky for a night of playful fright.
Returning to Anne Rice-inspired territory, The Stones' 1968 classic turns the devil into a suave storyteller, weaving history's sins into a samba-infused rock anthem. A cover by Guns N' Roses was featured in the movie "Interview with the Vampire," keeping the sinister yet sophisticated energy alive and reminding listeners that evil often wears a charming grin.
Don't get me wrong — I love Tears for Fears. However, Lovato's stripped-down cover of this classic transforms the song into a haunting reflection on loneliness and disillusionment. The minimalist piano and emotional delivery make it a chilling addition to any Halloween set. What a mad world indeed.
No matter your Halloween plans, this playlist has something for every spooky moment. From cheeky novelty hits to haunting ballads, pulse-pounding rock and dark pop, it's a soundtrack that moves seamlessly between chills, thrills and danceable fun. Mix, match, and let these songs set the perfect tone for a night of tricks, treats and a little bit of terror.
Want to see last year's picks? Visit https://tinyurl.com/4fjffkmm.
You can check out the full playlist, with songs from this year and last, anytime on the GCM Spotify channel at https://tinyurl.com/5n8cwhd6 or by searching Gulf Coast Media on the Spotify app.
What's playing on your Halloween playlist? Let me know at whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com.
I'll be back next year with 25 more songs to add to your playlist, so stay tuned!
