The last thing I want is to be remembered as “the guy who gives out the worst Halloween candy.”
Your Halloween party isn’t complete without a playlist of the best Halloween songs known to man.
But even if you don’t plan on throwing a Halloween party, there’s no better time to blast some spooky tunes than the week leading up to Halloween or while handing candy out to trick-or-treaters.
After all, it’s the best way to get your family, neighbors and guests in the spooky spirit.
Whether you're looking for classic Halloween anthems that have stood the test of time or kid-friendly bops that won't give the little ones nightmares, there are plenty of options to choose from.
READ MORE: Fun Halloween crafts that spark creativity and learning for kids of every age this spooky season
So grab your witch's hat, turn up the volume and let's dive into the ultimate guide to Halloween music that'll have everyone from toddlers to grandparents dancing like zombies at your next gathering.
Top 10 Halloween songs not named ‘Monster Mash’
When most people think of Halloween songs, they immediately start singing “Monster Mash.”
“Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett is undoubtedly the most popular Halloween song of all-time and is a staple in households across the country come Oct. 31.
It was originally released in August 1962 on Gary S. Paxton's Garpax Records label, according to People.
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But what many people don’t know is that Pickett later released a studio album titled “The Original Monster Mash” several months later alongside The Crypt-Kickers — including Leon Russell and Gary Paxton.
If you’re looking to create a Halloween playlist, then that album contains 16 Halloween-worthy songs.
But if you’re looking for Halloween songs not named “Monster Mash” or sung by Pickett and his backup band, then let’s take a look at some of the other Halloween classics worth blasting this spooky season.
10. “Spooky Scary Skeletons” by Andrew Gold
9. “This Is Halloween” by Danny Elfman
8. “Oogie Boogie’s Song” by Danny Elfman
7. “I Put A Spell On You” by "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins
6. “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
5. “Halloween Theme Song” by John Carpenter
4. “The Addams Family Theme Song” by Vic Mizzy
3. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
2. “A Nightmare On Elm Street Theme” by Steve Jablonsky
1. “Zepp Nine” by Charlie Clouser
Other Halloween songs to add to your playlist
Not all Halloween songs need to be Halloween-related.
While classics like "Monster Mash" and "Ghostbusters" are obvious choices for your Halloween playlist, some of the best party tracks aren't explicitly about ghosts, ghouls or things that go bump in the night.
These are the songs that create the perfect eerie atmosphere without mentioning a single skeleton.
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They're the kind of songs that make you feel like you're in a horror movie, even if they were never intended for Halloween at all — dark, moody tracks that make your spine tingle or get your heart racing.
From rock anthems with sinister undertones to pop hits with a creepy vibe, these non-Halloween songs can add depth and variety to your freak-tacular playlist while still keeping that spooky energy alive.
10. “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
9. “Don't You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
8. “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
7. “She Wolf” by Shakira
6. “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran
5. "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult
4. “Maneater” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
3. “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” by David Bowie
2. "Werewolves Of London" by Warren Zevon
1. "People Are Strange" by The Doors
Best Halloween songs for kids and toddlers
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the little ghouls and goblins running around your house.
While songs like "Psycho Killer" and "She Wolf" might be perfect for the adult crowd, they're not exactly what you want playing when you're carving pumpkins or getting dressed up with a five-year-old.
But a quick YouTube or Spotify search can uncover a treasure trove of Halloween songs for kids.
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These tracks strike the perfect balance between silly and seasonal, with catchy melodies that'll have your little ones singing along all October long.
From educational tunes that teach kids about Halloween to upbeat bops that are perfect for a classroom party, these Halloween songs for kids will keep the younger crowd entertained without the nightmares.
10. “The Skeleton Dance” by Super Simple Songs
9. “The Great Halloween Candy Chase” by The Kiboomers
8. “Knock Knock, Trick or Treat” by Super Simple Songs
7. “Halloween Stomp” by The Singing Walrus
6. “If I Were a Ghost” by Super Simple Songs
5. “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley
4. “Knock Knock Halloween Song” by Happy Words & Big Smiles
3. “Five Little Pumpkins” by The Kiboomers
2. “Witch’s Brew Song” by Mooseclumps
1. “Toodly Doodly Boo” by Super Simple Songs
How to come up with your own kids Halloween songs
If you feel like getting creative this spooky season, you could always make your own Halloween song!
All you need to do is take a popular children’s tune — such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “The Wheels On The Bus” — and change the lyrics to give it a spooky, Halloween twist.
It’ll take a little bit of creativity, but it’s well worth the effort when it’s all said and done.
You can even use it as a learning activity and bonding moment by creating the song with your little one and letting them lead the way with the lyrics. They already know the melody, so you’re halfway there!
Here’s a good example of a Halloween tune sung to “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” courtesy of Mike Whitla:
“The very scary spider went up the water spout.
Down came the goo – it made me want to shout.
Then out came the moon and scared us all away.
The very scary spider will come another day.”
Don't worry if your first attempt isn't perfect — the goal is to have fun and get silly. Plus, your kids won't care if every line rhymes perfectly. They'll just be excited to sing a song that you created together.
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And who knows? Your homemade Halloween song might just become a new family tradition that you break out every October for years to come.
