If you’re still worrying about putting together your Halloween costume last-minute, you don’t need to stress over finding the right party playlist, too. But fear not: we’ve got you covered. From timeless tracks to modern classics, here are the best Halloween songs to play at your costume party this year. If only dressing up for the holiday was this easy.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
When the music video alone looks could pass for a short horror movie, you know it’s a Halloween classic.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA
“I Put a Spell on You” by Nina Simone
Though Simone’s rendition is a cover of Jay Hawkins’ 1956 original, her haunting voice makes it all the more bewitching.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ua2k52n_Bvw
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
For partiers who “ain’t afraid of no ghosts.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fe93CLbHjxQ
“Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett
That one children’s party favorite that just can’t seem to die.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=vNuVifA7DSU
“Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
You can’t do Halloween without Rocky Horror, especially if it includes its own dance.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tkplPbd2f60
“Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
Before its bass line was interpolated by Selena Gomez, this was a perfectly-eerie ’70s rock classic.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=O52jAYa4Pm8
“A Nightmare on My Street” by D.J. Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
For that very niche and narrow intersection where Halloween and ’90s hip-hop meet.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=M3HWL-he4hA
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
Once that funky opening riff comes in, it’s impossible not to dance—even if you’re in costume.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0CFuCYNx-1g
“This Is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
This one’s for you, Tim Burton fans.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kGiYxCUAhks
“Haunted” by Beyoncé
Only Queen Bey can scare and slay this much at the same time.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=K4r4lysSgLE
“Monster” by Kanye West
The scariest part of this song? How good Nicki Minaj’s verse is.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yctBp6n8ROo
“Zombie” by The Cranberries
Nothing says spook like ’90s alternative rock.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6Ejga4kJUts
“Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones
A perfect match for your Mick (or Bianca) Jagger costume.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jke7e8C2XfA
“Creep” by Radiohead
For the weirdos and misfits celebrating the creepiest night of the year.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XFkzRNyygfk
“Heads Will Roll” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Dance till you’re dead” indeed.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=auzfTPp4moA
“Disturbia” by Rihanna
Slay (literally).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=E1mU6h4Xdxc
“Monster’ by Lady Gaga
Gaga has the dance-inspired anthem for anyone who’s been wronged by heartless men.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=N2qdmHk1l7A
“Gods & Monsters” by Lana Del Rey
The list is not complete with out our witchy goddess, who performs actual spells in real life.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=AEXykmKWebQ
“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
An ’80s pop classic with just the right amount of spook.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=7YvAYIJSSZY
“Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra
Break up with the eerie vibes with some big band and Sinatra.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=oFmNgiEgPoQ
“Burn the Witch” by Radiohead
This track from the rock bands A Moon Shaped Pool album is haunting in more ways than one. In addition to containing chilling sonic devices, its startling music video literally references a horror movie—The Wicker Man (1973).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yI2oS2hoL0k
“Black Magic Woman” by Santana
The guitar legend’s cover of Fleetwood Mac’s original is the smooth antidote for a scary night.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wyQUCYl-ocs
“Sorcerer” by Stevie Nicks
Get witchy with a true ‘Coven’ queen.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VLccvrNZUn4
“Murder” by Justin Timberlake feat. JAY-Z
JT and Hov detail falling for a femme fatale.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BWGtAwY4Xyk
“Killer Queen” by Queen
Freddie Mercury is a whole mood.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VS54zmuEY3s
“The Addams Family” by Vic Mizzy
You know you can’t help snapping along.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=X6QzbvH-ZNo
“Kids See Ghosts” by KIDS SEE GHOSTS feat. Yasiin Bey
At the very least, this Kanye West-Kid Cudi collab is a clever reference to The Sixth Sense. But the phantoms they rap about aren’t just physical; they manifest through internal struggle and societal pressure.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_yYnGxsJ804
“Creep” by TLC
The iconic R&B group suggests getting back at your man’s infidelity with a taste of his own medicine.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LlZydtG3xqI
“Hell’s Bells” by AC/DC
Feel free to scream along into the night.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ock73QRJBto
“Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But…” by Arctic Monkeys
For when you run out of insults.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=SjzOUf0AEiQ
“Which Witch” by Florence + The Machine
Florence Welch explained that this song was inspired by an idea where a young witch falls in love with a boy, he dies from a tragic accident, and she inevitably gets blamed.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_dridksAWI0
“Scary” by Stormzy
The standout Grime rapper goes hard on a haunting beat.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=C7xA8Hzuyac
“Howlin’ for You” by The Black Keys
Despite the fact that it’s been in every commercial possible, this famous Black Keys hit is an essential addition.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=dCZI2C-tWzM
“The Hills” by The Weeknd
A moody narrative track with an obvious reference to an iconic horror movie? Yes please.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yzTuBuRdAyA
“Close Your Eyes” by Kim Petras
The pop up-and-comer chills with a whole eight-track EP of Halloween-inspired songs, and this one is especially catchy (and creepy).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YslddHq0ins
Listen to the whole collection in the playlist below. And make sure you follow Harper’s BAZAAR on Spotify. FOLLOW
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